HOT! Ok, so I'm obviously not talking about the conditions outside. Doesn't it feel like we just bypassed fall and headed straight for winter? Anyway, I was able to find a bit of warmth to add to the day, in the form of this smoking hot Audi TTS.

Bill Thomas, Checkered Flag Audi sales consultant, sent me word that the TT-S had finally arrived to the dealership and that it's definitely a must-see. I dropped by the showroom today to see what all the fuss was about, and boy does this particular TTS stand out. The TTS in Solar Orange such an attention grabber. I mean the TTS is a gorgeous car that would warrant your stares regardless, but the Solar Orange just absolutely commands it.  

The TTS is available as a coupe (starting at $45,500) or a roadster. Bill says the TTS has an awesome 2.0-liter turbocharged, in-line, 4-cylinder engine that produces 265-hp and 258 lb-ft. of torque. It also has a S tronic dual clutch automatic transmission with Audi launch control. Yes, launch control. Basically, the launch control feature optimizes vehicle acceleration from a standstill. The TTS also gets Audi's legendary quattro all wheel drive system.

Other notable highlights of the TTS are: an automatic retractable rear spoiler; Bi-Xenon headlights with led daytime running lights (also found in the A5 and the all new A4); 18" five parallel-spoke S design cast aluminum alloy; and heated windshield washer nozzles; and more. Here's the full list of features. 

The TTS pictured here is a Prestige model, which means it gets the Audi navigation and parking systems, interior LED lighting, power folding convertible top, plus Bose premium sound system and Bluetooth capabilities.

The Solar Orange styling continues inside. The racing-inspired Leather/Alcantara sport seats have the optional Silk Nappa Leather package with bi-color Solar Orange inlays. I was also impressed by the matching stitch detailing on the seats, steering wheel, and dash. Very nice touch. 

Bill says (and I agree) if you're looking to make a bold statement, the TTS (especially in Solar Orange) is a vehicle to consider. See it in person at Checkered Flag Audi, 2865 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach or call (757) 490-1111 for more information.  

CB: Rich, how long have you worked as a Hyundai sales representative?
Rich: Since 04/04/04. Isn't that cool? And I absolutely love it. I'm comfortable here. It's a great company.

CB: Where in Hampton Roads do you live?
Rich: Well, I just moved over by Kempsville from the Beach. I'm originally from Silver Spring, Maryland and I've lived in Florida, too. My mom said I should move here, and that was back in 1990. Been here ever since.

CB: What did you do before you got into the auto business?
Rich: I worked for a GPS company for 8 years. I was a DJ at Bubba's Beach Club and I also owned my own company.

CB: What are your hobbies?
Rich: I'm a big fan of Star Wars. I collect toys and memorabilia. I'm also a drummer and I've been in many bands. Oh, and I watch DVDs. I've got 750 DVDs and counting! Then there's hockey and football, too. Tampa Bay Buccaneers!

CB: What's in your MP3 player or CD player right now?
Rich: (Laughs) MP3 player?! I'm old school. I got a CD player. My kid was getting on me for buying a CD when he said I could just download it. But in my CD player I have The Police.

CB: Do you have any pets?
Rich: Yes. A snake named Padme. Did you get the Star Wars reference (laughs)? Really, I'm a big Star Wars fan. I saw Star Wars 175 times in the theater. Honestly, I think the Empire Strikes Back is the best movie ever made. Oh, and I also have a black cat named Sabrina.

CB: What's the one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Rich: Hmmm...my age (laughs). No, I don't think there's anything. I'm pretty much an open book.

CB: When you were a kid, what did you want to grow up to be?
Rich: A dentist. I don't know why, but I did. I didn't change my mind til I was in high school.

CB: If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go?
Rich: England, but then I would never come back. My goal in life is to retire in England. I don't know what it is, but I've always been interested in the English culture, from their accents to just everything.

CB: What's the best thing about working for Checkered Flag?
Rich: The way they do business. It's such a customer focused and community oriented way of doing business. And we're like a family here. We really work together. Also, the product. I wouldn't sell anything I didn't believe in, and honestly, these vehicles are products I believe in.

Did you buy a car from a Rock Star at Checkered Flag VW?  If not, you'll have to buy a car this year (why wait?), then buy another next year during the next Annual Buy a Car from a Rock Star Charity Event.

Everyone was dressed up as a rocking celebrity and there was so much going on in the spirit of charity and Rock & Roll.  Funds were raised to support St. Mary's and the United Way.  Watch the video to see what it was all about.

Reliability. Every driver has different preferences in what they look for in a vehicle. But reliability is almost always the one quality that appears on every vehicle must-have list. Consumer Reports conducts annual automotive reliability surveys to aid consumers in their reliable vehicle search. And this year's survey results show the Scion xD as earning the top distinction as the most reliable vehicle.

