admin, Author at Jacksonville (First Coast) Car Culture • Page 21 of 24

November 24, 2020

Ready for Primetime: The 2020 Genesis G90

Last November I was invited to the Miami Auto Show. Not knowing that 2020 was going to be the events terminator that it was, I don’t think I really appreciated the show as much as I should have. Frankly, I don’t think I could have appreciated the show as much as I should have!

At the closing banquet, presented by Genesis, our hosts asked us to put our cameras and cell phones away. I powered down my Nikon and put my iPhone in my pocket. The whole thing sort of reminded me of when Grandma would tell us during dinner to keep our spoons for dessert.

A few minutes later Genesis pulled the cover off the all-new 2020 Genesis G90 sedan.

G90 Rolls with the Best of Them

We were sworn to secrecy at the time, but I can now report what I wanted to write then: the G90 authentically captures the essence of Europe’s best luxury sedans. The massive grille, shaped like a merit badge, and the G90’s signature lighting instantly set Genesis flagship apart from the crowd. But the overall dimensions and the smooth rolling body lines are unmistakably a shot at the legendary Mercedes, Audi and BMW sedans that dominate the segment.

Inside, the new G90 does a great job matching stride for stride with the Europeans. The spacious interior is quite comfortable. Genesis has gone to lengths to ensure a quiet cabin by incorporating active noise cancellation. An adaptive control suspension minimizes vibrations.

The sedan’s standard leather seating and genuine wood trim work are attractive and well made. The Heated and ventilated 22-way power adjustable driver’s seat and 16-way power adjustable passenger seat make finding a comfortable driving position easy. Rear seating is spacious and heated. Cargo space is plentiful at 15.7 cubic feet.

Genesis G90 Photos by James Lipman courtesy of Genesis.

Intuitive Tech without a Steep Learning Curve

We have always been a fan of Genesis’ infotainment system, especially the most recent versions. The system is smart and easy to use. When you plug in your smartphone, it connects without drama. The standard 12.3-inch touchscreen system includes a redundant controller located in the center console. The system includes Apple Carplay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, HD radio, Satellite radio and a CD/DVD player. A wireless charging pad, multiple USB ports and an auxiliary input jack provide on the go charging and audio connectivity. The 17-seaker Lexicon surround sound audio sounds great. To our ears, and we don’t take our music lightly, Genesis has firmly established itself as a leader in automotive audio.

The G90 also includes a long list of premium extras on every trim. The windshield wiper de-icer, rain-sensing wipers with auto-defogging windshield improve visibility in increment weather. A three-zone automatic climate control system keeps passengers comfortable. Additional extras include a heads-up display, power rear side and rear sunshades, a power sunroof and an auto-dimming inside rearview mirror with compass and HomeLink.

Genesis has also equipped the G90 with plenty of active safety equipment. Highlights include, a lane following assist system that expands the reach of lane-keep and lane-departure assists, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist and forward collision-avoidance assist. The manufacturer has informed us that the G90 can help detect bicycles and vehicles in front of the vehicle – thankfully, we didn’t find the need to put this to the test. A nifty “safe exit assist” works to alert the driver and passengers when an object is approaching an opening door. And finally, highway driving assist (HDA) helps to steer the sedan to the center of a lane on marked interstate highways, while keeping a safe distance from a vehicle in front. Moving closer to autonomous vehicles, the highway driving system works in conjunction with an automatic speed slowdown that automatically adjusts the car’s speed to the posted speed limit signs.

Two Powerful Engines

The 2020 G90 is powered by either a 3.3-liter turbocharged V-6 or a 5.0-liter V-8 engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The V6 produces 365 horsepower and 376 lb-ft. of torque. Genesis V-8 makes 420 horsepower and 383 lb-ft. of torque. Rear-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is available with either engine.

Fuel economy for the turbo V-6 is EPA estimated at 17/25 mpg (RWD) and 17/25 mpg (AWD). The V-8 is rated at 16/24 mpg (RWD) and 15/23 mpg (AWD).

Both engines provide plenty of power for Genesis’ flagship sedan. While we enjoy the grunt of the naturally-aspirated V-8, our recommendation for most consumers is the 3.3-liter V-6. While the V-6 loses some horsepower to the V-8, torque ratings are quite similar. The cost savings isn’t significant, but the extra fuel economy will likely pay off in the long run.

