Hybrid Archives • Jacksonville (First Coast) Car Culture

February 16, 2023October 19, 2023

904 Automotive Events Calendar February 16, 2023

Jacksonville Car Culture events calendar

Caffeine and Octane

The next Caffeine and Octane is set from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 8 – correct, March is postponed at the request of the The Avenue’s Mall. However, Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville will return to The Avenues on April 8! In the meantime, Florida’s First Coast will have plenty of automotive goodness to enjoy, including The Amelia, March 2-5, and the San Jose Car & Truck Show on April 1.

Last week, chill and rain dampened attendance. But as C&O celebrated Fords Fiats in a special display within the Central Lot, it also launched the Drive Electric North Florida chapter with Electric Avenue and a nice gathering of EVs, with EVRider.tv, the North Florida Clean Fuels Coalition and JEA.

And despite the weather, some cool EV and fossil-fueled stuff rolled in……………

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

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.

Jacksonville’s International Auto Show

Jacksonville’s annual new car and truck show runs four days this year, set for now through this Sunday at the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center, 1000 Water St. About 100 new cars, sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks and electric vehicles will be on hand for review, plus displays from the Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine and Mercedes-Benz Club of America. Special events include:

Ladies Night – 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, to benefit Rethreaded, a nonprofit agency, with wine tastings and live music – tickets on 904 Tix.

Saturday is First Responders Day, with active military and first responders receiving free admission with valid ID; college Students also receive $5 off tickets with valid ID. Children’s choir performances from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and live music by the Chris James Band starting at 6 p.m.

Sunday Education Day has a special Daytona 500 showing, and Children’s choir performances from 1 to 4 p.m.

Thursday’s show runs from 3 to 9 p.m., then noon to 9 pm. on Friday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 19. Admission is $15 per adult, $9 for seniors, $8 for military and free for children under 12. Parking is free courtesy of VyStar Credit Union. For more information and e-tickets, visit jaxautoshow.com.

Upcoming events….

Bike Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18, at the Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine at 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway S. Free for spectators and $10 per show motorcycle.

Benefit Car and Truck Show: 3 to 6 p.m. 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.

Mardi Gras Festival Car, Truck and Bike Show: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25, on South Lee Street in Kingsland.

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.

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. More info to come. Proceeds will be donated to the Bishop John J. Snyder Community Center.

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.

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.

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

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: 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.

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

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. 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…

Catch the new Ram 1500 REV commercial during the Super Bowl, the one that tells consumers to reserve a place in line to pre-order the all-new, all-electric pickup?

The Big Game spot revealed the Ram 1500 REV for the first time , a 60-second commercial called “Premature Electrification,” actor Jason Jones (“The Detour,” “The Flight Attendant,” “The Daily Show”) humorously addresses potential electrification concerns that may weigh on consumers’ minds when purchasing an electric truck

Ram officials said the Ram 1500 REV will be the first in a lineup of electrified solutions that will add to their current award-winning truck lineup.

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

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.

And to remind air travelers that the concours is coming, The Amelia just parked this original condition Ford Galaxie stock car in the main concourse….groovy! Be sure to stop by the display for details about the event and this fantastic race car!

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.

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.

June 2, 2021June 3, 2021

Jack of All Trades: 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid

While the word “compromise” can have a negative connotation, it is basically impossible to live without it. Anyone who has had a friend for more than a week realizes relationships are all about give and take.

The same is true with daily driver automobiles. Everyone wants performance. Comfort is also key, so is dependability and affordability. While no one can argue the beauty of perfectly fulfilling a single purpose, living with such a vehicle on a daily basis can wear you out. For example, try moving a bunch of boxes with a Porsche 718 GTS 4.0 or weathering hurricane season on the back of a Ducati Diavel 1260.

Although we’d probably try…we admittedly have car issues.

2021 Sorento HEV Hybrid. Photos courtesy of KIA.

On the other hand, Kia’s 2021 Sorento Hybrid is arguably the perfect “compromise” vehicle and we mean that in the best way possible. A responsive and fuel-thrifty hybrid powertrain, seating for six, plenty of cargo space, tons of tech and it looks great. The incredible warranty takes away the reliability worry. For all intents and purposes, Kia has built a nearly-perfect daily driver for a relative bargain, starting at $33,590.

Upon delivery, we wondered if the Sorento would be the Kia to let us down. We’re getting a reputation for being fanboys of the South Korean manufacturer and in a weird viral way a harsh review might give us a bit of street cred. However, jumping behind the wheel and putting the mid-size SUV through it’s paces only reinforced our pro-Kia status. We’ve been enamored by Kia’s flagship SUV, the Telluride, for a while. Frankly, its kind of hard to beat. It just does things right and for less money. It only took us a day or two before we started calling our review Sorento “the little Telluride.” It’s that good. Mid-size SUV competitors take notice.

Zippy Performance that’s Easy on the Wallet

Fuel economy is typically front and center when discussing a new hybrid vehicle. Yes, exceptions to this rule include the LaFerrari, McLaren P1, Porsche 918, etc, but all in all, people purchase hybrids to avoid buying lots of gas. The Sorento’s 1.6 liter Turbocharged 4-cylinder and full parallel hybrid system produces 227 horsepower 258 lb-ft of torque. That generous amount of torque is where the strong performance feel comes from.

Stomp on the gas pedal and the Sorento moves with authority thanks to the hybrid system’s almost instantly-available torque. Power runs to the front wheels through a nicely sorted 6-speed automatic transmission. Where many of the segment competitors have resorted to a softer CVT, Kia has forged ahead with a more traditional automatic gearbox.

Take it easy and the EPA-rated fuel economy for the front wheel drive S model is an impressive 35/39/37 MPG (city/highway/combined).

An Interior for Families

Inside, the Sorento is comfortable and offers a premium feel, even in the base configuration. Front-row seats are big, comfy and heated. The second-row captain’s chairs are as comfortable as the front seats, a rarity in the mid-size SUV segment. They recline and can slide forward with ease for easier third-row accessibility. Third row seating is adequate for two adults, perfect for two small children.

Cargo space is 16 cubic feet with all the seats in place, that number jumps to 75.5 cubic feet when the back to rows are folded down.

Benchmark Technology

While the Sorento’s performance and comfort have already won us over, the mid-size SUV’s incredibly long list of standard technology solidifies our zeal. The 8-inch touchscreen display is sharp, easy to read and intuitive. Infotainment features include satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and ireless Android Auto.

Bluetooth hands-free connectivity and 8 USB ports make connecting devices a straightforward process. The abundance of USB outlets allows the whole family to charge smart phones between destinations.

Kia’s “Drive Wise Driver Assist Technology” includes blind spot collision avoidance, rear cross traffic collision avoidance, auto emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane keeping and following assist. While many other manufacturers will include one or two of these safety technologies as standard, Kia has decided to open the feature faucet wide. It’s hard to find a need for more safety technology beyond an alert driver and the Sorento Hybrid’s standard features.

Pricing that Agrees with (most) Wallets

Hybrid vehicles have always come with a metaphorical “technology tax.” If the gas-powered option is $30k, expect to pay $10k or more for the hybrid option. Fortunately, Kia has worked to keep even the Sorento Hybrid models within reach for many working families and individuals. Starting at $33,590 plus fees, the Sorento Hybrid is a price leader in the segment, especially considering the premium features.

Move up to the EX trim and the Sorento gains a panoramic sunroof, a power Liftgate, fog lights and a handful of nice cosmetic touches for $36,590 plus fees.