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Archive for June 2006

JCW GP Update

MotoringFile Sections: JCW Jun 30th, 2006 41 Comments

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.

MINI USA Launches MINI NEXT

MotoringFile Sections: Sales Jun 29th, 2006 19 Comments

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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MINI of Manhattan

Pictures from the NAMCC at Summit Point

MotoringFile Sections: Motorsports Jun 29th, 2006 9 Comments

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.

MotoringFile at the USGP

MotoringFile Sections: Events, Site News Jun 29th, 2006 2 Comments

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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M7 Tuning

MINI Challenge at Castle Combe

MotoringFile Sections: Motorsports Jun 28th, 2006 5 Comments

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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MF Review: Webb Motorsports 15% Pulley

MotoringFile Sections: R53, Reviews Jun 28th, 2006 87 Comments

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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MINI Magnetic Badges

Dusty Art on a MINI

MotoringFile Sections: Best of the Web Jun 28th, 2006 11 Comments

Finally, something to do with the dust on the back of your MINI:

[ Dust Art ] Statesman.com

It’s Official: The Smart is Coming to the US

MotoringFile Sections: In the Press Jun 28th, 2006 38 Comments

Automotive News is reporting that DaimlerChrysler’s Smart fortwo will make its US debut in 2008 and will be sold by Roger Penske at select dealerships. Here’s an excerpt from the article:

DaimlerChrysler expects to sell 20,000 Smart fortwo models annually in the United States, with an emphasis on urban markets on the West and East coasts. Smart’s U.S. sales target is about half that of BMW’s Mini brand.

[ Penske will sell Smarts in U.S. ] Automotive News (subscription required)

Out Motoring

2007 MINI Colors Update

MotoringFile Sections: R56 Jun 27th, 2006 53 Comments

A few weeks ago we had showed an exclusive picture of two new R56 colors; Nightfire Red and Laser Blue. We now have further details on those two along with a few others that will make up the R56 palette.

For starters, Nightfire Red will be avilable for the MC only. Think of it as taking Solar Red’s place. Laser Blue on the other hand will be an MCS exclusive and will be taking the place of the much loved Electric Blue. Oxygen Blue will be another MC only color and will be a (gasp) non-metallic color. It’s reportedly lighter than Laser Blue.

Other colors (as mentioned previously) will be Mellow Yellow, Sparkling Silver and Lightning Blue. Chili Red and British Racing Green are the only current colors that have been confirmed for the 2007 MINI. We should have a more full rundown in the coming weeks.

Telegraaf’s Video Review of the JCW GP

MotoringFile Sections: In the Press, JCW Jun 27th, 2006 24 Comments

Just one problem for most of us, the review is in Dutch. But I suppose you soon to be GP owners will take what you can get.

[ JCW GP Video Review ] Telegraaf.nl

MINI OEM vs Aftermarket Wheels (Part 2)

MotoringFile Sections: MF Feature Jun 26th, 2006 73 Comments

The O.Z. Racing Superleggera, light, strong and aggressive. They’ve been a favorite wheel of mine for quite awhile. When I bought my MCS last year with the JCW wheels, they were the “other” choice I secretly lusted after. This year O.Z. introduced a new wheel that took the Superleggera to a new level. And at 16.8lbs, the 18″ Ultraleggera had my name written all over it. My rational was that, if I’m going to give up my beloved JCWs, I might as well go as light as I can.

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White Roof Radio Problems

MotoringFile Sections: Podcast Jun 25th, 2006 21 Comments

Somehow the account of whiteroofradio became compromised and everything was deleted. It’s going to be a couple of days until everything is 100% back to normal. I will be working on getting the most current shows posted ASAP. Thanks for your patience.

Five MotoringFile Magnetic Badges Retiring

MotoringFile Sections: Site News Jun 25th, 2006 5 Comments

A quick public service announcement. As we add more magnetic badges, we’ll also be retiring older ones. To start with we are retiring five as of next week. So if you want to get your orders in for any of the following badges, make sure to do it by next week. This decision is based purely on sales numbers with one except; the 2006 Dragon badge. As we mentioned previously, the Dragon badge was meant to only be produced for a limited time and that time is up.

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MSN Cars (UK) Tests the new JCW GP

MotoringFile Sections: In the Press, JCW Jun 25th, 2006 13 Comments

Now that MINI has held it’s first Journalist test drives for European publications, we should start to see a handful of reviews popping up over the next few weeks. First up (after MINI2’s review) is Peter Burgess from MSN Cars UK. Here’s an excerpt:

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MINI OEM vs Aftermarket Wheels

MotoringFile Sections: MF Feature Jun 23rd, 2006 74 Comments

Update: The decision has been made and I’ve gone aftermarket. Better yet thanks to Tirerack’s super fast shipping to Chicago, my new wheels and tires have arrived. Big thanks to everyone who gave advice below. I hope that it is a great resource for others considering the same choice. I’ll let the world know what I got in a day or so once I get them on the MINI.

In the meantime my JCW 18″ wheels are now officially for sale. If you’re interested in a smoking deal on both the tires and rims, send me an email via the contact link above.

As I toy with the idea of selling my 18 inch JCW wheels and going aftermarket, I’ve been thinking a lot about the positives and negatives of the two choices. When I got my car, I was made an offer I couldn’t refuse that included the wheels. I love them now as I did then, but as always, I’m ready for something new and different. I won’t go into details yet as to what I’m considering (now let’s see if those who know can keep quiet) but I will say that it doesn’t stray too much from what I currently enjoy.

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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
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