Archive for July 2009

Across Australia

Sections: Best of the Web Jul 7th, 2009 8 Comments

This story comes from our friends at AUSmotive.com:

Forty-three years ago motoring journalist Evan Green caused a sensation when he became the first man to drive across Australia from east to west via the red centre. As if that wasn’t enough, Green then conquered the north-south route immediately afterwards. The car? An original, first generation Mini. The journey covered a staggering 19,000kms.

Now, a second generation Green has followed in his father’s tyre tracks by driving a second generation MINI Cooper, of course, along the east-west route. Gavin Green was joined by photographer Mark Bramley and mechanical support was supplied by BMW Group Australia Senior Technician Darryl Cook. continued →

MINI Sells its 1.5 Millionth Car

Sections: Official News, Sales Jul 6th, 2009 2 Comments

MINI has turned out 1.5 million cars. Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the brand, MINI Plant Oxford celebrates a production milestone.

Official Release:Munich. Just weeks after the official 50th birthday celebration for the brand at the Silverstone track, the MINI plant in Oxford claims another milestone. Since production began in 2001, 1.5 million MINI units have been produced there. The milestone model, a MINI Clubman in Chili red, cleared the end of the production line in the presence of Business Minister Ian Lucas and BMW Group board member Ian Robertson. It is destined for a British customer. continued →

Ask MF: Anyone Have R50 JCW Info?

Sections: Ask MotoringFile, JCW, R50 (Coupe) Jul 6th, 2009 20 Comments

This week we’re cleaning out the in box a bit and getting to some Ask MF’s we’ve had in the queue for awhile. The first of the week was sent in by Tim:

I was trying to find the JCW website.  Prior to MINI take-over, JCW had a completely separate website.  I’m only getting links to MINIUSA or MINIUK now. What I’m trying to do is contact someone knowledgeable about the R50 works head, specifically if there is a recommended cam or profile to get the best out of the head.  I know from prior experience MINIUSA won’t have a clue and the JCW R50 is so rare in the States there’s no reason to post in popular forums. Your expertise is appreciated. continued →

The New MINI One D Debuts

Sections: Diesel, Official News, R56 (Hatch) Jul 3rd, 2009 21 Comments

Official Release: Gearing up for an ideal start: The MINI One D. New entry-level model combines pulling power with enhanced economy. Market launch scheduled for September 2009.

The MINI model family is set to welcome another new arrival. A new entry-level diesel model will be launched in September 2009 and promises to deliver exceptionally economical driving fun. The MINI One D showcases the qualities of its state-of-the-art diesel engine as part of an attractive entry-level package. The drive system is based on the 1.6-litre diesel engine from the MINI Cooper D. Featuring a turbocharger and common rail direct injection, the new version of this four-cylinder unit develops peak output of 66 kW/90 hp and maximum torque of 215 Nm. Like the petrol-driven MINI One, the new MINI One D provides a particularly economical entry point into the world of the MINI brand, which is defined by driving fun and premium quality. continued →

MINI USA Sales Down 21% for June

Sections: Official News, Sales Jul 1st, 2009 21 Comments

Official Release: MINI USA reported sales of 4,105 automobiles, down 21.2 percent from the 5,211 cars sold in June 2008. Year-to-date, MINI USA also reported sales of 20,885 automobiles, a decrease of 20.9 percent, compared to the 26,400 cars reported after the first six months of 2008.

“This month, we saw consumers coming back into dealerships in some metro areas like Boston, New York and Los Angeles and that’s encouraging,” said Jim McDowell, Vice President of MINI USA. “The positive results in those three areas have helped to decouple MINI somewhat from the industry decline and we continue to outperform the market by a wide margin.”

Bespoke Arden MINI Cooper S AM1 Released

Sections: Design Jul 1st, 2009 20 Comments

German coach-builder Arden has released it’s latest bespoke creation, the MINI Cooper S AM1. With all this talk about $50,000 Rolls Royce MINIs, the Arden is a good example of bespoke coach-building done right.