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!
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 →
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 →
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.
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 →
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.
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 →
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 →
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.
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 →
Sections: MF Feature, R55 (Clubman), Reviews Feb 26th, 2008 7 Comments 
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 →
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).
You can see hi-res versions here.
Sections: Podcast Feb 23rd, 2008 8 Comments 
Ok, 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.
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.
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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