Pricing

The base model 2020 Genesis G90 3.3T Premium starts at $72,200 plus fees. Adding all-wheel drive amounts to $74,700+. The V-8 powered 5.0 Ultimate starts at $75,700+. The G90 is an impressive family luxury sedan, one that we feel comfortable recommending. Genesis’ excellent warranty is accompanied by three years of scheduled maintenance and a service valet program adding even more value to the sedan,

November 19, 2020November 19, 2020

Taking a Swing at the Competition: Subaru’s Turbocharged BOXER Powers the All-New 2020 Legacy Limited XT

Once an either/or scenario, thanks to today’s tiny but robust turbocharged engines manufacturers can offer family-friendly vehicles that provide strong performance AND surprisingly good fuel economy. For instance, Subaru’s new Legacy Limited XT is a spacious mid-size all-wheel-drive sedan that goes from 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds and offers 24/32 mpg city/highway. While neither statistic is record breaking, having the two together in a vehicle that comfortably seats five adults is worth talking about.

Legacy’s First Turbocharged Engine Since 2012

The 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque across a wide powerband. Those figures result in decent acceleration in the vast majority of real-world scenarios. The CVT transmission won’t win over many enthusiasts, but the fuel-efficient gear changer works well and does what you ask. Further, the new CVT reduces power loss by 32 percent compared to the previous Legacy’s engine to the wheels power sender. Zero to sixty zips by in 6.1 seconds and fuel economy is rated at 24/32 mpg city/highway

The base model Legacy is powered by a normally aspirated (non turbo) 2.5-liter BOXER engine. With 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque the engine is just powerful enough for use as a comfortable daily driver. The CVT transmission helps the non-turbo Legacy achieve 27/35 mpg city/highway, but means it takes an extra 2.3 seconds to get to sixty miles per hour from a stop (8.4 seconds).

Driving the Legacy

Thanks to an all-new suspension, the 2020 Legacy is comfortable on the road. The all-wheel-drive system provides added traction and is helpful in less than ideal weather. Subaru claims that the new model offers the “highest levels of dynamic performance and ride comfort” in the vehicle’s history and we won’t argue. The 2020 model is step above the 2019 in both areas. Steering is precise, but forgiving. Braking provides a high level of confidence.

Our approach to the 2020 Legacy, even with the turbocharged engine, is that of a confident family sedan. Those looking for a sportier Subaru will be better off checking out the WRX or WRX STI, which have similar engines, but are more focused toward the enthusiast who needs four doors.

New Design, but Undoubtedly Subaru

Fender flares, an bit of an athletic stance and overall design give the new Legacy a more youthful appearance. Fans of the manufacturer will immediately recognize the sedan, there is no doubt that the Legacy is a Subaru.

The interior is a touch more upscale than the outgoing model. Soft touch surfaces abound and the fit and finish is excellent. Rear seat passengers are given plenty of legroom and three adults can be comfortably escorted around town, given that they like each other. Two adults will find the rear seats quite comfortable, even for cross-country vacations.

Unfortunately, the Legacy’s 15.1 cubic feet of cargo space is among the smallest in the mid-size family sedan segment. Honda’s Accord (16.7) and the Hyundai Sonota (16) offer more space, although the Legacy does match Camry’s 15.1 cubic feet.

Technology

Jump in the front seat of the Legacy XT and you’re immediately confronted with a massive all-new tablet-style 11.6-inch multimedia display. Subaru’s infotainment system display features direct touch controls for multimedia, HVAC and vehicle settings. The configurable set up is similar to a smartphone device, providing “apps” that can be moved and configured by the owner.

Base Legacy models are equipped with an all-new multimedia system with dual 7.0-inch displays that split multimedia and HVAC controls.

Infotainment features on both systems include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and new “STARLINK SmartDeviceLink” apps, Bluetooth, a rearview camera, Satellite radio and HD Radio. In-car Wi-Fi is available.

Pricing

The 2020 Subaru Legacy starts at $22,745 plus fees. Our Limited XT model as-tested price was $35,095 inclusive.

