CHECKMATE MAGAZINE VOL. 1 ISSUE 3 1 Presented by Competition BMW of Smithtown • www.CompetitionBMW.com/Checkmate
Competition. It’s what drives you.
Visit us today: 599 Middle Country Road Saint James, NY 11780 1 (877) 752-7327 www.CompetitionBMW.com Joe & Nancy Buzzetta
Publisher’s Letter These past few months have been quite exciting for our dealership. Competition BMW was voted Best Foreign Auto Dealership on Long Island in the Bethpage Best of Long Island 2016 contest, which has a tremendous value to us, not only for the bragging rights, but our clients voted for us in record numbers, which I am humbled and thankful for. Nationally, BMW placed fi rst in the category of automobile brand loyalty, another incredible honor for us to celebrate. As a thank you to our clients, Competition BMW is launching a new loyalty program through our service and parts departments. Details can be found on page 13. In this issue of Checkmate, read all about Vinnie DiGregorio, our new general manager on page 6 and Jorge Urrea-Vallejo, our senior Genius, is featured on page 16 in Are You Smarter Than a Genius? My sister Nancy oversees two dealerships in the Competition Auto Group, Mercedes Benz of Smithtown and Competition Subaru. She is also the owner of Competition Equestrian, a horse farm in Suffolk
S HO WRO O M
SE RVI CE
PARTS
Monday to Friday: 9 am to 8 pm Saturday: 9 am to 6 pm Sunday: 11am to 4 pm
Monday to Friday: 7:30 am to 6 pm Saturday: 7:30 am to 4:30 pm Sunday: Closed
Monday to Friday: 7:30 am to 5 pm Saturday: 7:30 am to 4:30 pm Sunday: Closed
County. The farm is home to some incredible horses that were rescued by Nancy and her daughters, Jennifer and Valerie. I hope you enjoy reading their story on page 24. Ray and Laurie Justino of Pt. Jefferson Station are featured in the BMW First Generation Profi le. Learning about our clients’ lives and their experience driving one of our cars after they leave the dealership is fascinating. The story about what makes the Justinos unique can be found on page 14. Our cover story, Romancing the Chrome, traces the history of BMW car styling from the 1930s to the present. It was fun sifting through the historical imagery of BMW and revisiting some of the really big moments in design like the “Hofmeister Kink,” the “Bangle Butt,” all the way to the new M2. If you don’t know what a Bangle Butt is, turn to page 23. Check out The Fab 4 on page 4. We’re not referring to The Beatles, but rather the fastest BMW yet, the water-injected M4 GTS. Make it a point to visit Le Vin Wine Bar, a new restaurant concept featured in Destination Delicious on page 33. I hope you’ll take a drive over and try their unique tapas menu. There’s a lot more in this issue that is not to be missed. As always, I invite you to please stop by Competition BMW anytime for a test drive or take a walk through our showroom to see what’s new and exciting. I promise you won’t be disappointed! Warm Regards, Joe Buzzetta
CompetitionBMW.com/Checkmate
CUS T O M PUBLIS HING BY M ORE Y P UBLI SHI NG 6901 Jericho Tpke. Syosset NY 11791 moreypublishing.com Edited by Beverly Fortune Copyright © 2016. Checkmate Magazine is a product of CHECKMATE MAGAZINE VOL. 1 ISSUE 3 2 Competition BMW of Smithtown. All rights reserved. Presented by Competition BMW of Smithtown • www.CompetitionBMW.com/Checkmate
Contents Volume 1 • Issue 3
14 Ray and
The Fab M4 GTS A unique water-injection system makes this M a Supercar. Read all about it on page 4.
Laurie Juliano BMW First Generation
Romancing the Chrome
PROFILE
The history of BMW car styling is chronicled in our cover story beginning on page 18.
6 Vincent
DiGregorio
Driven to Be the Best
Competition Equestrian
FOR HIM
8 Indulgences
Nancy Buzzetta opened her heart and her farm to raise, ride and rescue some beautiful horses. Read her story on page 24.
Our Unique Selection of Splurge-Worthy Products D E S T I N AT I O N : D E L I C I O U S
33 Le Vin Wine Bar European Flair on Long Island
10 16 26 34
CHECKMATE MAGAZINE VOL. 1 ISSUE 3 3 Presented by Competition BMW of Smithtown • www.CompetitionBMW.com/Checkmate
Brand Intimacy Are You Smarter than a Genius? Connected Cars Trivia
REVIEWS & PREVIEWS
M4 GTS with Water-Injection Technology
BMW M4 GTS
BMW’s red-hot track star stays cool with a twin-turbo water injected engine and reduced weight.
There is an old saying: “Out with the old, in with the new.” For the BMW M4 GTS, this should read “In with the old, in with the new.” Why, do you ask? The M4 GTS is unique in that it combines automotive technology that is both cutting edge and a chip off the old block. The M4 GTS is the first production car from BMW to be equipped with the latest automotive innovations such as OLED lighting, regenerative braking and, for the first time in recent memory, water injection technology, all in one package. Water injection technology is not new; military fighter planes used similar systems over 70 years ago.
To clarify, water injection simply supplements the fuel system by cooling and condensing the air rushing through the turbo to provide more power yet maintain fuel efficiency, lest there be any misunderstanding from environmentalists about how the technology works. The “standard” M4, already a high performance machine, is equipped with a standard six-speed manual or an optional seven-speed automatic transmission mated to a twin turbo 3.0 liter straight six engine producing 425 hp and 410 lb. ft. of torque that propels the M4 from 0 to 60 in 3.9 seconds. The M4 is no slouch. But the GTS caters to the driver who enjoys tastes beyond what the usual refinements can
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W H AT E L S E I S N E W ?
