Archive for February 2007
Feb 28th, 2007
[Updated w/Official English Press Release] MINI has officially announced the JCW kit for the R56 that we reported about earlier in the week. The kit includes a JCW exhaust, intake and ECU software upgrade. The new components develop 192bhp and Torque 184lbf-ft/250nm (199lbf-ft/270nm with overboost).
The dealer installed kit will retail for 1689.80 Euros in Europe (presumably w/o installation). No other pricing was given in the press release but we expect more information in the coming weeks.
The new JCW kit will indeed debut at the Geneva Motorshow in early March as we predicted. Expect to see this kit available at your local MINI dealer later this spring. You can read both the German and English official MINI press releases below for more information:
MINI of Germany Press Release (English Version)
Get the Racing Feeling: John the Cooper Works Tuning kit for the new MINI Cooper S.
The International Automobile Salon in Geneva (March 8th - 18th 2007) is the setting for the world premiere of the John Cooper Works Tuning Kit for the MINI Cooper S. From mid-2007, what is already the most powerful version of the compact premium model will be given an additional power boost under its bonnet. With the John Cooper Works Tuning Kit for the MINI Cooper S, the output of the 1.6 litre twin scroll turbo engine is increased to an impressive 141 kW/192 bhp, with maximum torque up to 250 Newton metres in the engine speed range between 1,750 and 5,000 rpm. With the overboost function, the torque level can even be increased temporarily to 270 Nm for powerful acceleration in the engine speed range from 1,750 to 4,500 rpm.
continued →
Feb 28th, 2007
With momentum building for BMW’s new “Colorado” (code name only) MINI soft-roader, production plans are starting to take shape. And it was with this knowledge that I posed this specific question to MINI USA VP Jim McDowel; “how important is it to the MINI brand to be built in Oxford?” As we reported on MF a few weeks back, Mr. McDowel’s answer was surprisingly straightforward; “while it’s important for MINIs to be built in Oxford, it shouldn’t be a limiting factor. For instance, BMWs are built in Munich. But that doesn’t stop BMW from having plants in such locations as South Africa and the United States.”
So based on that comment and reports that support it, we know MINI and BMW will be most likely manufacturing the “Colorado” outside of the UK. But does this matter to you as MINI owners and potential buyers? How does the location of the factory impact the brand and how you perceive the heritage? We know you have opinions… lets hear them.
Advertisement
Feb 28th, 2007
You will actually be able to check this out in the March 05 issue.
When the Mini Cooper folks took me and a few other automotive journalists to a racetrack to test these new second-generation coupes, it had the trappings of a joke. We’re talking about a subcompact city car, not a Ferrari, right? But instead of laughing, I whooped it up. Ninety-five miles per hour in a hair over 15 seconds, and 0 to 60 in a respectable 6.7 seconds. Yeah, baby.
I really liked the electric steering, which took the shimmy out of the steering wheel while traveling over bumpy terrain. But it’s the whimsy that devotees of this English charmer clamor over.
[ Road Test: MINI Cooper ] Newsweek
Feb 27th, 2007
MF Exclusive: Yesterday we broke the news that MINI would most likely be releasing two JCW vehicles rather than simply offering one JCW product as previously expected. Thanks to sources from three continents, we now have some limited details on the first product, what we’re calling (for the moment) the “Stage One Kit.”
In an effort to possibly bridge the gap between the upcoming high-output JCW MINI (coming for in late 2007 or early 2008) it looks like MINI will release a “Stage One” JCW kit that will have an output somewhere between 190 and 200bhp. Our sources are also telling us that the “Stage One” kit will be available as a dealer retrofit for all R56 MCS’s and will consist of three components:
continued →
Advertisement
Feb 27th, 2007
Next week, the fine state of Nebraska finally gets their very own MINI Cooper dealer!
Pop-art colors stand out against matte-black at the new Markel Mini Cooper dealership. The colors correspond to the bright, toylike cars that will be displayed inside and around the building.
continued →
Feb 27th, 2007
Some of you might have caught this on your local PBS stations airing of the show. For those of you that didn’t, here is the written review.
When BMW took the wraps off the second generation MINI Cooper, the press and public alike sounded a sigh of relief. Though slightly larger, designers concentrated on improving rather than changing this modern icon. The old world MINI look remains pleasantly intact. In fact it’s about as close to natural evolution as a car can get.