November 13, 2020November 20, 2020

Even the Base Model is Luxury: The 2020 Cadillac CT5

Known for his infectious sense of humor, captivating personality, and impeccable sense of style, my Italian-American grandfather owned a night club just outside of Boston, danced soft-shoe, sang with Jimmy Durante, and, of course, drove a Cadillac.

In the ‘50s and ‘60s, the Cadillac nameplate represented the finest made-in-America quality, luxury and prestige. Since the ‘70s, minus a slight misstep or two (*cough* Cimarron) Cadillac has continued to be a well-respected brand, especially among U.S. buyers wanting to drive a domestic luxury car.

The 2020 CT5 provides a refined ride while maintaining the world-class handling and fun-to-drive characteristics that define Cadillac sedans.

Over the years, the evolution at Cadillac has resulted in the replacement of the iconic names like Fleetwood, Eldorado and DeVille with letters such as CTS, STS, XLR, CTS and ATS and for this review the all-new 2020 Cadillac CT5. Whatever names or letters or numbers, the basic formula has remained the same, Cadillac continues to build attractive luxury vehicles that offer strong performance and the CT5 is no exception.

The 2020 CT5 provides a refined ride while maintaining the world-class handling and fun-to-drive characteristics that define Cadillac sedans. Photos courtesy of Cadillac.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 is available with two engines and in four different trim levels: Luxury, Premium Luxury, Sport, and V. For our review we spent a week in the Premium Luxury and V models.

Attractive Design Inspired by a Concept Car

Inspired by the Escala concept, Cadillac’s CT5 brings a coupe-like presence to the sedan’s silhouette. LED lights all around add to the modern design. It is hard to argue with the merits of the final product. The new CT5 is sleek and attractive.

Cadillac Escala concept car. Photo courtesy of Cadillac.

Performance Figures and Driving Impressions

The base CT5 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 237 horsepower and 258 lb⋅ft of torque. Two optional 3.0 twin turbo V6 engines are also available. Non V series are powered by a 335 horsepower and 400 lb⋅ft of torque version. A 360-horsepower and 405 lb⋅ft of torque variant can be found under the hood of the CT5-V. All engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic.

Fuel economy is rated up to 23 city /32 highway mpg with the four-cylinder. The turbo V6 is rated up to 18 city / 26 highway.

We split our time between the Premium Luxury and the V trims. The Premium Luxury was equipped with all-wheel-drive, the aforementioned 335-horsepower turbocharged V6 and 10-speed automatic. The engine provided plenty of power, sending the CT5 from zero to sixty in less than five seconds, but the overall package is geared towards comfort verses sportiness. The suspension is compliant, even soft. Steering is precise and the brakes use an electronic set up that removes any direct connection from the pedal to the master cylinder. That said, they work great.

Cadillac kicks everything up a bit with the V-Series model. The 360-horsepower variant of the V6 provides more punch. Zero to sixty clicks by in 4.6 seconds. The suspension is tuned for a sportier ride. GM’s 4^th generation “MagneRide” system allows the driver to dial in the level of damping, but even at the most extreme settings the CT5 is not punishing or razor taut. The V-series Brembo brakes have a lot in common with the new Corvette and bring the lightweight CT5 to halt in short order.

The two vehicles share a lot of DNA, but the CT5-V is clearly the enthusiast’s choice. The overall driving dynamics are impressive, especially given the practicality of the sedan. We miss the fire-breathing V8 found in the CTS-V that the CT5 replaces, but the CT5-V is its own vehicle and is better considered apart from the sport sedan it sort of replaces.

Even the Base Model is Luxury (really)

The base Luxury model arrives with 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and push-button start. The 10-inch infotainment system includes eight-speaker audio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard active safety equipment includes automatic emergency braking and a teen driver system that allows you to configure the CT5 specifically for a beginning driver.

Our Premium Luxury extras include leather seating, heating side mirrors, a hands-free deck lid and wireless device charging. Our review vehicle also had the optional all-wheel-drive system. Opting for the Premium Luxury trim also gives the consumer a chance to add lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, a head-up display and premium audio.

Pricing

The base Luxury model starts at $36,895 plus fees. The Premium Luxury starts at $40,695 and the V-Series at $47,695.

