Some of the wittiest commercials I've seen have been for the Honda Pilot. If you haven't seen them, I suggest a visit to the Honda website. You'll get a good chuckle or two. The one titled "Ballooning" had me rolling the first time I saw it. So...you're probably wondering, the Pilot is a mid-size SUV, and those three letters typically don't associate with great mpg. Well it comes as a welcome surprise (to me too), but the Pilot does meet the criteria as an Unsung Hero of Fuel Efficiency.

The 2009 model is the second edition of the Pilot (it debuted summer of '02). Carl Dyson, a sales representative at Checkered Flag Honda, says the newer version brings more features, more power, and better fuel economy. Out of all the Unsung Heroes we've featured so far, the Pilot sticks out as one of the larger vehicles on the list. Carl says that although gas prices have caused many drivers to sway away from larger SUV's, smaller vehicles don't fit all lifestyles. That's where the  Pilot comes in as a great alternative.

Four trim styles are offered: base LX (starting at $27,595), EX, EX-L, and top-of-the-line Touring. The Pilot comes equipped with a 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine producing 250 horsepower. All models are available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

Honda's Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system is a key feature on the Pilot and it's designed to help improve fuel efficiency, without giving up the abilities of a powerful engine. Carl explains that the VCM manages fuel consumption and allows the V6 engine to automatically deactivate and reactivate cylinders depending on what it needs. With VCM the Pilot is able to run on 3, 4 or 6 cylinders. You can get the V6 power when accelerating or climbing, but you also have the efficiency of a smaller engine for everyday cruising. The 2WD is rated at 17/23 mpg city/highway, and 16/22 for the 4WD. The Pilot's 20 gallon tank can get around 460 highway miles.

The Pilot offers 3 rows of seating for 8 passengers, which makes it perfect for families. It's outfitted with a ton of family-friendly features too such as: 60/40 split flat-folding seats for optimized cargo space; beverage holders in all 3 rows (12 total!); 12-volt power outlets (in the front, 2nd-row, and cargo areas); flip up rear glass hatch; and standard integrated tow hitch. An AM/FM/CD Audio System with 7 speakers and subwoofer is also standard. If you need more to keep the family entertained and happy, the Honda DVD Rear Entertainment System is an option on the Pilot EX-L and Pilot Touring.

Standard safety equipment includes: Advanced Compatibility Engineering Body Structure; Dual-Stage, Dual Threshold Front Airbags (SRS); Front Side Airbags with Passenger-Side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); Three-Row Side Curtain Airbags with Rollover Sensor; Tire Pressure Monitoring System and more. Also a rearview mirror with rearview camera display is a highlight on the EX-L. For extra child passenger protection, the Pilot boasts four Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) positions. That?s more than any other SUV in the segment.

To check out the Pilot in person, visit the Checkered Flag Honda sales team at  6541 East Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk or call (757) 490-1111 for more information.

There's a couple tropical storms brewing in the Atlantic right now, but luckily it looks like Hampton Roads won't be affected much at all. But with hurricane season fully underway (lasting from June 1 to November 30), it's never too early to start preparing. Everyone knows to stock up on non-perishable foods and to board up their homes when there's a hurricane nearing, but you should also keep your car in mind. Flying debris and flood waters can cause major damage, so here are a few suggestions on how to keep you and your car safe during a storm.

Keep updated and supplied: Thanks to savvy weather technology, we usually have a few days notice before a hurricane makes landfall. Watch for warnings and evacuation alerts. If they recommend evacuating, it's probably in your best interest to do so. Also it's a very good idea to keep a full tank of gas and emergency supplies in your car.  After a hurricane, it might be difficult to find a working gas station because of power outages, so fill up beforehand. Also, make sure you're familiar with evacuation routes.

Shelter your car from debris: Hurricane winds can reach up 150 miles an hour and strong winds like that could do quite a number on your car. Keep your car covered, preferably in a garage. If you don't have a garage, make sure you park your car away from any trees, telephone poles, signs, or anything that could potentially fall.