According to the Consumer Reports' findings, the subcompact hatchback xD achieved the best predicted reliability of any car in the survey.

I caught up with Lawrence Doligosa, Checkered Flag's Scion Champion and Scion Certified Internet Sales Manager, and he says the news doesn't come as a surprise. "The xD benefits from a strong set of genes. It's got good basic building blocks and a good foundation, so it's built to be reliable."

The xD (starting at $15,320) shares the same 1.8 liter DOHC VV-I engine as its Toyota cousins, the Corolla and the Matrix. Its frame is also similarly based off of the Toyota Yaris hatchback. 

 Lawrence says that although the xD is labeled as a "entry level" vehicle it comes loaded with standard features including: power windows and locks, multi-functional information display; tilt-steering wheel column; side mounted turn signals; multi-reflector halogen headlamps; and a Pioneer AM/FM/CD head unit (MP3 and satellite radio ready) with iPod connector. 

The xD's safety features highlight it further as a reliable vehicle. Standard safety features include: active head restraints; 3-across rear head rests; anti-lock braking system; driver passenger front airbags; side curtain airbags; and tire pressure monitoring system. See the full rundown of features here.  

Lawrence says the xD has strong appeal for consumers because of the value it offers and of course, its reliability. It's also a vehicle that has a lot of character. Lawrence says you don't see too many of them out there, simply because Toyota/Scion only manufactures a handful each year, so you're really getting a unique vehicle.

If you'd like to see more of the xD, visit Lawrence and the sales team at Checkered Flag Scion, 5193 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach or call (757) 490-1111 .

"Merely approaching such a car fills you with anticipation similar to that felt by an 8-year-old on Christmas Eve."

That's how Larry Printz, auto editor of the Virginian Pilot, described the BMW M3 in today's drive section. I think he hits the nail right on the head. On several occasions, I've walked by the M3 that's sitting in the showroom at Checkered Flag BMW, and it's hard to miss...really hard. It has a presence that beckons you to come closer to see all that it has to offer.  

Here's a rundown of its high performance specs: an all new 414 hp V8 engine; rear-wheel drive; capable of zero to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds; and top speed of 155 mph. 

Sorry, I wasn't able to dig up a link to the article, but I did put my scanning abilities to use. Click here to read what else Larry had to say about the vehicle he calls "BMW's Mobile Missile."

And if you're craving to see more of the M3, visit Checkered Flag BMW, 5225 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach or call (757) 490-1111, and ask to speak with the BMW sales team. Have a great weekend, Checkered Blog readers!

CB: Thanks for talking with us, Tony. So, what do you do here at Checkered Flag Jaguar?
Tony: I'm a technician. I've been here for about three years now.

CB: Where in Hampton Roads do you live?
Tony: Virginia Beach. It's been about a year now, and I lived in Norfolk before that.

CB: What are your hobbies?
Tony: Sports. Football, basketball, any sport really.

CB: Do you have a  favorite sports team?
Tony: The Patriots. And for basketball, the Carolina Tar Heels.

CB: What's in your MP3 player or CD player right now?
Tony: Mostly Rap, stuff from Jay Z and Lil Wayne.

CB: What's the last movie you've seen?
Tony: (Laughs) Don't Mess With the Zohan. It was funny. Absolutely dumb, but still funny.

CB: Do you have any pets?
Tony: Yep, an American Bulldog named Jax.

CB: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Tony: Uhm...Japan. I've been to a lot of places, but I've never been there, so it'd be cool to go.

CB: What are some of the other places you've been?
Tony: Well, I've lived all over the country from Hawaii to Maine. But I've also gone to Italy, Turkey, Greece, the Caribbean islands. Ah, I guess if I could go anywhere, I'd probably go to Greece again. I took a Mediterranean cruise over there and we went to Athens and couple of the islands. I loved it. Most beautiful place I've ever been and it was just a lot of fun. Next time though, I probably won't take the cruise.. It'd be nice to just grab a backpack and go.

CB: When you were a kid, what did you want to grow up to be?
Tony: A pilot. I still want to do that, but I probably won't be able to. It's hard living here when we've got jets flying over all the time (laughs).

CB: What's one thing about you that people would be surprised to know?
Tony: I'm incredibly shy. I don't think the people here at work really know that (laughs), but yeah I'm really shy.

CB: What do you think is the best thing about working for Checkered Flag?
Tony: My co-workers. Everyone here has a good personality and good sense of humor. We all like similar things, so it's common for us to hang out outside of work, too. It's just a good working environment.

A few weeks ago, I helped out with an event at Checkered Flag Porsche and was asked to pick up decorations at nearby Party City. And by decorations I mean dozens of balloon bouquets. Now, I'm sure many of you, at one time or another, have had the task of transporting balloons. It's somewhat of a tricky situation that requires a bit of strategic packing and a good amount of cargo space. I needed a vehicle that provided enough space to fit the balloons. Ed Klima, new car sales manager, provided a solution: the Porsche Cayenne.

