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Archive for September 2007

White Roof Radio #189

MotoringFile Sections: Podcast Sep 30th, 2007 No Comments

miniImmediately after touring Plant Oxford last June, Todd and I where wisked into a very large room where we got to interview the Quality and Engineering Director for MINI. We got to ask some great questions, and he answered all of them! Everyone at Plant Oxford was very generous with their time while we were there and if you ever get the chance to get over there for a tour it is highly recommended.

A short week this week as I mentioned during #188. Don’t worry, we are going to make it up to you in the form of a live show this Thursday! Full details to follow soon.

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Westchester MINI Motor-Tober Event

MotoringFile Sections: Events Sep 30th, 2007 16 Comments

Last week we reported on MINI USA’s MotorTober events planned throughout the nation at MINI dealers. This week I’m happy to announce my own participation in one of the premier events on the east coast hosted by Westchester MINI on October 21st in Rye NY. There will be a number of different track events with actual instructors from the Skip Barber racing school. Along with that you’ll also get a chance to ride with a professional driver to see the true limits of the MINI on the track. Westchester County Police will also be on hand to provide a safe driving day including instructions on putting car seats in properly, perhaps a child identification program and if all goes well, their driving simulators.

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Out Motoring

MINI Takes off With The Heartbreak Kid

MotoringFile Sections: Official News Sep 29th, 2007 6 Comments

Official MINI USA Press Release: A MINI Cooper Convertible will kick-off the Fall movie season as the featured automobile in one of this season’s most anticipated comedies, “The Heartbreak Kid.” The new DreamWorks Pictures film from Bobby and Peter Farrelly opens nationwide October 5th with an all star cast that includes: Ben Stiller, Michelle Monaghan, Jerry Stiller, and Malin Akerman. Ben Stiller plays eternal bachelor Eddie, who falls head over heels in love with the beautiful Lila (Malin Akerman) and marries at top speed. The newlyweds quickly set off to sunny Mexico in their MINI Convertible. But even on the journey, the would-be dream woman turns out, in typical Farrelly manner, to be a real nightmare - brazen, embarrassing, singing along with every radio hit and absolutely hopeless at math. Eddie’s only shimmer of hope is the pretty Miranda (Michelle Monaghan), whom he unfortunately meets only after he has said “I do” to Lila.

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Software Update Cripples iPhone Integration?

MotoringFile Sections: MF Feature Sep 28th, 2007 33 Comments

Update: After updating my iPhone to the newly released 1.11 software released today, it suddenly works perfectly with MINI’s bluetooth. Despite having tested it previously with two different iPhone software versions and it not working, could it have been Apple’s fault all along? I’ll be checking a couple other iPhones this weekend.

Recently we’ve heard reports of iPhone integration becoming rather messy after MINI’s most recent software update. Unfortunately I now have some first-hand proof of just that.

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Prestige MINI

MINI USA Debuts MOTOR-TOBER

MotoringFile Sections: Official News, Sales Sep 28th, 2007 6 Comments

Official MINI USA Press Release: MINI USA has deemed the month of October “MOTOR-TOBER”, a cheeky way to invite people into their nearest MINI showroom during the month of October to test drive a new MINI. The program is designed to allow potential customers to become future enthusiasts by giving them a chance to get behind the wheel of a MINI and experience first-hand the excellent driving dynamic of MINI’s full line of vehicles.

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BMW Rules Out Volvo Acquisition?

MotoringFile Sections: Official News Sep 28th, 2007 7 Comments

Potentially big news for the BMW Group (and even MINI enthusiasts) was tucked away in today’s future strategies presentation given by BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer:

The BMW Group explored all of the options for future growth during the strategic review, including potential acquisitions or the creation of a fourth brand. However, this would require the new automotive brand to be a perfect fit for the company and its strengths. Moreover, rising unit figures would have to result in a decline in unit costs and thus lead to economies of scale. The new brand would have to at least make the same positive contribution to earnings as the existing automobile business. However, an in-depth analysis found that none of the evaluated automotive brands currently meets these requirements.

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Minspeed.net

The Other View

MotoringFile Sections: Marketing Sep 27th, 2007 4 Comments

Just because the MINI Clubman is a bit more practical doesn’t mean the marketing won’t be any less unconventional. Starting Friday September 28th 2007 at 4pm GMT MINI will release a weekly 15-second surrealist interpretation of an everyday event that will only be available on The Other View site for one minute. Be sure to check it out.