Move to higher ground: If you live in an area that's susceptible to flooding, move your car to higher ground. Floods waters can cause exterior damage, but more concerning is the havoc it can cause on the inner mechanics of your car. High water levels can corrode your electrical system or cause engine failure, which could prove to be very costly. After the storm hits, you may want to have a professional mechanic inspect the car. This will also help with filing any insurance claims. Also, you should never try to take shelter in your car during a hurricane. Cars can easily be swept away by floods.

These tips may seem obvious, but preparing for a hurricane can be a stressful time, and it's easy to overlook them. There are a ton of resources out there on hurricane preparation. The American Red Cross website is a great one to check out for tips. The Ready Virginia Hurricane Preparedness website is also a very useful. There you can download a Virginia 2008 Hurricane Guide. Remember, it's always better to prepare ahead of time. Don't wait til the last minute.

When the Toyota Matrix came out in 2003, it was the first vehicle of its kind to combine a distinctly unique look with functionality. The Matrix falls somewhere between a compact car, sport wagon, and a crossover utility. If you look around now, the Matrix was definitely quite the trendsetter. Many similar vehicles have followed suit, but the Matrix still leads the pack in offering performance, affordability, versatility, and efficiency. And to add a little more to the Matrix's credit, it's dubbed as one of our Unsung Heroes of Fuel Efficiency.

The current 2009 Matrix comes as a second generation redesign. Cynthia Rawlings, a sales consultant at Checkered Flag Toyota (pictured here), says the Matrix is a very reliable vehicle that's based on the Corolla sedan, but comes as a sportier hatchback. Three trim levels are available for the Matrix: base (starting at $16,190), S, and XRS. The base Matrix is powered by a 1.8-liter engine that has 132 horsepower. The S and top level XRS both come with 2.4-liter engines and 158 horsepower. Transmissions offered are 4-speed automatic, 5-speed automatic, and 5-speed manual gearbox.

Matrix engines also feature Dual VVT-I (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) that help with performance and fuel efficiency. The base model gets 32 highway miles and 26 city. Both the S and XRS are rated at 28 highway, 21 city. With a 14 gallon tank you'll get around 450 highway miles.

Inside, the Matrix is friendly to both passengers and cargo. It comfortably seats five people and has enough space to carry items up to 8 feet long. Cynthia demonstrated the 60/40 split fold-down rear seats, and it looks like you could easily fit a surfboard. I pulled an image from the Toyota website that shows how much you can really pack into it. Pretty impressive and useful. Every Matrix features colorful LED Optitron gauges that house an easy to read speedometer, fuel and engine temperature indicators. It's also equipped with an AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability and an auxiliary audio jack for your portable music player.

Safety wise, the Matrix comes standard with: front driver and passenger airbags; front seat-mounted side airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags; 4-wheel ABS; Direct Tire Pressure Monitor System; active headrests, and much more. Visit here for the full list.

In addition to those standard features, an array of optional features are offered. Cynthia highlighted a few of the most popular options including: 16-inch or 17-inch alloy wheels; power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade (only available on S and XRS models); and the JBL AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer; and DVD navigation with XM NavTraffic capability.

The Matrix is a multipurpose and practical vehicle with a lot of style. It's loaded with space, which makes it a perfect errand runner. Visit Cynthia and the Checkered Flag Toyota sales team for more information or call (757) 490-1111.

Scion gave word a few months ago about a new Limited Edition xD. I heard from a very reliable source at Checkered Flag Scion today that these limited editions are expected to arrive within the next couple weeks! I'll be sure to keep you posted, but til then here's a little preview.

The 2008 xD RS 1.0 sports a sizzling Hot Lava exterior paint job. It's outfitted with a DAMD body kit, rear spoiler, special Release Series wheel covers, and TRD lowering springs. The Hot Lava theme continues inside with accented seats and interior trim, and a RAZO Release Series shift knob. Each Limited Edition  xD will also have an individually numbered badge.  Scion is only manufacturing 2,000 units. MSRP is $14,550 for the manual transmission, and $15,350 for automatic.

