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Audi Club of Florida Newsletter November 2018
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A new dawn breaks for the 2019 A6
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We have had AoA participation in reports on AoA’s state of business a number of years back and those reports have always been interesting, informative, appreciated, especially well received by our members and of course one must mention the annual visits to the Audi Technical Center conducted by Andreas Baensch for a view of some of the latest in research and testing. This is the first time since Ian Bolin ran area 81 and in over nine years and the rollout of the new A4 at the Tropicana Field that we will have one of the corporate suits, though they seldom now wear suits do a presentation on one of the new Audis that is hitting the market this Fall. Frankly, the corporate presentations have been missed and they are long overdue. Yes, during the month of November at Audi Clearwater and Audi Jacksonville, Pierre Uteschill who works for AoA and is also a very long time member of the ACNA and ACFL will be doing presentations on the all-new 2019 A6. Pierre’s credentials are impeccable; he not only works for AoA but has owned and driven Audis for years. As with many of us, Audis have been an important part of his life. Pierre is one of us and really understands our deep commitment to the brand and the cars. This will be followed at the Gulf Coast Region and First Coast Region for those who wish to participate with a supper at a local restaurant. Plans at Audi Clearwater are to meet at 5:00 PM on Wednesday, November 7 thfor the presentation then following that proceed to a small German establishment where the schnitzel is good; the red cabbage is sweet and as is typical of most small restaurants in the Fatherland cash is preferred. RSVP’s for Audi Clearwater’s group supper will be required because of the size of the facility bob@audiclubfl.org. For November 8ths meeting, contact Gerry Simms regarding supper plans for the First Coast Region at gsimms_2000@msn.com
Bob Greving
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It was the evening of the grand opening, not knowing who all would be there, but members of the Audi Club of Florida and JaxRings were there helping to prepare. We were moving cars from over here to over there, outside in the warm evening air. The smell of food was inviting, and knowing the schedule, the evening could be exciting. As the preparations done, the guests started showing up one by one. There were ice sculptures, banners, and one item draped with a huge cover, that looked almost like a cape. There was a welcome by Jack Hanania Jr, to kick off the evening celebration of the newest Audi dealership in the nation. There were speeches by Jack Hanania Jr, Jack Hanania, Mayor Lenny Curry, Cian O’Brien the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Audi of America just to name a few. There was a ribbon cutting to celebrate the occasion, and also a special event for the guests.
The item under the cover was revealed. Audi of Jacksonville’s Grand Opening was the location for the stateside unveiling or reveal of the all-new A7. Once all the indoor activities were finished, the night only had just begun. Everyone went outside to the glow of Audi led lights to enjoy a fireworks show over the parking lot we had vacated earlier that evening. After our work was over, turning off all the led lights we turned on to light up the parking lot, the guests had all left and we were done for the night, but I still had one thing to do. I went and checked out the A7.
As I enjoyed my time with the car, it was nice to sit inside, enjoy the view of the dash, and check out the settings. The car is a beauty and has many technological innovations, that I am sure I was not able to discover. Just a couple I will note was the interior lights were touch activated, the new look of the 4-zone climate control interface especially the one in the back seat, and the car still comes with a spare. We worked and we sweat, but there was no regret. Getting to be part of the event, the appreciation from the general manager and his employees we worked with made for a great start of the weekend.
Also, I did get a chance to meet and talk with Mr. O’Brien, who has interacted with Audi clubs in three countries and he appreciates the value of the regional clubs to Audi.
Gerald “Gerry” Simms
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Over Hill and Dale to the Bakery in the Woods, Yalaha
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Approximately 10,000 horsepower, over 2100 miles driven, 37 cars, 2 clubs, 1 bakery, 0 door dings, 0 drops of rain are Just a few of the of the ingredients of the Annual Yalaha Bakery Drive. Jax Rings and Central Florida Audi Group came in from the north and the south, to unite in order to invade the Yalaha Bakery with diners, dollars, and German automobiles for our own Oktoberfest celebration of brew, brats, pretzels, spätzle, schnitzel, and many flavors and colors of Audis. A3, A5, S3, S4, S5, RS3, RS5, Q3, Q5, Q7, Allroad, Avant, TT, TTS, and TTRS, reds, white, blues, orange, yellow, black, and a few shades of grey made the trek for our perfect day for a drive.
The number of people in JaxRings was 8 cars and 13 people who made 2 and one half hour drive with 5 last minute cancellations. Our route took us down US-17 south and FL-19 south to the Publix in Tavares, FL, with a scenic drive along Lake Eustis after leaving the Ocala National Forrest. Central Florida Audi Group had 29 cars with approximately 50 people making the 45-minute drive from Ocoee to join up with us. Then we cruised on into Yalaha, crossing over the bridge at Lake Harris, as a group of 37 cars, and an army of Audis if you will. There was plenty of clean shiny machinery to admire as we drove by to accomplish our mission. The temp was cool enough to make the turbos happy in the morning and warm enough to dine outside at lunch without sweating.