November 12, 2020

VIDEO “Twice Around – The 2020 HSR Classic 24 by IMSA in 4K Hyperlapse – Daytona”

The HSR (Historic Sportscar Racing, LLC) Classic 24 Hour is a yearly event open to cars that were raced from 1960 through 2013 at Daytona. This year’s event was held November 4-7, 2020, Deremer Studios, LLC , Jacksonville Car Culture’s official photographer, was on site to capture the magic.

From Deremer Studios, LLC:

Despite a global pandemic, HSR put on a safe and successful Classic 24 race at the iconic Daytona International Speedway. In addition to our photography from the event, we brought along our old trusty tripod and a second camera to capture hyperlapse video of the race. Here’s the final result:

View the 2020 HSR Classic 24 photo album on the Deremer Studios, LLC website at:

https://www.deremerstudios.com/Automotive-Photography/Motorsports-Photography/2020-HSR-Classic-24-Daytona/

November 10, 2020

Deremer Studios Chronicles the 2020 HSR Classic 24 at Daytona International Speedway

Nate Deremer, of Deremer Studios, LLC JCC’s official photographer, visited Daytona International Speedway November 4-8, 2020 for the HSR Classic 24 Hour at Daytona presented by IMSA.

The HSR (Historic Sportscar Racing, LLC) Classic 24 Hour is a yearly event open to cars that were raced from 1960 through 2013 at Daytona. A little tweak to the 24 Hour tradition, instead of running all the cars throughout the night the field is divided into race groups from specific periods that are run at four different times throughout a 24 hour period. Each race consists of 45 minutes of track time which includes a five-minute pit stop for non-mandatory driver changes.

See the full list of entrants here

Nate’s photos are always incredible and his shots at Daytona’s historic racetrack do not disappoint. View the photo album on the Deremer Studios, LLC website at

https://www.deremerstudios.com/Automotive-Photography/Motorsports-Photography/2020-HSR-Classic-24-Daytona/

November 10, 2020

Reader’s Rides – Cody from Jacksonville, Florida

About The Car:

2017 Nissan 370Z

“I was in a head on collision that totaled my 2012 mustang GT. A few weeks later I met my (soon to be) wife and consulted her while I was in the market for a new car. After having one sports car totaled I was not discouraged in my ownership of a performance driving machine.

I was considering the 370Z, GT86, and 2017 Camaro ZL1. I was a few months from being deployed so it was ether get something lower down now or wait till post deployment and get a ZL1. I decided to get something then and build it up as I went. I had a friend take me to the nissan dealership as they had the base model 370Z.

Cody’s 2017 Nissan 370z on the showroom floor with 67 miles on the odometer. *Magnetic black with graphite grey wheels and black interior.* Photos courtesy of Cody.

After sitting in it I was set, I didn’t even need to go look at the GT86. Four hours later after a lot of haggling over the price I walked out with the keys to a 2017 Nissan 370Z from the show room floor with 67 miles on the odometer.

One of the first things I did was drop in a set of resonated down pipes to get rid of the constricted exhaust sound. As I was working on this I had just removed the cats when the auto hobby center on the base had to close. I left, moving my car with open headers out of the shop and to the parking lot where I was hit by a distracted driver on the driver quarter panel and wheel and he pushed on and creased my door as well. Insurance covered the $4,500 in damage. The collision center worked on my car after I left for deployment just two days after the accident. My wife, who was my girlfriend at the time, and her mom picked my car up from the shop for me.

Upon returning home for a month break in our deployment, I installed my down pipes. Sounded amazing but there was still some restriction from the factory intakes. After that deployment I married my wife. A few months passed and we began working up to another deployment. I had to leave for a month in the middle of moving into our new house. When I returned my wife had bought me a cold air intake I had been looking at before I left.

With the restrictiveness of the factory components removed I put the breaks on modifications for few months then I bought a set of pedal covers, a 5 point harness, and weighted shift knob. Fast forward till after second deployment and I got a bucket seat where in I manufactured my own seat brackets. After that it was time for new tires and with that I installed slotted rotors and higher temp brake pads. Puts us at the current time in history.”

Cody’s Story

“I was born and raised in Alaska. Single income poverty line family of six. My step dad worked in construction and as a hunting guide during summer months. Winters were slow for him, so we were always under the pressure of making bills.

