Archive for July 2005

Phil Wicks Driving School

MotoringFile Sections: MF Feature, Motorsports Jul 26th, 2005 47 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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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 38 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 32 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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MINI Model Cheat Sheet

1st Gen MINI
R50: One & MC Hatch
R52: All 1st Gen MINI Convt.
R53: MCS Hatch
2nd Gen MINI
R55: Clubman
R56: Hatch
R57: Convertible
R58: Coupe
R59: Roadster
R60: MINI Crossover
R61: MINI Crossover Coupe
3rd Gen MINI
F55: Clubman
F56: Hatch
F57: Convertible
F60: MINI Crossover
F62: Traveller

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'12 JCW Coupe
'11 Fiat 500 Sport
'11 Tesla Roaster 2.5 '11 Countryman Comparo
'11 Cooper S Hatch
'11 Countryman MCS (FWD)
'11 Countryman MC (auto)
'10 Mayfair MCS (auto)
'11 Countryman MCS (ALL4)
'10 MINI E
'10 Tesla Roadster Sport
'09 Cooper S Convertible
'09 JCW Hatch
'09 JCW Clubman
JCW Stage I vs JCW Stage II
'08 Clubman S (Auto)
1st Drive: '08 MINI Clubman
'08 Smart Fourtwo
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:
M7 Rear Chassis Brace
R56 JCW Engine Kit
R56 JCW Suspension (Long-Term)
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:
MINI Do More Clubman Hitch
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