New Technology: BMW OLED Lights with Organic Light-Emitting Diodes
provide, or for someone who wants a track beast with street-legal drivability. The M4 GTS shaves time off the 0-60 jaunt and does it in 3.7 seconds. Powered by the same engine as the standard M4, the GTS gets a bump in horsepower and torque to 493 horsepower and 442 lb. ft., respectively. Mated to a seven-speed, M-series dual-clutch transmission, the GTS sports a blistering estimated 190 mph top speed that leaves its stock cousin in the dust by comparison. What truly makes the GTS special is its technology and weight-saving packaging. For starters, the water injection system only weighs 22 pounds but punches out 16 percent more horsepower and 10 percent more torque than the stock M4. The five-liter water tank is housed in the trunk and uses about one liter of water with each tank of gas in everyday (non-track) driving. Fuel consumption remains the same as the stock M4, but make no mistake, the acceleration and driving experience are not. To reduce weight, carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) is extensively used in the construction of the GTS. The hood, driveshaft, spoiler and even the center console are made of CFRP. Other weight saving improvements include an adjustable three-way M coil over suspension, upgraded carbon ceramic brakes and staggered alloy wheels. Up front, the GTS rides on 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 265/35-series Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires and 20-inch wheels draped in 285/30-series rubber can be found in the rear. Reflecting the M4 GTS’ racing heritage is a roll bar and fire extinguisher inside the car. All GTS models are equipped with cabins draped in swaths of leather and Alcantara and are available in Sapphire Black, Mineral Grey, Alpine White, or Frozen Dark Grey. The GTS also features OLED (organic LED) tail lights, another revolutionary automotive innovation. The rear lights of the BMW M4 GTS are the first of any series-produced vehicle from BMW to feature OLED technology. OLEDs (organic light-emitting diodes) generate light using wafer-thin layers of semi-conducting organic materials. Unlike LEDs, which emit their light in the form of points, OLEDs light up over the entire surface. Their flat design (measuring just 1.4 millimeters in height) and the ability to trigger individual light modules separately presents a distinctive BMW lighting design, both during the day and at night. With a 7-minute and 28-second lap around the famous NürburgringNordschleife circuit in Germany, the M4 GTS is a spectacle of speed, cutting-edge technology and a rich motorsport heritage that can be appreciated by any driver. However, don’t expect to see one blowing past you on the way to work. This future cult classic will be personified in the form of less than 300 units that will be released in the U.S. You may also want to tell your friends to form a line if they want a ride; the GTS does not have rear seats. But then again, the best way to appreciate the BMW M4 GTS’ true performance is from the driver’s seat.
BMW is delivering another ultimate driving experience: Introducing the Competition package for the BMW M6, a track-oriented performance package that delivers more power and improved handling. The Competition Package boosts the output of the twinturbocharged 4.4 V8 engine of the M6 to 600 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque and is capable of launching Competition M6 coupes and Gran Coupes to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds. The boost in output pays homage to the 2015 “30 Jahre” Limited Edition M5, the limited-edition model produced by BMW to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the M5, which at the time of release was the most powerful BMW ever produced. As with the previous Competition package, an upgraded firmer suspension is part of the package. The springs, dampers and anti-roll bars have all been modified. The steering is more direct than the stock M6 and the Active M differential, Servotronic speed-sensitive steering and even the electronic stability control systems have also been modified to provide more responsive handling. To make sure the M6 Competition Package stands out from the crowd, it wears 20-inch light alloy wheels and gets a sports exhaust with black chrome finish, carbon fiber accents and a choice of paint finishes: Austin Yellow or Alpine White. Order white and BMW will include its famous racing livery on the car, inspired by the famous BMW GT3 race car.
CHECKMATE MAGAZINE VOL. 1 ISSUE 3 5 Presented by Competition BMW of Smithtown • www.CompetitionBMW.com/Checkmate
Driven To Be The Best Build. Connect. Inspire.
Change creates opportunity and Vincent (Vinnie) DiGregorio, Competition BMW’s new General Manager, has already begun to ignite growth at the dealership with exciting new programs and initiatives. Vinnie has been with the Competition Auto Group for over 11 years as a General Manager and has a solid background in management in the automotive business for 33 years. His management philosophy matches his reputation as a highly ethical individual who is a successful leader with impeccable organizational skills. With more than 100 employees at the Competition BMW dealership, Vinnie says that this team treats every client the way they would want to be treated:
“Our clients are very well informed and educated about the vehicles we sell as well as the costs involved, so it made sense to eliminate a lot of the negotiation process and just make buying a BMW a more enjoyable process.” –VINCENT DIGREGORIO GENERAL MANAGER, COMPETITION BMW
“It’s a win for everyone involved. The employees enjoy coming to work, and most importantly, our clients feel that they have a great relationship with us, and that makes an outstanding combination,” he says. Competition BMW of Smithtown was recently voted “Best Foreign Auto Dealership” in the 2016 Bethpage Best of Long Island annual business competition, the second time Competition BMW has won this coveted award. “I’d be kidding if I said it’s easy to be Number One,” Vinnie says. “Our clients are spending good money here, whether it’s for a new or pre-owned vehicle, service, parts or on lifestyle apparel. It’s hard work and sometimes a challenge but we are up to it, we want to be Number One. Our clients are very loyal to our dealership and I can’t thank them enough for all of their votes. Exceptional customer service is the backbone of our company and we are continually working to improve it.” One of the first changes Vinnie made as General Manager was extending Saturday hours to make it easier for clients to get their BMW serviced.
department, because that’s what keeps the customer coming back,” he says. After assuming his new role, Vinnie added four more sales positions. “Every prospective client should, in addition to spending time with the sales advisor, interact with management before leaving the dealership and eliminate the constant back and forth between the sales desk and manager’s office,” he explains. “Our clients are very well informed and educated about the vehicles we sell as well as the costs involved, so it made sense to eliminate a lot of the negotiation process and just make buying a BMW a more enjoyable process.” Additionally, two more highly-trained Genius’ were added to the staff to address any technical questions or issues that might arise. Vinnie has his sights set on Competition BMW being named Best Foreign Auto Dealership on Long Island again in 2017. He believes every client who enters the dealership should feel like they are experiencing only the best.
