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Archive for June 2008

JCW Challenge Car details

MotoringFile Sections: JCW, MF Feature, Motorsports, R56 (Coupe) Jun 30th, 2008 24 Comments

JCW Challenge MINI JCW Challenge MINI JCW Challenge MINI

While at MINI Takes the States in Boston, I had the opportunity to crawl in, on and around the JCW Challenge Race Car with camera in hand. While I was taking photos, I also got some great information.

Mechanically, this is a Factory JCW MINI. The engine, transmission and clutch are from the Factory car you’ll be able to buy later this month. The brakes are the same 4 piston brakes of the JCW car. The wheels are OEM JCW wheels that you will be able to order with your Factory JCW car.

Once this car is built, it’s sent out “body in white” for it to become a race car. The interior is completely stripped except parts of the dash and the emergency brake boot (which is odd) and all of the safety equipment is installed. One feature that I wasn’t familiar with is the air jacks. There is a quick-release air jack in the boot where you plug in an air hose and the entire car raises. A nice feature for a race car to be sure.

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America’s Favorite Cars

MotoringFile Sections: R55 (Clubman) Jun 30th, 2008 11 Comments

CNN Money, as they like to do, has compiled another list of cars. This time based on JD Powers surveys taken within the first 90 days of ownership of a car.

Buyers are surveyed within 90 days of purchasing their new autos. They’re asked about 80 different vehicle attributes. Historically, cars that score high on this survey tend to sell well without needing heavy incentives, according to J.D. Power.

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M7 Tuning

White Roof Radio #253

MotoringFile Sections: Podcast Jun 29th, 2008 4 Comments

miniNews of the week from Motoringfile.com, but since it was mostly MTTS related, we recapped the week instead.

We had a great week and you’ve seen most of it. To recap, we posted over 700 photos, over an hour of video and almost 2 hour of audio! Thanks everyone for checking it out or coming by to say during the event. It was great to meet you all!

Planning to attend Chicago or LA? Don’t forget to register. They also posted quite a few updates during Miami and Boston that you can see here.

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Used Cars Coming Back

MotoringFile Sections: Efficiency, R56 (Coupe) Jun 28th, 2008 14 Comments

With more and more people trying to get into more fuel efficient cars, resale values of used cars is going up. From Forbes.com.

It’s not just used hybrids seeing a price increase, however. This year’s Mini Cooper buyers expecting to find a lower-priced used 2007 Mini were in for a big surprise. They paid, on average, $2,300 more for a used Mini in mid-June, a 12% increase over the average transaction price on Jan. 1 of this year. The car has proved its value during the past six months; it gets an average EPA estimated 29 mpg. continued →

MINI Magnetic Badges

Factory JCW in Video

MotoringFile Sections: JCW, MTTS, R56 (Coupe), Video Jun 27th, 2008 36 Comments

You heard the audio and read Todd’s thoughts about it, but I also got it on video! Enjoy.

Updated by request. This version has no music. Enjoy. continued →

MTTS 2008: Boston Recap

MotoringFile Sections: MTTS, Video Jun 27th, 2008 6 Comments

the Garage419.com MINI MTTS Boston:  Sunday MTTS Boston:  Sunday

Another great event put on by MINI USA! This time, the venue changed to the campus of the University of Massachusetts.

It was kicked off Saturday morning with a meetup and drive starting at Pier 4, up to Gloucester and back to the UMASS campus. I think there were over 300 MINIs for this run, so traffic was a little slow. But, surrounded by MINIs, it wasn’t so bad. continued →

Out Motoring

BimmerFile Review: BMW 135i Auto

MotoringFile Sections: MINI Competitors, Reviews Jun 26th, 2008 7 Comments

The 135i may not be a MINI, but it’s one of the most talked about cars of the moment on MotoringFile and our sister publication BimmerFile just wrapped up a full week’s worth of driving it. A highly recommended read if you’re at all interested in the smallest of BMWs and (dare we say it) the most MINI like.

+ BF Review: BMW 135i Auto

MTTS 2008: The Drive North

MotoringFile Sections: MTTS Jun 26th, 2008 4 Comments

MTTS Friday MTTS Thursday - VB to Philly MTTS Thursday - VB to Philly

Our week started in Miami after the end of the MTTS event at Homestead Raceway as we headed north. We drove a lot, tried not to eat too much junk food and got to have a great MINI experience!

A lot happened between Florida and Boston. Long days starting at 6:00am, driving all day, then not getting into our rooms until midnight and later. There was so much going on, you’ll have to check the photos and video. There were, however, a few standouts.

Starting with our stop in Charleston where MINI of Charleston hosted a great meet-up, beach party style! Great food, boiled peanuts and Tony the peanut man! In the background, the sky was interrupted by an aircraft carrier, which made a fantastic backdrop.

