904 Automotive Events Calendar 4-6-2023

Jacksonville Car Culture events calendar

Caffeine and Octane is set from 8 to 11 a.m. on Saturday at The Avenues mall at 10300 Southside Blvd., featuring the First Coast Miata Club as well as a section for the Mercedes-Benz Club of America Southern Stars Section (all Mercedes are welcome to join) in 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, 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.

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:

San Jose Car and Truck Show At Dupont Station: 100-plus classics, hot rods and downright intriguing stuff at the 8th annual show, founded by Joe DeSalvo, proceeds benefitting the Bishop John J. Snyder Community Center at nearby San Jose Apartments.

Many thanks to all the volunteers, entrants, judges and spectators who worked together to make this a spectacular event!

Upcoming events….

Second Annual Easter Showdown: NEWTIME – noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday 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.

JEA Drive Electric Earth Day: 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday at the University of North Florida’s Lot 18 on 1 UNF Drive. The free event allows EV owners and EV-wanna-bes to test drive the latest models; meet local EV drivers; how off your EV; learn how to make the change to electric; and learn why thousands have switched. Register here.

Christ, Chrome and Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at Hopewell Church, 1351 Roberts Road in Saint Johns. Free for spectators and $20 per show vehicle.

Courtesy Brumos Collection

Brumos Collection Saturday Social: 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 15, at The Brumos Collection at 5159 San Pablo Road S. Tickets are $19.99 here, and include admission to the collection, with extra cars displayed outside; hear unique engines from some of their cars; Porsche Concours from The Florida Crown Region Of The Porsche Club Of America; and Jaguar Concours from The Jaguar Car Club Of North Florida. Charity and automotive vendors, food trucks and UNF’s Osprey Racing Team will display and start their Formula SAE car.

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.

Cruisin’ to the Creek Car Show: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 15, at Trout Creek Memorial Park, 6650 Florida 13 N. Free for spectators and $25 show vehicle registration. Show benefits the Roald McDonald House of Jacksonville.

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

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

Second annual Hometown Hero’s Ride: This police-escorted motorcycle ride is from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, starting and ending at Adamec Harley-Davidson at 380 Outlet Mall Blvd. in St. Augustine. Registration is $25 per bike, proceeds benefitting Horseplay Therapy Center.

Hometown Heroes Ride: 11 a.m. Saturday, April 22, at Adamec Harley-Davidson at 380 Outlet Mall Blvd. in St. Augustine. A benefit motorcycle ride, proceeds helping Horseplay Therapy Center/Rise Up For Veterans. It’s $25 per bike.

Skynet Team Truck Meet: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, at Jacksonville International Raceway, 8800 Florida 200, Jacksonville. Free for spectators, $2 for parking, and $10 for VIP parking.

St. Augustine Cruisers CarShow: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 29, atthe Classic Car Museum of St. Augustineat 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway South in St Augustine. Free for spectators and $25 show vehicle registration day of show.

Outlaw Builds Car/Truck Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 30, at Detail Garage, 9390 Arlington Expressway.

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

Hilliard First Assembly Car Show: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 6, at the church at 550920 U.S. 1. Free.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

First Coast Car Council: All cruise-ins postponed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And finally….

Photo courtesy of Hennessey

Hennessey introduces a 500 hp VelociRaptor 500 Bronco Raptor with a 20 percent power boost over the factory rating via upgrades to the 3-liter EcoBoost V-6. Hennessey, the Texas-based hypercar manufacturer and high-performance vehicle creator, has begun customer deliveries of its new VelociRaptor 500 Bronco Raptor, following cold weather testing in the snowy mountains of Colorado. It has a new high-capacity intercooler and proprietary engine management system tuning improve charge cooling and increase intake boost to enhance output. There’s upgraded 4×4, fitted with Hennessey’s unique 20-inch alloy wheels and 37-inch off-road tires. Priced from $28,950, the VelociRaptor 500 package features enhanced air induction, a high-capacity intercooler with a blow-off valve, and an upgraded engine-management system to boost the performance of its twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine.

Photos courtesy of Gordon Murray Automotive

Gordon Murray Automotive introduced the open-topped V-12 T.33 Spider with two removable roof panels, a deployable rear window and the naturally-aspirated Cosworth GMA.2 V-12 behind the cabin. Developed in parallel with the T.33 and sharing the same Ultralight carbon fibre monocoque construction, the T.33 Spider has torsional stiffness for outstanding ride, handling and agility without unnecessary weight.

