Archive for October 2004
Oct 31st, 2004
As first reported on MotoringFile back in May the Cooper S willl finally be getting a second transmission in the form of a traditional automatic gearbox. Here's some official news on the new automatic from MINI:
For MINI Cooper S Hatch and MINI Cooper S Convertible, a new 6-Speed Automatic Transmission with Steptronic mode and Steptronic Paddles on the steering wheel will be available from 1/1/05 product onward. This Automatic Transmission includes AGS (Adaptive Transmission Control) and is supplied by Aisin. The same gearbox is used on the Audi TT and VW Beetle.
Oct 31st, 2004
Observations on driving a 2005 MCS convertible:
- The new '05 door armrest is a fantastic addition and the pockets in the doors retain all the previous usability and possibly a bit more.
- The LED lights in the door handles are totally trick and totally useful.
- The lights below the doors are probably unnecessary but, in real world use, very welcome.
- The new, larger interior mirror is really a nice addition. However everytime you raise or lower the top you still must re-adjust the mirror.
continued →
Advertisement
Oct 30th, 2004
AutoExpress has details on a possible new iteration of the MINI, a 2 seat speedster. The details seem very similar to the information in the recent Auto Bilde story from a week back (the photo above is from Auto Bilde). Here's an excerpt from this week's AutoExpress magazine:
Taking the MINI Convertible as its base, the Speedster will have two roof options. Alongside an electrically operated canvas roof, a removable hard-top will also be available. It will extend to the rear of the car, offering extra security and increased protection from the elements, effectively turning the MINI into a coupé.
continued →
Oct 30th, 2004
I'm 30 seconds into my first drive in the MCSc downtown in Chicago stopped at a light. Two of Chicago's finest pull up next to me in an unmarked Crown Vic. This is the conversation that ensued:
Officer: (in the obligatory thick Chicago accent) Hey, how do you like that thing?
A: It's great so far.
Officer:Is it new? I've seen the regular ones but not the drop top.
A: Yeah, they just came out a few weeks ago. What do you think?
Officer: (He gives it a quick once over) Looks like it's a blast to drive. What's it called?
A: MINI Cooper S convertible – it's made by BMW (since I knew that would be the next question)
Officer: (second officer says something inaudible) My partner calls it a babe magnet! Have fun! (light changes)
Advertisement
Oct 29th, 2004
Yes, the convertible MINI is not as rigid as the hardtop. Yes, the integrity of the chassis is compromised by cutting off the roof. No, it's not going to bother most in typical road use. However putting the MCSc through the daily rigors that are Chicago roads I've found the car will shake and shudder in ways that you never thought a MINI would. Granted this shouldn't really come unexpected… with any car that you cut the roof off of you'll get body flex where there once was none. However it's important to fully understand that this will rear it's head in daily driving. Especially if you live where the roads aren't glass smooth.
continued →
Oct 28th, 2004
The New York Times has a piece on how Yellow is quickly becoming the new stand-out color to have, in many cases replacing red in it's traditional role. In the article they of course feature a Liquid Yellow MCS. Here's an excerpt:
Laurie Reiter, 49, an ultrasound technician from Youngstown, N.Y., is from the school of car buyers who thrive on attention. She considered red when she was buying a 2003 Mini Cooper, but decided it was too common. As she browsed the showroom, “Liquid Yellow” jumped out as the perfect fit.
“People just buy cars for transportation,” she said. “But there are still a few of us who really love our cars.”
You can read the entire article here (free registration required).
Okay all you Liquid Yellow owners… here's your chance to represent!
Advertisement
Oct 28th, 2004
Seriously what is it with all these MCS Convertible reviews these days :) Next up, the La Times/Chicago Tribune. Here's an excerpt:
The heavier car is, structurally, not as solid – this is almost always the case with drop-top versions. All these factors taken together, and spread over a 97-inch wheelbase, give the Mini convertible a harsh, rather shaky ride.
