Archive for August 2007
Aug 31st, 2007
JCW fans, mark today’s date on your calendar. The R56 JCW kit we’ve reported on here at MF for seemingly forever is officially going on sale today, August 31st. We gave you a sneak peak at the official information with look at an internal dealer bulletin released earlier in the week. However today MINI USA has released it’s official information on the kit including technical details that the previous release didn’t delve into.
Official MINI USA Press Release: MINI USA announces the availability of the John Cooper Works Tuning Kit for the all-new MINI Cooper S introduced this year. The new kit, designed specifically for the Cooper S with a manual transmission and its twin-scroll turbocharged engine, offers increased horsepower and torque over that of the standard model. continued →
Aug 31st, 2007
Let’s just say it. Certain parts of the MINI community (like other automotive communities) tend to spend way too much time arguing over modifications to their cars. What works, what doesn’t and what’s too pricey. In some ways it’s all irrelevant. Sure after-market or OEM accessories are a lot of fun and can look, feel and sound great. But if you want to really improve your car, you need to focus on what’s between your ears first and foremost.
One of the best ways to do this (at least in the US) is to get involved in the BMWCCA (yes they welcome MINIs) and take advantage of some local track weekends. This past weekend that’s exactly what I did. I joined a few friends (MINI and BMW owners) at the BMWCCA Chicago Chapter’s Putnam Park track weekend. It also marked the first time on the track with my own R56 and the new JCW suspension. continued →
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Aug 30th, 2007
Official MINI UK Press Release: Footwear designer Onitsuka Tiger and car manufacturer MINI have come together to create a dedicated range of stylish trainers for both men and women. The limited edition range will be on sale across the UK from 01 December 2007.
The launch of the shoe celebrates the arrival of the MINI Clubman, which is the next model from the British car maker to hit UK roads. First deliveries of the car begin on November 10 this year. continued →
Aug 30th, 2007
Sorry for the delay in getting this one posted, it’s been fairly hectic around here of late.
db at WRR West, Todd in St. Louis for the Wine Run (don’t let him fool you, he went for Trader Joe’s) and Gabe on the track at Putnam Park diggin’ the new JCW Suspension. Plus a short update from Robert in Toronto.
Nice and short for you lovers of the short shows. Don’t worry, we will make it up next week!
continued →
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Aug 29th, 2007
Part 2: On the Track
In our previous review of the JCW Suspension Kit we focused on performance as it related to public roads. Today we’ll be giving our final evaluation of the kit as it relates to the track.
At the track the JCW Suspension really comes into it’s own. Gone are the pains of the rougher ride and constant concern about bottoming out the front defuser. You’re simply left to appreciate how flat and entirely controllable the car is in corners. It’s also (as it is in stock form) very easy to control with the throttle and eager to rotate. The net is a feel of complete confidence that is only let-down by the lack of ultimate grip in most road (non R-compound) tires. continued →
Aug 29th, 2007
Official MINI USA News: The all-new 2007 MINI Cooper’s crashworthiness received the top rating of ‘Good’ in the evaluation of offset frontal crash testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s rating reflects performance in a 40 mph frontal offset crash test into a deformable barrier. Based on the results of testing, the Institute evaluates the crashworthiness of passenger vehicles, assigning each vehicle a rating of good, acceptable, marginal, or poor. continued →
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Aug 28th, 2007
MINI USA has officially sent dealers information on the new US Specification JCW Engine Kit. There is one key difference between the US version of the kit and the version sold in Europe. While the normal kit gets a new “exhaust manifold”, the US version does not. Why you ask? Apparently the US cars have been getting the upgraded exhaust manifold all along.
JCW Kits meant for demo cars were sent to a handful of US dealers late last week and should be ready for test drives later this week. Among the dealers chosen by MINI USA to debut the car are MotoringFile sponsors Knauz MINI and Prestige MINI.
Here’s an excerpt from the official release sent to dealers:
We have already launched a wide range of sport accessories for the R56 under the John
Cooper Works Brand. However, a tuning kit, the product which made JCW so successful in
the US was missing in the product line. Aftersales is therefore very pleased to announce the
release of the John Cooper Works Tuning Kit for the (model year ‘07) MINI Cooper S hardtop with manual transmission. continued →
Aug 28th, 2007
Edmunds Inside Line pits their long term test R56 against a brand new Volvo C30. The results are surprising.
