BMW Archives • Jacksonville (First Coast) Car Culture

May 25, 2023May 25, 2023

904 Automotive Events Calendar May 25, 2023

Jacksonville Car Culture events calendar

The next Caffeine &Octane 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.

Recent events:

Sunshine State Chevelles got a lot of that at its Cruise Fruit Cove last Saturday around the pond at the PDQ at 194 Florida 13 in Saint Johns. All photos courtesy of cruise-in founder and Sunshine Chevelles founder Chris Conover.

Upcoming events….

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 this Saturday 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: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Callahan Methodist Church at 449648 U.S. 301. Free for spectatos and $20per show vehicle. 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.

Nease High School NJROTC Car Show: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 2, at Nease High School, 10550 U.S. 1. Near St. Augustine. 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.

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 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, the Dixie Chapter Pontiacs visiting this month. 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: 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. 2^nd 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….

It’s true – Oscar Mayer announced that it was renaming its world-famous Wienermobile after 87 years.

And the new moniker – is “Frankmobile,” to be hot-dogging on streets near you as of right now, all part of a rebranding that the company says “pays homage” to its new all-Beef Franks.

We are told the folks who drive the Frankmobile from event to event, once known as Hotdoggers, are now Frankfurters.

Remember the 1997 BMW Z3 M Coupe, with its Kammback roof and aggressive shape?

Well, BMW premiered its svelte successor – the Concept Touring Coupé – at the recent Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.

The closed two-seater, developed for one-off production, reimagined the traditional body shape of an elegant sports car, giving the vehicle a shooting brake look. In the interior, precisely crafted leather surfaces from Italian manufacturer Poltrona Frau. The compartment behind the seats provides ample room to stow luggage also exclusively custom-made at the Schedoni leather workshop in Modena.

“The BMW Concept Touring Coupé celebrates the original Sheer Driving Pleasure,” says Domagoj Dukec, head of BMW Design. “A highly emotional vehicle like this shows that the passion for everything that goes into driving pleasure has been essential through the ages and will be for the future.”

The hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind Coupé is powered by the brand’s six-cylinder in-line engine. The design highlight is its sculpted rear end. Created from the flowing contours of the roof, which merge seamlessly with the rear side panels, the shape accentuates the car’s athletic shoulders, while the flat rear window and clearly defined body surfaces emphasize the vehicle’s solid stance.

The Sparkling Lario exterior paintwork has embedded flakes of blue glass.

The Amelia Concours d’Dlegance 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.

January 19, 2023January 19, 2023

904 Automotive Events Calendar for Jacksonville and First Coast Florida 1-19-2023

Jacksonville Car Culture events calendar

Caffeine and Octane

The next Caffeine and Octane is set from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11 at The Avenues mall’s Southside Boulevard parking lots.

But despite last Saturday’s chill, this month’s event was filled with rides of all kinds.

The event also celebrated Japanese enthusiast/collectible/classic/luxury vehicles in a special display within the Central Lot.

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 and at https://shop.caffeineandoctane.com/

Upcoming events….

Classic Car Show: Noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday at Brewz – Bartram Park, 14866 Old St. Augustine Road.

Hastings Boulevard Car Show: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11, on Main Street in downtown Hastings. Free for spectators and $25 per show vehicle day of show.

Sixth annual Pedro Menendez High School Athletic Booster Club benefit car show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11, at the Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine at 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway S. Free for spectators and $20 day-of-show for display vehicles.

Moose Lodge Car, Van and Truck Show: 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11, at the Chapter 184 Moose Lodge at 3875 Reid St. in Palatka. Free for spectators and $25 day-of-show for display vehicles.

Benefit Car and Truck Show: 3 to 6 pm. on Saturday, Feb. 18, at The Crews Barn at 6852 Cattle Gap Lane Glen in St. Mary. Free to spectators and $25 per show vehicle.

Jacksonville International Auto Show: Feb. 16 to 19 at the Prime Osborn Convention Center at 100 Water St. More than 30 car company products on display, plus live music and special events – for hours, ticket prices and event news, go here.

11th Annual Kruisin4Kids car show: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 25, at Dinsmore Baptist Church, 10500 Old Kings Road in Jacksonville, with a burnout competition.

Classic Car Show: 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 4, at Journey Church West at 550974 U.S. 1 in Hilliard.

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.

