Category: Sports Cars

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904 Automotive Events Calendar Sept 27, 2023

Jacksonville Car Culture Upcoming Events:

The next Caffeine &Octane is set for 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14th, at The Avenues mall at 10300 Southside Blvd.

Cars should start arriving by 7 a.m. for this second-Saturday-of-each-month C&O from the Southside Boulevard side of the shopping mall, the best way in through Malabar Boulevard.

The JEA, EV Rider and North Florida Clean Fuels Coalition sponsor the Drive Electric North Florida display this month at C&O.

And as always, there will be a Porsche Jacksonville corner, an MBCA Southern Stars section, exotics area, Classics Rows and more at each C&O. Official Caffeine and Octane merchandise is on sale at all Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville events. Check out more at firstcoastcarculture.com.

Gentle reminders – All vehicles parked in the Central Lot must remain in place until the show concludes. If you cannot stay until then, please park in the exhibit lot. Please park in the exhibit lot if you need to leave prior to 11 a.m. Those parking in the Exotics Lot and the Porsche Corner are free to arrive and leave at any time.

Upcoming events….

Town of Hilliard Car Show: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at Hilliard Town Hall Park, 37236 West First Street. Food trucks and music, spectators free and $20 registration day of show.

Global Outreach Charter Academy Car Show: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the school at 8985 Lone Star Road – free admission.

First Coast Car Council Fall Cruisin’ to the Creek: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7, at Trout Creek Memorial Park, 6550 Florida 13 N. in St. Augustine. Free for spectators and $25 pre-registration through our website carcouncil.org via PayPal. All proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Jacksonville.

Southside Business Men’s Club Car Show: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, at the Jacksonville Sports Car Museum at 7601 Centurion Parkway. Car show registration: $35; spectator admission is free, and $25 admission to museum. Show benefits Youth Achiever and JROTC Scholarship Program.

Dixie Chapter Pontiac/GMC Fall Classic: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, at the Classic Car Museum of St. Augustineat 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway South in St Augustine. Free for spectators and $20 per show vehicle.

Car and Bike Show: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sat. Oct. 21, at the Barn at Maple, 545 Cathy Tripp Lane in Jacksonville. Free for spectators and $20 per show vehicle, proceeds benefit veterans and the community.

Exchange Club of Jacksonville Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 pm. on Saturday, Nov. 4, at St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church, 12760 Beach Blvd. Free for spectators, $25 for show vehicles, proceeds benefit Exchange Club programs to prevent child abuse.

21st annual Antique Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday Nov. 11 at the Cecil Pines community at the Cecil Commerce Center at 6008 Lake Cove Ave. Free for spectators and show vehicles.

Ancient City Auto Club Car Show: Saturday, Nov. 11, at The Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind, 207 San Marco Ave. in St. Augustine.

Ponte Vedra Auto Show: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12. Only pre-registered cars will be allowed on the Nocatee Station Event Field, 245 Nocatee Center Way in Ponte Vedra Beach, so register early. Spectator parking and admission is free. The show celebrates 75 years of Porsche with the  and The Brumos Collection. To learn more, visit PVautoshow.com.

Limelight Toy Drive Car Show: 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Autobahn Indoor Speedway & Events, 6601 Executive Park Court N., just south of Butler Boulevard off Philips Highway. Admission: $20.00 cash or toy donations valued at $20 or more. Spectators are free.

The FIRM (Florida International Rally and Moto Park): Open Track Days held most weekends at the road course and rally course at 7266 Airport Road in Starke.

All the Cruise-ins

Clay County Cruzers, Callahan Cruisers and Amelia Cruizers all hold regular weekend cruise-ins, so check their Facebook pages.

Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville: 8 to 11 a.m. every secondSaturday at The Avenues Mall at 10300 Southside Blvd. Information: https://bit.ly/3gPRvVQ.

Cruise in: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Advance Auto Parts, 542035 U.S. 1 in Callahan.

Pharoahs of St. Johns cruise-in: 8 to 11 a.m. on the first Saturday of each month at Adamec Harley-Davidson at 380 Outlet Mall Blvd. in St. Augustine.

Saturday Morning Cruise-in: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday Aug. 19, and every third Saturday at Big Boy Airbrush in a neighborhood at 7822 Fox Tail Lane.

Funday Sunday cancelled: at Bald Eagle Pub on Timuquana Road.

Caffeine and Gasoline: 8 to 11 a.m. each first Saturday of the month at J-Tech Institute at 8813 Western Way in Jacksonville. House rules – “respect the property.”

North Florida Domestic Car Club’s cruise-in: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. each first Saturday of the month at the Crossroad Church UMC, 10005 Gate Parkway.

Gripping Gears Car Meet: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month at Adamec Harley-Davidson at 380 Outlet Mall Blvd. in St. Augustine, presented by Jacksonville Headturners.

Cruise-in: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday at Boston’s Pizza at 13070 City Station Drive.

Car Show Market and Music: 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday August 5 at The Cove Plaza at 1415 S. Orange Ave, in Green Cove Springs.

Abandoned Treasures Thrift Store cruise-in: 5 to 8 p.m. each first Friday at 7358 Florida 21 in Keystone Heights.

Wings & Wheels Cruise-in: 2 to 6 pm. each first Saturday at Dicks Wings & Grill at 6055 Youngerman Circle.

Rides and Coffee: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every fourth Sunday at Detail Garage, 9390 Arlington Expressway.

First Coast Car Council: All cruise-ins postponed.

Callahan Cruisers: 4 to 7 p.m. every second Saturday at Hardee’s at 542309 U.S. 1 in Callahan.

Downtown Kingsland Cars & Coffee: 9 a.m. to noon each second Saturday, Aug. 12, at the Historic Downtown Kingsland Homegrown Market at U.S. 17 and Georgia 40.

Auto Legends Amelia Cars and Coffee: 9 a.m. to noon every second Saturday at Mocama Beer Company, 629 S. 8th St. in Fernandina Beach.

Cruise Fruit Cove: The Sunshine State Chevelles’ cruise-in hours are 3 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday at the PDQ at 194 Florida 13 in Saint Johns, just south of Julington Creek. In the winter months, noon to 4 p.m.

New cruise-in: 1 p.m. every third Saturday at Hardee’s at 6852 Wilson Blvd.

Amelia Cruizers: 3 to 6 p.m. every third Saturday at Cold Stone Creamery, 808 Sadler Road, Fernandina Beach. The Amelia Cruizers Car Club will stage a cruise to the ice cream store, staging at 2 p.m. in the parking lot next to the closed Krystal’s (2020 Sadler Road), then make an informal parade along the ocean and on Centre Street through downtown to end at Cold Stone.

Yulee Cars and Coffee: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every third Sunday at the Sonic Drive-In at 463939 Florida 200 in Yulee.

Clay County Cruzers’ events: 3 to 6 p.m. every first Saturday at Big Dawg Sports Restaurant, 1330 Blanding Blvd.; 3 to 6 p.m. every second Saturday at Dick’s Wings Fleming Island at 1803 E. West Parkway;  New – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every third Saturday at Mr. Chubby’s Wings at 2349 Village Square Parkway in Fleming Island; 5 p.m. every third Friday at Hooter’s/Miller’s Ale House at 1756 Well’s Road – replaces Freddy’s; 3 to 6 p.m. every third Saturday at the OP Dreamette at 1177 Park Ave. in Orange Park; and 2 to 5 p.m. every fourth Saturday at Gator’s Dockside Oakleaf, 316 Merchants Way, Jacksonville.

Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine monthly cruise-ins: St. Augustine Cruiser’s “Cruise In” from 5 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday, and Cars and Coffee from 8 to 10 a.m. every fourth Saturday. Both cruise-ins are at 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway South in St Augustine.

Cars and Coffee Fleming Island: 8 a.m. every fourth Sunday of the month at 2310 Village Square Parkway, Fleming Island.

New cruise-in: 6 p.m. every fourth Saturday at Mission BBQ, 8440 Blanding Blvd. in Jacksonville, hosted by Modern Mustangs of Jacksonville.

New cruise-in: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every fourth Saturday at the Rockin’ 50’s Eatery at 3501 N. Ponce De Leon Blvd. in St. Augustine.

New cruise-in: Vaughn Motorgroup’s “Cars & Coffee Reunion” is 8 to 11 a.m. on the first Sunday of each month at dealership at11350 San Jose Blvd. First Come First served on indoor parking.

Show and Tell: 6 to 9 p.m. every fourth Thursday at Advance Auto Parts at 10014 Atlantic Blvd.

Azalea City Cruisers: Monthly cruise-in from 5 to 8 p.m. every fourth Saturday at Velchoffs Corner, 105 N. 2nd St. in Palatka.

Historic Springfield Main Street Cruise: 4 p.m. every fourth Saturday between 8th and 17th streets at Main Street in Jacksonville’s Springfield community.

And …

Drivers headed to car shows in Yulee, Callahan or Hilliard might see that Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper’s men and women in green have a new ride – this new Chevrolet Camaro cruiser.

The Sheriff’s Office says the new ride needs your help so NCSO can win the Florida Sheriffs Association’s Vehicle Graphics Contest.

The contest displays the creativity of law enforcement, administrative, and fire-rescue agency vehicles and how they represent the community they serve. Partnering with the Florida Association of Counties and the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association, this contest increases awareness of local agencies.

The 2020 law enforcement contest runs from Oct. 19 to 22. The winner will be recognized at the Executive Leadership Conference and Fleet Exhibition in November. Votes can be cast by the public by clicking on the “Photos” page on the FSA Facebook page, then clicking “Like” for your choice.

 Courtesy: Friends of Fort Clinch

Last Saturday’s 5th Annual Cars & Cannons Vintage Car Show was held inside historic Fort Clinch, with 60 historic, sporty and classic vehicles  within the historic walls of the fort. With an estimated attendance of 1,375, this year’s event surpassed last year’s turnout. And more than 800 ballots were cast to select People’s Choice – Jennifer O’Donnell and her 1965 Volkswagen Bus.

Courtesy: Friends of Fort Clinch

Cars & Cannons is an annual collaborative effort between Auto Legends Amelia and the Friends of Fort Clinch. Contributions directly impact the conservation and promotion of this historic site – www.fortclinch.org.

The Amelia concours d’elegance returns for its 29th iteration from Feb. 29 to March 3 of 2024. And the Broad Arrow Amelia Auction will return as the official auction of The Amelia for 2024. The Amelia Auction will be extended to two days for 2024 (February 29 – March 1) following a successful inaugural event that saw $31 million in total sales and 81 percent of all lots sold. Consignment information is available at broadarrowauctions.com.

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904 Automotive Events Calendar May 18, 2023

Jacksonville Car Culture events calendar

Last Saturday’s Caffeine and Octane had a little bit of everything.

There was a goat – not a GTO, but a real pet goat:

And then there were cars – 100’s of cars, trucks, bikes and more…

The next C&O is set for Saturday, June 10, at The Avenues mall at 10300 Southside Blvd.

Cars should start arriving by 7 a.m. for the second Saturday C&O from the Southside Boulevard side of the shopping mall, the best way in through Malabar Boulevard. As always, there will be a Porsche Jacksonville corner, an MBCA Southern Stars section, exotics area, Classics Rows and more at each C&O. And look for literally hundreds of vintage and classic cars, muscle cars and so much more.

  • Official Caffeine and Octane merchandise is on sale at all Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville events.

Gentle reminders – All vehicles parked in the Central Lot must remain in place until the show concludes at 11 a.m. Please Park in the Exhibit Lot if you need to leave prior to 11 a.m. Those parking in the Exotics Lot and the Porsche Corner are free to arrive and leave at any time.

Upcoming events….

Staker Productions X Import Evolution Pre-Meet: 7 to 10 p.m. Friday at Autobahn Indoor Speedway, 6601 Executive Park Court N., in collaboration with Import Evolution.

Import Evolution Jacksonville 2023: 2 p.m. Sunday at the Prime Osborn Convention Center, 1000 Water St. The car show is open to any make or model vehicles, bikes, import or domestic, cars that people have customized themselves. Registration and ticket info – import-evolution.com.

King Of The South Featuring Import Warz Tour 11: 2 to 8 p.m. on Saturday at Northeast Florida Fairgrounds, 543378 US 1 in Callahan. Spectator admission is $20; other admission and registration here.

20th annual Mustang and Ford Regional Show: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday at Duval Ford, 1616 Cassatt Ave. Free for spectators and $30 per show vehicle.

PT Cruiser Car Show: Saturday at the Classic Car Museum of St. Augustineat 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway South in St Augustine.

Good Sam Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Tanglewood Station, 1241 Blanding Blvd. Free for spectators and $25 per show vehicle.

Waldo Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Polaris of Gainesville, 12556 NW Highway 4421. Free for spectators and $25 per show vehicle.

Hanania Exotics RiverWalk Rev Fest: 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday at 1200 Riverplace Blvd. in downtown Jacksonville. Free for spectators and show vehicles – register at eventbrite.com/e/603816590677.

Grassroots Motorsports $2000 Challenge presented by Tire Rack: Build a car for less than $2000, enter your over-budget build, or both: They’ll all battle against each other on Saturday, May 27, at Gainesville Raceway to see if money really equals speed. The autocross is set for the track paddock from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Then at 6 p.m., drivers drag race their creations on the NHRA quarter-mile. At 9 a.m. on Sunday, it’s the Hagerty Cars & Caffeine, plus $2000 Challenge swap meet (used parts for sale).

Memorial Day Rod Run: Callahan Methodist Church at 449648 U.S. 301. Proceeds go to Barnabus FIT and Gear Up for Graduation.

4th annual Duval Car Club Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 3, at 15022 Max Leggett Parkway. Free for spectators and $20 per show vehicle.

Wings n’ Wheels 2023: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 17, at Northeast Florida Regional Airport at 4900 U.S. 1 in St. Augustine. There will be 20-plus modern, vintage, and homebuilt aircraft, plus show cars, trucks and motorcycles. Free admission for spectators, $35 per show vehicle and $25 per motorcycle.

Hemmings Great Race presented by Coker Tire: June 24th to July 2nd, launching from Francis Field in St. Augustine to Colorado Springs, with Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri and Kansas stops in between.

The FIRM (Florida International Rally and Moto Park): Open Track Days held most weekends at the road course and rally course at 7266 Airport Road in Starke.

All the Cruise-ins

Clay County Cruzers, Callahan Cruisers and Amelia Cruizers all hold regular weekend cruise-ins, so check their Facebook pages.

Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville: 8 to 11 a.m. every second Saturday at The Avenues Mall at 10300 Southside Blvd. Information: https://bit.ly/3gPRvVQ.