Live music was being played by the band, while the German cuisine was being cooked up and served by the bakery staff. There were casualties of war, namely brats, brews, bread, pretzels, spätzle, schnitzel along with a few desserts. There were several entrées, bread and desserts carried out in boxes in order to be devoured later. There were many photos taken, new friends made, and some oohs and ahs over each other cars and unique customizations. This wrapped up a busy four weeks for JaxRings with the Key West Drive, Oktoberfest in Gainesville, new dealer grand opening, and Yalaha Bakery.
Gerald “Gerry” Simms
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Trabant from the Revs Institute
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Be one of the lucky 9 who will receive a guided tour of the Revs Institute Museum of Cars on December 8thin Fort Myers. Unfortunately, the group size is limited so it will be on a first reserved first served basis though we will take a waitlist. Plans are that if there are enough from the Gulf Coast Region we will caravan down from St Pete for a luncheon at 11:15 at Spanky's’ then the tour at 1:00 PM.
The museum has an extensive collection of significant Porsches and an example of a Trabant, which were manufactured in the old Auto Union facility in Zwickau, East Germany after WWII. Admission to the museum is $17.00. Since one of our members is on their staff and will be giving the tour which normally cost $25.00, I would say this is quite the deal. Please RSVP with me bob@audiclubfl.org immediately if you plan to attend this event and also let me know if you wish to join the caravan from the Gulf Coast Region.
Bob Greving
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Drive the Original Alligator Ally on the Old Dixie Highway
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He is waiting for our February drive-by…and getting hungrier by the day….
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With the date now set for Saturday, February 2ndour drive from E3 Customs at 4100 Power Line Road Pompano Beach to Naples Florida is in the planning ledger. We will be taking the old road along the Dixie Highway 41, the original Alligator Ally, including possible side adventures to some real backwater and hard, scrabble locations such as Everglades City and maybe even Chokoloskee. Remain dialed in for this adventure. We will get our fill of gambling and possibly gators on this one.
No stopping and loitering off road for safety reasons (we are serious here), unlike humans, beware, gators do not practice catch and release. In addition, no plinking at gators allowed, they out of season, which ends on November 1st. Anyway, I believe it is illegal to hunt from the side of the road in Florida. The Gold Coast Region under the leadership of Andreas Regalado has secured reduced rate lodging at the Courtyard Marriott in Naples located at 3250 Tamiami Trail. Just ask for the Audi Club of Florida rate for your evening stay of February 2nd.
Andreas Regalado
Bob Greving
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Audi Club of North America 2018 Car Raffle
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There will be two cars, a 2019 S5 Premium Plus Sportback and a 2019 RS3. 5,000 tickets will be sold for each car at $25 per ticket. If you wish to purchase a chance to win one or both of these stunning motorcars, make sure you contact Gerry Simms at gsimms_2000@msn.com. |
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First Coast Region Report (Jacksonville)
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Gerald “Gerry” Simms ACFL Region Lead and BoD Member
I had a chance to meet Pierre Uteschill of Audi of America. He will be in town the 8th and 9th of November doing training on the new A6 at the Audi dealerships. He has offered to let us preview the car, demo some of the features, and teach about some of the enhancements from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM on Thursday the 8th of November at Audi of Orange Park. If there is enough interest, please drop me a line and let me know and I will see about finding us a place for dinner afterward. All are welcome to attend.
Some changes in the wind
As the local ACFL region lead and representative, I have stepped out of the JaxRings leadership committee. I will no longer be organizing drives or JaxRings events. Any JaxRings specific decisions will be handled by Keith Johnson, Sherry Johnson, and Duane Bunn. Any input, suggestions, or ideas for the club should be directed to them from now on. We were making the plans as a committee to promote the club in the best way possible; doing all we can to ensure everyone is welcomed and has a good time. Thanks to you we have been rewarded with record attendances for events and drives. I will still be participating as a club member, but need to focus on my ACFL leadership role instead, to promote the activity in our region, which will also provide additional exposure to JaxRings.
First Coast Region/JAXRINGS Lunch Meet Nov 10, 11:00AM:
Wicked Barley Brewing Company 4100 Baymeadows Rd, Jacksonville, Florida 32217 will be the location of the November luncheon at 11:00 AM Saturday, November 10th, after the Automotive Addicts Cars and Coffee which starts at 8:00 am at the Avenues Mall. I will have the latest from the ACNA chapter call, and I will have raffle tickets available for purchase for some lucky ACNA members to have a chance win one of two cars to be awarded to the lucky winners this December. Two cars, limited to 5000 tickets to be sold for each car. 1 in 5000 odds shapes up better than winning the lottery by a long shot. Tickets are $25 each. Please make checks out to ACNA. Please RSVP via the JaxRings Facebook page, or e-mail me directly by November 8THif you plan to attend, so I can provide a reasonable estimate of e-mail RSVP’s to the JaxRings leadership in order that we can be seated together.