8th Annual San Jose Car & Truck Show at Dupont Station: 8:30 10 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 1, 6271 St. Augustine Road. More info to come. Proceeds will be donated to the Bishop John J. Snyder Community Center.

Riding into History Concours D’Elegance: Set for April 15, 2023, 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.

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.

Cruise-in heads-up:

Cruise Fruit Cove: Due to Saturday’s Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Kansas City Chiefs game, this monthly cruise moves up to a noon to 4 p.m. slot on Saturday at PDQ, and 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: Free first Saturday of the month cruise-in at 7 to 10 a.m. Saturday 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.

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: 3 to 7 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.

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.

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.

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…

Image courtesy: Goodwood Revival

On what would have been Carroll Shelby’s 100th birthday, Goodwood will celebrate the legendary American driver, car manufacturer and entrepreneur at this year’s Goodwood Revival from Sept. 8 to 10. That will include one of Goodwood’s signature tributes, comprising cars that were not only raced, but also designed and developed by the 1959 Le Mans winner. Look for the MG-TC in which Shelby competed for the very first time, in 1952; and an assortment of Cobras set to take to the track in the all-star Royal Automobile Club TT Celebration. Meanwhile, the Whitsun Trophy will host a number of examples of the Ford GT40, whose design Shelby played such an integral part in refining.

Goodwood also celebrates 75 years of the Motor Circuit, and 25 years of the Revival.

“Goodwood held a very special place in my grandfather’s heart,” said Aaron Shelby, board member of Carroll Shelby International. “He competed there as a driver in an Aston Martin and returned to race at the Circuit with the Shelby American team cars during the 1960s. Carroll attended the Goodwood Revival with his Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe, and as a Word War II aviator he especially admired the vintage warbird exhibit.”

Image courtesy BMW

BMW Group shared its vision of the future digital experience, both inside and outside the vehicle at the recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas with the i Vision Dee, the futuristic mid-size sedan with a new, pared-down design language.

The name “Dee” stands for Digital Emotional Experience – and its aim is to create an even stronger bond between people and their cars going forward, BMW said. Its BMW Head-Up-Display extends across the full width of the windshield, providing a glimpse of the next vehicle generation. The BMW Group has also refined its use of color-change technology, the i Vision Dee now changing its exterior in up to 32 colors.

“With the BMW i Vision Dee, we are showcasing what is possible when hardware and software merge. In this way, we are able to exploit the full potential of digitalization to transform the car into an intelligent companion,” said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “That is the future for automotive manufacturers – and, also, for BMW: the fusion of the virtual experience with genuine driving pleasure.”

The annual Werks Reunion Amelia Island returns on March 3 to The Amelia River Club at 4477 Buccaneer Trail, hosted by the local arm of the Porsche Club of America. Registration has opened for the event, which 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. The Porsche event is held in conjunction with……

… The 28^th iteration of The Amelia has tickets are available, with stock car legend Jeff Gordon as honoree on March 2-5. 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. Details and tickets are at AmeliaConcours.com.

November 18, 2021November 18, 2021

904 Events Calendar November 11, 2021

Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville: If you have a special ride and want to be front and center as the folks from NBC Sports film at least one, probably two episodes of its national Caffeine and Octane TV show. Cars should start arriving by 7 a.m., the best way in through Malabar Boulevard off of Southside Boulevard.

BMW M cars and Ford Broncos will be highlighted at the event, and showcased in a special display within the Central Lot. So everyone parked there is asked to stay put until 11 a.m. for the filming (no leaving early/no exceptions), to make this the best C and O Jacksonville this year! Remember – submit your ride for consideration at: Ford Bronco – https://form.123formbuilder.com/6010449//. And if a BMW M Series is your ride, submit it to: https://form.123formbuilder.com/6010454//

The First Coast Car Council’s November Featured Car Club is the Jacksonville Mazda Owners Club, supported by Tom Bush Mazda.

As always, there will be a Porsche section, and an exotics area as well as 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.

Ponte Vedra Auto Show: The 2021 Ponte Vedra Auto Show returns on Sunday under the direction of Justin Felker and Art ‘n Motion. And this year, it adds a first-time A1A Cruise the night before on the same site as the auto show the next day.

The A1A Cruise runs from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the event field at 245 Nocatee Center Way in Ponte Vedra Beach, and it is free and open to any classic or modern sports car, motorcycle or specialty/exotic.

