A bit of a recap of the year. We talk about our personal biggest moments in MINI for the last year. Remember AMVIV 3? Or MoTD? And who could forget MTTS? Or Todd’s car being converted into the Mule v2.0? Good times good times. Did you have a favorite moment? Go ahead and share below!
Don’t forget the great interviews we had this year. Thanks to all of you for taking the time to talk to the listeners! And thanks to Michael and Patricia Babiskin for helping out this year filling in, working on the club/event casts and MTTS. And, of course to Robert for sending in those soundseeing tours to entertain us.
We are going to keep on going for ‘07 too! More event coverage, more interviews, more reviews?
Okay so we’ve been busy in 2006. Between Db, myself and all the frequent MF contributors posting reviews, news etc, we have had well over 600 stories about the MINI, related accessories and the culture that revolves around the cars. Impressive and maybe a bit obsessive, we’ve done all we can to live up to our reputation of providing nothing but the best news and reviews in the MINI world. And with the addition of Db to the staff – we’ll be getting bigger and better in 2007.
So with 2006 coming to a close today (and since we’re taking tomorrow off!) we thought what better time to take a look back at the biggest, most popular and our personal favorite stories of the year. (in Chronological order)
We’ve heard reports from several readers in NYC, Chicago (on I294 near O’Hare) and San Franscico that they’re seeing roadside billboards featuring an R56 MINI and a large electronic message that seems to change daily. While electronic billboards are nothing new, we have a feeling these billboards could be pretty interesting since their message could continually evolve throughout their lifespan. They’re also the first appearance of the R56 in an official advertisement by MINI USA.
No photos to share yet but we expect some reader contributions soon.
MotoringFile DIY Friday is back with an update of a reader favorite. For those who may remember we posted a Xenon retrofit guide for ‘01-’04 MINIs to allow for an upgrade to the newer 2005+ Xenon style. However the guide wasn’t applicable for those who owned 2005/2006 MINIs that simply wanted to upgrade from the stock Halogen’s to Xenons. And now with the GP being released with Halogens, there’s been a renewed interested in this type of retro-fit. So we’re happy to present the official MINI PDF that details the parts and installation procedure. Although be warned, if you have to ask how much, you probably shouldn’t attempt it.
Auto Tuner Hamann has gotten thier hands on an R56 and given it a few modifications.
One thing is clear: you will attract attention with the Mini, even in standard trim. The exterior of the Mini could however convey a little more sportiness. HAMANN can help out in this respect, clothing the little runabout in some sporty gear. The HAMANN aerodynamics kit includes a front spoiler to reduce lift, a pair of side sills with integrated, brushed aluminum doorsills, and a two-piece rear diffuser.
We’ve been talking about this a lot lately over at WRR as Todd, and other GP owners, have been trying to figure out how they can retrofit them into their cars.
MF Reader Murmini has actually produced a great write-up about Xenon’s and how they work.
So instead of using a filament, that heats up and glows when voltage is applied, as is the case with incandescent lamps, the Xenon light source creates light from an electrical discharge between two electrodes in a microenvironment of xenon gas.
MINI USA’s Audio Package that includes Sirius Satellite Radio, HD Radio and a Hi-Fi 10-Speaker sound system has been pushed back to a Summer 2007 introduction. Apparently the hold-up is the Sirius or HD Radio options and not the Hi-Fi Stereo (which is available now).
Another rumor we’ve heard from several folks over the last few weeks was that MINI was moving the introduction of the factory “MINI” aero kit back from March of 2007 to Summer of 2007. We now have confirmation that this is indeed happening. However from our understanding this is not the JCW aero kit that we’ve seen plenty of pictures of, but the MINI branded kit that has thus far remained rather elusive to real photography.
Over the last week or two we’ve heard from serveral sources about rumored production delays at the Oxford plant. But until now we hadn’t been able to confirm exactly what the issues were and what cars were affected (if any).
However we’ve just learned from a source in Oxford that there there has indeed been a major
hold up in the delivery of some R56 models. This massive hold up is due to leaking fuel pumps on Cooper S models with around 3000 affected cars. With the plant now closed until the 2nd of January (for the Christmas & New Year holiday) and with the re-work area full to bursting, it’ll be a while yet until the problem is resolved.
So for all those waiting for a Cooper S that’s currently in the manufacturing process, you’re wait may have just gotten a little longer. However it’s worth noting that this shouldn’t really affect MINI production for the US launch of the R56.
The all-new second generation MINI Cooper and Cooper S hardtops will make their North American debut at the North American International Auto Show in January. MINI will also present the MINI Convertible Sidewalk for its World debut. It will be offered in the U.S. as an option package and as a separate model for international markets.
The new MINI Cooper and Cooper S hardtops build upon the design success of the first generation MINI models which offer go-kart like reflexes and the ability for customers to individualize their car. The most successful premium small car in the world has been updated in a way that is evolutionary in design and revolutionary in substance. And a wide range of engine, transmission, chassis and steering innovations give the all-new MINI an impressive level of sportiness and agility.
For those who just can’t get enough of those inventive MINI commercials from around the world, here’s a full spot done entirely with still photography featuring the 2005 special edition MINI Parklane.
We have quite the video Friday for you today! Brian Black has uploaded video from the North American MINI Cooper Challenge race that was held at Summit Point Raceway earlier this year.
More on safety, this time MSNBC takes a crack at it.
The economy vehicles were tested by the institute for the first time because high gasoline prices have made the small cars more popular. The vehicles, which typically weigh about 2,500 pounds or less, raise some safety concerns because of how they would interact with larger vehicles in a crash.
“People traveling in small, light cars are at a disadvantage, especially when they collide with bigger, heavier vehicles. The laws of physics dictate this,†said institute president Adrian Lund.
Now it’s the turn of the ignorant newspaper columnist. Here’s one is from today’s Chicago Tribune:
Before you rush out to buy a mini car to save a few dollars on your weekly gas bill, check out how those little machines fare in crash tests. The money you save on gas might have to be spent on getting the crinkles out of the body panels, according to results released this week of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s first crash tests on subcompacts.
“The laws of physics dictate that people traveling in small, light cars are at a disadvantage,” said Adrian Lund, Insurance Institute president.
The study, of course, is more than a bit self-serving. The institute represents the nation’s major auto insurance companies, and the safer the car, the lower the claim coming out of its members’ pockets.
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Sections: Podcast Dec 31st, 2006 No Comments 
A bit of a recap of the year. We talk about our personal biggest moments in MINI for the last year. Remember AMVIV 3? Or MoTD? And who could forget MTTS? Or Todd’s car being converted into the Mule v2.0? Good times good times. Did you have a favorite moment? Go ahead and share below!