Caffeine and Gasoline: Date Change this month – 3 to 6 p.m. this and each first Saturday of the month at J-Tech Institute at 8813 Western Way in Jacksonville. House rules – “respect the property.”

North Florida Domestic Car Club’s cruise-in: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. each first Saturday of the month at a new site – the Crossroad Church UMC, 10005 Gate Parkway.

Gripping Gears Car Meet: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month at Adamec Harley-Davidson at 380 Outlet Mall Blvd. in St. Augustine, presented by Jacksonville Headturners.

Classic Car & Motorcycle Show: 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 28, at Brewz – Bartram Park at 14866 Old St. Augustine Road.

Exotics and Espresso: 9 a.m. to 1 pm. Saturday, June 3, at Bentley and Maserati of Jacksonville, 7137 Bentley Road in Jacksonville, off Butler Boulevard.

Cruise-in: 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 9, at Boston’s Pizza at 13070 City Station Drive.

Car Show Market and Music: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday May 6, June 3, July 1 and August 5 at The Cove Plaza at 1415 S. Orange Ave, in Green Cove Springs.

New cruise-in: Abandoned Treasures Thrift Store cruise-in: 5 to 8 p.m. each first Friday at 7358 Florida 21 in Keystone Heights.

New cruise-in: Wings & Wheels Cruise-in: 2 to 6 pm. on Saturday, March 4, at Dicks Wings & Grill at 6055 Youngerman Circle.

New cruise-in: Rides and Coffee: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every fourth Sunday at Detail Garage, 9390 Arlington Expressway.

First Coast Car Council: All cruise-ins postponed.

Callahan Cruisers: 4 to 7 p.m. every second Saturday at Hardee’s at 542309 U.S. 1 in Callahan.

Auto Legends Amelia Cars and Coffee: 9 a.m. to noon every second Saturday at Mocama Beer Company, 629 S. 8th St. in Fernandina Beach.

Johnny Angels: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. every third Friday at Johnny Angels diner at 3546 St. Johns Bluff Road S.

Cruise Fruit Cove: noon to 4 p.m. every third Saturday at the PDQ at 194 Florida 13 in Saint Johns, just south of Julington Creek.

New cruise-in: noon to 3 p.m. every third Sunday at Bald Eagle Pub, 5398 Timuquana Road – held by Sunshine State Chevelles.

New cruise-in: 1 p.m. every third Saturday at Hardee’s at 6852 Wilson Blvd.

Amelia Cruizers: 3 to 6 p.m. every third Saturday at Cold Stone Creamery, 808 Sadler Road, Fernandina Beach. The Amelia Cruizers Car Club will stage a cruise to the ice cream store, staging at 2 p.m. in the parking lot next to the closed Krystal’s (2020 Sadler Road), then make an informal parade along the ocean and on Centre Street through downtown to end at Cold Stone.

Yulee Cars and Coffee: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every third Sunday at the Sonic Drive-In at 463939 Florida 200 in Yulee.

Clay County Cruzers’ events: 3 to 6 p.m. every first Saturday at Big Dawg Sports Restaurant, 1330 Blanding Blvd.; 3 to 6 p.m. every second Saturday at Dick’s Wings Fleming Island at 1803 E. West Parkway; 5 p.m. every third Friday at Freddy’s Steakburgers at 386 Blanding Blvd.; 8 to 10 a.m. every fourth at Nicole’s Café at 1101Blanding Blvd. in Orange Park; and 2 to 5 p.m. every fourth Saturday at Gator’s Dockside Oakleaf, 316 Merchants Way, Jacksonville.

Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine monthly cruise-ins: St. Augustine Cruiser’s “Cruise In” from 5 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday, and Cars and Coffee from 8 to 10 a.m. every fourth Saturday, both at 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway South in St Augustine.

Cars and Coffee Fleming Island: 8 a.m. every fourth Sunday of the month at 2310 Village Square Parkway, Fleming Island.

New cruise-in: 6 p.m. every fourth Saturday at Mission BBQ, 8440 Blanding Blvd. in Jacksonville, hosted by Modern Mustangs of Jacksonville.

New cruise-in: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every fourth Saturday at the Rockin’ 50’s Eatery at 3501 N. Ponce De Leon Blvd. in St. Augustine.

New cruise-in: Custard Cruise-in from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 5, at Culver’s, 3433 U.S. 1 in St. Augustine.

Show and Tell: 6 to 9 p.m. every fourth Thursday at Advance Auto Parts at 10014 Atlantic Blvd.

Cars and Brunch at Beachwalk: 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., every fourth Saturday at the Beachwood Amenity Center at 1000 County Road 210 in Saint Johns.

Azalea City Cruisers: Monthly cruise-in from 5 to 8 p.m. every fourth Saturday at Velchoffs Corner, 105 N. 2nd St. in Palatka.

Historic Springfield Main Street Cruise: 4 p.m. every fourth Saturday between 8th and 17th streets at Main Street in Jacksonville’s Springfield community.

And finally….

Hagerty’s The Drivers Seat with Henry Catchpole has thisincredible 1,000-hp, all-electric, rear-wheel-drive, single seat McMurtry Spéirling fan car that is said to be faster than a F1 racer.

Developed by McMurtry Automotive, founded in 2016 by Sir David McMurtry – Spéirling” is Irish for “thunderstorm”

It achieved a new Goodwood Festival of Speed hill climb record, completing the 1.16-mile course in 39.08 seconds with Max Chilton behind the wheel. And it can do 60mph in 1.40 seconds; 100mph in 2.63 seconds, and the quarter-mile in 7.97 seconds.

It has an active downforce system without large splitters or wings, but using twin fans which provide an extra 4,400 pounds of downforce from a standstill.

The Amelia concours d’elegance returns for its 29th iteration from Feb. 29 to March 3 of 2024. And the Broad Arrow Amelia Auction will return as the official auction of The Amelia for 2024. The Amelia Auction will be extended to two days for 2024 (February 29 – March 1) following a successful inaugural event that saw $31 million in total sales and 81 percent of all lots sold. Consignment information is available at broadarrowauctions.com.

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904 Automotive Events Calendar 3-2-2023

Jacksonville Car Culture events calendar

FYI – Caffeine and Octane’s March event has been cancelled due to a conflict at the site. But Jacksonville’s biggest classic, hot rod and specialty vehicle cruise-in returns from 8 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 8, at The Avenues mall at 10300 Southside Blvd.

For all future C&Os, cars should start arriving by 7 a.m. each Saturday to the Southside Boulevard side of the shopping mall, the best way in through Malabar Boulevard. As always, there will be a Porsche Jacksonville corner, an MBCA Southern Stars section, exotics area, Classics Rows and more at the August C&O. And look for literally hundreds of vintage and classic cars, muscle cars and so much more.

  • Official Caffeine and Octane merchandise is on sale at all Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville events.
  • Check out more at firstcoastcarculture.com.

Gentle reminders – All vehicles parked in the Central Lot must remain in place until the show concludes at 11 a.m. Please Park in the Exhibit Lot if you need to leave prior to 11 a.m. Those parking in the Exotics Lot and the Porsche Corner are free to arrive and leave at any time.

Recent car events:

Third Annual Porsche Classic Kick-Off: The Porsche Club of America ‘s local chapter held it last Saturday at Porsche Jacksonville, 11211 Atlantic Blvd., in celebration of Amelia Car Week.

Other shows last weekend:

11th Annual Kruisin4Kids car show at Dinsmore Baptist Church, 10500 Old Kings Road in Jacksonville.