He added more service advisors, technicians and parts crew from 7:30 am to 5 pm for full service, not just maintenance items, making it more convenient for those that work during the week.
“I get a lot of ideas for improving the dealership from our employees,” he says. “I listen to them and react if the idea is right for the clients as well as for their peers and if it’s a great idea, we’ll put the process in place.”
“I wanted to give our clients the best experience possible, and I realize it needs to be in the service
“My job at Competition BMW is to never stop raising the bar for all involved.”
CHECKMATE MAGAZINE VOL. 1 ISSUE 3 7 Presented by Competition BMW of Smithtown • www.CompetitionBMW.com/Checkmate
Our unique selection of splurge-worthy products
FLUIDSTANCE WORK PLATFORM
The Level work platform elicits subtle, constant movement to increase your range of motion and heart rate. It can be used as a complement to a stand-up desk or throughout your home, while on the phone or other tasks that can be done while standing in one area. Fluidstance.com, $389
TRAVELER DUFFLE BAG
MIANSAI HOOK ON SHARK LEATHER BRACELET
Adjustable bracelet with the iconic Miansai hook in 14K gold on black tanned shark leather. Miansai.com, $500
CHECKMATE MAGAZINE VOL. 1 ISSUE 3 8 Presented by Competition BMW of Smithtown • www.CompetitionBMW.com/Checkmate
Hearty veg-tanned leather adds classic durability to a compact duffle bag. Will Leather Goods, Nordstrom, $795
THE FLOAT PLACE
Experience Floating, AKA Sensory Deprivation by allowing yourself to float effortlessly on water that is saturated with Epsom Salt. All stimuli is removed from your brain and your body isn’t fighting gravity. As a result, positive hormones are pumped out while stress related hormones are greatly reduced. 2005 Deer Park Avenue, Deer Park, TheFloatPlace.com, 90 Minute Float, $75.
CONCIERGE SERVICE
Catering to the most discerning clientele, Long Island native Gia Vigliotti, founder of Charter Concierge Services (CCS), has made it her business to provide custom concierge services to her high end clients. Need an appointment with a celebrity stylist? Restaurant reservations at NYC’s trendiest new hot spot? A unique, exclusive experience? Tickets to the Kentucky Derby? The Oscars? Super Bowl, Stanley Cup, World Series? Gia will provide you with luxury access to whatever your heart desires. CharterConcierge.nyc
EDIE PARKER HANDBAGS
The trendy new clutches are taking the fashion industry by storm. Customize your own in their Bespoke gallery and step out with your name or favorite saying branded on your handbag. Lara Anchor clutch, $1,695. Edie-Parker.com
SUUNTO ZOOP NOVO DIVING COMPUTER
Explore new underwater adventures and have key dive data clearly visible on the backlit display. Sync your Novo with Suunto DM5 software and you can share your dive log, images and videos with friends and family. Amazon. com, $329.95
CAR TURNER
Finally the garage is getting the luxury treatment. Once the home to bicycles and old tools, affluent homeowners are “turning” in urban and suburban areas. Whether you are tight on space or just don’t like to drive in reverse, we’ll be seeing these pop up all over Long Island. From $11,000
CHECKMATE MAGAZINE VOL. 1 ISSUE 3 9 Presented by Competition BMW of Smithtown • www.CompetitionBMW.com/Checkmate
Brand intiM a c y
BMW:
The Ultimate Brand Experience checkmate magazine Vol. 1 issue 3 10 Presented by Competition BMW of Smithtown • www.CompetitionBMW.com/Checkmate
A new science called Brand Intimacy reveals how we connect with brands that have an impact on the way we live. This concept was the subject of a study by New York-based marketing firm, MBLM. The results were based on consumer research to measure, quantify and understand how our emotions impact brand relationships and which brands are the most successful at creating these bonds.
checkmate magazine Vol. 1 issue 3 11 Presented by Competition BMW of Smithtown • www.CompetitionBMW.com/Checkmate
BMW RANKED #1 MAN VS MACHINE It was reported that the most intimate brand relationship is the bond between a driver and their vehicle. Not only is there an inherent trust between man and machine, the car can also represent their status in life. According to Mario Natarelli, Managing Partner of MBLM, “In the U.S., people were most intimate with the cars they purchased. People expressed ‘fulfillment’ and ‘identity’ with their product. This is the biggest purchase you can make that has a ‘brand.’ People love their cars. It’s an extension of their families to some degree.”
BMW was ranked #1 in the automotive industry for the emotional connection BMW drivers experience. A compelling finding since BMW, now the top seller of luxury vehicles in the US, accomplished this standard of excellence in just 40 years.
THE TOP TEN ARE:
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS The study looked at the process and decision of purchasing a car and how well the auto brand exceeded expectations in quality, safety and the delivery of superior customer service.
#1
According to Natarelli, “The path to developing brand intimacy begins not by developing an advertising plan but instead with self-reflection. A company really needs to know its story. And ‘brand’ isn’t some abstract idea–it filters down to each and every employee. Do they buy in to the company’s story and mission? Are they proud of what they make at the company? Do they make customers feel warm and valued?”
#2
#3
In addition to BMW being at the top of the list for automotive, the car giant ranked #2 in another MBLM study that rated the Top 10 Most Intimate Brands in the US for 2015:
CHECKMATE MAGAZINE VOL. 1 ISSUE 3 12 Presented by Competition BMW of Smithtown • www.CompetitionBMW.com/Checkmate
B R A ND INTIM ACY
“We will continue working to improve your customer experience at Competition BMW and thank you for the honor of making Competition BMW your choice for purchasing and servicing your car.”
