Today kicks off the start of the 2009 ArcticMINI run to Attawapiskat, Ontario. 9 MINIs, a dozen people, two thousand miles, a train, and an ice road lie ahead of us for the next 8 days. I’m going to attempt to keep a Google Earth document updated with our daily progress, so please tune in and follow along as we tackle the Great White North!
The following link will open in Google Earth (if you have it installed); save the top-level “ArcticMINI 2009 Loader” folder to “My Places”, and it
will automatically update once an hour (even though I’ll probably only be
able to update once a day, in the evening, if we even have ’net access).
http://bravo5.org/ArcticMINI/2009.kmlcontinued →
As we’ve reported (exclusively as early as last July) MINI is now seriously considering a diesel powered model for the US market. The model could be due in the states as early as 2010 or 2011.
Look at the photo above closely. Within the black lower vent you’ll see the brake ducts on the outer edges. This is potentially huge for all those weekend warriors who are having brake fade issues on the track.
So let’s recap. JCW will have three versions of the aero kit available for the JCW coupe.
The original JCW aero kit.
The new kit with brake ducts and black arches and a more “aggressive” front lip.
The new kit with brake ducts and painted arches and a more “aggressive” front lip.
A unique racing experience with 208 hp now also in the new generation of the open four-seater MINI – World debut at the International Geneva Motor Show – Extension of the wide range of John Cooper Works accessories for the MINI and the MINI Clubman.
The new MINI Convertible simply begs the enthusiast to drive with the roof down – and now comes with particularly sporting and dynamic features all round. Just a few weeks after the world debut of the open four-seater, the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible is being presented to the public for the first time at the International Motor Show in Geneva (5–15 March 2009). continued →
MINI USA will be rolling out the JCW Convertible with the start of April Production (which opens for modification through February 24th). There is no specific on-sale date because of this. However expect the first cars to arrive in the US sometime late in April.
MINI USA is setting pricing for the Convertible at $34,300 ($34,850 including shipping). Yes that is the most expensive MINI ever – $3500 more than the JCW Clubman. continued →
This press release is specific to the UK version of the car.
Official MINI UK Press Release: MINI will unveil the world’s fastest small premium cabriolet at the Geneva International Motor Show on 03 March 2009. The MINI John Cooper Works Convertible will take centre stage at the event and is on sale in the UK from 28 March 2009, priced at £23,470 OTR.
Featuring the same high performance engineering modifications as the Hatch model carrying the John Cooper Works badge, the Convertible’s 1.6-litre twin scroll-turbocharged engine produces 211 hp and up to 280 Nm peak torque with Overboost deployed. continued →
Big show for you this week. Before we get started, be sure to check out the most recent Event Cast in case you missed it.
On to news from Motoringfile.com and Gabe joined in late. BTW, MF and BimmerFile scooped everyone on the Chris Bangle story. Listen as Gabe swoons over the work that he did while at BMW/MINI.
Moving on to throttle body sticking in cold weather. Gabe is pretty sure he has the fix, but you will have to listen to find out what it is.
1st Gen MINI R50: One & MC Hatch R52: All 1st Gen MINI Convt. R53: MCS Hatch 2nd Gen MINI R55: Clubman R56: Hatch R57: Convertible R58: Coupe R59: Roadster R60: MINI Crossover R61: MINI Crossover Coupe 3rd Gen MINI F55: Clubman F56: Hatch F57: Convertible F60: MINI Crossover F62: Traveller
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Sections: Events Feb 11th, 2009 15 Comments 
Big show for you this week. Before we get started, be sure to check out the most recent 
