Archive for March 2005
Mar 31st, 2005
Normally we don’t mention regional newspaper reviews of the MINI. They are typically full of errors and omissions and often lack any opinions that would be considered interesting to an enthusiast crowd. However I have to hand it to Sam Moses of the Portland Tribune as he sums up what we all love about the MINI far better than most reporters. All that and he managed to only get one fact glaringly wrong (bonus points for the first one to spot it). Here’s an excerpt:
Question: How many times can you write about the Mini Cooper and still have fun doing it?
Answer: As many times as you can drive it and still have fun doing it - inestimable if not infinite.
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Mar 31st, 2005
This bit of Mini nostalgia comes from Rob:
Here’s an interesting website that really shows how the classic Mini is interweaved thru the recent history of motor racing, and set the stage for our MINIs to capitalize on the fantastic reputation the original built for us. The MINI would never have had a re-birth, or at least as well financed a one, if BMW hadn’t recognized that this well of memories was so deep.
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Mar 29th, 2005
While we’ve already reported extensively on what will be seen both inside and outside the next generation MINI, we hadn’t gotten our hands on any clear photos of the upcoming potential interior changes. Until now. Wheels20.co.za has now taken care of that issue with a full page of the same rough prototypes AutoExpress had already published in it’s printed magazine a last week. While there’s nothing new here that wasn’t reported on MotoringFile in our Next Generation MINI Revealed story, the pics do a great job of illustrating many of the reported changes. Check ‘em out:
[ MINI Cooper Interior (2007) ] Wheels24.co.za
For further detailed info on the next generation MINI’s interior, exterior, and new engine range, be sure to check out last week’s MotoringFile scoop: Next Generation MINI Revealed.
Note: The exterior photos also on the site are of a camouflaged testing mule and do not represent the next MINI’s exterior in any way.
Mar 29th, 2005
This review comes to us from Mike Craven:
Well, I took the plunge and installed the MINI rear-view camera retrofit kit on my nav equipped 2005 MCS a couple of days ago. The install was very straight forward and the official installation instructions (available in PDF format on Motoringfile here) were spot-on.
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Mar 28th, 2005
MINI2 has the scoop on what could be in the next MINI Diesel:
It would appear the MINI One D could be a thing of the past, as MINI furthers it’s co-operation with gasoline engine partner PSA Group, it looks as though the engine currently powering the 206 GTi Diesel (among other Peugeot, Citroen and Ford motor cars), will be the unit to pull along the next generation MINI Diesel.
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Mar 27th, 2005
This news comes from Dave Bunting:
Tony Nuzzo and Nuzzo Motorsports have been racing two MINI COOPERs in the Grand American Road Racing Cup since the 2003 season.
Some may recall earlier this year that Nuzzo Motorsports announced it would no longer be racing MINIs after sponsorship fell through. Fortunately, after that announcement, Tony Nuzzo was able to solidify support, and will be racing in the 2005 Grand Am Cup series with two MINI COOPER S race cars.
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Mar 26th, 2005
From BMWUSA PR:
Tom Purves, Chairman and CEO of BMW (U.S.) Holding Corp., announced executive management changes today as part of the company’s ongoing policy to broaden the experience and portfolios of successful executives.
Effective May 1, 2005, two executives are changing positions to further expand their professional experience and business portfolios. James L. McDowell, Vice President - Marketing for BMW, will become Vice President - MINI. Jack Pitney, currently Vice President - MINI, will become Vice President - Marketing for BMW. Both positions will take effect April 1, 2005.
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Mar 24th, 2005
We have a ton of news for you on what promises to be the biggest New MINI event ever, MINI United. First, here’s the official release from MINI PR:
Get set for three days of thrills - courtesy of MINI United.
This adrenaline-fuelled spectacle will be taking place on and around the Misano racetrack in Italy from 28-30 October 2005. Here you’ll have the chance to camp out with an international crowd of like- minded MINI aficionados for non-stop thrills, on and off the racetrack.
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Mar 24th, 2005
News on everyone’s favorite automotive shipping line:
[ Fuel cells help power zero emissions ship ]
I say kudos to Wallenius for going the extra mile on this project. Let’s just hope they can keep it above water.
Update: More info can be found below:
[ New Clean Design for Ocean Going Car Carriers ] Fuel Cell Today
Mar 24th, 2005
Here’s a great question we get every year when the weather starts to turn a bit warmer (from Greg):
As it is now into the very first few days of Spring, I am now looking forward to the wonderful weather Chicago brings us in the coming months. That said, I am looking forward to bike rides in and around Chicago. I am however looking forward to bike rides elsewhere as well.
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Mar 23rd, 2005
MotoringFile’s
recent post about newbie mods left a number of
readers clamoring for a similar list aimed at
performance. The ability to change the character of a
MINI from pleasant ride to pocket rocket is a reality,
and with the MINI now in it’s 4th model year, there’s an
aftermarket just brimming with gizmos and gadgetry to
help you get there. To help those new to the MINI
world (and spark some debate among veterans, I’m
sure), based on research, information gleaned from
forums, message boards and conversations with tuner
shops, I’ve whittled innumerable performance upgrades
down to just 5 essentials. Each mod is ranked on a 1-5
scale in terms of difficulty, with 1 being easiest:
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Mar 22nd, 2005
It seems like just yesterday that I headed up to the (then brand-new) MINI dealer for some initial test drives. I recently dug up my initial test drive review of the MINI that had been posted three years ago today on some now dead forum. I thought it might be an interesting read for all those who have been new MINI fans since before the beginning:
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Mar 22nd, 2005
With all the talk of modifications and hop-ups the
warmer weather inevitably brings up, I bet there are a
few out there that are feeling a bit left out. Not all
of us have the time, interest, know-how, facilities or
cash to perform a major makeover. No worries! Here’s a
short list of things you can do to your MINI that
won’t cost much, but can make it just a little better,
a little more “you”. Each mod is ranked on a 1-5 scale
in terms of difficulty with 1 being easiest - not that
you’ll need it. These are simple, non-performance
orientated mods that anyone can do… so enjoy!
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Mar 20th, 2005
How do you create the second generation of a car that has defied all expectations and gone on to become one of the biggest surprise hits of the past 20 years? That’s the question that BMW has been asking itself for the past 4-5 years as it gets closer and closer to finishing the next MINI.
While we’re still at least a year and a half away from the launch of the R56, quite a few details have recently become more clear. With recent spy-pics from northern Europe and other information we’ve recently received, we’re finally able to get a fairly accurate idea of the final design and specifications of the R56. So grab a comfortable chair, sit back read on…
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Mar 19th, 2005
From thecarconnection.com:
Volkswagen of North America said Thursday it hired Kerri Martin to the new post of director of market development, putting the former MINI executive in charge of advertising, promotions, marketing strategies, and public relations.
While at MINI, Martin was often mentioned as the guardian of “brand soul” for the small BMW-owned car line. She was instrumental in introducing the new MINI to the U.S. and directing a marketing effort that vaulted MINI to high brand awareness and over-achieving its sales targets.
[ VW Hires MINI’s Martin For Marketing Moxie ] The Car Connection
MF Analysis: While Martin had an undeniable role in MINI’s marketing success, I wouldn’t get too worried as a MINI enthusiast. First off MINIUSA will undoubtedly be able to attract the best and brightest to any open position - especially with their history of excellent marketing. Further, they still employ the services of Crispin Porter & Bogusky who have done a wonderful job of cultivating the brand.
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