BEST FOREIGN AUTO DEALERSHIP While the BMW brand has won accolades across the US and around the world, Competition BMW made its mark locally by being voted the Best Foreign Auto Dealership on Long Island in the 2016 Bethpage Best of Long Island competition. With more than 1.2 million total votes cast, Competition BMW clients came through and voted in record numbers.
–VINCENT DIGREGORIO GENERAL MANAGER, COMPETITION BMW
Competition BMW Customer Loyalty Reward Program Our service and parts departments are rolling out the Competition BMW Loyalty Program to reward your loyalty and thank you for your business.
SPEND & RECEIVE Here’s how the Loyalty Reward Program works: Spend a minimum of $500 in the service or parts department and receive “Boutique Bucks” redeemable in our Lifestyle Boutique where you’ll find hundreds of items to choose from. • Spend $ 500 & Receive $50 in Boutique Bucks* • Spend $1,000 & Receive $100 in Boutique Bucks* • Spend $1,500 & Receive $150 in Boutique Bucks* * Cannot be combined with any other discounts/offers.
Boutique Bucks
Competition BMW of Smithtown
$______ Name: Address: Email:
Phone:
Authorized Signature: Present this gift certificate for redemption at the Competition BMW Lifestyle Boutique or Parts Counter. May not be combined with other discounts, some exclusions apply. Minimum points value: $50. BMW vehicles only. Expires 12/31/16.
CHECKMATE MAGAZINE VOL. 1 ISSUE 3 13 Presented by Competition BMW of Smithtown • www.CompetitionBMW.com/Checkmate
There is a gaming sub-culture dedicated to chasing a shiny silver ball. When the game is turned on, the machine rumbles loudly to life, lights flash and the music begins. It is time to play Pinball. Ray and Laurie Juliano of Port Jefferson Station are aficionados who collect rare pinball machines, jukeboxes, Nascar racing machines and other Americana. Ray grew up in Selden and Laurie moved to Long Island from New Jersey in the late ‘70s. They met on a blind date and will celebrate their 29th anniversary this October.
Laurie is a senior analyst with the IRS and Ray is a train director for the Long Island Railroad. Besides Pinball, the Julianos love cars and have owned more than 30 vehicles, including Mercedes, Acura, Toyota, an MG Midget, a ‘72 Chevy Nova and a ‘69 Buick Skylark.
“We’ve had a lot of cars over the years,” Laurie says. Ray likes German cars and was partial to Volkswagens, notably a turbo-charged VR6 GTI. When it was time for Laurie to get a new car, she went on a hunt for a sporty convertible.
A Mercedes two-door coupe was in the running, but the couple decided to stop into Competition BMW before making a final decision. “We never owned a BMW before,” Ray says. “We went into the dealership and Laurie walked right over to a red 428 hardtop convertible.”
CHECKMATE MAGAZINE VOL. 1 ISSUE 3 14 Presented by Competition BMW of Smithtown • www.CompetitionBMW.com/Checkmate
Competition BMW sales advisor, John Oliveira, aka “J-Wow,” suggested that they take the 428 for a test drive. As experts in the nuances of playing Pinball, Ray and Laurie know that every machine has its own personality and plays differently. They discovered that BMW shared those same traits during their test drive.
Ray and Laurie Juliano with M4 and 428 convertible.
“I loved that car immediately,” Laurie says. “BMW’s drive differently,” she adds. “There is no comparison to any other car.” Laurie bought the red convertible. Ray now wanted his own BMW. He selected a 428 in white with all-wheel drive to use as his daily driver. That car became the Julianos BMW No. 2. Since Ray loves fast and powerful cars, he wanted to take a test drive in a BMW M4. He was there anyway, so why not? Ironically, Ray, who uses flippers while playing Pinball, did not want flippers on the steering column of his car to shift gears. He wanted the real thing. Ray hit the stick shift on the M4 like a Pinball plunger and began to play. Once back in the showroom, he traded in his GTI for the M4. “That’s the difference between men and the boys,” Laurie remarked. The M4 was Juliano BMW No. 3. In Pinball lingo that’s known as a Trifecta, three consecutive shots in one game.
“I feel safe in my BMW,” Laurie says.
she sets us up with a loaner car.”
The insurance companies agree since the Julianos are paying significantly less in car insurance premiums on their BMW’s than they were before.
Ray recalled a recent incident that was handled quickly and expertly by the Competition BMW service department.
When Ray began playing Pinball in the ‘70s, video games were just arriving on the arcade scene. As they became more popular, Ray started his own collection of Pinball machines. They helped him unwind after work. Full of moving parts and switch contacts that need to be cleaned and adjusted, Ray became an expert at diagnosing and servicing his own Pinball machines. As an owner of three BMW’s, he learned firsthand that Competition BMW maintains their machines with the same care. Ray is a huge fan of the Competition BMW service department. “You can’t beat their maintenance package. They diagnose service problems immediately. They don’t wait to figure it out. I don’t want to take my car back multiple times. I want it fixed right the first time,” Ray says.
Ray had a car in for service and received a brand new car for a loaner. While parked, the car was hit and sustained body damage. “I called Jackie to report the incident, and she told me to just bring it back and they would give me another car,” he explains. “They gave us an X5 loaner and we fell in love with it. You can’t compare it to any other SUV,” he adds. The Julianos were amazed at the customer service they received. “The entire incident was handled perfectly,” Ray says. Ray has big plans to upgrade his M4 and will be adding the Dinan Performance Package to further enhance its performance. An M2 is on his wish list for Competition BMW Car No. 4. “We definitely want to stay with the BMW brand,” Ray says.
“We were probably the talk of the town,” Laurie says.
Both Ray and Laurie have high praise for Jackie Ruggiero, the Assistant Service Manager at Competition BMW, and their personal service advisor.
“I love the entire staff at Competition BMW. They make us feel comfortable, like we’re part of the family,” Laurie says.
But, there is a compelling rejoinder for wanting only BMW’s on their driveway.
