Archive for April 2008
Apr 30th, 2008
One of things that MINI has trumpeted about the new factory JCW MINI is the DTC (Dynaimc Traction Control) and the EDLC (Electronic Differential Lock Control). Both are purely electronic, weigh essentially nothing and have been doing good work on BMWs for years. However the addition of both to the JCW MINI means that the optional mechanical limited slip differential (option code 2TA) available on all other Cooper S’ won’t be available as an option on the JCW.
So are these technologies truly good enough to take the place of a mechanical limited slip? While we’re not overly optimistic, we won’t know for sure until we get the new car out at the track. In the meantime let’s take a closer look at both DTC and EDLC. continued →
Apr 30th, 2008
Official Press Release: The MINI brand also recorded good growth with the first-quarter sales volume up by 23.6% to 58,054 units (first quarter 2007: 46,978 units). The launching of the new MINI Clubman was a great success: almost 16,000 units have been handed over to customers since its market introduction in November 2007. The MINI brand continues to generate a very high-value product mix. In total, 14.1% of customers opted for the MINI One, 59.6% purchased the MINI Cooper and 26.3% chose the MINI Cooper S.
Apr 29th, 2008
If you are interested in a factory JCW MINI in the US market, today is your day. We’ve got pricing and option availability options galore not to mention news of a few price reductions.
We’ve known for a few months that MINI USA will be pricing the JCW Coupe and the Clubman at $29,200 and $31,450 respetively. However until today we didn’t have information on how MINI would break down (let alone price) each of the packages.
For starters MINI USA will officially launch the both new John Cooper Works models on July 14th. These cars will be the first ’09 MINIs and thus will be debuting the new MINI USA packages for the ’09 model year. Remember that sentence if you’re thinking about ordering a ’09 MCS. continued →
Apr 29th, 2008
We’ve heard from a couple UK readers (and hopeful JCW Clubman owners) that MINI UK has delayed the release of the Clubman version of the new JCW factory car? The reason? Simple really. MINI UK has decided to equip all factory JCW cars with the JCW aero-kit including the Clubman. The problem? The Clubman version of the JCW aero-kit won’t be available until March of next year.
The solution? Unfortunately the solution is the problem in that MINI UK has pushed back the introduction of the JCW Clubman to March ’09 to coincide with the aero-kit launch. While it may be a painful wait for some would be owners, at least they don’t have to deal with the factory aero-kit coming standard.
We hope to have this officially confirmed soon.
Apr 28th, 2008
Fun and games during our most recent live show. We all picked two cars, one priced at $10K or less, and the other at $30K or less. I think you’ll enjoy our picks. And, another great reason why you don’t want to miss our live shows. I would have put the links back, but they were all already dead.
Then we spent some time answering questions from our live audience. Again, another reason why you don’t want to miss us live. So, we are going to give you another chance.
We will be recording this coming Saturday at 8am PST/ 10am CST / 11am EST / 4pm (I think) GMT. More details will follow later in the week. Keep an eye on the sites toward the end of the week for more details.
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Apr 28th, 2008
Thanks to one of our tipsters we’ve managed to get a hold of the internal planning document for the Canadian market JCW launch later this year. If you live in Canada and are interested in a new factory JCW car, this document is probably what you’ve been waiting for (with the exception of final pricing). Here’s an excerpt:
MINI Canada is pleased to provide preliminary ordering information for MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works Clubman. The John Cooper Works (JCW) brand represents the performance platform within the MINI group. It combines an iconic brand with a rich racing heritage, performance engineering, and an increased level of driving excitement. The JCW brand is for the driving enthusiast and represents extreme performance and driving fun, with an unconventional attitude. It is based on the combination of the John Cooper story, premium performance, engineering and the essence of MINI. continued →
Apr 27th, 2008
Recorded before a live internet audience last Thursday, Gabe, Todd and myself get together to do news of the week from Motoringfile.com.
Big thanks to everyone for your emails and comments for last weeks shows! We do appreciate it.
There is a very good chance we will be live again this week. Different day/time to hopefully allow more of our international listeners to get in on the fun. We are going to try for 8AM PST/11EST/10CST Saturday, May 3rd. Watch the sites for more info as we get closer.
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