MINI has updated the JCW aero kit with a slightly more aggressive design and optional full (body-colored) painted side skirts and arches. In the photos above you can see the body-colored version on the right side of the car versus older style on the left.
The new kit will be available for Spring of 2009. Painted arches are now a factory option with the old style black arches still standard.
As the photos show there is a slight tweak to the front design but beyond that it’s essentially the same thing but with painted lower portions of the bottom trim and the painted arches. From our perspective this new kit (with painted arches) takes the JCW Aero kit from aggressive to hideous (at least with 17″ wheels and plenty of front gap). But that’s just us. Most MF readers probably know that we generally detest painted arches. But what are your thoughts?
Our friends at Bill Jacobs MINI in Chicago are having an exclusive sneak preview of the new 2009 R57 MINI Convertible for all customers and MotoringFile readers in the area. The event starts on Friday the 6th (at noon) and goes through Saturday the 7th (and 6pm).
If you’d like to attend you must RSVP via Facebook or email as soon as possible.
Additionally BIll Jacobs is offering a free wind deflector (typically $400) to anyone who orders a new MINI Convertible during this time.
MINI will take the wraps off another new model this spring – the JCW MINI Convertible. As we’ve reported previously the JCW Convertible will feature the exact same specs that the Coupe and Clubman current enjoy but with (drum roll) a convertible top. Orders should begin in April.
BMW confirmed the lamest excuse for a secret in the automotive world today when it officially approved the MINI Crossover Concept for production. As most MF readers will know, BMW has been working on the Crossover for years now with hand-built drivetrain prototypes starting tests way back in late 2007. In fact BMW currently has Munich built prototypes doing winter testing in Arctic circle.
Edmunds was on hand at the European Convertible launch and got this official statement from MINI:
“After going over the large amount of feedback from experts and the public, we approved the Crossover for production just four weeks after it debuted at the Paris show,” says head of Mini brand management Wolfgang Armbrecht.
As we’ve reported for over a year, look for the Crossover to be offered as both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive and have four full sized doors (unlike the concept).
We all have our own sacred pieces of pavement around the world that we treasure. And while many of us keep a few of those close to our chests, today we’re going to share a few favorites with all of our readers. And after that, we’d love to hear about your favorites. Where they are, when to drive ‘em, what to bring, and why they’re the best.
Here’s a quick list of some of my personal favorites from my travels:
We’ve finally done it. We’ve added a community to MotoringFile. But it’s not a simple forum as most sites have. Instead it’s full integration with the most popular social network in the world; Facebook. Yes the rumor is true, we’ve created a Facebook application that seamlessly combines your Facebook profile with posting on MF. Here’s the full list of features you get when you connect to Facebook on MF:
Add your Facebook profile to MF
Post comments using your Facebook profile (this is of course optional – you can still post anonymously if you prefer)
See what other Facebook users are online or commenting on MF
Post your MF comments on your Facebook page
To start the process simply click the blue Facebook “Connect” button on the top right of the page. continued →
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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
Sections: Accessories, JCW Jan 31st, 2009 44 Comments 
