Mar 11th, 2009
As we’ve reported previously MINI will be debuting two special edition models in May this year at MINI United in Silverstone England. But now we have details on the names and the specification:
- Mayfair: Hot Chocolate body color with unique wheels, interior trim and badges
- Camden: Silver White (R52 Sidewalk color) with unique wheels, interior trim and badges
Like the 2006 special edition MINIs, don’t expect any mechanical differences under the hood. Instead look for these to send out the R56 out in style before it’s mid life-cycle refresh either late this year or early next.
We’ll have much more in the weeks ahead. And look for a full debut at Silverstone in May at MINI United.
Mar 11th, 2009
For those of you that might have missed the email, MINI United registration is now open.
Welcome! MINI UNITED is back and this summer we’re throwing an adrenaline soaked birthday party for MINI aficionados from all corners of the globe. Two years ago we took the Dutch canals of Amsterdam by storm. This year we’re going home to where it all started: England. So mod jet setters, get set, it’s off to Silverstone and London we go.
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Mar 10th, 2009
Rumors have been swirling for days that MINI will be debuting a new concept simply known as the MINI Spacebox. Is this a new concept car? Is this the production R60? Is it a box with a cat in it? We’re not quite sure yet but here’s what we know. MINI is scheduled to debut the production version of the R60 in Frankfurt this fall. They are also going to show off the new 50th anniversary models (which will debut at Silverstone at MINI United) and potentially the heavily anticipated R56 model refresh.
So what is it? What would you like to see? Sound off below.
Mar 10th, 2009
We’ve asked this question before but as we get closer to the official launch of the car this fall, the realities of what we’ll all be calling this thing become more real. So we want to throw this question out to the MF readers one more time. What would you like to see the name of the MINI crossover vehicle (aka the R60).
Our money is on something relatively simple like MINI X but than again a historically relevant name like the Moke could be appropriate as well.
Sound off in the comment section below. Oh and bonus points if you actually aren’t sarcastic on this one!
Mar 9th, 2009
Official Release: In February sales of the MINI brand were 27.2% lower than the same month last year (15,919 units) at 11,583 units. For the year to the end of February, 21,702 vehicles were sold (prev.yr.: 31,376 / -30.8%). From late March on, the new MINI Convertible will rejoin the model range and give sales a substantial boost over the course of the year. New orders for the new open-topped MINI version already look very promising.
Mar 9th, 2009
Over the past couple of years we’ve found some of the most popular stories on MF have been our Ask Stracco features. They were a rare opportunity to ask questions and get answers from MINI USA’s product manager directly. You could get answers to questions about current products as well as get a few hints and upcoming options and accessories. While Mr. Stracco may be gone, the feature will live on now that the MINI USA Product Manager hat has been passed to Vincent Kung. Vinnie has graciously extended an exclusive invitation to MotoringFile readers to grill ask him anything and everything under the sun about the MINI.
However due to both his and our time constraints we’re limiting the number of questions to 10 and only 10. So for starters that means if you want your question answered you’ll have to submit it in the comment section below. Then we at MF will pick what we feel are the 10 best questions and hand them off to Vinnie.
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Mar 8th, 2009
Ok the above isn’t exactly in Chicago but here’s a sneak peak at our press car and our coming review of the R57 due late next week. 60 degree temps gave us a chance to put the top down and actually (gasp) enjoy the car during the Chicago winter. Now if it would only stop raining.