Imagine it's the year 2028. What will the world of driving be like? That's the question Volkswagen engineers have been pondering. They've released their vision of how cars will look in 20 years. By the looks of these cars, the future is going to be a lot of fun!

VW's futuristic lineup includes: a sporty two-seater called the Ego; a roomy four seater appropriately named Room; and a single-seater named One. Oh, and all three cars are capable of driving themselves. So convenient, you can just sit back and enjoy the ride. And best of all these cars are incredibly fuel efficient because they won't be running on gasoline! Visit the new interactive site, "Volkswagen2028" for more details. Happy Weekend, Checkered Blog readers.

The other day I made a trip to MacArthur Shopping Center, and as I happily headed towards the exit (with shopping bags in tow), I was quickly stopped in my tracks with sight of the BMW 328i that's on display there. What a coincidence?! It just so happens that this BMW was next on my Unsung Hero list. After a few minutes of ogling the 328i, (and snapping a photo to post below) I walked away wanting to find out more.

I headed to Checkered Flag BMW where Dave Lindsey, Jr., a client advisor, gave me a very informative tour of the 328i. This popular 3-Series BMW comes in four body styles: sedan (starting at $32,700), coupe, wagon and convertible. The 328i is powered by a 3.0-liter inline-6-cylinder that produces 230 hp and 200 lb-ft of torque. Dave says the rear-wheel drive 328i's near perfect 49/51 weight distribution gives it BMW's signature driving feel.

For a vehicle of its class that generates so much power, the 328i has great mpg. Dave says that people find it hard to believe that a 6-cylinder BMW does so well with fuel economy, but it does. Equipped on the 328i is BMW's patented Valvetronic system, which allows for increased power output and efficiency. It gets 28 highway miles and 18 city. Its tank size is 16 gallons and will get around 450 miles.

Outside, the 328i has an appealing classic look. It's what caught my attention in the first place when I encountered it at MacArthur Shopping Center. The classy look continued inside. With its leatherette upholstery and Dark Burl Walnut Wood interior trim, the 328i interior is very warm and inviting. Dave says BMW offers sort of an "a la carte" of interior options where you can pick and choose from several interior fabrics and wood trims. Standout comfort/convenience features include: Comfort Access (keyless access that allows you to unlock the doors just by touching the door handle as long as you're carrying the key); engine start/stop button; active cruise control; and BMW Ambiance interior lighting along doors and rear sides. Also included on the 328i is an  Anti-theft AM/FM stereo CD/MP3 player audio system with 10 speakers and two subwoofers. 

It's hard to not feel safe in the 328i because of all its standard safety features. A full list can be found on the BMW website, but here are a few I wanted to highlight: seat-mounted front side-impact airbags; programmable daytime running lights; anti-lock braking system (ABS); dynamic stability control; and front and rear head protection system (HPS). Dave also told me about the Run-Flat tires that come on the 328i. Getting a flat tire can happen at the worst times, but with these special self-supporting tires you'll be more than prepared. Even with a loss of air pressure, Run-Flat tires will allow you to drive with a flat for up to 150 miles, so you can get yourself to a safe location.

The 328i is a very versatile vehicle that attracts a wide range of drivers. It is a family friendly car, but Dave says it attracts young drivers too. Customers recognize its value based on the performance, luxury, and reliability it offers. Dave and I both suggest seeing the 328i in person at Checkered Flag BMW, 5225 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach or call (757) 490-1111 for more information.

CB: What exactly do you do here as the AdMINIstrative Assistant?
Nikki: I wear many hats here. I am the administrative assistant for the managers. And I also oversee reception.

CB: And how long have you been working here?
Nikki: In November it'll be 3 years. Before here I worked at a bank. I definitely like it here much more.

CB: Which Hampton Roads city do you live in?
Nikki: I live in Norfolk. I've lived in this area for probably 20 years. I was born here but then we moved to New Orleans. We're a military family, so we moved around.

CB:  What are your hobbies?
Nikki: Many things. I like visiting my best friend in New York City. We have girls' nights. I lay on the beach in my backyard, and all the normal housewife things.