“When drawing a car I imagine what it’s going to feel like to sit in, and how it will feel to drive,” Gordon Murray said. “So from the first sketch I knew that, with its open cockpit and the incredible Cosworth GMA.2 V12 engine right behind you, the T.33 Spider would deliver a truly involving driving experience that’s quite unlike anything else. And while it’s still a mid-engine supercar, I wouldn’t accept any compromise on usability: this is why the T.33 Spider is unique in the supercar sector in delivering both onboard roof storage and a 295 liter luggage capacity.”

The fixed section of the roof features buttresses which blend into the rear deck, behind which are louvres which further aid engine cooling. The ram induction airbox, mounted directly to the engine itself and a hallmark feature of the T.33, becomes even more distinctive on the Spider, especially when the roof panels are removed. There’s a carbon fiber steering wheel trimmed in leather, gear shift lever and switchgear machined from aluminum alloy.

Hyundai

The Hyundai IONIQ 6 won the overall 2023 World Car of the Year title, the 2023 World Electric Vehicle as well as the 2023 World Car Design of the Year awards. This is the second consecutive triple win for the Hyundai Motor Group. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 was last year’s winner in the same three categories.

The 2023 World Luxury Car is the LUCID AIR.

904 Events Calendar (and More) July 20, 2022

Jacksonville Car Culture events calendar

Caffeine and Octane

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

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

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

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

Benefit motorcycle ride:

A police-escorted Hometown Hero’s Ride will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday starting and ending at Adamec Harley-Davidson of St. Augustine at 380 Outlet Mall Blvd. Registration is from 8:30 to 10 a.m., $25 per bike; the first 300 registered bikes include a ride t-shirt. The ride benefits Builders Care, a faith-based nonprofit of Northeast Florida Builders Association, to fund the construction needs of local first responders and military vets. The ride will honor retired Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Motorman Lonnie Mills, recently paralyzed from the waist down when he was rear-ended in a March 10 accident. Food trucks, vendors, live music and raffles will also be on-site, but no vehicles like Slingshots or T-REX can ride.

Now the car shows:

Cypress Village Classic Car Show: 9 a.m. to noon this Friday at the Cypress Village retirement village at 4600 Middleton Park Circle E, behind Mayo Clinic off San Pablo Road. All classic car, motorcycle and hot rod owners can show off their ride. If interested, reach out to Community Life Director Lisa Drew at (904) 807-6114 or DrewLisa@cypressvillageretirement.com.

Nassau Moose Riders Dreams Come True Rocking Car and Bike Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at the Nassau Moose Lodge at 850062 U.S. 17 N. in Yulee. Free for spectators and $20 per pre-1989 show vehicle and all years of motorcycles. Proceeds benefit Dreams Come True.

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

Touch-A-Truck: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 30, at the Clay County Fairgrounds at 2497 Florida 16 in Green Cove Springs. Local and county work vehicles and trucks will be on display. Quiet time is 9 to 11 a.m., then lights and sirens sound off until 2 p.m. Free for spectators.

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

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

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

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

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

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

All the Cruise-ins

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And finally…

Images courtesy of Aston Martin

Aston Martin, England’s 109-year-old creator of some of the world’s most iconic sports cars and grand tourers, including those of Sir James Bond, are making a change to its iconic winged emblem as it takes flight “into an intense new era,” it says.

Along with a new “Intensity. Driven” creative identity and borne on new models such as DBX707, V12 Vantage and the Aston Martin Valkyrie hypercar, the company’s strategic repositioning is the largest investment in Aston Martin’s brand for more than a decade, it said. It also “strengthens its position at the pinnacle of the performance ultra-luxury segment” as it builds on Aston Martin’s growing appeal to a wider, affluent global audience, it said. Hence the subtle change in its winged logo, created in collaboration with British art director and graphic designer Peter Saville.

In physical form, the new wings design is handcrafted by artisans in Birmingham’s jewelry quarter, planted first on Aston Martin’s next generation of sports cars. It is the first major update to the marque since 2003 and only the eighth time in Aston Martin’s history that it has been significantly adjusted. And this weekend, the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One team will proudly feature the new wings on its livery for the French Grand Prix.

Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the brand’s first Grand Prix entry, Aston Martin will symbolically race with its original button logo on the nose of its cars, mirroring the marque featured on its first Grand Prix entries in 1922.

But in case you don’t know what the current logo looks like, here it is adorning the steering wheel of the DBX SUV.

 Images courtesy of Aston Martin

Aston Martin also released a short film in association with the logo news, featuring all five of its current high-performance production models.

As for the new wings, Saville said they are “a classic example of the necessary evolution of logotypes of provenance.”

“Subtle but necessary enhancements not only keep forms fresh, but allow for new technologies, situations and applications to be accommodated in the future,” he said. “The process was one of clarifying and emphasizing the key feature of the Aston Martin marque.”

