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Archive for February 2008

The MINI Challenge Safety Car in Action

MotoringFile Sections: JCW, Motorsports, R55 (Clubman), Video Feb 29th, 2008 7 Comments

We are sure that you remember the MINI Challenge Safety Car, right? The tricked out neon-green-and-black JCW Clubman we posted about a few months back.

Good chance none of us will ever get to ride in one, so here is the next best thing. Enjoy!

Winding Road Reports on the new JCW (And Gets it Mostly Wrong)

MotoringFile Sections: In the Press, JCW Feb 29th, 2008 13 Comments

We are big fans of Winding Road. But even one of the better auto publications out there sometimes can get it wrong. In reporting on the new JCW factory MINI, not only do they get some key facts incorrect about the previous JCW kit, but they can’t seem to get their figures right on the new car either.

For starters they claim the new JCW kit will be retrofittable at dealers for around $5000. We can report that this is 100% incorrect. We can only assume they got confused somewhere in between the prevous JCW kit (which originally was just over $5K retrofitted) and the current JCW dealer installed kit which is $2100. continued →

M7 Tuning

New JCW Wheels Revealed

MotoringFile Sections: Accessories, JCW Feb 28th, 2008 30 Comments

As quite a few may have noticed, MINI debuted a set of new JCW wheels with the launch of the factory JCW MINI. The 7×17″ R112 (as it’s code-named) should weigh in at around 21lbs and come standard on the factory JCW. It should also be available from MINI dealers around the world.

Some of you may have noticed the R112 looks somewhat like the already available R90. The R90 was created to be used with the original John Cooper Motorsports program in the UK and it seems only fitting that the new series (and the road car the series has spawned) will be using somewhat of an updated version. continued →

5th Gear Shootout: MINI One vs Fiat 500

MotoringFile Sections: MINI Competitors, Video Feb 28th, 2008 24 Comments

Another great shootout by our 2nd favorite British auto show, 5th Gear. If you don’t want to know the result, don’t click the “continued” link.

continued →

MINI Magnetic Badges

MINI Scores 5 Stars in NHTSA Crash Testing

MotoringFile Sections: R56 (Coupe), Safety Feb 27th, 2008 8 Comments

Official MINI USA Press Release: The second generation MINI Cooper hardtop earned impressive scores for front and side impact and roll-over testing in the latest National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) testing. continued →

The Factory JCW Videos (Updated)

MotoringFile Sections: JCW, Video Feb 27th, 2008 31 Comments

We’ve got a few new videos of MINI’s factory JCW, including an exclusive look at the interior. However don’t forget that not everything seen on the cars comes standard as part of the JCW model.

JCW MINI at the Track


JCW Interior Design


continued →

Out Motoring

MINI JCW Officially Released (UK Version)

MotoringFile Sections: JCW, Official News Feb 27th, 2008 22 Comments

Shorter and a bit more succinct, this official UK press release may shed some new light on the newly announced John Cooper Works MINIs for some readers.

Official MINI UK Press Release: Production of John Cooper Works-tuned cars is all set to resume at MINI’s Plant Oxford after the launch of the second-generation MINI Cooper S Hatch and new MINI Cooper S Clubman. From July 2008, customers will be able to order factory-built MINIs that produce 211hp and complete a 0-62mph sprint in 6.5 seconds.

Motor sport has heavily influenced the engineering and development of these new MINIs that feature a larger twin-scroll turbocharger and direct petrol injection with common rail. The four-cylinder engine has had the same modifications as the MINI CHALLENGE race car, along with re-engineered brakes, suspension and strengthened gearing. Each upgrade combines to give the car a remarkable output of 132hp per litre combined with 40mpg. continued →

12 Greenest Cars sold in the US

MotoringFile Sections: Efficiency, R55 (Clubman), R56 (Coupe) Feb 27th, 2008 4 Comments

Greencars.org has released the 2008 list of the greenest cars sold in the United States.

The Best of 2008 lists the greenest models in each vehicle class. Included are the year’s top-rated subcompact, compact, midsize, and large cars, as well as minivans, vans, pickups, and sport utility vehicles. continued →

Minspeed.net

MTTS 2008 Dates & Times Almost Official

MotoringFile Sections: MTTS Feb 26th, 2008 32 Comments

(Updated Feb. 29 – our original information on the dates of each event was incorrect. Look for the final information next Monday on MotoringFile): From the moment we scooped MINI USA’s plans for MTTS, we’ve gotten email after email asking, where and when. We’re happy to say we can finally report what we know. Based on sources, MTTS 2008 will kick off in Miami, FL move to Boston, MA, Chicago IL and finally Los Angeles CA.

