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.
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 →
