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
