Morrie’s Continues to Support the Rink Rats Youth Hockey Program
Oct 11th
We are very pleased to announce that we will be partnering with the Herb Brooks foundation again this year! In 2011 we established our Buy Happy Giving Program to help us focus on our philanthropy efforts and this is the second consecutive year that we have worked with Herb Brooks and their Rink Rats program. We are very excited about this continued partnership.
The Herb Brooks Rink Rats program, which was founded in 2007, aims to help grow the base of hockey among youth members by bringing out physical, emotional, and character development skills among young players. This program gives students within the Minneapolis Public School District the opportunity to learn and play the game of hockey at no cost to them. Morrie’s employees will take turn shuttling the kids and their hockey equipment to different parks around the city where we can then work with representatives from the Herb Brooks Foundation to teach the students fundamental hockey skills.
As always, we are happy to be able to give back to such a positive community organization and one that cherishes a true Minnesota tradition, the game of hockey.
Make sure to check out blog often for updates on our partnership with the Herb Brooks Foundation and the Rink Rat program.
2013 Subaru BRZ Limited
Oct 9th
It’s nearly impossible to describe the 2013 Subaru BRZ in a single word. It’s sleek. It’s nimble. It’s engaging. It’s so many things distilled down into one car. It’s “pure”. After Morrie’s Minnetonka Subaru was kind enough to lend me a 2013 Subaru BRZ for a weekend to drive and enjoy, I kept coming back to how clearly the car communicated with me as a driver, how gleefully the engine responded to a prod from my right foot, and how well it handled turn after turn as it asked me to take the long way home. This slick little coupe has purity down to a science.
While there’s no hiding the BRZ’s sporty pretensions, it’s not actually as compromised as you might think. You’ll feel every bump and undulation on the road through the tight suspension but it doesn’t beat you up like some cars would. The standard navigation system does just as good of a job of guiding you on your daily commute as it does helping you find twisty back roads. Although the stereo sounds great and offers everything from CD and radio to a USB port and Bluetooth phone pairing, the cabin is quiet enough to make conversation easy. There’s even a tube that passes between the cabin and the engine compartment that opens up to let you hear the direct injected 2.0 liter Boxer 4-cylinder sing when you want it to. The rear seats offer enough space for young children while also folding down to facilitate trips to Costco or Ikea. I surprised even myself when I managed to fit a large TV stand in the back of the BRZ with the rear seats folded down!
Now, before I go too much farther, I should explain that I am a bit of a Subaru fan-boy having purchased a 2013 Subaru WRX hatchback last year. I should also point out that in terms of sheer practicality and year round use, my WRX is probably a better fit for me than the BRZ would be. But after returning the BRZ to Morrie’s and picking up my WRX again, my car felt like tractor by comparison, albeit a very fast tractor. The BRZ is just gives back so much more feedback through the steering wheel. In fact, all of the controls – from the steering wheel, to the pedals, to the shift lever – are all perfectly placed to offer the driver a perfect position from which to pilot the BRZ like a pro. While I’d prefer a heavier clutch pedal, the light springiness of the clutch in the BRZ is much easier to deal with in stop and go traffic. The steering is both beautifully weighted and also full of feel. What left me most impressed, however, was how firm and confidence inspiring the brake pedal was.
If there was one area in which the BRZ feels like it’s lacking something, it’s in the power department. While the BRZ never really feels particularly slow, it’s not quite as fast as its looks would imply. Unlike the turbocharged engine in my WRX, peak power (200 bhp at 7,000 RPM) and peak torque (151 lb-ft at 6,400 RPM) aren’t reached until higher up in the revs which means that the BRZ feels a bit sluggish during normal city driving. In traffic, lane changes need a little extra planning but once you down shift a few gears and get the engine spinning above 4,000 RPM, the car comes alive and is both willing and able to be pushed. Best of all, you can actually keep your fit down all the way to the red line before shifting and you won’t have to worry about the police hauling you off to jail.The BRZ is enjoyable even at normal speeds!
Part of what allows the BRZ to feel so focused and engaging to drive is its relatively low weight. Tipping the scales at a lithe 2775 lbs, the BRZ always feels light on its feet. That being said, the BRZ feels incredibly solid and well planted. When driving, there’s never a thought of the car feeling cheap or flimsy. While $28,265 for the 2013 Subaru BRZ Limited that I tested may seem like a lot of money for such a small car, it’s hard to find another sporty car on the market – aside from its Scion FR-S twin – that are as driver focused as this car. It even gets respectable gas mileage at 22 MPG city/ 30 MPG highway. Where the BRZ really shines however is when it comes to smiles per mile. It’s been a few days since I regretfully gave the keys back to the sales person at Morrie’s Minnetonka Subaru but I still haven’t wiped the smile off of my face!
