Archive for April 2007
Apr 30th, 2007
Believe it or not, this is a really great review.
The suspension on the Cooper S is no longer race-car stiff. Seat-of-the-pants evaluation says the combination of a more comfortable ride and a 2.3-inch increase in the vehicle’s length mean its handling isn’t quite as sharp when pushed to the limits. But honestly, unless you’re strapped into a five-point harness and wearing a helmet, you’ll not miss the little bit of handling edge that was left on the table to make the new Cooper S less brutal for everyday use.
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Apr 30th, 2007
As heard on Whiteroofradio recently, MINI USA is in the early planning stages of a large event similar to 2006’s MINI Takes the States. We had heard noise last year (as early as during MTTS) that the power that be at MINI USA were pro the idea. However we had not heard a definitive statement that “something” was going to happen until now.
Now the only questions left are what, when and where.
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Apr 29th, 2007
We do go a little long tonight, but we had a lot to talk about it.
We start with odd noises we are hearing. db has crickets, Todd has a sump pump keeping his basement water free! Surprisingly enough, Gabe didn’t have any cock fighting sounds going on.
Who is listening to the MTTS coverage? We don’t mind, just curious is all. Speaking of which, Todd got some interview time with Trudy Hardy and Gina Koutros from MINIUSA about MINIUSAs plans for MINI United plus a special surprise that you are just going to have to listen for.
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Apr 29th, 2007
As with any website that allows for reader feedback, MotoringFile fights a daily battle against spam. And as the popularity of the site has grown, the spam issues has grown exponentially. What started as one or two spam comments a day has grown well into the 100’s.
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Apr 28th, 2007
Just a quick reminder for all those heading to MINI’s on the Dragon next week: We’d like to cordially invite all MotoringFile readers to swing by the cabin for a casual (aka BYOB) gathering after the Brew Swap wraps up Friday night. If you’ve ever wanted meet the people who make MF happen, here’s your chance. You can tell us how much you love the site or tell us off - either way it’s BYOB.
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Apr 27th, 2007
MotoringFile Exclusive: The presentation of the 2008 Clubman, hosted by Plant Oxford Director Oliver Zipse, took place today and we have first-hand account from one of our always reliable sources.
Approx 3000 associates were crammed into a small room in a place known as ‘T -Building’ on site, at just before 1pm. When we were assembled Mr. Zipse began! All the usual “Good afternoon, for those of you who don’t know me, I am the new plant director….” etc took place first - nothing at all exciting.
The 1,000,000th Mini took the stage to Oliver’s left, whilst a large printed sheet (with an image of a bank vault door) hung down from the industrial looking stainless steel tubular fame to Mr Zipse’s right. After a short, speech about expected production volumes for the current year and how the Clubman would play a vital role in those projected figures, the vault was opened! The sheet dropped to reveal a Lightning Blue/Silver Roof/Silver C-pillar upper and lower AND the top section of the rear bumper, Mini Clubman! - With the new 17″ alloy wheels (as pictured in the official Clubman sketch seen on MotoringFile a while back).
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Apr 27th, 2007
We’re not entirely sure how this made it out into the wild (and where it came from) but it would appear that a MINI dealer has let slip an early rendering of a 2009 Cooper Convertible. The image appeared on a dealer website just this morning. MF reader and WRR listener Robert Rettagliata managed grabbed the full image you see here.
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Apr 26th, 2007
With the largest MINI event ever set to take place in under two month’s time just outside Amsterdam, undoubtedly a few of our readers are considering making the trek. However some of your from the US might think a trip like this could be out of reach. We’re here to dispell that rumor and give you a couple tips that might help in making the trip a little easier to swallow financially.
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Apr 26th, 2007
According to a study released by the Insurance industry this week on the death rate of automobiles, MINI captured the best score in it’s class.
The highest and lowest rates were both recorded by Chevrolet. The highest being the Chevy Blazer, lowest being the Chevy Astro Van. Honda’s two-door Acura RSX had the second-highest rate with 202 driver deaths, followed by the Nissan 350Z, which registered 193 deaths. We’ll leave it up to you to figure out what this says both about the car’s and their typical drivers.