“Jackie lets us know what’s going on,” Ray says. “If a repair is going to take time,
“When you find that level of quality in the car you drive and excellent customer service, you have to keep going back.”
CHECKMATE MAGAZINE VOL. 1 ISSUE 3 15 Presented by Competition BMW of Smithtown • www.CompetitionBMW.com/Checkmate
BMW GENIUS PRO F IL E
Jorge Urrea-Vallejo, Senior Genius at Competition BMW Photo Credit: LizDegenPhoto.com
ARE YOU SMARTER
THAN A
GENIUS?
Ask Jorge Urrea-Vallejo, Senior Genius at Competition BMW Jorge Urrea-Vallejo, Senior Genius at Competition BMW, is a native of Ecuador who has lived near the Nautical Mile in Freeport with his family since he was two years old.
Jorge says he liked the challenge of investigating the “money trail” when large amounts of counterfeit cash was moved through wire transfers.
Jorge attended Holy Trinity High School in Hicksville and was a champion tennis player.
When he began his search for a new career, he wanted to use his technological knowledge, and found the perfect fit as a Genius at Competition BMW.
Now married, Jorge and his wife Danielle reside in Hicksville.
After undergoing extensive training, Jorge is now an on-site expert in everything BMW.
For more than six years, Jorge worked for a large bank in their fraud and anti-money laundering division, but the economic downturn resulted in the division being disbanded.
“My job is to educate clients on how to use their BMW and demonstrate its features, platforms and option packages,” he says. Sometimes that can mean explaining the
newest technology to a client who may not be very technologically savvy. But that doesn’t matter to Jorge. His desire to deliver an extraordinary customer service experience is his number one priority. For Jorge, who has long been a BMW enthusiast, all of this is second nature. “I’ve always been interested and involved in the BMW community,” he says. His daily driver is a 2006 3 Series M3 known for its sports car performance. (That means that Jorge likes to drive fast.) “I love my job, especially meeting other BMW enthusiasts,” Jorge says. “I also like to see the older generation BMW’s and
CHECKMATE MAGAZINE VOL. 1 ISSUE 3 16 Presented by Competition BMW of Smithtown • www.CompetitionBMW.com/Checkmate
?
“
European Delivery
I LOVE MY JOB, ESPECIALLY MEETING OTHER BMW ENTHUSIASTS. I ALSO LIKE TO SEE THE OLDER GENERATION BMW’S AND TALK TO THEIR OWNERS.
Meet your BMW Where It Was “Born”
”
talk to their owners.” Jorge recently went to M2 training in California, and says that training on a new car is one of the best parts of his job. “I was one of the first drivers to practice driving the M2 on the track. I got to push it to the limit at 130 mph and it held the track beautifully,” he says. Next on his wish list is to accompany a client to Germany for a European delivery. “I’d love to go to Welt and then drive the Autobahn. It sounds like a wonderful experience,” he says. Jorge is both a teacher and customer experience specialist who can turn questions into answers and problems into solutions. Jorge says the main question he’s asked is about Bluetooth connectivity, and he treats every question like it was his first. “There’s no rush,” he says. “I take my time to explain the process and ensure that the client knows exactly how everything works.”
For a first drive that you’ll never forget, forego the Long Island Expressway and take your first spin on the famed European Autobahn. Fly to Germany where you’ll be picked up in Munich for a once-in-alifetime experience. European Delivery ensures exclusive offers, including a factory tour, BMW Museum tour and more. Select a Driving Adventure package (there are five to choose from), indulge yourself in a world-class vacation and then meet your BMW back in the US. The Sampler Serenade package is for those who have three to four days to travel and includes The Black Forest, Castle Road or you can design your own itinerary. For those who have five to six days to travel, there is Lakeside Luxury, Castles and Mozart and Spa, Sport & Drive. All accomodations are 5-star. When your tour is over, select from a dozen drop off locations in France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland and Belgium. Then, head home and your BMW will arrive in the US shortly. For information on the BMW European Delivery Program, ask Jorge or you client advisor for details.
CHECKMATE MAGAZINE VOL. 1 ISSUE 3 17 Presented by Competition BMW of Smithtown • www.CompetitionBMW.com/Checkmate
COV E R S TO RY
ROM the C
1955 BMW 507 Roadster
checkmate magazine Vol. 1 issue 3 18 Presented by Competition BMW of Smithtown • www.CompetitionBMW.com/Checkmate
COV E R S TO RY
MANCING CHROME A Chronicle of BMW Car Design When the automobile industry was in its infancy, the mechanical reliability of the car was vital. Car styling or the shape of the car’s body, and the colors and materials used in its manufacture didn’t come into play until the end of the Roaring ‘20s, when manufacturers realized the shape of the car brought it to life.
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COV E R S TO RY
1927 Dixi: Lucien Rosengart Rosengart was a French engineer and industrialist and the first car stylist of note who was called on by BMW to modernize the Dixi 3/15 in 1927. Rosengart was also an inventor who held patents on table football, bicycle lights and stainless steel bolts.
1 The Baroque Angels 1951 BMW 501 & 502: Peter Syzmanowski Post-WWII, Syzmanowski pioneered the reconstruction of the German car industry with the design of the BMW 501 and 502 equipped with a 3.2 140 HP engine, making it the fastest German touring car. The distinctive bodies of the 501 and 502 were likened to angel wings for their flared fenders, giving them a flowing, curvaceous look, earning them the nickname “Baroque Angels.”
3
It was also Syzmanowski’s decision to keep the traditional BMW kidney shaped grille, which at the time became crucial for the identity of the BMW brand. The historical significance of the Baroque Angels is enormous and boosted BMW to the prestigious level that it still enjoys today.