Then from 10 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Sunday, 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 at the same grass field. The show is free for spectators. Event parking is also free. All of the show spots are filled, so only pre- registered cars will be allowed at Sunday’s show.

Some more local automotive news:

When the World Wide Historic Motoring Awards presented by Octane Magazine in London are announced next week in London, one Jacksonville man and Northeast Florida’s world-class concours d’elegance are up for separate nominations.

Bill Warner with the late Sir Stirling Moss at an Amelia Island Concours

In the Best Concours in the World nomination, the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance is one of five events on the list. It won twice in 2015 and 2017. The other nominees are: The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, Salon Privé and Sydney Harbour Concours d’Elegance. Then Bill Warner, founder of The Amelia, is a nominee in the Personal Achievement category, along with Andrew and David Bagley, Henry Pearman, Paul Michaels and Phillip Sarofim.

The winners will be announced on Nov. 18 at the Rosewood Hotel in London,

Motorsports events:

Off-Road United Foundation seventh annual Krawl’n For The Fallen: Saturday and Sunday at the Florida International Rally & Motorsports Park (F.I.R.M) at 7266 Airport Road in Starke. The nonprofit Off-Road United Foundation supports law enforcement, fire fighters, EMS, service members, linemen and tow truck drivers. Krawl’n For The Fallen was started in 2015 to give back to Concerns Of Police Survivors National and support survivor retreats and kids camps. It has set a minimum donation goal of $80,000 to C.O.P.S each year.

This year’s event expects 2,000 attendees, 1,000 Jeeps and 12 local/state and federal law enforcement agencies.

Gates open at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, with opening ceremonies, open trails, K9 demos, a 5K Running 4 Heroes and more. There’s a Saturday night ride to honor those who have been lost from the year. For information, registration and ticket prices, go to bit.ly/3oEPDEK.

Duval Dirt Dash: Saturday and Sunday at Jacksonville International Raceway at 8781 U.S. 301 S. in Jacksonville. The raceway and Deaf Duck Racing hosting a minibike race – endurance, flat track oval, roval, and dirt drags. A $20 gate fee includes camping for the weekend. There’s a $30 race fee. Information at Deaf Duck Racing.

Nitro Rallycross at The FIRM: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 4 and 5, at the Florida International Rally & Motorsport Park at 7266 Airport Rd, Starke. Teams with drivers like Tanner Foust and Travis Pastrana will race on steep berms, banked turns and 100-ft gap jumps at the track. Two-day standing room general admission – $36 each. Two-day grandstand seating – $50 each. Two-day VIP with cash bar – $139 each. Get information here, and reserve tickets here.

Now all the Car Shows:

Prince of Peace fourth annual Car Show: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the church at 6320 Bennett Road. Free to spectators and $25 day-of-show for show vehicles.

Back to the Fifties Car Show and Moosehaven 11th Annual Chili Cook-Off: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Moosehaven at 1701 Park Ave. in Orange Park. A classic car show, Kids Zone, arts and crafts, live entertainment and a chili cook-off, plus NASCAR driver Ross Chastain and his Moose-sponsored No. 42 show car. Free for spectators and $5 to judge the chili. The event benefits K9s For Warriors.

Rodeheaver Boys Ranch Classic Car Show: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the ranch at 380 Boys Ranch Road in Palatka. Free for spectators and $25 per show car, all registrants getting 2 free tickets to the ranch’s Palatka Fall Bluegrass festival. More information at https://www.mynewsletterbuilder.com/email/newsletter/1415523484.

10th Annual Exotic & Luxury Car Show: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Porsche Jacksonville, 11211 Atlantic Blvd. Free for spectators and $50 registration for show vehicles. Proceeds will benefit Homes For Our Troops.

Cecil Pines Antique Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Cecil Pines Adult Living Community, 6008 Lake Cove Ave. Free to spectators and show vehicles.

14th Annual Back to the Fifties Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Moosehaven at 701 Park Ave, Orange Park. Hosted by the Clay County Cruzers, NASCAR Cup Series driver Ross Chastain and his No. 42 car will be there.

Pearl Harbor Commemoration: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, at The Military Museum of North Florida at 1 Bunker Ave, Green Cove Springs, off Florida 16. The event begins with a ceremony, plus car show, re-enactors and a military collector show.