Mardi Gras Festival Car, Truck and Bike Show on South Lee Street in Kingsland.

Upcoming events….

First Coast Car Council Drive-in Cruise-in: 5 p.m. Friday at J-Tech, 8813 Western Way. “The Cannonball Run” shows at 7 p.m., $10 per car.

Classic Car Show: 9 a.m. on Saturday at Journey Church West at 550974 U.S. 1 in Hilliard.

West Park Baptist Church Car Show: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday at 372 Jones Road – Free for spectators and $10 for show vehicles.

Car Show, Market and Music: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This and every first Saturday of the month at Cove Plaza, 1415 S. Orange Ave. in Green Cove Springs. Free for spectators and $10 per show vehicle.

Boy Scouts Troop 77 car show: 8 a.m. to 2:30 pm. on Saturday, March 11, at Old Plank Road Baptist Church, 8964 Old Plank Road.

Seize The Day Car, Truck and Bike Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 25, at 1 World Golf Village Place in St. Augustine. Show vehicles are $20 each. Proceeds benefit Mayo Clinic Epilepsy Center and Michael Gullion.

8th Annual San Jose Car & Truck Show at Dupont Station: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 1, 6271 St. Augustine Road. Spectators are free; show vehicles $25 at the gate. Proceeds will be donated to the Bishop John J. Snyder Community Center.

Piston-N-Paws: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 1 at J-Tech, 8813 Western Way.

Pistons and Paws Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 pm. on Saturday, April 1, at J-Tech Institute, 8813 Western Way. BenefittingK9s United.

Rockabilly Resurrection: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 15, at the Armed Forces Motorcycle Club, 5444 U.S. 17 in Kingsland, Ga. Event by Callahan Cruisers of North Florida.

Second Annual Easter Showdown: 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 8, at 10407 Centurion Pkwy N. This will be the 2nd Annual Easter truck, car and bike show located in Jacksonville FL. All makes and models will be welcomed. Gates open at 3pm for early set up. The show will be from 4pm to 8pm. Judging will begin at 6pm. After all categories are judged, we will then begin with audio contestants. Audio demos will be allowed throughout the show. Food trucks and vendors will be present.

Riding into History Concours D’Elegance: Set for April 15 at the World Golf Village in St. Augustine, with Competition Motorcycles as the featured class and Grand Marshal Mary McGee, AMA Hall of Fame and Off Road Motorsports Hall of Fame inductee. McGee will join the Grand Marshal Tour that weekend, as well as the Grand Marshal Banquet. Riding into History is a non-profit organization with its primary charity, K9s for Warriors, which provides service dogs for disabled veterans. Riding into History has donated more than $600,000 to local charities since its founding in 1999.

Car Show: 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 22 at Dave & Buster’s, 7025 Salisbury Road. Presented by Ole Headz Car Club.

Rumble at the Ranch: Friday and Saturday, May 5 and 6, at the WW Motocross Park/WW Ranch at 1439 Otis Road in Jacksonville. Gates open at 3 p.m. Friday, and 8 a.m. Saturday – burnout contest, valve cover racing and a car show that’s free.

13th annual Rev It Up Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 13, at Moosehaven at 1701 Park Ave. in Orange Park. Free for spectators and $25 per show vehicle.

PT Cruiser Car Show: Saturday, May 20, at the Classic Car Museum of St. Augustineat 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway South in St Augustine.

Good Sam Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 11, at Tanglewood Station, 1241 Blanding Blvd. Free for spectators and $25 per show vehicle.

Memorial Day Rod Run: Callahan Methodist Church at 449648 U.S. 301. Proceeds go to Barnabus FIT and Gear Up for Graduation.

4th annual Duval Car Club Show: 10 am. To 2 p.m. Saturday, June 3, at 15022 Max Leggett Parkway. Free for spectators and $20 per show vehicle.

The FIRM (Florida International Rally and Moto Park): Open Track Days held most weekends at the road course and rally course at 7266 Airport Road in Starke.

Hemmings Great Race presented by Coker Tire: June 24th to July 2nd, launching from Francis Field in St. Augustine to Colorado Springs, with Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri and Kansas stops in between.

Cruise-in heads-up:

Cruise Fruit Cove: This monthly cruise moves up to a noon to 4 p.m. slot on Saturday at PDQ, 194 Florida 13 in Saint Johns.

All the Cruise-ins

Clay County Cruzers, Callahan Cruisers and Amelia Cruizers all hold regular weekend cruise-ins, so check their Facebook pages.

Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville: 8 to 11 a.m. every second Saturday at The Avenues Mall at 10300 Southside Blvd. Information: https://bit.ly/3gPRvVQ.

Caffeine and Gasoline: Date Change this month – 3 to 6 p.m. this and each first Saturday of the month at J-Tech Institute at 8813 Western Way in Jacksonville. House rules – “respect the property.”

North Florida Domestic Car Club’s cruise-in: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. each first Saturday of the month at a new site – the Crossroad Church UMC, 10005 Gate Parkway.

Gripping Gears Car Meet: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month at Adamec Harley-Davidson at 380 Outlet Mall Blvd. in St. Augustine, presented by Jacksonville Headturners.

New cruise-in: Abandoned Treasures Thrift Store cruise-in: 5 to 8 p.m. each first Friday at 7358 Florida 21 in Keystone Heights.

New cruise-in: Wings & Wheels Cruise-in: 2 to 6 pm. on Saturday, March 4, at Dicks Wings & Grill at 6055 Youngerman Circle.

New cruise-in: Rides and Coffee: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every fourth Sunday at Detail Garage, 9390 Arlington Expressway.

First Coast Car Council: All cruise-ins postponed.

Callahan Cruisers: 4 to 7 p.m. every second Saturday at Hardee’s at 542309 U.S. 1 in Callahan.

Auto Legends Amelia Cars and Coffee: 9 a.m. to noon every second Saturday at Mocama Beer Company, 629 S. 8th St. in Fernandina Beach.

Johnny Angels: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. every third Friday at Johnny Angels diner at 3546 St. Johns Bluff Road S.

Cruise Fruit Cove: noon to 4 p.m. every third Saturday at the PDQ at 194 Florida 13 in Saint Johns, just south of Julington Creek.

New cruise-in: 1 p.m. every third Saturday at Hardee’s at 6852 Wilson Blvd.

Amelia Cruizers: 3 to 6 p.m. every third Saturday at Cold Stone Creamery, 808 Sadler Road, Fernandina Beach. The Amelia Cruizers Car Club will stage a cruise to the ice cream store, staging at 2 p.m. in the parking lot next to the closed Krystal’s (2020 Sadler Road), then make an informal parade along the ocean and on Centre Street through downtown to end at Cold Stone.

Yulee Cars and Coffee: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every third Sunday at the Sonic Drive-In at 463939 Florida 200 in Yulee.

Clay County Cruzers’ events: 3 to 6 p.m. every first Saturday at Big Dawg Sports Restaurant, 1330 Blanding Blvd.; 3 to 6 p.m. every second Saturday at Dick’s Wings Fleming Island at 1803 E. West Parkway; 5 p.m. every third Friday at Freddy’s Steakburgers at 386 Blanding Blvd.; 8 to 10 a.m. every fourth at Nicole’s Café at 1101Blanding Blvd. in Orange Park; and 2 to 5 p.m. every fourth Saturday at Gator’s Dockside Oakleaf, 316 Merchants Way, Jacksonville.

Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine monthly cruise-ins: St. Augustine Cruiser’s “Cruise In” from 5 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday, and Cars and Coffee from 8 to 10 a.m. every fourth Saturday, both at 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway South in St Augustine.

Cars and Coffee Fleming Island: 8 a.m. every fourth Sunday of the month at 2310 Village Square Parkway, Fleming Island.

New cruise-in: 6 p.m. every fourth Saturday at Mission BBQ, 8440 Blanding Blvd. in Jacksonville, hosted by Modern Mustangs of Jacksonville.

New cruise-in: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every fourth Saturday at the Rockin’ 50’s Eatery at 3501 N. Ponce De Leon Blvd. in St. Augustine.

New cruise-in: Custard Cruise-in from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 5, at Culver’s, 3433 U.S. 1 in St. Augustine.

Show and Tell: 6 to 9 p.m. every fourth Thursday at Advance Auto Parts at 10014 Atlantic Blvd.

Azalea City Cruisers: Monthly cruise-in from 5 to 8 p.m. every fourth Saturday at Velchoffs Corner, 105 N. 2nd St. in Palatka.

Historic Springfield Main Street Cruise: 4 p.m. every fourth Saturday between 8th and 17th streets at Main Street in Jacksonville’s Springfield community.

And finally…its this weekend…

The 28th iteration of The Amelia concours d’elegance – the huge display of 250 classics, race cars and specialty interest cars is on display from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday – – like these:

This year’s honoree —  stock car legend Jeff Gordon. There’s an entire weekend of events with Gordon and others from Thursday through Sunday’s concours. The weekend’s events include a Saturday seminar featuring Gordon and NASCAR Hall of Fame crew chief Ray Evernham; chances to meet the legendary driver at Sunday’s concours; and a class of vehicles he drove and won in during his career.

 Photos courtesy The Amelia/Hagerty

Details and tickets are at AmeliaConcours.com.

Other events on site:

Broad Arrow The Amelia Auction: The Amelia’s official auction starts at 10:30 a.m. onSaturday at the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, with dozens of classics and race cars up for sale like:

  • 1968 Porsche 907 K, Lot 155, estimate: $4,500,000 – $5,500,000

Courtesy Broad Arrow Auctions

  • 2015 McLaren P1, Lot 137, estimate: $1,800,000 – $2,100,000

 Courtesy Broad Arrow Auctions

RADwood at The Amelia: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 4, at the Golf Club of Amelia Island next to the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. RADwood is a celebration of ’80s and ’90s automotive lifestyle, this car show blending period-correct dress with automotive awesomeness. Register for the event with your 1980-1999 car or motorcycle. This is a limited event for just 150 vehicles and a handful of motorcycles, displayed on the same golf course property as the Sunday concours. Tickets range from $50 to $80. RADwood display ticket includes Cars and Caffeine access on Saturday for driver and one passenger.

 Photos courtesy The Amelia/Hagerty

Additional passengers/spectators will need to purchase tickets through the Amelia concours website.

Plus, there is also the annual Porsche Club of America Werks Reunion Amelia Island on Friday at The Amelia River Club at 4477 Buccaneer Trail, hosted by the local arm of the Porsche Club of America. Registration starts at 7 a.m. as registered cars begin filing the grass. Spectator parking is $40 cash per person. At 10:30 a.m., Youth Judging sponsored by Hagerty begins, with awards from 2 to 3 p.m.

And there’s also:

If you cannot afford some of The Amelia’s auction cars, how about the LEGO Speed Champions – McLaren’s Solus GT & F1 LM?:

As McLaren marks its 60th anniversary, the supercar maker has teamed up with the LEGO Group to release the first-ever double pack of LEGO Speed Champions featuring two of McLaren’s most iconic supercars. Both LEGO creations pay homage to McLaren’s technical innovation and design language with authentic details from the real-life cars, including the Papaya Orange color of the F1 LM, its central driving seat position, and cooling ducts. Born from a virtual gaming world concept, the Solus GT – also with its striking central single-seat cockpit design and high-downforce rear wing – is a perfect addition for any McLaren supercar enthusiast.

The 581-piece set also features two LEGO minifigure drivers in their his and hers McLaren “race suits.”

“We aim to inspire LEGO vehicle fans of all ages with new and unique building experiences, every time we expand the Speed Champions Collection. This launch is another great example of this long-standing partnership,” said Goran Ozbolt, Chief Designer, McLaren Automotive.

Each one is $34.99.

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904 Events Calendar July 28, 2022

Jacksonville Car Culture events calendar

Caffeine and Octane

Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville embarks on its second year under that epic moniker from 8 to 11 a.m. on Saturday August 13, at The Avenues mall’s Southside Boulevard parking lots.

And this time, it celebrates British cars in a special feature lot…

An estimated 1,000-plus cars, trucks, motorcycles and more come to the all-makes, all-models free show, with all parking spots first come/first serve. Cars should start arriving by 7 a.m. each Saturday to the Southside Boulevard side of the shopping mall, the best way in through Malabar Boulevard. As always, there will be a Porsche Jacksonville corner, exotics area, Classics Rows and more at the August C&O. And look for literally hundreds of vintage and classic cars, muscle cars and so much more.

Official Caffeine and Octane merchandise is on sale at all Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville events.

Gentle reminder – All vehicles parked in the Central Lot must remain in place until the show concludes at 11 a.m. Please Park in the Exhibit Lot if you need to leave prior to 11 a.m. Those parking in the Exotics Lot and the Porsche Corner are free to arrive and leave at any time!

Local motorcycle concours announces 2023 Grand Marshal

 Mary McGee somewhere along the 1975 Baja 500/Photo courtesy Riding into History Concours D’Elegance

Competition Motorcycles are the featured class at the next Riding into History Concours D’Elegance, set for April 15, 2023, at the World Golf Village in St. Augustine. And just announced is Grand Marshal Mary McGee, AMA Hall of Fame Inductee, Off Road Motorsports Hall of Fame Inductee, Trailblazer, FIM Legend and one of the greatest women competitors in motorcycling history.

McGee will join the Grand Marshal Tour on Friday, April, as well as that evening’s Grand Marshal Banquet. Then on Saturday April 15, she will be doing autograph during the Concours D’Elegance.

Riding into History is a non-profit organization with its primary charity, K9s for Warriors, which provides service dogs for disabled veterans. Riding into History has donated more than $600,000 to local charities since its founding in 1999.

Dozens of classics, rat rods and customs showed up last Saturday for the Nassau Moose Rider’s Dreams Come True Show in Yulee. Held at the Nassau Moose Lodge, it was presented by the  Callahan Cruisers of North Florida, and here’s a few of the rides on show:

Now the car shows:

Import Evolution: 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday at the Prime Osborn Convention Center, 1000 Water St. Classes from Acura TL and Skyline to Best JDM and Bing Bong will be on display at the show, which is $25 (cash only) admission for adults and $15 for children. Imports, Racing, Stance, Hot Rods, Low-Riders as well as exotic and domestic brands. For registration info, go here.

Staker Productions X Autobahn: 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday, July 29, at Autobahn Indoor Speedway & Events, 6601 Executive Park Court N. off Philips Highway north of Butler Boulevard. Staker Productions partners with Autobahn for a monthly (last Friday of each month) car and truck meet at the electric go kart racing and axe throwing venue, with discounts at its restaurant.

Touch-A-Truck: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Clay County Fairgrounds at 2497 Florida 16 in Green Cove Springs. Local and county work vehicles and trucks will be on display. Quiet time is 9 to 11 a.m., then lights and sirens sound off until 2 p.m. Free for spectators.