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Minspeed.net

MTTS 2008: Florida to Boston

MotoringFile Sections: MTTS, Podcast Jun 25th, 2008 16 Comments

MTTSHere it is, all of the audio from MTTS 2008. Listen in as we start in Miami and work our way north to Boston. With many interviews along the way.

Some of you have asked about the MINI we drove. We had an Astro Black R56 S with body colored roof, sunroof and automatic transmission. Yes, we know we are Whiteroofradio. I think someone at MINI USA was having a little bit of fun with us.

This is the last of the audio and there is quite a bit of it. I still have more coming in the shape of video and photos, so you can watch for those later today.

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Why the JCW Factory MINI will not get LSD.

MotoringFile Sections: JCW, R55 (Clubman), R56 (Coupe) Jun 24th, 2008 19 Comments

Factory JCW MINI Factory JCW MINI Factory JCW MINI

Over the past months there has been quite a low level rumble from MINI enthusiasts about the lack of availability of LSD (Limited Slip Differential) on the new factory JCW MINI. The engineers have opted, instead, for an EDLC (Electronic Differential Lock Control). The reason for the EDLC over the LSD is due to the fact that with a mechanical LSD, the high amount of torque in the JCW MINI causes the LSD to engage too quickly causing what’s been referred to as “anti-torque steer”. Torque steer is something that usually causes the steering to pull to one side under hard acceleration.

What they found with LSD on the JCW MINI was that it caused the car to want to pull the steering back to center and go straight under hard acceleration – not a desirable, or safe, effect in a lot of situations. This is a simplistic, easy to understand explanation and I’m sure a dissertation could be written on the technical aspects of force and intertia involved but hopefully this will help answer the question as to why no LSD. In the end, both options were tested and the EDLC gave the JCW the best handling. continued →

MF Exclusive: Factory JCW (The Burble is Back!)

MotoringFile Sections: JCW, MTTS, Podcast, R56 (Coupe) Jun 21st, 2008 58 Comments

Factory JCW MINIExclusive! The Factory JCW will be getting the burble exhaust sound back as was on late R53 models. This is great news and you can see and hear for yourself at your local dealer starting July 14.

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MTTS Boston Update

MotoringFile Sections: MTTS Jun 21st, 2008 5 Comments

MTTS

The MTTS road-trip continues. We just hit Boston last night and this is the first internet access we’ve had in two days. And this is not to mention the only time we’ve seen the inside of a hotel room in the last two days has been between 1 AM and 6 AM. We plan on having some updates tonight and/or in the morning. continued →

MINI Wins Vehicle Security Award in the UK

MotoringFile Sections: Awards, Official News Jun 20th, 2008 3 Comments

MINI UK Press Release: MINI has won the City Car/Supermini category of this year’s highly influential British Insurance Car Security Awards – yet another accolade for MINI’s trophy cabinet.

Awarded on the basis of its New Vehicle Security Ratings (a scoring system measuring ‘theft of’ and ‘theft from’), MINI beat its rivals to secure first place in the award that has become a leading indicator of all that is best in vehicle security. continued →

MTTS Update: Monday

MotoringFile Sections: MTTS, Podcast Jun 18th, 2008 7 Comments

MTTSIn Savannah, GA and Charleston, SC, talking to MINI Owners including our friend Murray who we actually convinced to join us at one more MTTS event!

Oh yea, and Tony the Peanut Man! Awe. Some. If you don’t know you’d better ax somebody!

The journey continues onward to Boston. Watch for more stuff coming.

Download | 7:30 | 6.9mb

2008 MINI Takes the States – Miami Wrap-up

MotoringFile Sections: MTTS, Podcast Jun 18th, 2008 9 Comments

MTTS - Bicentenial Park MTTS - Bicentenial Park MTTS - Bicentenial Park

We arrived in Miami on Friday ready and rarin’ to go! First stop was Bicentennial Park for some meeting, some greeting and a viewing a National Treasure 2. I heard that Nicholas Cage might have been at the park that night, but didn’t see him myself. We did see, however, Rauno Aaltonen and The Stig’s fat cousin as you have seen and heard. The fat cousin guy is actually a great chap by the name of Ian that tells a great joke!

Saturday started again at Bicentennial Park with a breakfast and even more MINIs! The MINIs of Miami club and Sunshine MINIs were almost all in attendance. Once all of the MINIs were there (I didn’t get an exact count, but I think it was almost 400!) and lined up, Florida’s Finest gave us a police escort from the park all the way out of the downtown area! It was like a parade of MINIs!

After a short popsicle stop, we all continued to Homestead International Raceway to get things underway!

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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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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