Archive for May 2007
May 31st, 2007
Update: show’s over - thanks for watching! Come check out White Rood Radio as it happens. We’re doing two shows tonight that are being broadcast live courtesy of ustream.tv starting at 10pm EST (GMT-5/9pm CST/8 MST/7 PST). And not only can you see us do the show, but you can ask questions in the comment section of this post. During our second show (generally in the 2nd hour of recording) we’ll be reading those questions and answering them live.
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May 31st, 2007

For those of you that really want to keep up on all that is going on with MINI United, they have just set up a brand new blog. Gabe and I will be posting there leading up to and during the event with updates.
Gabe’s first post is up live right now and you should go check it out! Follow the links below.
[ MINI United 2007 Blog ] MINIUnited.com
[ RSS Feed ] MINIUnited.com
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May 31st, 2007

Later this summer MINI will be releasing an updated JCW suspension designed to fit on all R56 MINIs. The new version of this kit differs slightly from the previous version in that it now includes both front and rear stabilizer bars. The addition of the larger sway bars is meant to further help with neutral handling at the limit and allow for most stability out of corners. We at MotoringFile have often thought of the previous JCW suspension kit as the most underrated of all factory accessories. With the R56’s lighter aluminum rear suspension and the addition of upgraded front and rear sway bars, this new version promises to be even better.
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May 31st, 2007
A Car Connection reader managed to snap a handful of pictures of a MINI test mule that wasn’t a Clubman or Convertible but looked to be a standard R56 Coupe. However for those with a keen eye it looks like it could be much more. Specifically it has a couple tell-tale signs (based on information from our sources) that would indicate it could be one of two things; either the the much rumored “Stage II” factory JCW car due out in the next couple of years or an early peak at the R56 mid-lifecycle refresh. continued →
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May 31st, 2007

Last week was a test, this week it’s for real. Tonight (Thursday) around 10pm EST (GMT -5) we’ll again be broadcasting the Whiteroofradio Podcast live on MotoringFile. Check MF just before 10pm EST (9pm CST/8pm MST/7pm PST) for a post with our video feeds and a place to comment and ask questions during the show. That’s right, we’ll be answering your questions in the 2nd of the two podcasts this evening.
See you tonight night. …wait I take that back, I guess you’ll be seeing us.
May 30th, 2007

For all you US based diesel fans, here’s your chance to be heard. Everyone by now knows my interests in alternative fuel vehicles. Most of the diesel posts are mine, and I’m always leaving comments, even in the posts I make! Not to mention all of the posts I have made on my motoring blog concerning alternative fuel vehicles.
While the thought of a hybrid is exciting to me, and many of you I’m sure, what are our choices? Nothing that we can really get excited about. Not to mention the cost of replacing the batteries about 3-5 years. Not something I would really look forward to.
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May 29th, 2007
MINIUSA Press Release: MINI USA has renewed its motorsport racing development program with Southern California’s extreme tuning house, FIREBALLED! RACING, signing a 5 year deal through 2012. FIREBALLED! will continue the build-out of its MINI race programs through a number of upcoming TV, internet, mobile and multi-media platforms and event venues.
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May 29th, 2007

What do you call a car with more cup-holders than seat-belts? A MINI Clubman. We’ve confirmed another small detail about the interior configuration of the R55 and thought it might be interesting to prospective owners. Of course there’s few things that enthusiasts disdain more than cup-holders in cars. However they are an essential part of interior design these days - for better or worse. So it must have been with some sarcastic pride that MINI designers were able to accommodate not three or four, but five full size cupholders throughout the car. continued →
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May 29th, 2007
CNN Money has a great article listing 10 of the best new cars for first time buyers.
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May 28th, 2007
Another live show, courtesy of ustream.tv.
We gave Todd the night off so he could work on getting his house ready to sell. I would also like to start by apologizing for the audio quality. I just couldn’t get the levels right. It will be better next week!
WRR is now on Facebook for those of you that play there. You can check out the WRR Group here.
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May 26th, 2007

Last week I announced that I was selling my 2005 MCS and buying an 2007. This week, my ‘05 MCS was officially sold and the order went in for my new R56. There was a slight delay as I refined my specification a bit but I’m happy to say that everything is now a go. But before I go on about the various choices I’ve made, I need to thank all (almost 100) of you who gave me some great ideas for ordering my 2007 MCS. Seeing all that feedback did help me make a couple tough decisions I had been wavering on. But more on that later.
I put my order in a few days later than anticipated but my MA (and good friend) David Olenick was still able to get me a week 23 (early June) build slot. That should be perfect timing considering my MINI United schedule and that I’ll just be getting in the country a week or so earlier than the car will be arriving.
So let’s take a look at what I chose. As I mentioned before, the car had to be black. But what I didn’t mention is that Pepper White was my first choice. However after some consultation with some close friends, I realized that black just makes more sense for me. So with that out of the way, I present you the specs. I’ll go through each one and give a quick reason why I chose it:
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May 26th, 2007

MF Exclusive: Since we broke the news of the Clubman’s exclusive exterior color, Hot Chocolate, readers have been pondering what was in store for the interior. We can now exclusively report that MINI’s signature interior leather trim option of the Clubman will be a Brown leather with Cream White trim. continued →
May 26th, 2007
News of the week from Motoringfile.com with db and Gabe. Todd was busy with house stuff this week, so we let him have the night off.
For those of you that missed it, we did broadcast the show live via ustream.tv with both audio and video! It was actually so cool that we will be doing that again this week. Check back on Thursday between 9:00 EST / 6:00PM PST and 11:00 EST / 8:00PM PST. The video is quite good and so is the audio. In fact, if you only wanted to listen live this is the best option I have come across yet. We’ll be able to answer your questions live as well. See you Thursday! continued →
May 25th, 2007

Official MINI Press Rlease: As of August 2007, all MINI hatchback models with reduced fuel consumption and exhaust emission levels as standard - maximum efficiency in the new MINI Cooper D: 3.9 litres per 100 kilometres, 104 grams CO2 per kilometre.
Munich. The new MINI is even surpassing itself. With a range of measures to reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emission levels, the world’s only premium small car is extending its lead in the area of efficiency in the model year 2008 even further. As of August 2007, all model variations (except Convertible) of the new MINI will have high-tech engine periphery components as standard which allow more economical fuel consumption and at the same time increase driving pleasure. continued →
May 25th, 2007
72.4mpg. 104 g/km C02. No batteries required.

Official MINI UK Press Release: MINI hatch models are to receive technological revisions later this year, resulting in jaw-dropping performance and efficiency figures. Already BMW Group’s cleanest ever car, the MINI Cooper D will be capable of returning an astonishing 72.4mpg, with CO2 emissions of just 104 g/km.
When production of the revised models begins in August 2007, there will be no requirement for alternative fuel sources or hybrid technology to achieve these stunning stats. All model variants will instead be supplied as standard with high-tech engine tweaks, providing exceptional economy and minimal emissions without compromising the MINI driving experience. continued →
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