Highlights of Meeting with AudiJax General Manager Stephan Gronberg:
New Arrivals:
New A8 and Q8 will arrive November 1ST. 3 each are still available the others are spoken for.
2019 Q7’s are arriving daily.
The New A6 and A7 will arrive on November, 30 each to choose from.
Special New Car Incentives you can pair with the ACNA member discount:
4 years’ maintenance included on select models. (A3, A4, A6, Q3, Q5, Q7)
2018A7-still has the $5000 A5 Cabrio-$2000
AUDI JAX CPO Program:
Up to 5 years/unlimited mileage available on certain models see Audi Jax website for
details.
Gold Coast Region Report (Key West to WPB)
Andreas Regalado Region Lead and BoD Member
Shop Meet Nov 3rd4:00 PM
Shop talk and pizza 2615 Alibaba Ave, Opa-Locka, FL 33054
Cars and Coffee Nov 10th8:00 AM
Casavana Restaurant 8202 Mills Drive Miami, Florida
Gator Region (Gainesville)
Carlos Mora & Derek Hill Region Leads
Emerald Coast Region (Panhandle)
Bobby Hopp Region Lead
Gulf Coast Region Report (Tampa Bay)
Bob Greving Region Lead and BOD member
Audi Clearwater
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Dawn breaks on a new day and a 2018 RS5 at Audi Clearwater
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Up to $8,000 off on 60 plus Q5’s in stock at Audi Clearwater
In addition, there are 3 Q8’s incoming available for deposit. Contact Jean-Marc “JB” at 727-312-1220 directly, he is the GSM and he will get you squared away. In addition, if there is specific Audi your dealership does not seem able to find contact him and he will find it and get it delivered.
Cars and Coffee Reeves Motorsport Nov 3rd 6:30 am
Cars and Coffee Reeve at Motorsport 11333 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33612
Audi A6 Roll Out Audi Clearwater Nov 7th5:00 PM
Gathering for the latest on the new A6 then off to supper.
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The Gulf Coast Region plans to meet at Audi Clearwater at 5:00 PM on Wednesday, November 7 thfor the new A6 presentation then following that proceed to a small German establishment for supper. RSVP’s for Audi Clearwater’s group supper will be required because of the size of the restaurant bob@audiclubfl.org.
Tampa Auto Show Nov 16-18
Tampa Convention Center, Tampa FL
Down the Road
December
Gulf Coast Region Reeves Motorsports Tampa Cars and Coffee plus Toy Drive
Dec 1st
First Saturday of the month, make sure to bring an unwrapped toy, meet Santa and help ensure that some child’s Christmas can be cheerful along with the season. Make sure to arrive early to get a parking space, the event opens at 6:30 AM.
Daytona International Speedway HPDE
November 30th-Dec 1st
The Audi Club of Ohio has the Daytona International Speedway reserved for a number of days (end of November starts the event) for a track event. Contact the Ohio chapter directly at craigliechty@hotmail.comfor additional information. It is a great event held on the 24 Hour road course with instructors. Here is a second link to the event: One used to be able to attend just to watch, no admission charge for that.
Old Cars and New Friends December 8th
Diamond Coast Region Naples & Fort Myers
Join two regions as we head to the Revs Institute (Collier Collection) https://revsinstitute.org as we check out some old cars and enjoy a bit of camaraderie. We will be meeting at approximately 11:15 at Spanky's for lunch then at 1:00 PM we will be touring the museum. The size of the group is limited by the museum to 9 so reservations are on a first reserved first placed basis. Please reserve to bob@audiclubfl.org ASAP if you wish to join us in this adventure into the past of motoring. For those starting from the Gulf Coast Region, we will caravan down. |
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1930’s MG from the Revs collection
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January:
Roar Before the 24 Daytona International Speedway
The Roar Before the Rolex 24 will be coming up the first weekend in January, accompanied by the ACFL Board of Directors lunch. More details to follow on the date and lunch location.
24 Hours of Daytona
Audi Motorsports Experience for ticketing and additional information contact Andy Sattler at andrew@audimotorsportexperience.com
February:
Alligator Ally Drive on the Old Dixie Highway, contact Andreas Regalado for additional information at infocreative305@gmail.com
...but then there is more
As Sargent Schultz would have said, "Very interesting, very interesting"
https://insideevs.com/vw-ceo-evs-crash-auto-industry/ Meanwhile it looks like the new e-tron will not be ready for delivery until after a long long roll out and sometime next spring. One will order the car and according to Scott Keogh it will be built to one's specifications and delivered. The wait times will be anywhere from a couple of months to a year contingent on demand. Dealerships will have one to test drive but they will not have them in stock for immediate delivery. No discounts from MSRP. It appears that Audi plans to follow Tesla's marketing model.