[ The Other View ] MINI UK

(via Cool Hunting)

BMW Confirms MINI Sport Activity Vehicle

MotoringFile Sections: Official News, R60 (Colorado) Sep 27th, 2007 37 Comments

BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer today confirmed plans to build a MINI Sport Activity Vehicle (Along with the BMW X1) with this quick mention tucked away in his strategy presentation:

At MINI, we opted for a further model in the sports activity vehicle segment.

As we’ve reported previously, expect the new vehicle to be built outside the Oxford plant and most likely in the US (at BMW’s Spartanburg plant) or in Austria by Magna Steyr. We’ve also now confirmed through sources that this SAV (in BMW-speak) will be MINI’s next model after the convertible is released for the 2009 model year.

Full press release after the jump.

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Knauz MINI

BMW to Create a Fourth Brand?

MotoringFile Sections: Rumor Sep 27th, 2007 16 Comments

Our friends at Jalopnik are reporting that BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer will present a new corporate strategy that outlines plans for the launch of a new brand within the BMW Group. As Jalopnik theorizes, this could mean a great number of possibities. And is this brought on by the EU’s new proposed CO2 regulations (and thus a new small car brand) or the need to move further up-market to compete with Aston and Porsche?

As we reported last week, there have been rumors swirling lately about a smaller, more fuel efficient MINI. Could these rumors actually relate to this new brand, something even smaller and more efficient than even the Cooper D?

We’re actually not so sure BMW will create a new brand from the ground up. In fact we’re thinking some wires got crossed in the translation and “new brand” was meant to be “new division” (two new internal divisions were indeed named today by BMW). But we can’t help but find the question incredibly interesting. So let’s hear your take. If BMW were to introduce a fourth brand, what should it be?

Updated: Many of you may remember our reports two years ago about BMW potentially bringing back the Triumph brand. With today’s news, it may be worth checking those articles out again. You can find them below:

Related:

[ First MINI Now Triumph? ] MotoringFile

[ More Rumors on the MINI/Triumph Concept ] MotoringFile

[ US Connection for MINI’s New Rumored Roadster? ] MotoringFile

Charlotte Observer Drive the 2007 MINI

MotoringFile Sections: R56 Sep 27th, 2007 3 Comments

Of course, another great review of the R56.

Anybody who enjoys driving will love the quick and responsive Mini, but the little car works equally well as a political and fashion statement: I’m saving fuel and easing congestion on the road, and I still look better than you do.

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MINI Cooper Clubman Spotted in CA

MotoringFile Sections: Best of the Web, R55 Sep 27th, 2007 7 Comments

caclubman.jpg

From the Fireball Tim Blog. Talk about being in the right place at the right time!

THWACK! IT’S A CLUBMAN!!! Yes, Fireballers Andy Limon and Jennifer Tang were in Camarill, heading to pick up… well, actually I have no idea what they were getting,… ANYWHO, they walk SMACK DAB into a new MINI CLUBMAN. Hey, that car’s not supposed to be here, yo!

Yep, three pictures taken with a disposable camera. Check them all out below.

[ California Clubman Sighting ] Fireballtim.com

JCW Suspension One Month Review

MotoringFile Sections: JCW, Reviews Sep 26th, 2007 32 Comments

Part 3: One Month Review

With a month behind the wheel of my 2007 MCS and the JCW Suspension, I wanted to go beyond initial impressions or track day feedback and touch on day to day livability. One of my early criticisms with the kit was the surprisingly harsh ride - even worse than what I remembered on the R53 kit. In fact it was the ride and cost that lowered the overall score of the first review to a 3.5 out of 5. Perhaps somewhat telling, the track review (which took comfort out of the equation) garnered a 4.5 out of 5.

However since that time,my experience with the car and specifically the suspension has made me rethink the that initial 3.5. For starters, a few days after the review I realized that my dealer had mistakenly set the tire pressures at 40 psi. This was hugely detrimental when it came to the ride of the car and the unsettled feeling over broken pavement. Lowering that figure to something more reasonable (36 psi in this case) immediately made the suspension much more livable day to day with no performance downsides. Even better, the car felt controlled and in command over the same broken pavement that was previously so unsettling.

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MINIUSA.com Offers New Enhancements

MotoringFile Sections: Best of the Web, Official News Sep 26th, 2007 9 Comments

Official MINI USA Press Release: In the spirit of engaging owners in fun and unconventional ways, MINI USA has made enhancements to MINIUSA.com designed to invite owners and enthusiasts to explore and discover new content on the site.

