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Archive for March 2005

Portland Trib Reviews the MCS

MotoringFile Sections: In the Press, Reviews Mar 31st, 2005 35 Comments

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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Fond Memories of Rallies Past

MotoringFile Sections: MF Feature Mar 31st, 2005 2 Comments

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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Out Motoring

Clear Photos of the Next MINI's Interior

MotoringFile Sections: MF Feature, R56 Mar 29th, 2005 97 Comments

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.

MINI Rear Camera Review

MotoringFile Sections: R50, R52, R53, Reviews Mar 29th, 2005 57 Comments

mini

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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Prestige MINI

Next Generation MINI Diesel Revealed?

MotoringFile Sections: In the Press, MF Feature, R56 Mar 28th, 2005 46 Comments

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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Nuzzo Motorsports MINIs Racing in California

MotoringFile Sections: MF Feature, Motorsports Mar 27th, 2005 6 Comments

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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Minspeed.net

MINIUSA Gets a Change at the Top

MotoringFile Sections: Official News Mar 26th, 2005 3 Comments

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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MINI United

MotoringFile Sections: Events Mar 24th, 2005 15 Comments

mini

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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Knauz MINI

MINI's Shipping Company Gets Clean

MotoringFile Sections: In the Press Mar 24th, 2005 11 Comments

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

The MINI Bike Rack Question

MotoringFile Sections: Ask MotoringFile Mar 24th, 2005 62 Comments

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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Top 5 Performance Mods for Newbies

MotoringFile Sections: MF Feature Mar 23rd, 2005 51 Comments

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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Happy Third Birthday MINIUSA!

MotoringFile Sections: MF Feature Mar 22nd, 2005 22 Comments

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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Low Buck MINI Mods

MotoringFile Sections: MF Feature Mar 22nd, 2005 29 Comments

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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Next Generation MINI Revealed

MotoringFile Sections: MF Feature, R56 Mar 20th, 2005 102 Comments

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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VW Hires Away Key MINIUSA Exec

MotoringFile Sections: In the Press, MF Feature Mar 19th, 2005 14 Comments

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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Previous Select MF Features

2007
MINI Officially Updates Line-up for 2008
New Models & Production Locations Confirmed
MotoringFile's MINI United Coverage
2007 JCW Kit Officially Announced
MINI's Top Secret Colorado Project
2009 Factory JCW MCS (Stage II)
More MINI Variants Officially Confirmed
MINI Clubman Official Photos and Specs
R56 Pedestrian Crash Analysis
Future JCW Vehicles Revealed
MINI USA's Motorby Pilot Program
MINI Clubman Update & Sketch
BMW To Re-Brand JCW
2007 MINI MotoringFile Q&A
MINI One and MINI Cooper D Now Official
2007 MINI Reader Reviews
2007 MINI USA Pricing and Options
MINI Unveils the Sidewalk

2006
MF Design Analysis: 2007 MINI
2007 JCW Accessories Revealed
MINI Names the R55: The Clubman 2007 MINI In Detail (Part 2 / Part 3)
2007 MINI Official Photos (Part 2 / Part 3)
2007 MINI Drops Weight
Official 2007 MINI UK PDFs
2007 Nav Includes iDrive-Like Controller
2007 US Market Options Packages
Hey Stracco: The Interview
Let's Plan: MINI Clubs & MTTS
MINI's Official R56 Preview Photos
MINI's Official R56 Preview
Next Generation MINI Revealed (#2)
'07 MC & MCS Spotted in Death Valley
2007 MINI Color List (US Market)
'07 MINI Gets More Power/Less Weight
MF Review: MINIs on the Dragon
MINI USA Releases JCW GP Pricing
JCW Cooper S Long Term Review
Seven New Colors for 2007
MINI Release Info on Next Gen Engines
Chicago Autoshow Gallery
JCW GP at Geneva (final release info)
2006 JCW Product Info
MINI Concept Detroit - In Detail
MINI Sourced Triump Still Years Away
US Connection for MINI's new Roadster
First MINI Now Triumph?
More News on the MINI Triumph Concept

2005
Behind the Wheel of the 2007 MINI
MINI Concept Tokyo - In Detail
MINI Concept Frankfurt - In Detail
Driven: The Nürburgring Nordschleife
MINI Wins at Targe Newfoundland
2006 JCW Accessories
US Market Color Changes for 2006
Getrag's All Wheel Drive MINI In Depth
BMW/MINI to Buy JCW?
Official 2006 MINIUSA Pricing
Special Editions/Package for 2006
Checkmate Options Package (USA)
JCW Direct From to the Factory in '06
Tips on How to Sell Your MINI
2006 Model Year Timeline
MINI's 2006 Color Changes
Next Generation MINI Revealed
Official MINI Armrest Revealed
MotoringFile Review: MCS Auto