It's not every day you get handed a pair of keys to a Porsche Cayenne (starts at $70,900), and boy was I one happy gal! I'm not really sure how to describe my time with the Cayenne other than it was a such an enjoyable driving experience. I mean, it's everything that you'd expect from a Porsche. Powerful and stylish.

The kind folks at Party City (who helped me gather the balloons) also took notice and complimented "my ride." Also, with the Cayenne's 63 cubic square feet of cargo space (with rear seats folded down), I easily transported all the balloons. The optional power tailgate also came in handy with loading.

After my brief outing with the Cayenne, I absolutely had to return for a second look. So, as soon as I got the chance, I headed over to Checkered Flag Porsche and Bill Thomas, client advisor, agreed to reunite me with the Cayenne. The Cayenne pictured here isn't the exact one I met previously, but instead is a GTS model. This particular GTS, Bill tells me, is a rarity because it's equipped with manual transmission, which you don't see too often. 

Powered by a 4.8-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine, the GTS has 405 hp and 369 lb.-ft. of torque. The GTS can accelerate 0- 60 in just 5.7 seconds.

Bill also tells me that standard on the GTS is an air suspension system that features self-leveling, ride-height control and PASM (electronic damping control system that improves stability and occupant comfort).The ride-height control is located on the center console, so you can easily vary the settings. See here for more details on the different settings.

I was more than eager to hop back onto the driver's seat, and the new optional PCM (Porsche Communication Management) system caught my eye. Bills says the new 3.0 PCM offers more multifunction capabilities and is easier to operate. The PCM features a 6.5-inch touchscreen, radio functions with up to 48 memory presets, and an integrated single CD/DVD drive. It also has Bluetooth and iPod integration capabilities. 

The Cayenne definitely offered me quite the driving experience. I recommend experiencing it for yourself by test driving one at Checkered Flag Porsche, 2865 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach or call (757) 490-1111 for more information.

Every year on the 11th day of the 11th month we celebrate Veterans Day. Today, we here at the Checkered Blog would like to send a big salute to all the men and women of the armed forces for their dedicated service to our country. We all know that Hampton Roads has a huge military presence and that the same goes for Checkered Flag.

Today I had the privilege of spending a few minutes with several of the many United States veterans at Checkered Flag. 

Honda: There are a good number of representatives from the Marine Corps present at Honda including: parts and service director Jim King who served in Vietnam; service advisor David Brown, who was in Infantry for 5 years; and Chris Jaillard, service department, who served for 4 years. Bo Wang, a sales representative, also was in the Marine Corps Infantry for 4 years. Pictured here with Bo is fellow sales representative Eugene Smith who served in the Army for exactly "9 years, 3 months, 27 days." Eugene also tells me that he was part of an airborne unit out of Fort Bragg and he was wounded in Iraq.

Toyota: At Toyota, I got the opportunity to speak with sales managers Rick Wilson and John Precise. Both Rick and John served in the Navy. Rick was an operations specialist for 4 years active and 2 years reserve. John served for 9 years as a torpedo man's mate on submarine. Also, Bill Peterson, sales representative, was a medical supply personnel in the Army. They all tell me that they sometimes miss serving, but are really enjoying what they're doing now.

Body Shop: Bill Evans, Body Shop general manager was drafted in the Army in 1969 and served in Vietnam.

BMW: At BMW every branch of the military is proudly represented. Pictured here from Parts and Service are: Terry Hylton, Coast Guard for 6 years; Robert Freeman, Army for 5 years; Dan Lilly, Air Force for 4 years; Jeff Mateo, Marine Corps for 7 1/2 years; and Tony Petinga, Navy for 22 years.

Hyundai/Volkswagen: There is also a handful of veterans on board at Hyundai/Volkswagen. Melvin Martin, sales representative tells me that he dedicated a combined 20 years of service in both the Army and the Navy. He also told me that he was on his way to grab his free meal at Applebees (FYI: Veterans and active duty personnel are welcome to a free meal at all local locations today).  Pictured with Melvin are members of HVW Parts & Service: Dusty Parson who served  20 years in Navy; Candido Amezquita who also served in the Navy for 4 years; and Ben Livingston who served in the Marine Corps for 2 years before he was injured in action while on duty in Afghanistan.

Jaguar/Porsche/Audi: I concluded my mission of finding as many Checkered Flag veterans as I could with a visit to JPA. There I learned that John Page in sales served in the Marine Corps for 4 years. Also, Mike Williams, shop manager served in the Navy for 4 years and sales consultant, Eric Davis was in the Army for 6 years.

Many of Checkered Flag's employees and customers have ties to the military. Again, we'd like to wish all of our service men and women a very heartfelt and appreciative thanks on Veterans Day.