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.
continued →
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.
continued →
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.
continued →
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.
continued →
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.
continued →
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.
continued →