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COV E R S TO RY
2
1938 BMW 328: Fritz Fiedler Fiedler was one of the most important designers in the establishment of the BMW brand. The construction of the pre-war BMW 328 is significant to this day. The BMW 328 was the first car to be tested for its aerodynamics inside of a wind tunnel. The sporty two-seater with a powerful 2-liter 6-cylinder engine is still considered one of the most beautiful and successful sports cars of its time.
4 5 1953 Isetta: Renzo Rivolta
1961 BMW 1500: Wilhelm Hofmeister
In 1953, Rivolta unveiled the Iso Isetta bubble car or “rolling egg” that was powered by a motorbike engine with room for two adults and maybe a bag of groceries. BMW purchased his design and in 1955 began to produce the first BMW Isettas. Introduction of the Mini in 1959 signaled the end of the Isetta’s popularity, but the Isetta had achieved its purpose by securing BMW’s financial future.
Hofmeister had a very strong influence on BMW design philosophy and is credited with designing a modern, fast, sports sedan that changed the automotive industry. Known worldwide in the automotive industry as the designer of the C-Pillar or Hofmeister Kink, this design feature can be found on the lowest corner of the rear passenger window. The C-Pillar design has been used throughout the industry and on all BMW cars since its debut on the BMW 3200CS and BMW 1500 in 1961. The “Kink” remains one of the most important elements of BMW’s body design.
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COVER C O V E RSTORY S TO RY
1972 BMW Turbo: Paul Bracq Bracq was a sculptor who designed and crafted wooden models of imaginary cars while growing up in Bordeaux, France. A designer for BMW in the ‘70s, Bracq is wellknown for the 1972 BMW 2002 Turbo prototype flamboyantly designed with gull wing doors that preceded the legendary BMW M1.
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2004 X5: Chris Chapman
Chapman, a California native, is credited for the design of the X5, X Coupe concept, 1-Series (E87), and the 1-Series Coupe.
Z9 Gran Turismo Prototype: Adrian Van Hooydonk
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Van Hooydonk worked closely with Chris Bangle and became head of design after Bangle’s departure. Known for his gull-wing Z9 GT (Gran Turismo) prototype, he introduced sculptured design, which influenced BMW body styling for the next decade.
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COV E R S TO RY
1989 BMW Z1: Harm Lagaay
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Lagaay designed the BMW Z1, an experimental roadster that was produced between ‘89 and ‘91. With an aerodynamic design, removable body panels, side panels made from plastic and electric doors that opened by sliding down into the body of the car, the Z1 led BMW to several patents. Ahead of its time because of its technology, there were only 8,000 sold, making it a coveted collectors item today.
2001 E65: Chris Bangle
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Bangle, who grew up in Wisconsin, is considered by many to be the most influential car designer for the past 20 years. Best known for his design of the E65 7 Series in 2001, its trunk design was nicknamed “Bangle Butt” for its protruding decklid. (To his credit, he is responsible for the design of the Z3, Z4 and the E63 6 Series.)
2016 BMW M2: Hussein Al-Attar Al-Attar was responsible for the BMW 4 Series Coupe LED lighting accents and went on to design the new BMW M2. He is credited with capturing the enthusiasm of the BMW brand in the new M2, a vehicle designed to remain true to its motorsport roots, both inside and out. The design and idea behind the first-ever BMW M2 Coupe stems from the historical roots of BMW M GmbH. The M2 combines modern automotive prowess and classic rear-wheel drive along with the precision and agility of a modern M automobile. A powerful M TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder engine ensures the characteristic M’s breathtaking performance.
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Jumping for Joy Jennifer Stanilo on She Wore Dior from Competition Equestrian LLC
As far back at the Bronze Age, horses were seen as divine and sacred creatures and worshipping them became a spiritual experience. Even today, horse worship exists in a world with its own rules and rituals.
For young girls, especially, horses can become a major part of their lives and affect how they relate to the rest of the world. Nancy Buzzetta, the female force at Competition Auto Group, one of the largest family-owned automobile dealership groups on Long Island, serves as their Vice President and Partner. She oversees the operations at Competition Mercedes Benz of Smithtown and Competition Subaru. Nancy possesses a skillset that is unique to anyone else on Long Island. An expert in high horsepower luxury cars, she is also an accomplished
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rider who enjoys training young horses and rescues. Nancy began riding and competing when she was a young girl. As is the case with others like her, she had to stop in order to attend college, build a career, marry and raise her children. When her daughters, Valerie, now 15, and Jennifer, 13, were old enough, Nancy wanted them to experience the joy of riding. In the process she rekindled her own passion. “As soon as I started riding again, I remembered why I loved it so much,” she says. Once Nancy began riding regularly, owning her own horse farm became one of her life goals. In 2013 she seized on an opportunity to realize that dream and purchased a farm situated on 8.5 acres in Middle Island. The farm, named Competition Equestrian, is now home to nine horses with 11 stalls, eight turnouts and a beautiful outdoor ring that is adjacent to a county park with miles of beautiful riding trails. Following in their mother’s footsteps, Valerie and Jennifer are accomplished equestrians and compete frequently in local and national shows. One of their local favorites is Old Field Farm in Setauket, a historic parkland that has been renovated and hosts equestrian and community events. “My friend Sally Lynch spearheaded the farm’s restoration,” Nancy says proudly. Another local show Val and Jen like to compete in is the renowned Hampton Classic. “They competed last year,” Nancy says. “It was a lot of fun. The competition ranges from someone’s first show to gold medalists.” Life on the Competition Equestrian farm can be an adventure, and it is also a safe haven for horses that Nancy rescued from certain death. “So many horses are sent to slaughter,” Nancy says. “It’s so sad.” The farm is home to an ex-racehorse that Nancy adopted from a rescue organization in Maryland and another ex-racehorse she saved that was
starving and in dire need of care. “That horse was neglected and underweight and had rain scald, a skin condition that is very painful that comes from being left outside,” she explained. A pony Nancy purchased from a Pennsylvaniabased meat buyer and a couple of miniature horses, which were purchased at an auction that often sells horses and ponies into the meat industry pipeline, also reside at Competition Equestrian. Nancy and her daughters helped nurse the horses back to health and trained them to hopefully move on to a brighter future. The show-side of horsemanship is important too, Nancy says. Watching Val and Jen control a 1,000-pound animal with grace and authority in various competitions is a wonderful sight to behold. “Competition Equestrian has given my daughters an opportunity to develop character and compassion and a deep connection to beautiful animals,” Nancy says. “Horses can be great teachers, too.”