Toys for Tots car show: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday Dec. 11, at Golden Isle Church of God, 20 Boswell Lane in Brunswick, Ga. Free for spectators and $20 per show vehicle, or a new unwrapped toy. Donations go to the area Toys for Tots program.

Cruisin’ and Crossin’ 4 Kids Car and Truck Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12, at the WW Ranch Motorcross Park, 1439 Otis Road in Jacksonville. Spectators are asked to bring a canned good or donation for the needy, while show vehicle registration is $20. Live music from Beau and The Burners, sponsored by the Callahan Cruisers.

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.

Jacksonville Caffeine and Gasoline: 7 to 10 a.m. on every first Saturday at the Orange Park Mall at 1910 Wells Road in Orange Park.

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, 1803 East-West Parkway in Fleming Island; 5 p.m. every third Friday at Freddy’s Steakburgers at 386 Blanding Blvd.; 9 to 11 a.m. every fourth Saturday at Nicole’s Café, 2216 S. Mimosa Ave. in Middleburg; and 2 to 5 p.m. every fourth Saturday at Gator’s Dockside Oakleaf, 316 Merchants Way, Jacksonville.

First Coast Car Council events: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every first Saturday at The Beaver Street Farmers Market, 1810 W. Beaver St.

UPDATE: The Car Council’s second Saturday cruise-in suspended through the end of the year.

NEW – Crossroad Cruise-in: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and each first Saturday at Crossroad Church at 10005 Gate Parkway N.

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

Cruise Night at Beachwalk: 5 to 8 p.m. every second Friday at the Beachwalk Amenity Center, 1000 County Road 210 in St. Johns.

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.

Cruise Fruit Cove: 4 to 8 p.m. every third Saturday at the PDQ at 194 Florida 13 in Saint Johns, just south of Julington Creek. And the site was packed last Saturday with all kinds of classics, MOPARS, Pontiacs, Mustangs….and more.

Amelia Cruizers: 4 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday at Cold Stone Creamery, 808 Sadler Road, Fernandina Beach.

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 resuming on Nov. 27 (see above), both at 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway South in St Augustine.

Cars and Coffee Fleming Island: 7 to 10 a.m. every third Sunday of the month at the New Vision Theatre at 1820 Town Center Blvd., Fleming Island.

White Brothers Auto Parts Cruise-in: It has a new name – The Part’s House/The Brothers Banter Podcast Cruise-n, but at the same time – 5 to 8 p.m. every second Friday at 405 Lane Ave. N.

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

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 held its own Cars and Coffee in the infield at the recent Classic 24 Hour at Daytona Presented by IMSA at the 3.56-mile-long Daytona International Speedway road course. And along with a passel of Porsches, there was a classic diesel Mercedes-Benz, some new and classic Corvettes, and a Ferrari 308, Magnum style, passing another red mid-engine sports car. Oh yes, that MG Assist MGB-GT is the real deal – roadside assistance for Morris Garage cars, complete with strobe lights front and rear.

June 3, 2021June 3, 2021

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.

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.

April 27, 2021April 27, 2021

Sport Sedan Perfect: The 2021 BMW M5

Not that many years ago, mashing the throttle and launching from zero to 60 miles per hour in less than three seconds was mid-engine supercar territory. A few years before that and it was superbike territory. Go back any further and you’d need some sort of completely built custom dragster that ran on alcohol.

Today, it’s a spacious five-passenger family-friendly sports sedan with enough trunk space for a vacation’s worth of luggage. So is the riddle of the 2021 BMW M5.

BMW M5 aka The Benchmark

BMW’s 5 series is already the sports sedan benchmark for style, convenience and luxury. It has been for decades. When the first M5 arrived in the United States for the 1988 model year, the powerful straight-six engine, sport suspension and enhanced braking put the sedan’s performance ahead of the vast majority of two-passenger sports cars. BMW’s latest version of the M5 eclipses all but the ultimate sports cars in just about every performance category while offering 14 cubic feet of cargo space and plenty of room for three adults in the back seats.

Power and Performance

BMW’s ferocious twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 produces 600 horsepower and 553 lb-ft in the stock M5 trim. Opt for the Competition model and that horsepower number bumps up to 617. Peak torque remains the same, but the powerband is a bit flatter. That means when you mash the go pedal to the floor you’ll get all 553 lb-ft longer between shifts. While the extra power does enhance performance, you may not notice the slight difference when you’re fighting to remain conscious as the all-wheel-drive German rocket ship of a car simulates the Millennium Falcon’s iconic Kessel Run or what us mere mortals refer to as “a spirited drive to the grocery store.”

