Nov 27th, 2006
The new MINI USA configurator has verified some news we heard a few weeks back. As was the case with the previous generation MINI, the US market will be getting a different (i.e. less cool) version of the lower cushion on R56′s sport seats. Due to the US airbag sensor mandated in the front passenger seat, MINI’s had to design a simple, less contoured bottom cushion. With the previous seat design, this wasn’t a terrible loss. However with the new bottom cushion design (not to mention the English Leather seats), the change is clearly a downgrade from what is available elsewhere.
It’s worth noting that the change mostly just affects the aesthetics of the seats, not really how they grip. And yes, the US market will still be getting the $1900 “English Leather” seat option.
Nov 27th, 2006
The gloves finally come off in the MINI Challenge.
The gloves were literally flying off in race two of the MINI Challenge at Ruapuna this weekend as the drivers took to the circuit like a pack of Canterbury Rugby football forwards.
Starting positions for race two were determined by the fastest times in qualifying session or race one which saw Canterbury’s Wayne Timms in the IDL MINI #30 on pole position alongside Timaru driver Brent Collins in the PDL MINI #44.
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Nov 24th, 2006
It’s DIY Friday here at MotoringFile and we’re going to continue on with the R56 theme. Today it’s the new Rear Carrier. The MINI Rear Carrier system allows owners to carry up to two bikes and can be folded down for easy access in the boot. It’s compatible with both the 2007 Cooper and Cooper S.
Rear Carrier System Install Guide (2mb)
You can also read more about the new carrier system by downloading the following MINI brochure about the accessory:
R56 Rear Carrier System Brochure (1.6mb)
Nov 24th, 2006
Please join Fireballed! Racing and South Bay MINI for the premiere of the next two Hollywood-Themed Fireballed! MINIs at this year’s LA Auto Show!!
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Nov 23rd, 2006
Evo, one of our favorite print mags at MotoringFile, compares the 2007 MCS to the new Renault Clio 197. Great article and a fascinating comparison. Here’s an excerpt:
The goalposts may have shifted, but the F1-style diffuser (on the Renault Clio 197) has to count for something. Which makes it something of a surprise when, on our first twisty mountain ascent, the Cooper S (25bhp down, remember) steadily pulls away from the throughly wrung-out Clio 197. Going down the other side, the pair are evenly matches but, when the tarmac becomes steeper and more tortuous again, the MINI wrests back a decisive advantage.
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Nov 23rd, 2006
Auto Express pits the R56 MCS against the best that Renault, Ford and VW have to offer on some of the UKs twistiest roads.
Competition in the hot hatch market has reached boiling point — and there’s no better way to find out if the MINI can take the lead in the pocket rocket race than to square it up against Renault’s thrilling Clio 197. Taut, muscular and with carefully honed suspension, it’s more mature than before, but hasn’t lost its sense of fun.
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Nov 22nd, 2006
Our first official R56 DIY PDF is the highly anticipated JCW Aero Kit. The kit will be available this spring as a dealer installed option. However for those who like to get their hands dirty or simply want to know more about what exactly is included in the kit, we offer you this official MINI PDF detailing the parts and the full installation. Enjoy:
R56 JCW Aero Kit Official PDF (2.0mb)
