Jul 30th, 2005
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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Jul 30th, 2005
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
Jul 29th, 2005
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…
Jul 29th, 2005
This just seems wrong on so many different levels:
[ 2005 MINI Cooper S Hatchback/$47,568 ]
Via DaveZ
Jul 28th, 2005
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.
Jul 27th, 2005
[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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Jul 27th, 2005
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.
Jul 26th, 2005
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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Jul 26th, 2005
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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Jul 25th, 2005
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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Jul 25th, 2005
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.
Jul 24th, 2005
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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Jul 22nd, 2005
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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Jul 22nd, 2005
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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Jul 21st, 2005
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.