Alex Bellus is a well-known automotive photographer in the Twin Cities area and a frequent attendee of MN C&C at the Automotorplex. He is an Automotive Analyst for IHS Automotive and has a wide range of automotive knowledge. Keep your eye out for his next Blog Post where he will highlight another popular new vehicle!
MN C&C | October 2013
Oct 5th
Today was the last MN C&C event of the season and though it started off rainy it ended beautifully with a great turnout! This month Morrie’s 394 Hyundai brought out the 2013 Santa Fe Sport, a Hyundai Equus, Genesis, Genesis Coupe and Veloster turbo!
Morrie’s luxury Auto was also present as usual with a 2014 Jaguar F-Type, the 2014 Maserati Quattroporte and a 1997 Porsche 993!
In honor of the last event of the season we sold the MN C&C t-shirts at a 50% discounted price and they were a huge hit. Thank you for helping us to raise over $300 for charity today alone through sales!
Check out our photos below from today’s event and stay tuned for a video shot with a Black Magic Design Camera!
Morrie’s Subaru Tech Mark competes In National Subaru Competition in Japan!
Oct 4th
We are so proud to announce that our own Mark Jurkovski will be competing in this year’s National Subaru Technician Competition! Just a few months ago you may remember hearing that Mark was nominated by our District Parts and Service Manager to attend the competition. After submitting a resume and written essay, Mark was soon notified that he would in fact be competing and before he knew it he was on his way to Philadelphia! Mark has since advanced and will be leaving for the next round of the competition in Japan on November 6th. Check out our blog post on the first round of the competition here.
Subaru has hosted this competition for four consecutive years, testing the knowledge and skills of Subaru technicians around the nation. The competition is comprised of three different parts. The first is a written test to gauge the contestant’s academic knowledge and is followed by two different hands on technical challenges.
Mark has been a technician here at Morrie’s Minnetonka Subaru for 7 years and holds the title of Subaru Senior Master Technician. We’re thrilled that Mark will be representing Morrie’s in Japan and know that he will do great, if you see him around make sure to wish him good luck!
The All-New 2014 Hyundai Tucson
Oct 2nd
It’s that time of the year again when Hyundai begins to send all the dealers the new 2014 models. There are some changes that are coming to Morrie’s 394 Hyundai and one of those changes is the 2014 Hyundai Tucson. First released in 2010, the Tucson will be getting a few considerable changes that will be great to see in the cross-over SUV segment for Hyundai.
One of the biggest issues consumers face when going from a crossover SUV to a larger SUV’s is the much needed “get up and go” engine power. Hyundai has equipped the redesigned Tucson with a 2.4L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine to enhance torque and engine responsiveness as well as boost MPG’s. To go along with power, the 2014 Tucson will also have a few cosmetic upgrades. The new projector headlights with LED accents will help it match it’s big brother, the Santa Fe, which is already sporting these dapper European influenced lights. A new set of wheels to spice up the exterior a bit and LED taillights help the Tucson’s flowing lines stand out from the pack.
There are a few different trim levels that will be offered on the 2014 Hyundai Tucson which includes deleting the GL trim and bringing forth the new SE trim level. The GLS will now be the base model which will (like the Tucson’s of the past) feature reclining rear seats and have the optional AWD system. The SE will be the mid-trim level and now have the optional 4.3-inch color audio system with a rearview camera. The limited will remain the top trim level and the navigation package will upgrade the 6” navigation screen to a 7” display.
All models and trim levels will keep the bluetooth technology and will also include Hyundai BlueLink which can help drivers in emergency and everyday life situations. Top all this off with a few new color options and interior features to match the Santa Fe style, the 2014 Tucson will be a force to be reckoned with in the crossover SUV lineup.
If you would like more information about available features and options you can visit www.morries394hyundai.com or check back here often for all the upcoming news on the Tucson.
Kia Confirms Soul EV Coming to US
Oct 1st
Kia Motors Corporation has just announced that they plan to produce an electric version of the Soul hatchback for the US market. Since the reveal of the Ray EV concept vehicle back in 2010 at the Chicago Auto Show, we have all been anxiously awaiting the arrival of an electric vehicle from Kia. The details are still obscure and Kia said that information on powertrain, range/MPGe and packaging will be released at an upcoming auto show. As soon as we find out more we will be sure to update you.