Over 300 enthusiasts and users who have registered as MINI Insiders at www.MINIUSA.com will receive an e-mail with four secret codes that will reveal fun and playful features on the site, some of which change the look and feel of the site in very interesting ways. In addition to the four codes sent in the e-mail, there are three more codes hidden in the site that unlock other fun and engaging features on the site. One such code “under the hood” entered into the search field will reveal a viewing lenses that offers a rather cheeky behind-the-scene look at inner workings of MINI USA’s high-tech website.

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MINI USA Sells 200,000th MINI

MotoringFile Sections: Official News, Sales Sep 26th, 2007 4 Comments

We posted about the 200,000 MINI a few weeks ago but didn’t have any photos at the time. Now we do…

MINI USA Press Release: MINI USA delivered the 200,000th MINI sold in the U.S. to proud owner, Scott L. Kleeman, marking a major sales milestone for the iconic auto brand since its arrival in the U.S. five years ago. Impressively, MINI USA has achieved this sales goal a full two years earlier than initially projected.

Scott Kleeman purchased his Chili Red 2007 MINI Cooper Convertible at the end of July from Prestige MINI in Mahwah, NJ and in a ceremony to recognize this milestone, Scott was invited to the dealer to celebrate his status as the lucky owner of the 200,000th MINI.

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World Record Broken (again)

MotoringFile Sections: Best of the Web, Events Sep 25th, 2007 15 Comments

I hate to be the one to break it to you if you haven’t already heard, but the previous record of 273 MINIs in a line was smashed at this years MINI Phenomenon 2007.

You can check out the MINI of Thailand event below:

[ MINI Fans in Thailand Smash World Record ] MINI of Thailand

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Previous Select MF Features

2007
MINI Officially Updates Line-up for 2008
New Models & Production Locations Confirmed
MotoringFile's MINI United Coverage
2007 JCW Kit Officially Announced
MINI's Top Secret Colorado Project
2009 Factory JCW MCS (Stage II)
More MINI Variants Officially Confirmed
MINI Clubman Official Photos and Specs
R56 Pedestrian Crash Analysis
Future JCW Vehicles Revealed
MINI USA's Motorby Pilot Program
MINI Clubman Update & Sketch
BMW To Re-Brand JCW
2007 MINI MotoringFile Q&A
MINI One and MINI Cooper D Now Official
2007 MINI Reader Reviews
2007 MINI USA Pricing and Options
MINI Unveils the Sidewalk

2006
MF Design Analysis: 2007 MINI
2007 JCW Accessories Revealed
MINI Names the R55: The Clubman 2007 MINI In Detail (Part 2 / Part 3)
2007 MINI Official Photos (Part 2 / Part 3)
2007 MINI Drops Weight
Official 2007 MINI UK PDFs
2007 Nav Includes iDrive-Like Controller
2007 US Market Options Packages
Hey Stracco: The Interview
Let's Plan: MINI Clubs & MTTS
MINI's Official R56 Preview Photos
MINI's Official R56 Preview
Next Generation MINI Revealed (#2)
'07 MC & MCS Spotted in Death Valley
2007 MINI Color List (US Market)
'07 MINI Gets More Power/Less Weight
MF Review: MINIs on the Dragon
MINI USA Releases JCW GP Pricing
JCW Cooper S Long Term Review
Seven New Colors for 2007
MINI Release Info on Next Gen Engines
Chicago Autoshow Gallery
JCW GP at Geneva (final release info)
2006 JCW Product Info
MINI Concept Detroit - In Detail
MINI Sourced Triump Still Years Away
US Connection for MINI's new Roadster
First MINI Now Triumph?
More News on the MINI Triumph Concept

2005
Behind the Wheel of the 2007 MINI
MINI Concept Tokyo - In Detail
MINI Concept Frankfurt - In Detail
Driven: The Nürburgring Nordschleife
MINI Wins at Targe Newfoundland
2006 JCW Accessories
US Market Color Changes for 2006
Getrag's All Wheel Drive MINI In Depth
BMW/MINI to Buy JCW?
Official 2006 MINIUSA Pricing
Special Editions/Package for 2006
Checkmate Options Package (USA)
JCW Direct From to the Factory in '06
Tips on How to Sell Your MINI
2006 Model Year Timeline
MINI's 2006 Color Changes
Next Generation MINI Revealed
Official MINI Armrest Revealed
MotoringFile Review: MCS Auto