African American Culture Fest and Car/Bike Show: noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, at Camden County Public Service Agency at 1050 Wildcat Drive in Kingsland, Ga. Free to spectators and $25 for show cars, or $20 for display motorcycles.

Exchange Club of Jacksonville’s Family Center Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20, at St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church at 12760 Beach Blvd. Free for spectators and $25 day of show for display vehicles.

7th Annual Freedom Fest Car Show: 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, September 10, outside the JCPenney at the Orange Park Mall at 1910 Wells Road. This year presents the Truck and Off-Road Edition, although show vehicles of all kinds are invited. The show highlights the service that firefighters, police officers, active duty, reserves armed forces, and first responders provide. Free to spectators, registration is $25 in advance and $35 day of show here.

Best Of the Nest Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 17, at Yulee High School, 85375 Miner Road. The Yulee High School Cheerleaders and Amelia Island Cruisers present the show to benefit the YHS Cheer program.

Car Truck and Motorcycle Show: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 1, at American Legion Post 401 at 37405 Henry Smith Road in Hilliard. Free for spectators and $20 registration for show vehicles. Callahan Cruisers proceeds benefit the building find for American Legion Post 401.

43rd annual Azalea City Cruisers Car and Truck Show: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 1, at the Putnam County Fairgrounds at 118 Fairgrounds Road in East Palatka. Free for spectators and $25 day-of-show for display vehicles.

38th annual Ancient City Auto Club Show: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, at the Classic Car Museum of St. Augustineat 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway South in St Augustine. Free to spectators and $25 day of show for display vehicles.

The FIRM (Florida International Rally and Moto Park): Open Track Days held most weekends at the road course and rally course at 7266 Airport Road in Starke.

All the Cruise-ins

First Coast Car Council, Clay County Cruzers, Callahan Cruisers and Amelia Cruizers all hold regular weekend cruise-ins, so check their Facebook pages.

Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville: 8 to 11 a.m. every second Saturday at The Avenues Mall at 10300 Southside Blvd. Information: https://bit.ly/3gPRvVQ.

First Coast Car Council: The second Saturday cruise-in is from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Medical & Merchants Center of Mandarin, 11701 San Jose Blvd.

The Part’s House/The Brothers Banter Podcast Cruise-in: The renamed White Brothers Auto Parts Cruise-in at the same time – 5 to 8 p.m. every second Friday at 405 Lane Ave. N.

Callahan Cruisers: 5 to 8 p.m. every second Saturday at Hardee’s at 542309 U.S. 1 in Callahan.

Auto Legends Amelia Cars and Coffee: 9 a.m. to noon every second Saturday at Mocama Beer Company, 629 S. 8th St. in Fernandina Beach.

Johnny Angels: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. every third Friday at Johnny Angels diner at 3546 St. Johns Bluff Road S.

Returned cruise-in: Jax Beach Classic Car Cruise: 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 16, at Latham Plaza, 11 Ocean Front N. in Jacksonville Beach. Thanks to the support of the City of Jacksonville Beach, the Sea Walk Pavilion and Latham Plaza (across from the Pavilion between 1st and 2nd St on the corner of 2nd Ave. North can be used to showcase pre-registered cars.

Cruise Fruit Cove: 3 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday at the PDQ at 194 Florida 13 in Saint Johns, just south of Julington Creek.

Amelia Cruizers: 3 to 6 p.m. every third Saturday at Cold Stone Creamery, 808 Sadler Road, Fernandina Beach.

Yulee Cars and Coffee: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every third Sunday at the Sonic Drive-In at 463939 Florida 200 in Yulee.

Clay County Cruzers’ events: 3 to 6 p.m. every first Saturday at Big Dawg Sports Restaurant, 1330 Blanding Blvd. The Cruzers’ other events: At 3 to 6 p.m. on the second Saturday, the cruise-in returns to Dick’s Wings Fleming Island at 1803 E. West Parkway; 5 p.m. every third Friday at Freddy’s Steakburgers at 386 Blanding Blvd.; and 2 to 5 p.m. every fourth Saturday at Gator’s Dockside Oakleaf, 316 Merchants Way, Jacksonville.

Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine monthly cruise-ins: St. Augustine Cruiser’s “Cruise In” from 5 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday, and Cars and Coffee from 8 to 10 a.m. every fourth Saturday, both at 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway South in St Augustine.

Cars and Coffee Fleming Island: 8 a.m. every fourth Sunday of the month at 2310 Village Square Parkway, Fleming Island.

New cruise-in: 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 16, and every third Saturday at Hardee’s at 6852 Wilson Blvd.

New cruise-in: 6 p.m. every fourth Saturday at Mission BBQ, 8440 Blanding Blvd. in Jacksonville, hosted by Modern Mustangs of Jacksonville.

New cruise-in: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every fourth Saturday at the Rockin’ 50’s Eatery at 3501 N. Ponce De Leon Blvd. in St. Augustine.

New cruise-in: Custard Cruise-in from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 5, at Culver’s, 3433 U.S. 1 in St. Augustine.

Show and Tell, 6 to 9 p.m. every fourth Thursday at Advance Auto Parts at 10014 Atlantic Blvd.

Historic Springfield Main Street Cruise: 4 p.m. every fourth Saturday between 8th and 17th streets at Main Street in Jacksonville’s Springfield community.

North Florida Domestic Car Club’s new cruise-in: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. each first Saturday of the month at the PDQ at 4816 Gate Parkway.

And finally…

The 40th Hemmings Motor News Great Race presented by Hagerty will launch on June 24, 2023, from historic St. Augustine as it begins its classic rally across the U.S., to finish on July 2 in Colorado Springs.

Organizers announced the annual classic car even this week, which routinely sees more than 120 vehicles no older than model year 1974 compete in a timed, controlled-speed endurance rally. Each vehicle must follow a prescribed common route while attempting to maintain assigned average speeds. For purposes of scoring, the older the vehicle, the better the age factor adjustment the team will receive. Newer vehicles are permitted in Regional Rallies. 

The Great Race has visited the Jacksonville area numerous times in recent years, with 122 classics launching in June 2017 from the Historic Springfield Main Street Cruise on a 1,200-miles rally at Hagerty headquarters in Traverse City, Mich. Legendary drag racer “Big Daddy” Don Garlits flagged off the first cars during the event’s fourth Jacksonville visit in 20 years. Ohio.

Automotive lifestyle brand and specialty insurer Hagerty has competed numerous times in a huge 1917 Peerless Speedster nicknamed “The Green Dragon” with a 330 cu.-in. V-8 and three-speed Peerless non-synchromesh manual.

Hundreds went to The Jacksonville Landing when the Great Race ended there in 1997, and large crowds gathered there again when it launched its 2004 cross-country rally. Then in 2014 the Great Race, competitors drove through the Main Street Cruise as thousands lined Main Street en route to the Landing again.

And a reminder, An Evening with Brumos is a social gathering set for 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 5, at The Brumos Collection at 5959 San Pablo Road S. in Jacksonville. Jacksonville’s only automobile museum has cars from the Brumos Racing team’s past, plus historic Indy racers and classics in a 35,000-square-foot museum. Tickets are $29.59 each, and include to the collection and a workshop open house with technical staff available for questions, as well as two drink tickets per guest for brews from Intuition Ale Works, wine, soft drinks or water.

The event is for guests 21 and older. Tickets for the Brumos evening event, as well as the museum itself, can be found here.