Not all have drunk the cool-aid
It appears the other Boys from Bavaria have not succumbed to the self-inflicted possibly mortal shot at diesel and will continue research and development of the diesel engine for its vehicles. According to this article, they will be discontinuing importation of diesel wagons and cars stateside but research does continue.
bmw-diesel-tech-engine-commitment
We are seriously in need of some assistance.
It takes a lot of work to run the Audi Club of Florida and frankly we are in need of a two good Audi Owner/Drivers to assist. First off, we need an individual with more than a cursory knowledge of managing websites, internet, Microsoft Word, WordPress and Excel to handle our workload. This would include updating the website, transmission of the newsletter and chapter announcements, maintenance of the e-mailing list etc. Facebook, the newsletter and website are the chapter's window to the world. It is how we communicate to not only the 400 plus ACNA members in Florida but the additional 1100 Audi Centric folks who have expressed an interest in the chapter and Audis. With over 1500 combined recipients of the newsletter that is one of the strongest and most valuable communications tools we have. We need an individual who understands the critical nature of this position to the continued communications and growth of the Audi Club of Florida and is willing to make this commitment.
Secondly, we are looking for someone who genuinely enjoys writing about their experiences with cars, Audis and the club, an editor and publisher of our newsletter. This would include but not be limited to drives; both here and possibly Europe, reporting and keeping an ear tuned to the latest form AoA and Audi AG and desires to put together and publish the Chapter's newsletter. We have again significantly simplified its format for placing on our website and reorganized it so in many ways, what is necessary is to plug in the articles and photos. The individual would be responsible for gathering the latest from the regions and other Audi sources and to place it in the newsletter. In addition, add their own twist and experiences behind the wheel of their cars and ownership over the years. This communication along with others goes out to the 1500 and growing number of club members and enthusiasts on a monthly basis to keep all informed regarding upcoming events and activities Once again, we need an individual who understands the critical nature of this position to the continued communications and growth of the club.
At some point, we must re-assume part of the work from Bill Cho of National who has been helping us out on the dissemination of the newsletter and announcements over the past few months. His yeoman duty on our account is much appreciated. On behalf of the chapter, thank you, Bill, for your continued assistance on that score.
If we do not fill these two positions the club will become stagnant for no matter how well and what we plan and then eventually execute, we will never be able to effectively get the word out and report on it to our members and the Audi community in the Sunshine State.
If you have an interest in either of these two positions, please drop me a line at bob@audiclubfl.org. Thank you.
Report on the Avants
For those who need to get to Home Depot faster, I have received responses from 4% of you regarding an interest in purchasing an RS4 or RS6 Avant. With Scott Keogh now CEO of VW of America, who knows perhaps the chances will improve bringing in these bespoke vehicles. I will draft a letter to Paul ED of the ACNA and let him know of our little bit of research. Interesting, the TT hovers at about a 4% share of the US market sales.
Status on CPOed toy Audis for the Ronald McDonald House
The ACFL has yet to hear from any members who wish to part with one of their used children's toy Audis that we can contribute to the Ronald Mc Donald House. Please see a reprint of the article from last month's newsletter.
An Important Thought and Request
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I am sure one of you out there has one of the above or similar models, a pre-owned children’s Audi that you no longer have a use for and that a young child sitting in a Ronald McDonald House could sit on and motor down the halls visiting with other new acquaintances also undergoing a myriad of treatments. If you have such a toy Audi and would like to part with it, yes I know it is hard to part with one’s Audis, how about donating it the Ronald McDonald House of Central Florida. The ACFL will pay for shipping etc. Just let me know at bob@audiclubfl.org and we will help work out the details. We will also make sure that two of the ACFL’s club’s logos also get attached. I am absolutely positive the Ronald McDonald House has speed limits and there is no racing after hours but I bet the kids will line up for test drives and possible hot laps between the dining and recreation room. Perhaps this will be one of their brighter memories, just what that young future Audi owner will remember of what must be a very trying experience when some 20 years hence they get behind the wheel of their first new Audi and possibly even join the ACNA. We who are so lucky can always hope there will be that bright day for them down the road. I am looking forward to hearing from one of you. Finally: |
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Which one would you choose? Of course, if you won the lottery you could take the trip to Essen and possibly purchase both.
Cheers and Safe Motoring
Bob Greving
President, Audi Club of Florida
bob@audiclubfl.org
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Rallye-Audi S1 EKS WRX quattro Photo courtesy of Der Spiegel BWT is a water purification company
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