2004
Details on the MCS Limited Slip Dif
MotoringFile 2004 Holiday Gift Guide
Getrag Tests All-Wheel Drive MINI
Q&A on the OutMotoring ARC Armrest
2005 Chicago Auto Show / Gallery
MINI USA's JCW GP Delivery Program
2005 MINI Changes
The Cabrio In Depth / Gallery
Special Edition MC40 / Gallery
MINI Plant Tour Review
Hood Rub Service Bulletin
2004 Chicago Auto Show / Gallery

2003
MINI Accessory Additions for 2004
CVT Paddles Retrofit
2005 MINI Spotted
Rear Fogs Almost Here
New Prince Engine Caught Testing
MINI Releases Hood Rub Bulletin
MINI_Motion Launched
MINI Conquers Snow and Ice
MINI One D Announced
MINI Named North American Car of the Year
Otto's MINI
Black Wow

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MotoringFile Buyers Guides

R50 ('02-'06 MC) Buyers Guide
R53 ('02-'06 MCS) Buyers Guide

MotoringFile Reviews

Auto Reviews:
'08 MINI Clubman
Comparison: '08 BMW 135i
'06 R53 MCS vs '07 R56 MCS
'07 R56 JCW (Stage 1)
'07 MINI Cooper S Long Term
'07 BMW Z4 M Coupe
'07 MINI Cooper & Cooper S
Audio: '07 MC/MCS at the Track
'06 JCW GP Long term
Reader Review: JCW GP
'06 JCW Cooper S Long Term
Comparison: '06 Lotus Elise
Comparison: '06 Mazda MX5
Comparison: '06 UK Focus ST
Comparison: '06 Civic Si
Comparison: '04 TVR T350
Comparison: '06 Nissan 350z
Comparison: '06 VW GTI w/DSG
Podcast: Cooper S Auto
Podcast: BMW 325i
Podcast: JCW MC Soundkit
'04 JCW MINI Cooper Tuning Kit
'05 MCS: One Month Review
'05 MCS Auto
'05 JCW S 1st Drive
'05 MINI Cooper
'05 MCS Conv. Long Term
'05 MINI Cooper S
'05 MCS Cabrio 1st Drive
'04 JCW MCS First Drive
'04 MC w/JCW Tuning Kit
BMW M3 SMG Vs. MCS
'04 MINI Cooper CVT
'02 MCS 3 year Review
Autocrossing the MINI Range

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Performance Accessories:
R56 JCW Suspension (Track)
R56 JCW Suspension (Street)
R53 Craven Speed Short Shifter
R53 M7 Understrut System
Kumho Ecsta SPT Tires
R53 M7 Strut Tower Plates
R53 JCW Alcantara Wheel
R53 JCW Brake Kit
R53 Webb 15% Pulley
R53 Helix MCSa 15% Pulley
R53 H-Sport 19mm Sway Bar
R53 MCS Supersprint Exhaust
Podcast: R53 MCS SS Exhaust
R53 JCW Cold Air Intake
Reader Rev.: R53 JCW Brakes
R50 Supersprint Exhaust
R50 Remus Exhaust
R50 Promini Intake
R50 Remus Dual Exhaust
Schroth Harness System
R50 CVT Steering Wheel Paddles

Exterior Accessories:
Miniature's Receiver Hitch
OEM White Tail Lights

Lifestyle Accessories:
MINI_Motion Watch
MINI_Motion Driving Shoe

Audio:
MINI Digital SoundModul
ICE-Link Plus iPod Adapter
Official BMW/iPod adapter
ICE-Link iPod Adapter
Kenwood iPod Interface
Alpine iPod Interface
Harman Kardon Stereo

Interior Accessories:
JCW Alcantara Steering Wheel JCW Leather Dash
MCAW Auto Up Circuit
MINI Rear Camera
MINI Rear Saddle (official)
MINI Rear Cargo Storage Case
Official MINI Rear Saddle Bag
2004 MINI Armrest Reviewed
Mymini Knee Pad
MINI Bluetooth Kit
MINI Video Input
Aftermarket Bluetooth Integration
Ian Cull Auto-up Circuit
Universal Mobile Phone Holder

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MINI Model Number Cheat Sheet:

1st Gen MINI
R50: One & MC Coupe
R52: All 1st Gen MINI Convt.
R53: MCS Coupe
2nd Gen MINI
R55: Clubman
R56: One/MC/MCS Coupe
R57: One/MC/MCS Convt.
R60: MINI SUV