CB: How often do you go to NYC?
Nikki: Uhm, probably twice a year. We go to see the ball drop on New Year's, and then we usually go in the summer time too.

CB: Where's your favorite place to eat?
Nikki: Chili's. I love their margaritas and the chips and queso dip. Ruth's Chris is always good too. 

CB: What do you have in you MP3 player or CD player right now?
Nikki: The new Usher. I love him. I can't pick a favorite from his CD. I really like Rhianna too. Take a Bow is probably my favorite song off of her CD.

CB: What's the most recent movie you've seen?
Nikki: Sex and the City. I absolutely loved it! I watched it with my mom and we had a good time.

CB: What pets do you have?
Nikki: I have a cat named Ali. She's a Maine Coon and has beautiful markings.

CB: What's the one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Nikki: I graduated high school early. Did it in three years. During my senior year I took all A.P. classes so I entered college as a sophomore. I went to Lake Taylor, ODU, and TCC too.

CB: What's the one invention you couldn't live without?
Nikki: Probably the cell phone. I don't want to go back to using quarters for the payphones (laughs).

CB: What's the best thing about working for Checkered Flag?
Nikki: The interaction I get with the people I work with. We're like a family here. Interacting with customers is always really good too. A customer came in with cookies just to say thank you. So that was really sweet, and we're glad that we could help them.

At first glance the Porsche Cayman probably reminds you of another Unsung Hero we've featured before, the Porsche Boxster. Both Porsche vehicles do share very similar characteristics like seating-for-two and mid-mounted engine layout. They both also deliver exceptional performance that we've all come to expect from Porsche. What you probably don't expect from the Cayman (just like the Boxster) is great fuel efficiency. For a vehicle of its class, the Cayman does quite well in that department. We'll go more into that a bit later.

But first some background on the Cayman. I went to a great source on all things Porsche. Known as the "Porsche Man" at Checkered Flag Porsche, Fritz Falch gave me a quick history lesson on the Cayman. He tells me that the Cayman S was introduced on January 15, 2006 (yes, he knows the exact date by heart). The base Cayman debuted a little after that. It's positioned between the Boxster and the 911. But the Cayman doesn't suffer from a case of middle child syndrome by any means. It's a standout sports car that gets its fair share of attention.

Like mentioned earlier, the Cayman benefits from a mid-engine mount, which gives it an almost perfect 50/50 weight distribution. Separating itself from the topdown convertible Boxster, the Cayman has a hardtop roof. The combination of the proven mid-engine placement with a rigid body makes for incredible handling and performance. Two trim models are offered: the base Cayman (starting at $49,400) and the Cayman S. The base model is powered by a 2.7-liter six-cylinder boxer engine that gets 245 horsepower and 201 lb-feet of torque. With the Cayman S the engine upgrades to 3.4 liters and produces 295 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque.

So with a such powerhouse engine, how well does the Cayman do with mpg? It gets 29 highway miles, and 20 city. With a 17 gallon tank, that's around 500 miles on the highway. To ensure the best mpg as possible, fuel supply is regulated by a Motronic ME 7.8 (engine management system), which also controls all the engine-related systems. 

The Cayman's prowess doesn't just lie with exceptional performance and power; its safety features are impressive too. Along with dual front Advanced head and thorax airbags, standard on Caymans is a powerful braking system that includes Anti-lock braking (ABS) and 4-piston monobloc fixed alloy calipers and ventilated brake discs. There's also the Porsche Stability Management (PSM) system that monitors the vehicle and adjusts off steering.

Fritz says that most people see the Cayman as a very special high-end toy, but it's also a practical vehicle that could be used as a daily driver. The Cayman offers something rare that most sports cars lack: an ample amount of cargo space. There are two good sized front and rear luggage compartments. The Cayman interior is also generous with storage space conveniently placed on the center console, and in each door. Behind the two seats on the engine bulkhead, there's even more storage space. But if you find yourself still needing more, an optional Roof Transport system is available.  

I learned a lot about the Cayman from my visit with the "Porsche Man," but as always, it's best to see it in person at Checkered Flag Porsche, 2865 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach or call (757) 490-1111.