2004
Details on the MCS Limited Slip Dif
MotoringFile 2004 Holiday Gift Guide
Getrag Tests All-Wheel Drive MINI
Q&A on the OutMotoring ARC Armrest
2005 Chicago Auto Show / Gallery
MINI USA's JCW GP Delivery Program
2005 MINI Changes
The Cabrio In Depth / Gallery
Special Edition MC40 / Gallery
MINI Plant Tour Review
Hood Rub Service Bulletin
2004 Chicago Auto Show / Gallery

2003
MINI Accessory Additions for 2004
CVT Paddles Retrofit
2005 MINI Spotted
Rear Fogs Almost Here
New Prince Engine Caught Testing
MINI Releases Hood Rub Bulletin
MINI_Motion Launched
MINI Conquers Snow and Ice
MINI One D Announced
MINI Named North American Car of the Year
Helix Minisports
Otto's MINI

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MotoringFile Buyers Guides

R50 ('02-'06 MC) Buyers Guide
R53 ('02-'06 MCS) Buyers Guide

MotoringFile Reviews

Auto Reviews:
'08 MINI Clubman
Comparison: '08 BMW 135i
'06 R53 MCS vs '07 R56 MCS
'07 R56 JCW (Stage 1)
'07 MINI Cooper S Long Term
'07 BMW Z4 M Coupe
'07 MINI Cooper & Cooper S
Audio: '07 MC/MCS at the Track
'06 JCW GP Long term
Reader Review: JCW GP
'06 JCW Cooper S Long Term
Comparison: '06 Lotus Elise
Comparison: '06 Mazda MX5
Comparison: '06 UK Focus ST
Comparison: '06 Civic Si
Comparison: '04 TVR T350
Comparison: '06 Nissan 350z
Comparison: '06 VW GTI w/DSG
Podcast: Cooper S Auto
Podcast: BMW 325i
Podcast: JCW MC Soundkit
'04 JCW MINI Cooper Tuning Kit
'05 MCS: One Month Review
'05 MCS Auto
'05 JCW S 1st Drive
'05 MINI Cooper
'05 MCS Conv. Long Term
'05 MINI Cooper S
'05 MCS Cabrio 1st Drive
'04 JCW MCS First Drive
'04 MC w/JCW Tuning Kit
BMW M3 SMG Vs. MCS
'04 MINI Cooper CVT
'02 MCS 3 year Review
Autocrossing the MINI Range

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Performance Accessories:
R56 JCW Suspension (Track)
R56 JCW Suspension (Street)
R53 Craven Speed Short Shifter
R53 M7 Understrut System
Kumho Ecsta SPT Tires
R53 M7 Strut Tower Plates
R53 JCW Alcantara Wheel
R53 JCW Brake Kit
R53 Webb 15% Pulley
R53 Helix MCSa 15% Pulley
R53 H-Sport 19mm Sway Bar
R53 MCS Supersprint Exhaust
Podcast: R53 MCS SS Exhaust
R53 JCW Cold Air Intake
Reader Rev.: R53 JCW Brakes
R50 Supersprint Exhaust
R50 Remus Exhaust
R50 Promini Intake
R50 Remus Dual Exhaust
Schroth Harness System
R50 CVT Steering Wheel Paddles

Exterior Accessories:
Miniature's Receiver Hitch
OEM White Tail Lights

Lifestyle Accessories:
MINI_Motion Watch
MINI_Motion Driving Shoe

Audio:
MINI Digital SoundModul
ICE-Link Plus iPod Adapter
Official BMW/iPod adapter
ICE-Link iPod Adapter
Kenwood iPod Interface
Alpine iPod Interface
Harman Kardon Stereo

Interior Accessories:
JCW Alcantara Steering Wheel JCW Leather Dash
MCAW Auto Up Circuit
MINI Rear Camera
MINI Rear Saddle (official)
MINI Rear Cargo Storage Case
Official MINI Rear Saddle Bag
2004 MINI Armrest Reviewed
Mymini Knee Pad
MINI Bluetooth Kit
MINI Video Input
Aftermarket Bluetooth Integration
Ian Cull Auto-up Circuit
Universal Mobile Phone Holder

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MINI Model Number Cheat Sheet:

1st Gen MINI
R50: One & MC Coupe
R52: All 1st Gen MINI Convt.
R53: MCS Coupe
2nd Gen MINI
R55: Clubman
R56: One/MC/MCS Coupe
R57: One/MC/MCS Convt.
R60: MINI SUV