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2021 Infiniti Q60 Red Sport Delivers Value and Performance

We’ve been fans of the Infiniti brand since the first Q45s and M30s hit dealer showrooms for the 1990 model year. From the beginning, Infiniti meant strong engines, solid styling, quality materials and excellent fit and finish.

All photos courtesy of INFINITI

Over the years Infiniti’s commitment to quality has produced a long list of excellent automobiles. One of our favorites is the attractive and fun to drive Q60 coupe. At one time Nissan built a 300zx 2+2 model, which added tiny rear seats to the Z car. They worked in a pinch but were lacking. Fast forward to 2003 and Infiniti’s G35 Coupe – the Q60’s predecessor – which essentially replaced the Z car’s 4 passenger variant with much improved rear seats. Infiniti’s coupe also shared much of the then new contemporary 350Z’s mechanicals and even a bit of the overall design.  

The 2021 Q60 Red Sport 400 takes the formula to the next level, making it hard for us not to appreciate this good-looking and fun to drive sport coupe.

An Engine that Inspires

Infiniti’s top-trim Red Sport is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, rated at 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. The engine features twin water-to-air charge coolers with two water pumps, optical turbo speed sensor and 14.7 psi turbo boost. Every facet of Infiniti’s twin turbo V6 is mechanical perfection, or close to it.

A seven-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with rev matching sends power to all four wheels. While we aren’t as enamored by the transmission as we are the engine, the gear box does a decent job overall. But it makes us wonder if an updated 8-speed wouldn’t help the brilliant engine shine a little brighter?

How does the Q60S Red Sport 400 drive?

The Q60 features an all-new Dynamic Digital Suspension. The system monitors the coupe’s body roll, pitch and bounce rate making tiny adjustments to assure optimal comfort and balance. Electronically adjustable dampers regulate the dampening force to create a firmer or softer ride.  

Infiniti’s rack-based electric power steering is much improved over the years. The one-time feeling of driving by remote control is largely gone. Our Red Sport review vehicle arrived with upgraded sport brakes and rotors, 4-piston front calipers and 2-piston rear calipers. The braking system worked quite well, even in stop and go traffic. The pedal feel was perfect and the car stopped with authority.

Our time with the Infiniti proved the sport coupe’s value time and again. The powerful V6 reminded us of the favorite cars of our youth, including the mighty Nissan 300ZX twin turbo. It isn’t hard to see the Q60’s family tree on full display. The same attributes that made us fall in love with the turbocharged V6-powered sports car that moved the 1990’s needle is alive and well in the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400.

A Sporty Premium Interior

Infiniti’s driver-oriented cockpit layout adds the coupe’s appeal and comfort. The supportive seats are wrapped in leatherette material on base models, our Red Sport featured semi-aniline leather-appointed seating with power lumbar. Red Sport models also feature heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

Additionally, our Red Sport model was nicely appointed with genuine matte black carbon-fiber interior trim and aluminum-accented pedals.

Technology for the Real World

Our Red Sport model featured Infiniti’s dual HD display with an 8-inch upper and 7-inch lower touchscreen. The infotainment features a great-sounding 13-speaker Bose audio system with CD, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a WIFI hotspot.

Available Navigation includes lane guidance and 3D building graphics.

Active safety features include an around view monitor with moving object detection, blind spot warning, backup collision intervention and lane departure warning. Additional features include Intelligent cruise control, distance control assist and high beam assist. The coupe’s haptic steering wheel alerts the driving when leaving a lane unexpectantly.

Pricing

A base model 2021 Infiniti Q60 start at $41,750. As tested, our 2021 Infiniti Q60 Red Sport costs $67,085. The Q60 represents good value in the segment, something that Infiniti has been good for since day one.

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BMW’s New Mild-Hybrid 2021 M440i Reminds Us Why We Love BMW Sport Coupes

We’ve had a soft spot for two door BMW coupes since we first stumbled upon a neighbor’s 1988 M3 in middle school. The boxy flared fenders and one short step off the race track look sent our hearts racing and imaginations wandering.

Photos courtesy of BMW

Over the years BMW’s 3 series has evolved, even added a digit and morphed into a 3 and 4 series, all while keeping much of the magic that made us giddy pre-teens. BMW’s latest 4 series offering has a fresh face, one that seems to have polarized much of the automotive world. Whether it’s the fact that it is new or that it just doesn’t work is yet to be seen. To be fair, we’ve taken issue with previous BMW styling statements only to warm up to them over time.

The 2021 BMW M440i is second only to the top tier model M4 in the newly launched second generation 4 series coupe. The new 4 series line up features more power, torque and performance than the previous generation across the board. Our review vehicle, the M440i, may not be the 4 series king, but it is incredibly powerful, features commendable handling and is quite luxurious.

Mild Hybrid, Wild Performance

BMW’s M440i xDrive is powered by a turbocharged inline-6-cylinder engine complemented by a 48-volt “mild-hybrid” system. BMW’s hybrid generator/motor adds to the cars performance by filling in the gaps across the traditional turbocharged powerband. That results in a bit more punch, but also a smoother spirited ride. Power is almost always there when you call for it. The electric motor also works as the engine’s starter.

All in, the system is rated at 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Eleven of those ponies are produced by the mild-hybrid system’s electric motor. That’s not a huge number, but it does make a tangible difference. Gear changes come by way of an 8-speed automatic transmission. Our XDrive-equipped car also features all-wheel-drive.

It wasn’t too many years ago that almost 400 horsepower was considered a wild number. Yes, today’s top trim sport coupes can have 500 plus horses under the hood, but there isn’t much driving fun that can’t be had with the M440i’s capable engine and transmission.

Decades of Development = Benchmark Interior

If you’ve owned a 3 or 4 series BMW in the past 30 plus years you will find the interior of the M440i quite familiar, albeit the product of thoughtful evolution. BMW may not have invented the term “driver-centric interior” but they certainly have created the benchmark. New front power sport seats provide a position of authority for the driver. The center console marks space between front seat passengers, giving the co-pilot a nice piece of real estate as well.

Our M440i features additional soft knee padding on the sides of the console and an M-inspired steering wheel and door sill plates. We call it “M-Lite.” Whatever term you use, the nice little touches add to the overall sporty feel of the coupe.

Rear seat passengers will be pleasantly surprised. Where most BMW coupes would be more aptly described as 2+2 vehicles, the new 4 series has a decent size back seat. Cargo space is also improved over the previous model with 12 cubic feet now available.

Technology that Works

Now in it’s seventh iteration, BMW’s iDrive infotainment is highly functional and intuitive. Granted we’ve literally grown up with the iDrive system, the latest version is the best yet and has the easiest learning curve to date.

The highly-configurable system features an 8.8-inch center touchscreen display and a 5.1-inch color display between the instrument gauges. The “Live Cockpit Professional” option moves up to a 10.25 inch center touchscreen control display and a fully digital 12.3 inch instrument display. Navigation is standard, as is wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Safety technology features include lane departure warning with steering correction, frontal collision, pedestrian warning with braking function, blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert, rear collision preparation, automatic high beams and speed limit information.

Pricing

BMW’s new 4 series starts at $45,600 for the 430i Coupe, $47,600 for the 430i xDrive Coupe and $58,500 for the M440i xDrive Coupe. Pricing does not include $995 Destination.

Our loaded up M440i retails for $71,870.

