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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