Sections: Uncategorized Jan 22nd, 2003 7 Comments
I’ve heard this is going to be an option on the EU MINI soon and possibly the US. In my mind it seems that the curve of the dash makes the wood look overly fake. Thoughts?
Sections: R56 (Hatch) Jan 20th, 2003 2 Comments If you’ve seen the photo section to the right you’ll know that there is a MINI Cabrio in the works for 2004.
What is new to me is the rumor that there will be a 2 seat speedster in 2005 based off of the upcoming cabrio. Rumor has it that this new 2-seater will be taking on the Miata and other small sport convertibles. It’ll have a different roof than the convertible with roll-over hoops, minimalist interior and will tentatively start around 20k.
In even more interesting news is that the plans for the next MINI are increasingly becoming clearer.
This next version will go on sale in 2006/2007 and will be longer, wider & taller in a bid to give it more cabin room & a better boot.
It may also get more doors too – but with a twist. BMW designers are toying with the idea of rear sliding doors like those on the forthcoming Peugeot 107. Access to the boot could be via two individual doors opening outwards like the old Mini Traveller. Power will come from all-new four cylinder petrol engines, the result of a joint venture between BMW & Peugeot-Citroen. The move will ensure that BMW can ditch the current 1.6litre Chrysler engine now supplied by arch-rival Mercedes-Benz. (bmw2002.co.uk)
It will be very interesting to see how much they actually change the look of the car since it’s such an iconic design.
Sections: Uncategorized Jan 20th, 2003 6 Comments How much is too much? Obviously the MINI will always be somewhat rare compared to the VW Beetles of the world but our exclusivity as owners is slowly diminishing.
Obviously this is only a problem in areas of the country where there are MINI dealerships. I assume in much of the US the sight of a Cooper driving down main street would be met with dropped jaws.
Nonetheless I have mixed feelings about this new found popularity. For one I always enjoyed the attention and the look on someone’s face when they see it for the first time. It’s a great way to meet people and get a smile out of a stranger.
In the end I suppose we should all get used to seeing ourselves coming and going. The US is projected to have over 100k in 4 years!
Sections: Uncategorized Jan 17th, 2003 13 Comments When: Next Sunday the 26th of January at 8:00 am
Where: The Highland House (located in Highland Park at the northeast side of Route 22 and Route 41). There is an entrance heading north on 41 or you can exit at 22 and enter through the Mobil gas station.
You will need to exit 41 at 22 and make a left (north) if you are heading southbound. Let’s plan on meeting in the northern parking lot (closest to the Acura dealer).
The address is:
2635 Skokie Valley Rd,
Highland Park, IL 60035
Who: Anyone is welcome to join us. If you have a new MINI, a Classic Mini, or are patiently awaiting your MINI that is currently on some ship crossing the Atlantic you’re welcome to come out.
The Plan: Meet early and take the long slow way up to Millies Pancake house in Delavan Wisconsin for b-fast. Most of the ride is quiet back roads and 2 lane highways, speeds from 35 to highway speeds. There are a few twisty bits and Hunt Club road has some horse fields.
The Map: http://www.motoringfile.com/pictures/jan_drive.jpg (warning; this is a fairly large jpg – you may want to right click and save it to your desktop to view it)
The Details: This drive is a fairly long one. We should expect to take over an hour to get up there. We’ll plan on taking a more direct route back. Our initial meeting place (Highland House) is a good place to gather as Sunday mornings usually brings bikes and north shore biker people. Needless to say they’re used to groups meeting there often (of course the owners would love more people to eat there, but lots of people just hang outside or
order coffee to go). Here is the info on Millie’s…
Millie’s Restaurant & Shopping Village
Cty. O & S. Shore Dr
Delavan, Wi
262-728-2434
If you want more information about the town of
Delavan check out their website: http://www.cityofdelavan.org/
Things to Bring: FRS Radios, a full tank of gas, all your best Mini apparel, and a smile.
What do you guys think? Feel free let us know below if you can make it or not by commenting below.
Sections: Uncategorized Jan 14th, 2003 2 Comments This was taken during out December MINI drive as we were heading through Chicago (via Lakeshore Drive) on our way to the western suburbs. The fog was just lifting from the lake and the sun had just began to finally shine through.
Sections: Uncategorized Jan 13th, 2003 1 Comment I officially launched the site last week but I can now say that the design and layout has been finally been finalized. Thanks for bearing with me during the changes.
Many thanks for feedback as well!
Sections: Uncategorized Jan 13th, 2003 9 Comments I’ve recently heard that Knauz MINI (of Lake Bluff, IL) will start offering actual MINI loaners in the coming months to owners with cars in the shop. Has anyone else heard of similiar programs starting elsewhere?
This would be a fantastic upgrade in service and would eliminate my only complaint in regards to MINI ownership.
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