Archive for May 2008
May 30th, 2008
The idea of bigger MINI can seem like an anomaly. For those not familiar with the car, the entire concept seems at odds with the brand. Why would anyone want a slightly larger MINI. At what point does a larger MINI become just another car? And if a larger MINI doesn’t reflect the character of the brand, how does BMW expect this car to be successful?
Luckily BMW had all this in mind (along with some good instincts) when designing and engineering the car. In my week with the Clubman I found that it does the unthinkable by offering more space but retaining 90% of what auto enthusiasts love about the MINI. The handling and feel that have always made the MINI feel so special is almost all there. And to anyone but the enthusiast, the difference is probably barely noticeable.
In return the Clubman offers up both extra space and a unique character that the MINI coupe doesn’t have. There’s a whimsical feel to the Clubman from the rear wipers to the hidden handle on the 3rd door. It’s the kind of car that you feel connected to on a level that belies what it really does – get you from point A to point B. continued →
May 28th, 2008
We gave you the chance to ask some questions, and Gina Koutros took almost 20 minutes with us earlier today to answer them.
Besides the questions, we also get some more information about the way the events were planned, hows and whys and all that.
There will be more updates coming a little later this week or early next. You can get updates automatically via email or subscribe via RSS. Of course, we will be posting those updates at Motoringfile.com as well.
And, finally, don’t forget to register if you plan on going! If you want the goodie bag, you are going to have to register!
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May 28th, 2008
MINI of Spain is following MINI of Italy’s lead with the special editions. Both models will be based on the Cooper S and are expected to be available soon. Here’s the rundown of both models:
The Oxford Edition:
- Biege Leather interior
- 17″ Crown Spokes
- Crome Interior
- Crome Exterior
- Oak interior trim w/Oak steering wheel
- Bluetooth w/USB Connection continued →
May 28th, 2008
Autotelegraaf is reporting that MINI is planning on debuting the new MINI cross-over (potentially named the “Crossman” this September at the Paris Motor Show. While we have our doubts about the exact information, the article goes on to say that the Crossman will measure just over 3 inches (8 cm) higher and around 157 inches (400 cm) – 9″ longer than the standard MINI coupe which is roughly 146 inches in total length.
Despite what Autotelegraaf is reporting, our sources are telling us that what will actually be shown this fall will be a lightly disguised “concept” similar to the Traveller concepts shown a few years ago that previewed the Clubman. We expect the final production cross-over to remain behind closed doors until just before it’s public debut until 2010 – likely the latter half. continued →
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May 27th, 2008
Autoblog.com recently posted one of the most glowing reviews of a Clubman I’ve seen. And, it was just a Clubman, not an S. A very favorable review.
The mini door is especially handy is if you have kids. I positioned my 2-year-old son’s car seat on the side with the Clubman-door, since that gave me more room to work with when it came time to buckle him in. My daughter, age 5, was fine climbing through the driver’s side and getting herself strapped into her booster. Parents still using the LATCH connections will find the anchors easily accessible through plastic tunnels in the seatbacks — no digging under the cushions is necessary. As a people carrier, the Clubman is a substantial improvement over the regular Cooper, whose back seats are sized for miniature pinschers and Micronauts.
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May 26th, 2008
Again with the re-runs? Yep, I am afraid so. Don’t worry, I picked a great show for you tonight. Woofcast #141. Worth a re-listen if only to hear Gabe attempt an intro. It’s truly awesome.
Don’t worry, we’ll be back next week just like you like. We only need a short break!
Woofcast #141 Show Notes
To start with, db just didn’t want to do the intro tonight. You benefit. Trust me.
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May 26th, 2008
Big thanks to MF Reader Ralph for bringing this to our attention. The PBS show MotorWeek will be reviewing the 2008 MINI Clubman on an upcoming episode.
Have that Tivo remote handy? Here are the details. continued →
May 25th, 2008
I say it’s Woof 247, but really, it’s not. With MTTS right around the corner, and this being Memorial Day weekend in the US, we decided to take the week off. Not to worry, I pulled a couple of great shows out of the archives for you. Tonight, let’s go back to 06/05/06 for Woof 66 where we learn, among other things, that Gabe can’t whistle. Full notes below.
We will be back next week to get warmed up for MTTS, plus we have another interview scheduled with Gina Koutrous from MINIUSA that will be going up later this week or the first part of next.