The MINI Cooper is every bit a coming-of-age cultural phenom as say, Volkswagen’s Beetle. A British-borne classic of the 60’s, the sporty Cooper and Cooper S started out as successful rally cars racers and grew to become worldwide motoring icons.
continued →
Advertisement
Feb 26th, 2007
MF Exclusive Yesterday we introduced the idea that MINI could releasing two JCW vehicles rather than the one we had expected to see late this year or early next. We now have some limited details on the first product, a “Stage One” type of kit similar to the JCW Sound Kit originally released for the R50. Only this time with a real power increase.
Before we get ahead of ourselves, first let’s recap the various rumors we’ve heard about this car over the past year.
In mid-2006 we heard from several people that the power figures that BMW were shoot for were around 210 - 220bhp. This would make the JCW MINI the fastest production MINI ever and go a long way in developing the JCW brand as the ultimate MINI performance marque - aftermarket or otherwise.
continued →
Feb 26th, 2007
They hated the Italian Job, but loved the R56.
It was hardly broke on the outside anyway, the new MINI is every bit as popular, cute and non-threatening as the original, and there’s only so much they could do without being accused of fiddling for its own sake.
This is BMW at work, the quiet maestro that marks this car apart from French and Far Eastern competition. But they made it fun, too, the interior is light, airy and dotted with adjustable lighting for boys and girls and toggle switches that undoubtedly proved costly yet added so much to the overall experience. Then it all went wrong, everyone got carried away with this cray-zee English funcar and they went and made that speedo…
continued →
Advertisement
Feb 25th, 2007
Before I begin, please ignore the mismatched show numbers. Pretty please?
Robert in Toronto joined us this week since Mr. Bridger was out for a little birthday celebration. So of course we have to spend some time talking about Canadian stuff to make him feel more at home. So, like, take off eh?
We spend a bit more time talking about AMVIV too.
Oh yea, we even managed a bit of news from Motoringfile.
continued →
Feb 25th, 2007
Word is that Volkswagen has plans to develop a… (wait for it)… rear engine MINI competitor. Here’s an excerpt from Leftlanenews.com:
The reasons for designing such a vehicle are not known, but VW might be trying to create a new niche for an ultra-sporty low-cost compact car. Earlier this month, we told you how Volkswagen’s new CEO Martin Winterkorn intends to fill “lucrative market niches” with new models over the coming years. His goal is to transform VW into a maker of high-profit niche cars.
You can read more here:
[ Report: Volkswagen Plans Rear Engine MINI Competitor ] Leftlanenews.com
Feb 24th, 2007
And they managed to get MINI USA VP Jim McDowel and MINI USA Product Manager Jeff Stracco to basically do it for them on video. Nevermind the terrible on-screen graphics and that really annoying intro…
continued →
Feb 23rd, 2007
A classic from the MotoringFile archives, this official PDF details the full parts list and install process for the original 03-04 JCW engine kit. This is the kit without the JCW intake and JCW injectors (responsible for an extra 10bhp). Why are we giving you this PDF now? As the R53 is being put out to pasture, we’ve heard of several MINI dealers discounting these older kits and even breaking them up to sell them more quickly and easily. This document should be considered the essential guide to exactly what these kits contain. A great tool if you’re deciding to pick-up one of these kits or a couple of the components.
[ 200bhp JCW Engine Kit PDF ] Official MINI Install Guide
continued →
Feb 23rd, 2007
MINI USA will be delaying the introduction of the new wood steering wheel for the foreseeable future. Apparently the issue is that the Wood wheel has not performed US crash tests the way it had been hoped for. Therefore, since start of production, the factory has been substituting the Sport Leather wheel for the wood version.
A redesign is being looked into, however there is no current time-frame in place for US availability.
Feb 23rd, 2007
Southcoasttoday.com got to spend some time with the R56 and produced another favorable review.
It’s easy to admire the modern Mini Cooper. It’s solidly constructed, cozy on the inside, corners like a rock on a string and is cute as the dickens.
For its 2007 remake, German parent BMW continues with the same basic formula, although some size has been added along with more up-to-date features and content.
Although the car — which is actually built in Oxford, England — is physically different from the previous model that launched for 2002, the changes are difficult to spot, even when the two are parked side by side.
continued →
Browse Pages:
Next Page »