As I grew up I was interested in trucks, dirt bikes, guns, and airplanes. The last I pursued to a great extent; working at the local airport for an aircraft mechanic as work study at the age of fourteen. I was home schooled, so it was not uncommon for me to do my school late in the evening after spending eight to ten hours in the hanger. I was also a participant in the Talkeetna branch of Build a Plane.

After my boss at the airport moved, I went to work for a machine shop making aircraft parts but was forced to quit after my school load took up too much time and I was unable to balance a full time job there. Later that school year I went to work on tourist aircraft for a few months.

After graduating I enrolled in AVTEC, a trade school in Seward AK. I started in their industrial electrical program but due to difficulties in understanding and keeping pace with the other thirty one students, the two instructors encouraged me to move to a different program. I did and found a last minute seat in the structural welding program.

Now for a later life point of view – I was not the greatest student. But I had a natural talent for welding and it was the program I initially wanted to get into but it had been full at the time I had enrolled earlier. After graduating with high marks. I went to work for my parents company that was still in the process of growing while I waited for my resume to be noticed. But after half a year I enlisting in the navy as an AE.

After boot camp and initial schooling I got orders to a helicopter squadron in Jacksonville Florida. Where I discovered trucks were impractical, but sportscars?

Thus my car guy phase started and has been fueled since, with no indication of stopping.”

Interested in showcasing your ride? Send us a message at chris@firstcoastcarculture.com

November 10, 2020November 13, 2020

Compact Sports Sedan (near) Perfection: The 2020 Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 and 45

From behind the steering wheel the redesigned 2020 AMG CLA, whether it is the 35 or 45, is a sports car. AMG’s precise steering and on-point suspension produces an inspiring handling package. The turbocharged engine and dual-clutch transmission yield excellent acceleration and the AMG brake package provides confident stopping power.

Sit in the front passenger’s seat or plant yourself in the rear seating and the CLA becomes a luxurious family-friendly sedan (although Mercedes refers to it as a coupe because of the styling). We aren’t saying that the compact CLA will meet the needs of every family, but AMG has done a lot to make the enthusiast darling more practical for 2020. Thanks to a nicely-appointed interior that is bigger than the outgoing model with added (and greatly appreciated) rear headroom, the CLA becomes a true competitor in the highly competitive compact luxury sedan segment.

Three Variants of CLA

For 2020, the CLA sedan is offered in three different trim levels: the base CLA 250, and the two cars that we spent time with: the AMG CLA 35 and AMG CLA 45.

The CLA 250 is powered by turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that is rated at 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The base 250 model is front-wheel-drive, but Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive is available as an option.

The AMG CLA 35 includes a more powerful version of the 2.0-liter turbo rated at 302 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. For many years 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque was the magic formula for a brilliant sports car and with close to those numbers, it is hard to deny the performance of the CLA 35. Zero to sixty takes 4.8 seconds (less by some outlets). All-wheel-drive and the AMG performance additions make the 35 a strong contender in the segment. Both the 250 and 35 are equipped with an intuitive seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

If the 35’s bump boost isn’t enough; the AMG 45 turns up the volume to the tune of 382 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Mashing the accelerator to the floor yields gasps from passengers and contentment from even the most discerning enthusiasts. All-wheel-drive and the AMG suspension, coupled with the hardy dual-clutch EIGHT speed automatic transmission means nearly instant traction; the launch can be quite visceral.

Exterior Styling That Makes an Impression

Thanks to a “sharknose” grille and a svelte silhouette, the CLA looks professional yet aggressive. Yes, the design is a bit flashy but the Mercedes design team shows great restraint avoiding clichés and over styling in favor of simple flowing lines. The result is a sedan that almost passes for a sports coupe – even when you’re staring directly at the rear C-pillar. Standard features on the base 250 include LED headlights and taillights, a panorama roof and 18-inch alloy wheels. AMG 35 and 45 models get 19-inch wheels, unique grilles and a list of AMG exterior touches.

A Tech-filled Interior that is Sporty-Comfortable

The CLA is equipped with Mercedes-Benz’s newest infotainment system, Mercedes-Benz User Experience or MBUX. The system is intuitive and looks great. Our AMG review vehicles included a digital voice assistant that responds to the word “Mercedes.” We found ourselves asking Mercedes about the coming weekend’s weather in exotica locales, just to know what we were missing. The system is highly configurable and works well with Apple and Android devices.