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2021 Hyundai Veloster N: Hyundai’s Hatchback Turns Up the Heat

We love hot hatchbacks. For years we’ve been enamored by the likes of the Volkswagen GTI, Ford Focus RS and Honda Civic Type R. Not only are they incredibly fun to drive, but they are entirely practical. So a few years ago when Hyundai announced a HOT version of the already attractive Veloster, we started paying attention. After a week behind the wheel of the revamped 2021 Hyundai Veloster N, we are smitten.

All photos property of First Coast Car Culture, LLC.

Powered by an absolutely high-strung turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder engine, the Veloster N pumps out 275 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. That’s a fantastic amount of power, especially when it is sent to exclusively to the front wheels. A six-speed manual transmission with rev matching is standard, as it should be, and a very good 8-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission is available.

Choosing which transmission is actually a harder decision that we expected. Everything you’ll read on this website or see on our social media channels would point in the three-pedal direction, except the two-pedal version is faster. The automatic also makes the car a bit friendlier in bumper to bumper traffic, the grocery store parking lot and the Starbucks drive through.

While we are on the topic of friendly, our weeklong review revealed the Veloster N to be a very useable daily driver. The hatchback’s 19.9 cubic feet of cargo space, which expands to 44.5 cubic feet when the rear seating is folded, is almost too good to believe. That equates to much more cargo space than the Hyundai Venue SUV. Those numbers are just about equal to the space found in the cargo hold of the 2021 Hyundai Kona.

Fuel economy is commendable for a hot hatchback. When equipped with the manual transmission the Veloster N is rated at 22/28/25 mpg city/highway/combined. Substitute the dual-clutch transmission and the Veloster N is rated at 20/27/22, which means that the stick shift is the better performer even if it takes a tiny bit longer to get to sixty miles per hour. Our fuel economy tests where right in line with the EPA ratings, if not a little better.

Hyundai has arguably made their best sports to date, but they’ve been offering a benchmark warranty for a while.

It is worth noting that the Veloster N comes with the same incredibly long warranty periods as its Hyundai brothers and sisters. That means a 5 years/60,000 miles “New Vehicle” and a 10 years/100,000 miles “Powertrain” limited warranty. Even the most cynical consumer should feel comforted with that kind of coverage. Additionally, the Veloster includes a 7 years/unlimited miles anti-perforation (rust and corrosion) and an incredible 5 years/unlimited miles 24/7 worth of roadside assistance. We might be getting accustomed to long warranty periods on passenger cars, but that kind of coverage on a hot hatchback built for performance is nothing to take for granted.

The front seating area of the Veloster N’s attractive, purpose-built cabin

Fun but Safe

For 2021, the Veloster N comes with a long list of standard active safety equipment. We are fans of the forward collision-avoidance assist, lane following assist, blind-spot monitors and rear cross-traffic collision warning. But the constant, often nagging, lane keep assist and driver attention warning seemed unnecessary on the local roads in our area where the safest non-pothole line is just off the prescribed path. We also have areas where the lines are painted and then painted again a foot to the right or left (they try to make the old line disappear, but they aren’t fooling anyone, not even the Hyundai robots). There were a couple of times we yelled at the car and asked why it felt the need to pick on us.

While the Veloster N is quite practical, even earning the “family friendly” tag on Firstcoastcarculture.com, inspired spirited driving is what tips the like/love scale to the latter for us. The engine and transmission combo, either the rev-matching manual or the new for 2021 wet dual-clutch, is a testament to Hyundai engineering. Sure, the 20-seconds of 278 lb-ft of overboost is enough to evoke unruly torque steer, but that only adds to the character of the car.

NOTE: We are fans of quirky vintage sports cars. The kind of cars  that require a quick crash course before speeding away behind the wheel. Even with technology in spades, the Veloster N somehow captures the essence of those wonderfully unruly vintage sports cars. A spirited drive leaves you with a feeling of accomplishment. The pops, gurgles and rumble from the exhaust adding a lovely sound track that just might keep you from ever turning on the radio.

Don’t let the quirky three passenger door configuration fool you, the Veloster N is built for grownups, albeit fun ones who like to giggle on occasion. The sport seats are comfortable and supportive, the infotainment system sounds fantastic and is easy to operate. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a long list of tech features are standard. The electronically controlled suspension provides a nice range of drive settings from somewhat comfortable to wonderfully aggressive.

Pricing

Pricing for the 2021 Hyundai Veloster N starts at $32,250 plus freight charges, tax, title, and license fees. The 8-speed dual clutch automatic adds $1,500.

The N is essentially the top trim of the 2021 Hyundai Veloster, which starts at $18,900 plus fees. Which begs the question, is it worth paying almost twice as much for the Veloster N as the base 147-horsepower model Veloster 2.0?

In a word, YES.  

That’s a hot hatchback…also, how cool is that third passenger door?

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5th Annual Mopars on the Beach: A Myrtle Beach “Vacation for Mopar Enthusiasts”

Words and Photos by Erik Azar

Erik Azar is a motorsports enthusiast living in Northeast Florida. He is presently the VP of the Jacksonville Corvette Club and an active member of JAMS – Jacksonville Area Mopars where he enjoys attending motorsport events in his Jeep JK and Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye.

The 5th annual Mopars on the Beach in Myrtle Beach, SC – tailored as a Vacation for Mopar Enthusiasts took place from November 10-15, 2020. Like so many other motorsport events this year, Mopars on the Beach was postponed from its usual June timeframe. 

Mopars on the Beach was founded in 2016 by Tommy and Cathy Bridges of the Coastal Carolina Mopars, and with the help of their club members pulled off a successful event as they had to be agile and creative dealing with the current Covid-19 climate. This year saw over 300 attendees from 17 states traveling from as far away as Nevada and Arizona.

The week’s activities consisted of various Cruise-ins, Dyno Day, Charity Ride, and a Car Show. It’s a great way for Mopar enthusiasts to meet other like-minded people from all over the United States and develop new friendships.

This year even the late season Hurricane Iota wouldn’t put a damper on the activities and fun. The rain stopped Thursday evening allowing Friday’s Charity Ride and Saturday’s car show to take place with beautiful weather. 

Friday’s charity ride to the small town of Georgetown, SC ended up having more than double the number of attendees expected. The organizers did an excellent job coordinating with the local police departments to arrange police escorts and blocking major intersections for more than 100 cars to travel from site to site. The evening ended at The Landing at the Boathouse for dinner and prizes.

The main event and largest generator of donation funds for the charities was Saturday’s car show that hosted over 300 cars on display. The cars ranged from classic 60s-70s Mopar muscle, to modern muscle and custom Mopars – which provided something for everybody to enjoy.

For 2020 the event raised $13,000 that was evenly divided between two local charities:

·      Quilts of Valor local chapter – provides volunteer handmade quilts to service members and veterans that have been touched by war.

·      Lowcountry Food Bank – provides both the education and nutritious options needed by partner agencies and schools that serve our community

Next year’s Mopars on the Beach is scheduled for Nov 2-6, 2021 and will move to Broadway at the Beach, a popular tourist destination with shopping and entertainment. There will also be Drag Strip day on Thursday, Nov 4, 2021 at Darlington Drag Strip.

For additional information for Mopars on the Beach 2021 visit their website at https://moparsatthebeach.org. Or directly contact Tommy and Cathy Bridges – Coastal Carolina Mopars – (864)325-9660        coastalcarolinamopars@gmail.com

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FREE DOWNLOAD: Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance 2021 Calendar from Deremer Studios Photography

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