Welcome (Back) to the MF NewsRoom

MotoringFile Sections: Site News Feb 26th, 2008 21 Comments

Today we’ve (once again) added a new way to read MINI related news from around the web. Some long time MF readers may remember the old 2005 edition of the NewsRoom. While the site proved successful, we eventually had to shelve the concept due to not enough time to devote to developing it. However we’re happy to announce that, starting today, it’s back.

As some of you may know MotoringFile was the first MINI website with an RSS feed and we continue to be big proponents of the technology. With increased use of these feeds by MINI related websites, many people have found a new and efficient way of reading their favorite websites with RSS news reading software. However, many readers haven’t adopted the standard and would prefer this information delivered to them in a familiar web page experience. continued →

More Clubman Impressions

MotoringFile Sections: MF Feature, R55 (Clubman), Reviews Feb 26th, 2008 7 Comments

clubman

Some of our Canadian neighbours attended the BMW Press Launch last week and got some seat time in the Clubman and Clubman S. Here is what they thought.

My wife and I fell in love with the Cooper, but like many, we found the rear passenger compartment too limited and hard to access. The new Clubman is the answer we were looking for — an interesting, legitimate alternative for those wanting to own a second car. That being said, it could just as easily serve as a primary vehicle, considering its newly-acquired qualities. continued →

MINI John Cooper Works Officially Released

MotoringFile Sections: JCW Feb 23rd, 2008 142 Comments

Today marks the release of official information regarding the factory JCW Coupe and Clubman MINIs. While MF readers have had the details about these cars for quite some time, the information and photos below is the first official word from MINI about this new factory JCW car. Here are some of the highlights of the full release (which is also available below).

  • Production starts in June, on sale in August
  • US pricing starting at $28,550 for the Coupe and $30,800 for the Clubman
  • Euro pricing starting at 27,700 and 29,500 Euros / UK Pricing starting at £20,500 and £21,700
  • 211 bhp (207 hp) & 192 ft lbs or torque (207 ft lbs with overboost)
  • Upgraded/Optimized Turbo Pistons and four piston brakes (adapted from the MINI Challenge race car.
  • Upgraded Air Intake (same as dealer installed kit)
  • Revised 6 speed Manual Transmission
  • Upgraded Clutch
  • Upgraded Full Cat-back JCW Exhaust
  • Fully Optimized ECU
  • JCW “Challenge Spoke” light weight alloy wheels (21 lbs)
  • Electronic Differential Lock Control
  • Full range of John Cooper Works accessories available
  • New speedometer to allow for higher maximum speed (148 mph)
  • Full press release after the jump…

Full Photo Gallery

You can see hi-res versions here.

continued →

White Roof Radio #225

MotoringFile Sections: Podcast Feb 23rd, 2008 8 Comments

miniOk, first things first, lets get the links out of the way.

Bimmerfile Reviews of the M3 and 135i. And the R56 Cold Start Issue

Remember, if you are having the cold start issue, bring it up with your dealer and MINI USA right away! They want to help, really they do! Be sure to follow the link above and watch the videos if you aren’t sure if you are affected or not.

Finally, what do you think about us changing up the show a bit. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated as always.

continued →

MINIsOnTop Fund Raiser

MotoringFile Sections: Events, In the Press Feb 23rd, 2008 5 Comments

MINIsOnTop Fund Raiser to Support Two New Hampshire Charities-Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New Hampshire and the Mt Washington Observatory

MINIsOnTop event coordinator, Ian Cull, is thrilled to name this year’s beneficiaries of the charitable efforts on behalf of the MINI Cooper owners and families that take part in the annual event held in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The Mt Washington Observatory will receive 6.288% (honoring the mountain’s elevation) of the total raised with the rest going to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New Hampshire. MINIsOnTop total charitable efforts in the past have raised over $38,000 and this year’s goal is to break the $50,000 mark.

continued →

Jim McDowell talks about the Clubman

MotoringFile Sections: R55 (Clubman), Video Feb 22nd, 2008 10 Comments

This from the LA Auto Show, but still worth watching, especially if you just can’t get enough information about the Clubman.

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Previous Select MF Features

2008
» MINI Challenge Race Car in the US
» MF's MINI United Video (part 1)
»
MF Exclusive: Ask Stracco Part 2
» R57: Seriously Always Open
» Factory JCW MINI in Detail
» Exclusive MINI Takes the State Info
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 Targa 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
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Auto Reviews:
'09 Cooper S Convertible
'09 JCW Coupe
'09 JCW Clubman
JCW Stage I vs JCW Stage II
'08 Clubman S (Auto)
1st Drive: '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 Engine Kit
R56 JCW Suspension (Long-Term)
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