Jun 30th, 2006
We’ve got a few updates of random facts for those eagerly anticipating their GPs.
- GP roof numbers are in for many owners. If you haven’t received yours, it should be arriving soon.
- The GP will not include rear speakers due to weight saving measures. That means only 4 speakers total.
- The 18″ GP wheels (aka the R107) weigh in at 19.84 pounds. Officially the lightest 17″ or 18″ wheel from MINI.
- Roof numbers for those getting their GPs at Monterey are based generally on a first come first serve basis. So if you wanted to low number car you needed to opt for a MTTS delivery.
- For those getting their GPs at dealers, roof numbers will appear to be fairly random. I’m told there’s a system to it, just not one that owners will be able to identify or influence.
We’ll have more in the weeks ahead.
Jun 29th, 2006
A year and a half ago we dropped the scoop that MINI USA was preparing to introduce a pre-owned program very similar to BMW’s “Certified Pre-Owned program” called MINI Next. This weekend, that program becomes a reality.
The system virtually mirrors BMW’s CPO program in the way it handles prep and warranties on the cars. MINI USA will be launching the program with the help of eight “pilot” dealers. At this time we can only confirm Patrick MINI will be the Central Region pilot for MINI Next.
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Jun 29th, 2006
MotoringFile reader Jeff Steele has taken some great shots from today’s North American MINI Cooper Championship race today at Summit Point Raceway. Randy Webb won the first race, and would have won the second but had to drop out due to fuel problems. In fact he barely made the start of the first race because of a power steering problem. He was fixing the car up to the last minute! We’ll have a full race recap soon. However until then you can see the photos here.
Jun 29th, 2006
I’ll be traveling down to the USGP at Indianapolis tomorrow with the same crew that did the Dragon earlier this year. Only this time the trip will be the start of my long term MCS JCW test that will run for the next week. Expect a few images posted on the MotoringFile Flickr site throughout the weekend along with some thoughts on the MCS JCW kit on MotoringFile.
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Jun 28th, 2006
Rounds 7 and 8 of the UK based MINI Challenge at Castle Combe in Wiltshire provided the most entertaining races so far this season. It appeared that Arthur Forster (#1) and Gareth Nixon (#3) both took double-wins in the S-Class and Club-Class respectively however Forster was later disqualified from the result of race two due to a technical infringement.
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Jun 28th, 2006
Since the introduction of the Cooper S in 2002 people have been finding new and improved ways to gain horsepower. New exhausts, upgraded air intake systems, modified ECUs and a host of other additions can help satisfy that lust for more power. Yet there’s one magic bullet in the MINI aftermarket that is head and shoulders above the rest in creating power: the super charger reduction pulley.
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Jun 28th, 2006
Finally, something to do with the dust on the back of your MINI:
[ Dust Art ] Statesman.com
