Sep 27th, 2007
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. continued →
Sep 27th, 2007
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
Sep 27th, 2007
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. continued →
Sep 27th, 2007
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
Sep 26th, 2007
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. continued →
Sep 26th, 2007
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. continued →
Sep 26th, 2007
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. continued →