The M5’s all-wheel drive helps facilitate the sedan’s frighteningly quick launches and aids the rather family-friendly sedan in achieving a level of grip that matches or bests many purpose-built sports cars. BMW’s race-prepped suspension instills confidence. The stock brakes work flawlessly and the optional carbon ceramic package provides the most aggressive braking we have experienced in a sports sedan.

In case you’re curious, the 2021 BMW M5 is rated at an EPA-estimated 15/21 mpg city/highway.

Relatively Subtle Styling (that we love)

The M5’s styling does little to alert the public that they are indeed looking at an exotic sports car. The sedan’s design is entirely attractive and certainly makes a powerful statement, but it doesn’t make a scene when rolling through the carpool lane at your kid’s school. Sure there will be the occasional thumbs up from the informed vice principal, but no one is calling TMZ to cash in on the cell phone video.

An Interior that Strives for Perfection

BMW’s luxurious interior offers something for everyone, but unapologetically puts the driver front and center. All of the car’s function controls are positioned around the driver and within arm’s reach. The performance-themed gauge cluster includes an rpm pre-warning and shift lights.

We drive a lot of cars, very few can compete with the M5’s comfortable seating, thoughtful instrumentation and all-around fit and finish. While nothing is ever perfect, an argument can be made for this special car’s cabin.

Who are we kidding? We wouldn’t be offended if you labeled any aspect of the M5 as “perfection.”

One of our favorite features is the leather-wrapped steering wheel’s two red buttons marked M1 and M2. Each button can be configured to automatically adjust each of the M5’s numerous performance systems. Once initially configured, they work as M-powered “easy buttons.”

Rear passenger seating is roomy and comfortable. Legroom is excellent. Even the rear middle seat is comfortable.

Technology that Makes an Amazing Driver’s Car Even Better

The standard infotainment includes a 12.3-inch high-resolution screen with navigation. Audio features a 16-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system with USB and Bluetooth streaming and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. BMW’s iDrive infotainment is intuitive and powerful. A wireless charging hotspot allows you to get in the car, place your phone in the dock and once configured the system automatically connects. It is as easy as it gets.

The M5 also includes a standard head-up display that projects vehicle and infotainment information on the windshield. Standard safety features forward collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, adaptive LED headlights, auto high beams and front and rear parking sensors.

Available active safety technology includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, forward collision avoidance, front cross-traffic and emergency stop assistance.

Pricing

Manufacturer suggested retail pricing for the 2021 BMW M5 starts at $103,500 plus fees.

The Competition package on our review vehicle meant a power increase to 617 horsepower. The package also includes exterior upgrades that include special 20-inch wheels, dark exterior accents, lowered sport suspension and sport exhaust. Inside, owners are treated to front sport seats, premium leather upholstery and M Sport seat belts. As tested our review vehicle cost $139,645.

February 25, 2021February 25, 2021

Sports Sedan Greatness: The 2021 BMW M550i xDrive

I am a longtime fan of the iconic BMW 5 series. As a kid my dad owned a 1982 BMW 528i with a 5-speed manual transmission. The car was 10 years old at the time. It was black and had a mirror like shine, the result of hours spent wet sanding a respray. The car stood out, even around vehicles that cost much more.

For us BMW’s 5 series is in many ways the car you would own if you could only have one car – as in forever. Performance in on par or better than many purpose-built sports cars. The interior is luxurious but avoids gimmicks, for the most part anyway. The trunk provides plenty of cargo space. It looks great.

We recently spent some time with the latest 5 series, the 2021 BMW M550i xDrive sedan. Updated for the 2021 model year, the M550i represents the top trim apart from the heralded M5 sedan. The new model year features improvements in the exterior and interior design, new technology and a 530e model that includes a 48-volt mild hybrid system.

Our review vehicle, the M550i xDrive is powered by a formidable 523 horsepower 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 engine. The V8 produces 553 ft-lbs. of torque and is coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The all-wheel-drive sedan leaps from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds and is capable of reaching a top speed of 155 mph.

