Apr 21st, 2005
Well not quite. The first were actually used for the tunnel chase on the new Italian Job. That said this looks to be the first road-worthy electric MINI available. Here are the details:
Whistler Investments has successfully provided the British Embassy in Mexico City with the World’s first lithium-powered Embassy vehicle.
The British Embassy Mini Cooper is powered by a state-of-the-art power plant producing zero emissions whilst providing high performance. This model is of particular interest to international governments as it is a prime example of sustainable zero emission transportation. Whistler Investments will produce several models of the Mini Cooper as well as the PT Cruiser for government fleet replacement.
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Apr 20th, 2005
While it should simply be high-level recap for MotoringFile readers, Autoweek has an article out today with info on what we’ll be seeing in the next generation MINI including info on the new long-wheelbase version. Here’s an excerpt:
While the core body style will remain a three-door hatchback (with a two-seat speedster rumored), BMW is working on a longer-wheelbase version that will open the door for a wider range of Minis, including a five-door with more rear legroom and added cargo area. Could a three-door version of this herald the return of the Clubman? We can only hope.
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Apr 19th, 2005
This news comes from an anonymous MINI insider:
I was looking at orders for new cars this past weekend and noticed that some of the production dates were falling back by four weeks. I didn’t realize until later it was the cars with the Harmon Kardon Stereo option. Then I found out yesterday that there was a fire at the plant that makes the H/K components. My initial source made it seem like it was simply a small fire. However, I’ve since heard from another source that it was much more severe. My concern is that the delay could be much greater and that another four weeks could turn into much more.
We’ll have more info on this and how it effects orders as soon as we get it.
Apr 19th, 2005
Edmund’s Inside the Line website recently posted the obligatory Clubman MINI article. Nothing in the way of new info but it is a nice recap for those that might have missed the news previously on MotoringFile. Here’s an excerpt:
Several possible body varieties are under consideration for the expansion of the Mini range. However, BMW is unlikely to implement either the Mini Clubman wagon or the Mini pickup until it revises the Mini range in 2007, despite its exercises in computer-aided design imaging.
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Apr 18th, 2005
I’m happy to say that after less than a week on the market my 2002 MINI Cooper is in the process of being sold. While I had a couple of very interested parties (and three offers in total) the MINI went to the first person to actually see it in the flesh. I’m excited, the buyer is excited, everyone’s happy.
However now I need to think about my next MINI. First off I know it’ll be an MCS. I’ve had my Cooper for three years now and I’d like to try something different. I also know I need it to be as black as possible (“how much more black could it be? the answer is none. None more black“). I’d like the car to have a much different personality than my indie blue/white Cooper. I also am pretty sure I’ll need 18″ JCW wheels. I know there are downsides but I simply must have them.
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Apr 18th, 2005
Since we’ve just covered how to go about getting a spot on a MINI plant tour I thought I’d repost my account of the actual tour (originally posted 04/04):
The MINI Plant Tour is an incredible experience for anyone with an interest in MINIs. It’s absolutely a must for any owner. The tour was put on a brief hiatus as the plant retooled for the cabrio but is again open for business as of just a few weeks ago. The tour has become so popular since that I was told it’s booked solid until June! So if you’re planning a trip to the UK and want to experience it first hand I’d recommend giving a call or sending them asap. You can find out more in this recent article: MINI Plant Tours.
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Apr 18th, 2005
Someone asked about this subject the other day and I had to recomend simply using our archives or the search function since I wasn’t quite sure when the original story was posted. However, it occurred to me that there’s probably quite a few out there who are also interested in this information. So with that in mind here’s the original post about touring the MINI prodcution facilities in Oxford UK:
This information is taken directly from an internal MINI document:
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