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Apr 25th, 2007
We’ve tested quite a few MINI competitors over the years in an effort to keep a solid grounding in the automotive landscape. With today’s review we’re doing something a little different. We’re testing a car that retails for roughly $30,000 more than the stock Cooper. So rather than a comparison test, think of it as a glimpse into different category of automobiles that shares a few of the fun to drive attributes with the MINI.
For those that don’t know much about the car, the Z4 M Coupe is the relatively rare M Brand version of the Z4 Coupe. The Z4 Coupe (the basis of the Z4M Coupe) is the newly released coupe version of the Z4. The Z4 Coupe features a huge increase in rigidity, the addition of a hatchback, and gorgeous looks that (in these eyes) transforms the already good looking Z4 into something of an instant classic. The M version tested here features, in a word, more.
On paper the M Coupe (as it’s referred to by many) has it all. The E46 M3’s sensuous inline six churning out 330 high-revving horsepower. M3 CSL brakes - a healthy improvement over the stock M3 stoppers. Less weight (3230lbs) and more nimble than the M3. And finally a driver focused cabin and steering wheel that puts the M3’s to shame.
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Apr 24th, 2007
Now that we’ve made it official that we’ll be at MINI United, we wanted to let all of our readers and listeners know how to join us. The first step is registering via the MINIUSA’s Owner’s Lounge and at MINIunited.com. By registering for the USA program in addition to MINI United, you will be invited to these bonus events at no additional fee:
- A specially discounted hotel rate of 185 Euros at the designated MINI Program hotel
- Welcome package
- Commemorative gifts and lots of goodies
- Friday night Welcome Reception (including dinner for you and a guest)
- Daily shuttle service from the Moevenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Centre to MINI United at Zandvoort (a must since you’ll have to leave your wheels behind!)
- Access to a MINI for use on track at Zandvoort
- Sunday night Gala dinner party (dinner for you and a guest) in Amsterdam with special guest Rauno Aaltonen
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Apr 24th, 2007
Official MINI USA Press Release: Topping off its successful US market launch last month, the all-new MINI Cooper has been named by the Editors of Edmunds.com as “Most Wanted Coupe Under $30,000″.
According to the Editors, the MINI Cooper’s redesign helped it win, beating out others in its class: “Retaining the Cooper’s beloved looks, baby has actually gotten better, as its classic styling and handling have been painstakingly preserved with welcome improvements appearing inside and underhood.” continued →
Apr 24th, 2007
According to the Autopia, another option for getting an electric MINI is very close to becoming a reality.
Hybrid Technologies is developing an all-electric Mini Cooper that will be available next year. Frank Ziegler, Hybrid Technologies’ Director of Sales and Distribution told me the car will sell for $59,000. That’s more than $40,000 over the list price of a gasoline Mini, but an average drive would save about $1250 a year on gasoline, based on gas being $3 a gallon. The electric Mini will have a range of 160 miles and requires 5 hours to recharge its batteries.
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Apr 24th, 2007
Auto Express has some video (similar to what we saw way back in ‘05) of the Clubman undergoing some final testing at the Nurburgring. There’s nothing particularly new here, just more high-speed Clubman vs ‘Ring action. And don’t mind the narrator - everything he mentions as new is actually standard on the current Cooper S. And of course the suicide door is on the right side of the car in all markets - not the passenger side as he suggests.
[ Clubman Spy Video ] Auto Express
Apr 24th, 2007
Now that you know we are all going to MINI United in June, we are actually able to discuss the event and some of our plans. You’ll be able to keep up with the action here, plus watch miniunited.com for details as we get closer to the event.
You don’t really think we forgot about the Dragon, did you? C’mon now. We spent the 2nd half of the show discussing it, including talking about some events that are being held there. You can follow the links below to get the full skinny. Full event info can be found here
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