AMG models include a set of performance apps that provide the driver with important information at a glance. Our favorite setting provided instant horsepower and torque numbers along with engine oil and transmission oil temperatures all displayed on the 10.25-inch touchscreen display.

Standard active safety features include active brake assist, emergency call service, attention assist, blind spot assist, rearview camera and crosswind assist. Additionally, the all models also come with 8 air bags, an electric parking brake, rain-sensing windshield wipers and an antitheft alarm system.

The 2020 CLA 250 starts at $36,650. The AMG CLA 35 and 45 start at $46,900 and $54,800 respectively.

November 9, 2020November 9, 2020

2020 Ponte Vedra Auto Show – November 15, 2020

Photo and information courtesy of The Ponte Vedra Auto Show.

The Ponte Vedra Auto Show is open and free to spectators. The show features up to 200 classic and collector cars! Jacksonville Car Culture’s Chris Brewer will be on hand to help judge the 50th Anniversary of the Z Car special display.

Show registration to display a vehicle is open until November 12, 2020 at https://pvautoshow.com/register-for-show-1

Where and When:

November 15, 2020

9 am-3 pm

The show takes place on the Nocatee Event Field located at

245 Nocatee Center Way, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32081

Parking for the event is free!

About

The Ponte Vedra Auto show is presented by Art ‘n Motion in association with the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce and the St. Johns County Tourism Development Council.

For more information visit: https://pvautoshow.com/

November 5, 2020November 5, 2020

Matchbox Find: Ewy Rosqvist 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220 SE Sedan

“They Said I Could Never Finish; So I Finished First.”

Ewy Rosqvist, winner of the 1962 Argentinian Touring Car Grand Prix with Ursula Wirth in a Mercedes-Benz 220 SE.

Stumbled upon this very cool 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220 SE Matchbox at my local Walmart. Not a bad way to invest $1. Ewy’s story is legendary. She was the first female Touring Car Grand Prix Winner, proving the “experts” wrong and breaking barriers along the way. This little toy is worth having simply as a reminder that anything is possible with hard work, dedication and believing in yourself.

From Mercedes-Benz Classic (Daimler:AG): “The first race for Rosqvist and Wirth in their top-end Mercedes-Benz 220 SE (W 111) Saloon was the four-day Swedish Rally to the Midnight Sun (12 to 16 June 1962) where they immediately secured the women’s cup. They took 6th place in the 22nd Rajd Polski (2 to 6 June 1962) and then came in 12th in the Liège–Sofia–Liège Rally (29 August to 3 September 1962) before going on to win the Argentinian Touring Car Grand Prix. Ewy Rosqvist and Ursula Wirth won all six stages of this 4,624-kilometre race in course records, triggering enthusiastic celebrations on their arrival in Buenos Aires. It was probably the biggest success in Ewy Rosqvist’s glittering career. To seal this victory Ewy Rosqvist not only succeeded in dominating the race, she also increased the average speed from 121.234 km/h to 126.872 km/h compared to the previous year’s winning duo (Walter Schock and Manfred Schiek in a Mercedes-Benz 220 SE).”

See the full story at https://media.daimler.com/marsMediaSite/en/instance/ko.xhtml?oid=9919981

November 4, 2020March 22, 2021

Lyn St. James named Official Honoree of the 26th Annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance May 20-23, 2021

Racer, writer, broadcaster, entrepreneur and motivational speaker Lyn St. James is the Honoree of the 26 ^th annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance scheduled for May 20-23, 2021.

Lyn’s life is a high speed motorsports adventure. Her racing career began in a Ford Pinto –her daily driver – in the 1970s and had its grand finale more than two decades later in a special commemorative ceremony on the “yard of bricks” at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

*Lyn at the Indianapolis 500 in 1993. Photo courtesy of Lyn St. James.*

Her first titles were a pair of regional south Florida road racing championships. She moved up quickly racing a Corvette at Sebring, Palm Beach and Daytona. A brave class victory in the punishing 1979 24 Hours of the Nurburgring racing an AMC Spirit AMX sponsored by BF Goodrich is an exotic and sometimes overlooked line on Lyn’s deep resume. By then corporate America liked what they were seeing and hearing from the racer from Willoughby, OH.

