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 →
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)