Courtesy of Hyundai

Meanwhile, Hyundai’s high-performance N sub-brand has revealed two new EV sports car concepts, N Vision 74 (left) and RN22e, “rolling lab” concepts as inspirational examples of its electrification vision.

RN22e melds the new IONIQ 6 and company’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E‑GMP), while N Vision 74 combines EV technology with an advanced hydrogen fuel cell system, making it Hyundai N’s first hydrogen hybrid rolling lab to explore “driving fun” in the electrification era.

“RN22e and N Vision 74 play an important role in the strategic development of our entire product lineup, especially our electrified, high-performance vehicles,” Hyundai executive VP Thomas Schemera said. “Rolling labs represent the continuous development of our most advanced technologies. This unique approach makes us ready for the challenges of the future by empowering us to push ourselves to the limit.”

If N Vision 74 looks vaguely familiar, that is because it pays an homage to the Hyundai Pony Coupe concept from 1974, developed by the legendary car designer Giorgetto Giugiaro. The concept was then built into prototypes for Hyundai’s first production sports car.

Both RN22e and N Vision 74 will continue to be tested and verified by Hyundai’s engineers, so future N road cars can be equipped with their advanced technologies.

Courtesy of Toyota

JDM fans will recognize the name as that of a mostly Japanese market Toyota that’s been around since the mid-1950s, and briefly graced a sleek early 1970’s coupe sold in the U.S. Now Toyota has introduced the latest Crown as a reimagined full-size sedan with vaguely crossover tones.

The new Crown will offer two different hybrid powertrains: Hybrid Max, or the fourth generation Toyota Hybrid System.

Hybrid Max, exclusive to the Platinum grade, is Toyota’s new performance hybrid with an estimated 340 net horsepower. Paired with a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine and a direct shift 6-speed automatic transmission, Hybrid Max produces powerful torque at low rpm, paired with a new high-output bipolar nickel-metal hydride battery for a manufacturer-estimated 38 mpg combined city/highway rating.

The Crown comes on a new chassis, and is almost four inches taller than Camry to offer “increased road visibility, along with easy entry and exit,” Toyota says.

The Toyota Crown should hit U.S. streets later this year.

And a reminder, An Evening with Brumos is a social gathering set for 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 5, at The Brumos Collection at 5959 San Pablo Road S. in Jacksonville:

Jacksonville’s only automobile museum has cars from the Brumos Racing team’s past, plus historic Indy racers and classics in a 35,000-square-foot museum guarded by a big orange Union 76 ball once used by spotters at Daytona International Speedway. The brick building’s design hearkens back to the 1920s Ford Model A plant under the Mathews Bridge.

Tickets are $29.59 each, and include to the collection and a workshop open house with technical staff available for questions, as well as two drink tickets per guest for brews from Intuition Ale Works, wine, soft drinks or water.

The event is for guests 21 and older, IDs needed for alcohol consumption. No drinks are available beyond the two complimentary drinks.

Tickets for the Brumos evening event, as well as the museum itself, can be found here.

N Vision 74 inherited the pure surface, the dynamic proportioned profile and the unique B pillar from the 1974 Pony Coupe concept. Hyundai’s design heritage meets the electrification era with high performance to shape N Vision 74. In addition, Parametric Pixel lighting provides a futuristic flourish.

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

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

All photos property of First Coast Car Culture, LLC.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fun but Safe

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

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

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

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

Pricing

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

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

In a word, YES.  

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

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Proves the Sedan Still Has a Place

The SUV’s dramatic rise in popularity makes it easy to forget about the sedan’s continued significance. Sedan sales are down dramatically in 2019, but ruling out the segment’s importance remains short-sighted.

Hyundai gets it. Over the past few years, the manufacturer has expanded their lineup of SUVs to include Venue, Kona, Tucson, NEXO, Santa Fe variants and the Palisade. We’ve spent time with most of them and have found the build quality, performance and styling to be excellent. However, in the rush to fill out the SUV segment the Korean manufacturer has not forsaken their sedans. In the words of Albert Biermann, president and head of R&D Division, Hyundai Motor Group, “The Sonata (sedan) holds a special significance for our company as one of the longest-standing and most successful models in the global market.”

Spending a few days in Arizona with the all-new 2020 Sonata provided us with plenty of evidence that Hyundai’s strategy includes building attractive and tech-filled four-door midsize family cars. Add excellent fuel economy, one of the best warranties available and a MSRP that won’t break the bank, and it is hard to ignore the latest Sonata’s value.

The all-new 2020 model features Hyundai’s “sensuous sportiness” design language. To our eyes the styling of the four-door coupe is sleek and attractive. Sitting lower, but longer and wider than the outgoing model, it isn’t hard to consider the Sonata a sports sedan. The long hood and short rear deck lid, with integrated spoiler, are taken straight from the sports car lexicon.