Woofcast 66
Server issues…geek stuff…blah blah blah…geek stuff…blah blah blah. Anyway, there were issues most of yesterday that didn’t get corrected until early this morning.
We do actually cover the news of the week and then some, but first…
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May 24th, 2008
So, here’s the deal. We want to make sure we get all of your questions asked next time we talk with Gina Koutros from MINI USA. I could go through all of the MTTS posts at 3 different sites, plus 2 different folders on my inbox. If we did that, there is a really good chance that we would miss at least one of the questions, and it would have been the one that you wanted answered.
Instead use the comments below to ask away! Please keep the questions about MTTS Miami, Boston, the road trip in between, Chicago or LA and we will do what we can to get them answered.
May 24th, 2008
If you haven’t noticed, one of our new favorite automotive sites is AUSmotive.com.
Which brings me to the inside of the car. Some parts of the test car were great, the wood trim with cream highlights just one example. While others were just plain wrong, the ghastly brown door trims the standout here. Again, thankfully with MINI you get countless options and there are better choices available. I could bore you with the details of why I prefer the look and layout of my 2004 Cooper S over the Clubman, but unless you own an R53 Cooper S you probably wouldn’t notice such things. Suffice to say, the centre stack aside, which houses the HVAC and radio controls, the new generation of MINI are a definite step forward in terms of interior build quality. The use of materials has, for the most part, stepped up in quality and simple things, like the indicator stalk, don’t feel like they will fall apart. The large centre mount speedometer, while very big, does not feel oversized and it was not until I hopped back into my MINI, with its smaller centre dial, that I realised just how big the new speedo really is.
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May 23rd, 2008
For those of you that are getting the updates from the MTTS website, this is old news. For the rest of you, they have announced the headline entertainers for all 4 events. Don’t forget that you can subscribe to the site to get all of the updates via email or RSS.
You can get more information about these events, plus register at the official website, blog.minitakesthestates.com.
May 23rd, 2008
2 different lists hit our radar this week. First was the ‘07 list from Kelly Blue Book, who choose the R56 MINI Cooper.
Even though the redesigned 2007 MINI Cooper is both larger and more powerful than its predecessor, highway fuel economy has actually increased from 35 to 40 mpg. Combined with a newly improved highway ride, the latest MINI Cooper makes a pleasant companion on straight stretches, in twisty canyons and at thieving gas pumps.
Over at CNN Money, they revised the list for ‘08 and choose the MINI Cooper Clubman.
The standard-length Mini Cooper made Kelley Blue Book’s list last year. But while the Mini has always been fun to drive, and it’s easy on gas, it lacked a place to put more than a night’s worth of luggage.
The Clubman answers that need with about 8 inches of extra storage space behind the back seats, accessed through a barn-door style tailgate.
I can tell you that a MINI Cooper (R50) is a great road trip car. I can only imagine the Clubman being equally good, if not slightly better.
Thanks everyone for sending this in!
[ Best Road Trip Cars - 2007 ] Kbb.com
[ 10 top road-trip cars - 2008 ] CNNMoney.com
May 23rd, 2008
Face it, we know you are. You are stuck at work on a Friday with nothing to do, really, except find things to kill time until the clock strikes quittin’ time! Luckily for you, MINI has your back.
MINI.co.uk has come up with a very clever site called Banboredom.com. You pick a site or upload an image, wait a few seconds and the next thing you know, an R56 is racing down a tunnel, into an arena full of cheering fans as you go up a ramp, thru the boring and down the other side, skidding gracefully to a stop. Full video after the jump.
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May 23rd, 2008
The MINI Clubman by Agent Prococateur got a bit naughty last week at the Life Ball. From Jalopnik.
Those pictures we showed you of the Agent Provocateur Mini Clubman merely suggested naughtiness with their stocking-themed paint job and expressions like “You’re Going Down.” At the “Life Ball” event this weekend, which raises money for AIDS-related causes, the Mini Clubman was on hand and things went from the suggestion of naughtiness to the real deal.
Many more pictures, including some that, ahem, are a bit risque, can be found by following the link below.
[ Agent Provocateur MINI Clubman Gets Naughtier ] Jalopnik.com
May 22nd, 2008
For reals. You can now build out your own JCW R56 or R55.
Or, save it for Friday when you are looking for a way to pass time in the office.
Thanks Eysmahn for the tip!
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