She graduated to the pro ranks in the 1980s as a Ford factory racer. In 1984 Autoweek magazine named her Rookie of the Year in IMSA’s GTO class. A year later she won IMSA’s Norelco Driver of the Year award. That was a very good year: an IMSA GTO victory came in August 1985 at Road America in the Lowenbrau Classic. A month later, on one of her favorite tracks, the full Grand Prix course at Watkins Glen, Lyn scored an unprecedented and still unequalled solo IMSA GTO class victory in the Serengeti Drivers New York 500 racing a Roush Mustang. The eighties also saw two class victories in the 24 Hours of Daytona.

*Lyn celebrates after winning the IMSA GTO class at the Serengeti Drivers New York 500 at Watkins Glen in 1985. Photo courtesy of Lyn St. James.*

For Lyn the eighties were fast and productive. In 1988 she set a closed course speed record for women at 212.577 mph in a Bill Elliott-built Thunderbird. That was just one of 21 national and international speed records Lyn authored. She earned another page in the record books with an Indy 500 qualifying lap of 227.32 mph that stood as a record for women until Sarah Fisher’s lap of 229.675 mph qualifying for the 2002 “500.”

In 1989 she entered the 24 Hours of Le Mans driving a Ford-powered Spice. Another classic race course and even though her car retired on Sunday morning Lyn logged a lot of seat time. She returned to the classic French 24 Hours in 1991 with two-time World Sports Car Championship race winner Desiré Wilson and Cathy Muller, but their Cosworth-powered Spice prototype lasted just 47 laps. In 1990, Lyn earned yet another GTO class win in another famous classic endurance race, the 12 Hours of Sebring, with a Mercury Cougar XR-7.

*Lyn gives a thumbs up after qualifying for the Indy 500 in 1992. Photo courtesy of Lyn St. James.*

It was a visit to the Indy 500 with her mother in 1966 that revealed Lyn’s passion for motorsport. Her Indy 500 career began with a surprise test at Memphis Motorsports Park in a Dick Simon Racing Lola. Things began to move quickly. Lyn’s commercial, marketing and persuasive skills brought JCPenney to her Indy rookie program.

On Memorial Day 1992, Lyn raced her JCPenney sponsored Lola/Chevy — the Spirit of the American Woman — to eleventh place, becoming the first woman to win Indy’s prestigious Rookie of the Year award.

Even today she is quick to remind us that she still holds the record as Indy’s oldest Rookie of the Year winner. Eight years and seven Indy 500s later Lyn retired from Indy Car competition with career earnings of nearly $1.2 million.

*Lyn St. James behind the wheel of the JCPenney sponsored Lola during the Indy 500. Photo courtesy of Lyn St. James.*

Lyn’s strong entrepreneurial streak first emerged in an auto components business that fused with her passion for racing. Her ability to see and understand motorsport from the perspective of the cockpit and the boardroom has been a constant asset during her long tenure in and around motorsport. In 2010 those skills were honored by Automotive News as one of The Top 100 Women in the Automotive Industry. Sports Illustrated named her one of the “Top 100 Women Athletes of the Century.”

She has been a spokesperson for Ford, appeared in Rolex ads and is the founder of the Lyn St. James Foundation (a 501(c)(3) charitable organization) for the education, training and advancement of women in automotive fields. She has also served on the board of Kettering University, a top engineering school.

Lyn served as President of the Women’s Sports Foundation from 1990 to 1993. In 1994 Lyn was inducted to the Florida Sports Hall of Fame; Working Woman Magazine included her as one of the Top 350 Women Who Changed the World between 1976 and 1996. She’s been summoned to The White House for civic honors by three consecutive Presidents — Reagan, Bush and Clinton.

“Lyn has been an integral part of the racing community for years and followed in the steps of the likes of Elizabeth Junek, Janet Guthrie, and Lella Lombardi who won races, set records and broke barriers,” said Bill Warner, founder and Chairman of the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. “Lyn earned her stripes driving a wide variety of race cars starting in club racing with her daily driver, a Ford Pinto, and culminated with a successful career in Indy cars. Along the way, she shared long distance drives with some of the best drivers of the day. There is more than a quarter of a century of proof that she is the “real thing” behind the wheel.”

Tickets for the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance can be purchased at https://www.ameliaconcours.org/shop/tickets