For the record, that’s blazingly fast. Especially for a car that fits in well while pulling up to the car pool lane at the local elementary school or parked at the local grocery store. No rolling circus, no carnival act, just a gorgeous ride that does little to attract undo attention. Those in the know will take a minute to look it over, but otherwise, it is a sleeper that will give most sports cars a run for the money.

The M550i xDrive’s all-wheel drive system is rear-biased. This equates to a car that is great in the snow, but rowdy like a rear-wheel-drive sedan when pushed. The M550i xDrive also features a rear M Sport differential. The electronically controlled rear differential improves traction and power by changing the grip of the left and right rear wheels and by preventing wheel spin. Paired with a fantastic adjustable suspension, incredibly precise steering and powerful brakes, the M550i is truly a BMW sports sedan worthy of the manufacturer’s benchmark status.

Unique Sleek Styling

While tastefully done, our M550i xDrive Sedan does feature some unique styling cues. A new aero kit and rear trunk lid spoiler enhance functionality and looks. Further setting apart the trim, “Cerium Grey” paint is applied to the side mirror caps, BMW kidney grille, front air intake inlays and to model lettering. Dual trapezoidal black chrome exhaust finishers accent the rear and high-gloss black window surrounds give the sides a distinctive look. Sans the typical brightwork, the M550i is stealthy.

A Refined User-Friendly Interior

Four-cylinder and six-cylinder models are fit with BMW’s “SensaTec” upholstery with contrast stitching. Our V8-powered M550i comes with real “Dakota” leather seating. Nappa leather is available on all models. The dashboard on the four- and six-cylinder 5 Series can be ordered in an optional black synthetic leather with brown stitching, which is also standard on our M550i xDrive.

All models feature comfortable and supportive sport seats. The M550i comes with BMW’s “M Multi-contour seats.” Both the standard and upgraded seating are among the best in the segment. BMW has worked for decades to perfect the sports sedan interior and it shows.

Rear seating is spacious and comfortable as well. With room for three adults, the M550i is truly a family-friendly sports sedan. Cargo space in the trunk is relatively small at 14 cubic feet but is easily expanded thanks to the standard 40:20:40 split folding rear seat.

Technology That Works

The new 5 Series features a long list of standard technology. The Live Cockpit Professional with iDrive 7 features a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a 12.3-inch digital central touchscreen control display. That is a lot of hi-def video real estate. BMW’s infotainment features navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Enhanced USB and Bluetooth Smartphone integration and a WiFi Hotspot with complimentary 3-month/3GB trial are also included.

The intuitive system provides real buttons, touch screens, a large wheel and hand motion controls. Spinning your finger in a circle in front of the sensor for instance turns the volume up and down. A thumb’s up to the left advances the audio track or radio station. It only takes a few minutes to become acclimated with the hand motions and once you are it allows for the driver to keep their eyes on the road rather than looking for a knob or touchscreen area.

Active Safety Features

Standard active safety features include lane departure warning with steering correction, automatic high beams, frontal collision and pedestrian warning with braking function, blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert and rear collision preparation. Optional tech includes driving assistance and parking assistance packages.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series lineup:

248 hp 530i and 530i xDrive Sedans
288 hp 530e and 530e xDrive PHEV Sedans
335 hp 540i and 540i xDrive Sedans
523 hp M550i xDrive Sedan

Pricing

Pricing for the 2021 BMW 5 Series sedan starts at $54,200 plus fees for the 530i Sedan. Our M550i xDrive sedan starts at $76,800, our loaded up review vehicle costs $93,735, including a $995 destination charge.

February 3, 2021

2021 Roar Before the Rolex 24 Hyperlapse Video – From Our Official Photographer, Deremer Studios, LLC

First Coast Car Culture’s official photographer, Deremer Studios, was hired by BMW to cover the Rolex 24 at Daytona at the Daytona International Speedway. Their team traveled to the “Roar” event the preceding weekend and created this fantastic video:

“With just a week before the IMSA Rolex 24 at Daytona and our race weekend work for BMW, I took my oldest down for a rare day as a spectator at the Roar Before the Rolex 24. But I still couldn’t resist… I took my camera… and 1,500 photos… which I have compressed into this short hyperlapse video. These are unedited – a gallery with the final products will come soon. Even with the competition bubble in place, some of my favorite general public shooting locations are still available and in my opinion, it’s still well worth the ticket price.” Nathan, Deremer Studios, LLC.

Check out Deremer Studios, LLC’s video: