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Archive for July 2005

Cnet Reviews the MCS Convertible

MotoringFile Sections: In the Press Jul 30th, 2005 8 Comments

Cnet, long a destination for those looking for computer related reviews, has now starting taking cars for a spin. While you can imagine that they focus more on the technology behind the car rather than sheer performance, they don’t do a bad job of giving a good high-level overview in their write-ups. Recently they had a chance to take out the MCSc for a bit of testing. Here’s an excerpt from the review:

The Mini’s boxy, bulldog style and sporty performance make it one of the most fun-to-drive cars ever sold. And the convertible version just makes it more so, albeit at a $4,500 premium over an equivalent hardtop. However, that top is power operated and has a sunroof that partially opens. Premium and subcompact may seem contradictory terms, but not here.

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A Loss in the Community

MotoringFile Sections: Site News Jul 30th, 2005 23 Comments

This past Thursday we here in the NY/NJ/CT MINI Club lost a very dear member. Ed Smith a.ka. Maxamini passed away suddenly a week before his daughters wedding. Ed was a hilarious man, a practical joker a real character. Almost like someone out of a movie. He was well know on MINI2 and our local club site (nemini.org). He was notorious for running around always putting rubber duckies on peoples antennas and in their cars. He was an organizer for MINIs on Top and great with all the children. The relevant threads with pics of Ed are here:

[ nemini.org/Forums/viewtopic/t=2912 ] newmini.org

[ mini2.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1833025&posted=1 ] MINI2

Anthony

Out Motoring

A Closer Look at Solar Red & Space Blue

MotoringFile Sections: Uncategorized Jul 29th, 2005 27 Comments

For all those considering Solar Red and or Space Blue we’ve got some closer real life shots for you. As previously mentioned Solar Red will only be available on the Cooper. Space Blue on the other hand will be available on both the Cooper and Cooper S. Neither of these new metallic colors will be optional on the Convertible however. Confused yet? Good, because both colors will also be available with the new US Spec Checkmate Package (including blue and grey interior). Of course neither the Checkmate Package nor Solar Red will be available until 10/05 production. Okay, now I’m confused…

The $50,000 MINI

MotoringFile Sections: Best of the Web Jul 29th, 2005 63 Comments

This just seems wrong on so many different levels:

[ 2005 MINI Cooper S Hatchback/$47,568 ]

Via DaveZ

Prestige MINI

The MINI Convertible Wins Again

MotoringFile Sections: Awards, Official News, R52 Jul 28th, 2005 4 Comments

From MINI UK Press:

The MINI Convertible has taken the top trophy in the convertible category at the annual Auto Express magazine New Car Honours awards. The MINI Convertible launched in 2004 comes in the three variants of One, Cooper and Cooper S and beat off rivals including the Renault Megane C-C and Audi A4 Cabriolet. The fully-automated roof impressed the judges, as well as all the fine attributes of ’stylish design, top-notch quality and fun handling’ present in the hatch. The success of the MINI Convertible is partly responsible for the four consecutive record UK sales months MINI has enjoyed since March 2005.

Why Can't I Get a Two-Spoke!?

MotoringFile Sections: MF Feature Jul 27th, 2005 60 Comments

[Updated 07.28.05]

In 2005 MINIUSA dropped all availability of the original two-spoke steering wheel that was the original wheel released with the new MINI back in 2001. While it remains available in most markets around the world, the two-spoke is now completely unavailable in the US. Obviously this has ruffled a few feathers. Here’s a typical reponse taken from a comment section of a MotoringFile article a few weeks back:

I would like to know why won’t MINIUSA offer the two-spoke steering in the US? If it’s offered everywhere else in the world then why not here? It’s not like they have to make it special for the US.

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Minspeed.net

Silver-Chequered Roof Flag

MotoringFile Sections: Uncategorized Jul 27th, 2005 6 Comments

From MINI UK Press:

Not satisfied with the biggest options and accessories choice in the small car market, a new roof decal has just been added to the list. The silver chequered flag roof decal particularly suits the body colours of black-eye purple and hyper blue and can be perfectly teamed with the silver bonnet stripes. The price is £99 including VAT, excluding fitting.

No word yet on US availability.

Phil Wicks Driving School

MotoringFile Sections: MF Feature, Motorsports Jul 26th, 2005 46 Comments

There really is only one way to truly test your MINI and fully understand it’s true performance potential, on the track. One of the better opportunities for MINI owners to do this is through the Phil Wicks Driving School. It’s program that is run by some dedicated enthusiasts that travels to some fantastic facilities all across the US. Phil Wicks, the man behind the school, has a long history with MINIs (he stunt drove the red Mini in the original Italian Job) and perhaps unsurprisingly, there’s always plenty of them at the school. You can learn more about Phil and the program at their website minidriving.com.

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Knauz MINI

Autoweek Rides the Italian Job Coaster

MotoringFile Sections: In the Press Jul 26th, 2005 2 Comments

An excerpt from the article:

Who would have thought a ride in a Mini could be so scary? As we stood in a long line to ride a Mini roller coaster in Cincinnati, ominous thunderstorm clouds and lightning rolled in overhead to help set the scene. The American Coaster Enthusiasts member next to us said, “If this was a regular day, they would’ve closed the park an hour ago.”

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US Checkmate Package Color Options

MotoringFile Sections: MF Mailbox, Uncategorized Jul 25th, 2005 17 Comments

For all you eagerly anticipating the Checkmate Package in the US, here’s a bit more info that might be helpful when ordering. The package (code ZCM) will be available a number of colors on both the Cooper and the Cooper S and not just Space Blue as had been assumed by many. Here’s the rundown:

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Black is Back on the 2006 MCS

MotoringFile Sections: MF Feature, Uncategorized Jul 25th, 2005 15 Comments

As we originally reported last spring, MINI will be dropping Jet Black (the non-metallic black) from the line-up in 2006. That has irked quite a few since Astro Black (a metallic black) has traditionally only been available on the Cooper. This meant that the Cooper S would be left without black as an option altogether.

We can now exclusively report that MINIUSA will indeed be offering Astro Black on the Cooper S and indeed across the entire range for the 2006 model year.

Heel and Toe Shifting Made Simple

MotoringFile Sections: DIY, Motorsports Jul 24th, 2005 35 Comments

Here’s a great primer for all those interested in moving to the next level of shifting by frequent MotoringFile contributor Jerry Bradbury:

BE CAREFUL. DRIVE DEFENSIVELY. STAY ALERT. PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE

1. What is heel-and-toe?

A) Heel-and-toe is a racer’s term describing a technique used to downshift while braking when approaching a corner. It is a misnomer, but ball-of-the-foot-and-swing-your-knee (although more accurate) is not a sufficiently racer-like description.

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Official 2006 MINIUSA Pricing

MotoringFile Sections: MF Feature, Uncategorized Jul 22nd, 2005 90 Comments

We’ve got a load of 2006 pricing scoops for you today. Everything from base prices for the entire model range to info on the new 2006 options and even the highly anticipated factory JCW pricing.

First off it appears as if MINIUSA as held the line on price increases for the start of the 2006 model year on all models except the hardtop Cooper S (which only goes up $200) Let me be the first to say well done MINIUSA. Here are the official numbers for each model:

  • Cooper = $16,950
  • Cooper Convertible = $21,450
  • Cooper S = $20,600 (up $200)
  • Cooper S Convertible = $24,900

(not including $550 for destination)

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Kenwood iPod Interface Reader Review

MotoringFile Sections: Reviews Jul 22nd, 2005 30 Comments

This review comes from MotoringFile reader Nathaniel Salzman:

Kenwood, like other after-market car stereo producers has wisely offered an interface between their car stereo head units and the iPod. This $100 add-on system features the ability to control the iPod from the head unit, browse artists and playlists, and charges the iPod while connected. The unit consists of a controller box with one cable ending in an iPod dock connecter, and another cable ending in a CD-Changer plug. That end plugs straight into the CD-Changer port on the head unit, and displays track, artist, or playlist type (if type display is supported by that particular head unit). I have been using this Kenwood setup in my Acura for about a month now and if you’ve chosen a Kenwood replacement head unit in your MINI, it is at least a very straightforward option for connecting your iPod.

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Award-winning MINI Convertible

MotoringFile Sections: Awards Jul 21st, 2005 4 Comments

From MINI UK Press:

The MINI Convertible has taken the top trophy in the convertible category at the annual Auto Express magazine New Car Honours awards. The MINI Convertible launched in 2004 comes in the three variants of One, Cooper and Cooper S and beat off rivals including the Renault Megane C-C and Audi A4 Cabriolet. The fully-automated roof impressed the judges, as well as all the fine attributes of ’stylish design, top-notch quality and fun handling’ present in the hatch. The success of the MINI Convertible is partly responsible for the four consecutive record UK sales months MINI has enjoyed since March 2005.

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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