Valerie riding “Vivs Diamond”
“All horses deserve, at least once in their lives, to be loved by a little girl.”
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What Your Car Knows About You
WHERE YOU’VE BEEN
YOUR DRIVING HABITS
WHO YOU KNOW
Your last 100 parking locations
Length of time you’ve used different driving modes
Your mobile phone’s synced information (name, address, phone numbers, email and images)
The most recent destinations entered into your navigation system
The number of times the seatbelt tightened due to sudden braking and acceleration
Connected Cars The Renaissance of the Automobile Industry
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FE ATUR E STORY
First, computers, phones and tablets helped us stay connected. Now, our automobiles will be the next device that keeps us connected and can even operate themselves. How will it revolutionize the driving experience?
How we might live with the rise of connected and self-driving cars: 1
Self-driving cars will lead to gains in productivity.
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Demand for organ replacements will skyrocket. In 80% of traffic accidents, the source of organ donations could be mitigated by using connectivity and sensors.
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The percentage of vehicles that connect to mobile devices will increase to 90% by 2020.
The average worker spends 250 hours per year commuting.
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The hottest apps will be the ones in your car.
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Intelligent driving and parking will make many new fuel options viable. 40% of gasoline in urban areas is consumed looking for parking.
Your driving telemetry will be monitored and recorded using an EDR. Federal laws will require every vehicle to have an Event Data Recorder (EDR).
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Up to 80% of urban land that is dedicated to cars will be freed up for other uses.
BMW 100 Year Concept Car
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FEATURE STO RY
TECHNOLOGY DRIVES MOBILITY
BMW CONNECTING AT NEW LEVELS
Knowledge is power, especially when driving, and the Big Data revolution promises to be strongly disruptive in the automotive industry. The rise of connected cars and self-operating cars on the road will not only change our driving habits, it will change the way drivers and occupants perceive the driving experience.
At the Microsoft Build 2016 Conference held in San Francisco this spring, BMW unveiled its new “BMW Connected” service powered by Microsoft’s Open Mobility Cloud that is expected to seamlessly link cars, mobile devices, homes and cloud data together.
A car is considered “connected” when it has builtin internet access and can interact and exchange information with devices and external vehicle information providers. The automotive industry has taken a huge leap into this digital world and as a result the driving experience will change entirely, with cars having the ability to connect and communicate and even interact with other vehicles, pedestrians and the surrounding infrastructure. BMW is investing heavily in developing new technology that will transform not only how people drive, but how cars are bought, sold and serviced.
“Mobility needs are unique and personal and a very important aspect of our everyday life,” said Thom Brenner, BMW Group’s Vice President of Digital Life, during the unveiling at the conference. “We are really focused on how we can integrate our offerings smoothly and seamlessly into the digital life of our customers.” Communication companies like Verizon and AT&T are already expanding their networks beyond mobile devices to allow vehicle connectivity. AT&T currently has a deal with Ford to connect at least 10 million more cars in the next five years, and recently introduced a device that converts older cars into Wi-Fi hotspots. The bottom line is connected cars will eventually complement or replace human drivers with selfdriving or autonomous vehicles.
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FE ATUR E STORY
BMW CONNECTED THE FUTURE: V2V + V2X Connected car concepts that are already in production are categorized as Vehicle to Vehicle or “V2V.” V2V will enable cars to communicate with each other directly and maintain an internal map of all surrounding vehicles with their speed and direction. This information will give the vehicle the ability to provide guidance to the driver about when it is safe to change lanes, change speed, or merge. Vehicle to Everything or “V2X,” includes communication with infrastructure like road signs and traffic lights that provide driver warnings long before the driver can see them. When V2X is fully operational, cars can be operated autonomously. Occupant safety and data security remains a top priority for automakers. The industry is investing in significant security measures to protect information and vehicles alike from hackers. The changes afforded through vehicle connectivity is rapidly approaching and will bring revolutionary changes to the entire automotive industry.
With ConnectedDrive Services, BMW drivers are already privy to the most advanced technology available today and will continue to be ahead of the curve as more and more connected cars take to the road.
“We are really focused on how we can integrate our offerings smoothly and seamlessly into the digital life of our customers.” –THOM BRENNER BMW GROUP VICE PRESIDENT OF DIGITAL LIFE
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#TBT Have an M? Meet & Network with Other M Enthusiasts! Join Us Thursday, October 13, 2016 from 7 pm to 9 pm
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Check Out the Newest Accessories to Customize Your M
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Get Access to the Bay Area While Your Car Is On the Lift
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Receive a Diagnostic Check Sheet
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Visit our Lifestyle Boutique for the Latest M Line Sportswear Collection
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Enjoy a first-hand glimpse at how your BMW M vehicle is serviced and look into the inner workings of the Ultimate Driving Experience. Space is Limited. PRE-REGISTER BY EMAIL: RSVP by 10/1/16 to M@competitionbmw.com
ROADSIDE ODDITIES ON LONG ISLAND
BMW Road Trip If you don’t have time for a fullfledged road trip and want to stay local, check out some of these out-of-the-ordinary local oddities and unusual destinations that you might not have realized are almost in your own backyard.