Now there’s another premium hatchback playing the same game - the 2008 Volvo C30. Like the Mini, it has retro styling to get your attention and all the latest features, but underneath the throwback bodywork is an S40 sedan without the rear doors. It’s bigger than the Mini, so the C30 is a more practical package, but it has enough power to make it quick.
continued →
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Aug 27th, 2007
Official MINI UK Press Release: MINI Cooper S. Great driving. The end? Fans of the British-built sports hatch will be delighted to learn that the story continues with the launch of an all-new John Cooper Works tuning kit. MINI Cooper S owners will be able to add the aftermarket kit for just £1,095 inc. VAT, plus approximately four hours fitting.
The 1.6 litre twin-scroll turbo engine in the MINI Cooper S receives a power increase to 192 hp, from the standard unit’s 175 hp. Maximum torque is extended from 240 Nm to 250 Nm and is available between 1750 and 5000 rpm. As with the standard car, an Overboost facility is available for faster power deployment and the Works kit means drivers will feel the full force of 270 Nm (199lbf-ft) through the MINI’s front wheels under hard acceleration. The increased power results in a 0-62 time of 6.8 seconds, and top speed of 144 mph. continued →
Aug 27th, 2007
Todd and db taking a shot at making a news show.
Looking for gory pictures of Todd’s franken-thumb? It’s in my del.icio.us. It’s pretty nasty, so consider yourself warned.
Wingnut calls in (finally) and reports that the Euro Parcel shelf has, in fact, been crash tested and no one was hurt because of it. We also do a pretty good job answering his question about brakes. We also spend some time talking about wheel sizing. continued →
Aug 25th, 2007
You just can’t make this stuff up. From The Sunday Mail.
IT is the most bizarre love split Scotland has ever seen - two respectable business bosses fighting a fierce custody battle… over a Mini Cooper.
The war of the wheels between Nancy Renwick and Mark Harris even made it to the Court of Session - although the judge branded it “ridiculous”.
Click through to get the rest of the story. No spoilers here!
[ My MINI Stalker ] Sundaymail.co.uk
Aug 24th, 2007
This edition of “Ask MF” comes from Dave:
Love the website, read it everyday! Can I download those pics at the top of the page with the MotoringFile
insignia? Some of them are really good - esp the one with the blue mini and the 911 on the nurburgring!
Thanks for the love Dave. I’m a huge fan of the photo you mention as well. Actually we do allow for readers to download the images as seen on the site. Simply right click on the image and choose “Save As” from the menu. What we’d really like to do is offer each of these images in large format for downloadable wallpapers. However quite a few have been sent in by readers and we don’t technically have the rights to offer that across the board. Look for a small selection to be offered at some point in the future.
Aug 24th, 2007
Clearing of the inbox Sunday night brings us today’s Ask Motoringfile. This one sent in by MF Reader (but not yet MINI owner) Brendan.
You see, I’m not a MINI owner but I want to be in the worst way. I’ve made up my mind to go for a Cooper, BRG white roof… my dream MINI. The only question now is do I hunt down an R50 or order up a custom R56?
Being a huge fan of the R50 myself, an ‘05 or ‘06 sure would be sweet to have. But with all of the improvement with the R56, it would be tough to decide. Of course, you should drive both to see what you like better. continued →
Aug 23rd, 2007
The IIHS has finally announced results of the redesigned (R56) MINI. The verdict: Good. No surprises here as the previous car (with basically the same structure) also scored a “good” rating. You can see all the details below:
[ 2007 MINI Cooper ] IIHS
[ 2002-2006 MINI Cooper ] IIHS
Alternatively you can also take a look at the much more stringent Euro NCAP tests done earlier in the year here where the new MINI scored a 5 (out of 5):
[ Euro NCAP Test Results ] Euro NCAP (PDF)
Aug 23rd, 2007
It looks like the state of Tennessee is putting the clamps down on the best road in North America and one of our favorite places to motor in the world. The state has allocated funds to the surrounding counties to quote “clean up the Dragon”. This means over a dozen police cars at one time on the 13 mile stretch of road and tickets for such lunacy as “appearing” to go up to five MPH over the limit. We can only hope that things will be a bit quieter next spring when MINIs on the Dragon 2008 comes into town. You can read more official Tail of the Dragon website:
[ Shutdown ] Tailofthe Dragon.com
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