Centered around a dashboard that was inspired by the stealth bomber’s wing, the interior design is simple and elegant. Seating is comfortable and the infotainment system continues to be one of the best in the industry. Rear passengers will find the new C pillar’s design robs a little space from the door’s opening, but once inside headroom is excellent and three adults will fit comfortably.

Sonata’s sporty look is more than skin deep. Hyundai’s new sedan is the first model to be based on the manufacturer’s new platform. According to Hyundai, the new architecture is lighter and stronger than the outgoing model. The changes result in better comfort, performance and safety.

The base SE model gains as much as three miles per gallon over the outgoing model. The 2020 Sonata SE, with the 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four cylinder engine, is rated at 32 mpg combined.

The base engine is complemented by a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine found in the higher trim models. The engine provides less horsepower, 180 versus 191, but has an advantage in torque. Thanks to a wide powerband that kicks in the sedan’s full 195 pound-feet of torque at a mere 1500 rpms, the turbocharged Sonata’s acceleration is immediate and feels consistent at almost every speed.

Both powerplants favor fuel economy as the key performance feature over acceleration. That said, the Sonata has plenty of power for the majority of owners shopping for an attractive family sedan. Handling is excellent. The sedan’s braking and steering is immediately familiar and welcome. Powered by either engine, the 2020 Sonata is a capable vehicle.

Driving enthusiasts will want to wait for the yet to be released Sonata N Line. The turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produces 290 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. We were able to take a pre-production version of the N Line for a spirited drive along a twisty Arizona. While we can’t make an in depth assessment based on our limited time behind the wheel, we can report that the car is fast, fun and surprising in the best ways.

Hyundai’s new Sonata is filled with plenty of standard and optional technology features. Standard active safety includes forward collision-avoidance assist, lane keeping assist and advanced Smart cruise control with stop and go. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included in all models.

Hyundai has also developed a smartphone “key” that allows the driver to operate the vehicle without a traditional key fob. The Limited’s key fob includes a remote control function for starting the car and driving it into narrow parking spaces from outside the vehicle.

Pricing for the 2020 Hyundai Sonata starts at $23,400 for the base SE. The top line Limited costs $33,300. Pricing does not include a $930 delivery. SE and SEL models are equipped with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The SEL Plus and Limited arrive with the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine.

This review also appeared in The Florida Times-Union.

2020 Hyundai Venue Redefines Affordable Subcompact Expectations

We have to wonder how Hyundai continues to find ways to squeeze more value into their vehicles. Each new offering seems to further defy the pricing standards, as they incorporate long lists of active safety equipment and infotainment options into vehicles priced below many competitor’s meagerly-appointed base offerings.

For instance, take the all-new 2020 Hyundai Venue. For an almost unbelievable starting price of $17,350 the 2020 Venue includes an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as lane-departure warning and an automated emergency braking system. With pricing and options like that Hyundai’s subcompact crossover SUV actually redefines expectations for an “entry-level vehicle.” Further, the low pricing and advanced safety and connectivity features make the Venue an appealing option for parents looking for a first vehicle for a new driver.

The Venue is powered by a 121-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. A standard six-speed manual transmission is standard and a CVT is optional.  The engine provides excellent fuel economy with up to 30 city and 34 highway mpg. For the majority of daily driving, the Venue’s Unfortunately, the engine concedes acceleration for efficiency and highway passing often requires extra planning. The precise steering and sharp handling make the Venue a fun little vehicle around town, but again the Venue feels out of place on the highway at speed. The little SUV seems to wander a bit, requiring a little extra driver effort.

The Venue’s interior shines, especially in light of the price point and subcompact segment classification. Front seat passengers are given plenty of room. The driver will appreciate the leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. It is amazing how much those two touchpoints add to the overall driving perceptions. Yes Hyundai cuts corners, for instance the base model has no center armrest, but the overall appearance and comfort of the interior is a step above the base models of many competitors and just about every entry-level vehicle made only a few years ago.

Rear seat passengers will find the accommodations adequate for two adults, three smaller children will also fit comfortably. Venue offers 19 cubic feet of cargo room behind the 60/40 split-folding rear seats. Fold them down and cargo space increases to 32 cubic feet. Both numbers are right in line with subcompact crossover segment expectations.

Hyundai should be proud of their latest crossover, fitting in nicely with the Kona, Tucson, Santa Fe and Palisade. Consumers looking for an affordable subcompact SUV will appreciate the value and high-level of standard features.

The 2020 Hyundai Venue starts at $17,350.

Photos courtesy of Hyundai.