BURR FAMILY CEMETERY AT HOME DEPOT IN COMMACK SMITHTOWN BULL Let’s start with the Smithtown Bull, named Whisper, which can be found at the intersection of Rt. 25 & Rt. 25A in the heart of Smithtown. Built in 1941, the bull is 14’ tall and commemorates the founding of Smithtown by Richard Smythe. Legend has it that Smythe obtained the land when he made a bargain with Native Americans that he could keep all of the land that he rode through, in one day, while on the back of a bull.
HERCULES PAVILION Head down Main Street in Stony Brook and you’ll find a statue of Hercules. The figurehead was attached to the front of the USS Ohio, a Navy boat that was the first to leave the Brooklyn Navy Yard in 1820. The ship was wrecked in the late 1980s, but Hercules, the anchor and whaleboat were preserved and brought to Stony Brook.
Drive through the parking lot and you’ll see a group of trees surrounded by a chain link fence. Look closer and you’ll find a 19th century family cemetery for the Burr’s who came to the US in 1630 and settled on Long Island in 1656, on farmland that is now owned by Home Depot. The most recent gravestone is dated 1878.
THE GREAT SPHINX You don’t need to travel off Long Island to see one of the “7 Wonders of the World.” Sculpted by Will Graham, who came to America from Belfast, Ireland in 1888, Graham created the Great Sphinx as an attraction for his hotel, the Anchorage Inn in Blue Point. Theodore Roosevelt and film stars Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks are said to have been guests at the Inn. Mae West was reportedly trying to buy the Inn, but it burned down in the 1920s. The Sphinx was stored away in an abandoned gas station and was damaged during a renovation when the owners of The Fontana Cement Company rescued and restored the statue in 1974. It can be found on Route 27A in Bayport, where it sits as a memorial to Graham and the Anchorage Inn. For more road trip inspiration, visit checkmate.competitionbmw.com
Photo: By Ira Koeppel
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STYLES and SAVINGS GOWN: SOPHIA TOLLI
www.FLAIRFASHIONS.com 631.689.2992 85 Main Streeet Stony Brook, NY 11790
Destination: Delicious Checkmate Magazine reviews the finest local restaurants.
Le Vin Beyond the food court at the Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove is an oasis called Le Vin, where you will find fine wine, exceptional food and imported cheeses in an atmosphere that will transport you across the Atlantic to a Parisian bistro. Le Vin is a collaboration between Christophe Lhopitault, owner of Lake Side Emotions Wine Boutique in Stony Brook Village and Chef Guy Reuge, four-time James Beard nominee and owner of Mirabelle Restaurant in Stony Brook. “When Guy and I created Le Vin, our mission was simple,” Christophe says. “We wanted a place with European flair where you can enjoy wine, small plates and coffee in a warm, relaxed atmosphere.” Located next to Bobby’s Burger Palace on the south side of the mall, Le Vin is in a pocket-sized space, which for most restaurateurs would present a conundrum. Careful planning maximized every square inch of space and additionally the kitchen does not have an exhaust system, so food is cooked without a traditional oven. The challenge for the French duo was to create a menu that could be prepared in a non-traditional way. “We were very careful about the menu,” Christophe explains. The results of their collaboration are mouthwatering fare that changes seasonally. “The only thing we don’t have on our
menu is steak,” Christophe says. On the blackboard menu you’ll find Boneless BBQ Baby Back Ribs with Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Long Island Fluke Ceviche and Burrata Cheese, Tomato Jam and Melba Toast, all priced between $7 and $14. Artisan cheese and charcuterie boards are beautifully prepared and range from $18 to $20. A must-have when visiting Le Vin is “Pata Negra,” a rare Spanish Iberian Ham Prosciutto of the highest quality that comes from freerange pigs that roam oak forests along the border between Spain and Portugal, eating only acorns. The pig is cured for 36 months. Wine by the glass starts at an almost unheard of price of $5, so it’s always “happy hour” at Le Vin. For connoisseurs, the wine and champagne menu ranges up to $28 a glass. The lack of kitchen exhaust has opened up a whole new restaurant model that Christophe and Guy are planning to replicate in the near future. “With this concept we can open a Le Vin anywhere. I can be in any building, anytime and adapt to
any situation,” Christophe says. Starbucks serves Lattes, Le Vin serves Chardonnay. And like Starbucks, Le Vin is a place you can go to everyday: enjoy wine and cheese, lunch or dinner, and coffee and dessert. The kitchen is open until 10 pm, so Le Vin is a destination that’s not to be missed. “Le Vin is casual, an everyday place to go and sit down. It’s a wine bar/eatery where you can relax after shopping or after work or anytime,” Christophe says. “We don’t want big, we want cozy,” he says. N’est pas?
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For more information about private parties, wine tastings and upcoming events, email levinunlimited@gmail.com. LE VIN Smith Haven Mall Lake Grove, NY 11775
631-979-9463 www.LeVinLG.com
Trivia
Business tycoon Warren Buffet has transmitted only one email in his life. It was sent to Jeff Raikes at Microsoft and it ended up in court. He never sent another one.
Movie theater popcorn costs more per ounce than filet mignon in the U.S.
After paying a $40 late fee for the movie Apollo 13, Reed Hastings, Jr. co-founded NetFlix. CHECKMATE MAGAZINE VOL. 1 ISSUE 3 34 Presented by Competition BMW of Smithtown • www.CompetitionBMW.com/Checkmate
Image by The PBH Network
Bats always turn left when exiting a cave.
In 1923, Frank Hayes, in his debut as a jockey, won a race at Belmont Park despite being dead. He apparently suffered a heart attack midrace, but he stayed in the saddle until his horse crossed the finish line for a 20-1 outsider victory.
A typical cloud weighs approximately 1.1 million pounds, about as much as 100 elephants. In 1963, baseball pitcher Gaylord Perry of the San Francisco Giants remarked,
“They’ll put a man on the moon before I hit a home run.” On July 20, 1969, a few hours after Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon, Gaylord Perry hit his first (and only) home run.
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Special lease and finance offers will be available by [DEALER NAME] through BMW Financial Services.