What we do know is that the Soul EV will be powered souly (pun intended) by a battery for gas-free driving and zero emissions. The official press release from Kia motors states that the new Kia Soul EV will, “combine the Soul’s funky and iconic design with new styling cues aimed at improving aerodynamics and distinguishing it from non-EV Souls”
An all electric model of Kia’s best-selling vehicles is the next obvious step for the company and we look forward to being able to provide our customers with a second eco- conscious vehicle option, next to the Optima Hybrid that was introduced in 2011. Stay tuned to Morrie’s Minnetonka Kia’s Facebook page for all the latest updates on new Kia models!
Morrie’s Mazda & MazdaEDU
Sep 20th
Morrie’s Minnetonka Mazda is excited to announce our involvement with MazdaEDU for the second year in a row. MazdaEDU is a program designed to help local Mazda dealers raise money for area school improvements and programs. We are very excited for this upcoming event, and in order to make it a success, we need your support! Here are a few ways you can help…
Stop by one of our test drive events on either October 5th or October 7th and test drive a vehicle! A $20 donation will be made to one of the participating schools of your choosing. Donations to local schools can also be made based on voting on Facebook or www.mazdaedu.com. The school with the most votes at the end of the campaign will win $3,000, 2nd place will win $1,500 and 3rd place will win $500! Lastly, you can support local schools by texting MazdaEDU to 46786. Each text = $1 in donations from Mazda and the total will be split in half between the school with the most votes and the school with the most test drives!
We look forward to a successful test drive event next month and hope that you can help us to raise money for our local schools by stopping by for a test drive, voting for local schools on Facebook, or texting MazdaEDU.
If you have any questions regarding the MazdaEDU program that we are involved with, give us a call at 952-544-1999.
Make sure to RSVP to our test drive events here: October 5th or October 7th
Morrie’s Brooklyn Park Customer Appreciation Event
Sep 19th
Last night Morrie’s Brooklyn Park Nissan & Subaru welcomed guests and past customers to our store for our Customer Appreciation Event. We had a great turn out! Guests enjoyed a catered meal, door prize raffles, a full tour of our Service Department and an overview of our Buy Happy Rewards program! Guests also received $50 in Buy Happy Rewards Points just for attending!
Thanks to everyone who came out and helped to make this event a success! Check out our photos from the event below.
Septembeard: Be a hero. See a show.
Sep 18th
We are a team here at Morrie’s Cadillac and are working to raise $5,000 for prostate cancer research through the Septembeard organization. Helping to fund cancer research is an important cause to everyone here at the store.
It is our goal to get everyone involved in our efforts to reach our goal. In that spirit, through a partnership with the Minneapolis Musical Theatre and the Hennepin Theater Trust, we are selling 4 tickets to the upcoming production of “Carrie the Musical” presented by the Minneapolis Musical Theatre at the New Century Theater.
To donate to Septembeard and receive the tickets please contact Kevin Robbins directly at (763) 449-4212 by Friday September 27, 2013. We are asking for a minimum donation of $100 for the 4 ticket package valued at $116. This is good for any performance from October 4th to October 27th. Only the first person to contact us will receive the ticket package but we greatly appreciate any additional donations to our cause. Feel free to visit the theatre’s website at here to purchase additional tickets to the show and learn more about MMT.
Be a Hero. Donate now.
Thank you,
Kevin Robbins, Joe Seppa, Pat Kyes, Mike Iverson, Ghassan Jamaleldin, Dennis Pearson, Ron Johnson, Jack Siegel, Chris Wanker, Dan Epp, Brian Reinstra, and Justin Riddell
Car Wash for UWEC Women’s Concert Chorale | Morrie’s CV Mazda
Sep 18th
Join Morrie’s Chippewa Mazda this Saturday, September 21st for a free car wash to help support the UWEC Women’s Concert Chorale! We will be matching donations made up to $500 total, which will be used to support this great organization.
We will also be doing on-site vehicle appraisals; everyone that gets their vehicle appraised will also receive a $10 gift card from Gordy’s County Market.
The car wash will be held at Gordy’s County Market, Hamilton Ave location. 3310 E Hamilton Ave Eau Claire, WI 54701 from 11am-1pm. We look forward to seeing everyone out there. For more information on this event please call us at (715) 720-7000