…The car is full of interesting sounds. The exhaust system is designed to snarl and burble on overrun (when the engine slows down from high rpm). It sounds more like breakfast cereal.
On the road the car retains its go-kart eagerness and quick reflexes, though it wants to skitter sideways a bit more in cornering. Hardtop or soft box, the Mini remains silly fun to toss around.
You can read the entire review here.
Oct 28th, 2004
For those of you interested in the new Digital POWER SoundModule from MINI here's another official PDF explaining the accessory as well as providing further installation and techical information. There's a few bits of info that may be of some interest right off the bat. For instance it would seem that the DPSM is not available for those with the HK system. Further it looks as if the DPSM will only work with cars produced after 10/03.
You can download the entire PDF here.
Update: We now also have the official MINI install instructions for those interested in not only how it works but how it goes in. You can download the PDF here.
Advertisement
Oct 28th, 2004
I started the day out in “sunroof” mode but that soon changed to full drop-top mode once I realized it was a balmy 58F. The morning drive down Chicago's famed Lake Shore Drive was just incredible. The sun was burning off last night's fog and it created a bright hazy feel that was just surreal. And the MCS Convertible was definitely a standout cruising along in the far left lane. We had three in the car, top down and windows up and were easily able to carry on a conversation at speeds around 50 mph.
continued →
Oct 27th, 2004
Today MINIUSA is officially introducing the 2005 207hp JCW kit for the Cooper S. Dealers should be receiving the kits in the coming days and we hope to have some first impressions soon. Here's the official press release:
MINI USA announces the availability of its new higher-output John Cooper Works kit for 2005. Produced by the legendary aftermarket company John Cooper Works, the new kit for the MINI Cooper S offers increased horsepower and torque over that of the previous generation. Horsepower is now increased to 207 hp at 6,950 rpm from 200 hp at the same rpm. Torque is also boosted, now registering 180 pounds-feet at 4,500 rpm, up from 177 pound-feet at 4,000 rpm.
continued →
Oct 27th, 2004
After an extra long wait the 2005 MINI owners manual (US version) is finally available at the Owners Lounge as a downloadable PDF. You can also download it in our “files” section at the bottom right of this page.
Oct 26th, 2004
MINIUSA has loaned us a Cool Blue Cooper S convertible for evaluation purposes and we'll passing along our thoughts on the car daily. At the end of our week these reviews will culminate in a full recap of the car and our experiences with it. Beyond putting the MCSc through it's paces on Chicago roads and traffic we'll also be taking an extended trip through some of the finer portions of Wisconsin later this week. Hopefully we can give you not only our opinions on the performance of the car but also an accurate assessment of day to day life with it. And if you have any questions about the car during the week please use the contact link above and let us know!
continued →
Oct 26th, 2004
The MINI Convertible has been named one of the top ten hippest vehicles for 2005 by the New York Times. Here's an excerpt of the article:
What's cuter than a Mini? A Mini with the top down. When it was reborn a couple of years ago, response to the Mini Cooper hatchback was, well, thunderous. Expect more of the same when this new drop-top version hits showroom floors later this year.
You can read the entire article here.
Oct 25th, 2004
Updated: We've obtained a bit more information about the DPSM via an internal MINI document you can download here.
MINI UK Press:
The Digital Power Sound Module (DPSM) is the latest and loudest addition to MINI's range of in-car entertainment accessories.
Approximately three times more powerful than the average home stereo, the DPSM has a full range digital amplifier that kicks out an awesome 660 watts of power.
continued →
Oct 25th, 2004
MINIUSA has issued a recall campaign to update tank leakage diagnostic software. Here's an excerpt of the letter some 02-04 MINI owners are currently receiving:
MINIUSA has determined that certain 2002, 2003 and 2004 model year MINI automobiles may not fully meet the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board emission control requirements. In order to remedy this situation, MINI USA is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Recall Campaign. We are asking you as the owners of an affected vehicle to contact your Authorized MINI dealer at your earliest convenience to have the repair carried out.
continued →
Browse Pages:
Next Page »
Next Page »
