Archive for August 2009
Aug 24th, 2009
Over the past year and a half we’ve had a handful of sources either allude or outright tell us that the first diesel MINI to hit American soil will be the R60 MINI Crossover. Since that first scoop (way back in 2008) we’ve steadfastly claimed that the R60 would include a US bound 2.0L BMW derived turbo diesel powerplant identical to the one found in the current 1 and 3 series in Europe and the UK. continued →
Aug 23rd, 2009
In a surprise move BMW will be unveiling the MINI Speedster/Coupe concept (via the web) before it makes its public debut at the Frankfurt IAA motorshow. Because Frankfurt will be such a massive show for BMW (the most debuts ever planned for a single show) BMW has pushed out the virtual debut of the car by a few weeks. However keep in mind that the speedster will truly be a concept vehicle much like the Traveler from 2006 and the MINI Crossover from 2007.
We’ve also been told be a couple sources to expect an official unveiling of the Countryman R60 crossover over the web later this week as well. If the official go-ahead is given, look for all the images and specifications right here on MF the second we’re allow to show them.
So be sure to check MF early and often over this week.
Aug 21st, 2009
We broke this story earlier in the week with an exclusive look at the application and the ideas behind it. Today it is being officially introduced to the public.
Official Release: MINI USA announced today the introduction of a free app to MINI owners that allows access to roadside assistance with the touch of an icon. The new MINI Road Assist mobile application was developed by Allstate Roadside Services and is available for iPhone and select BlackBerry users. The app connects users to roadside assistance while automatically supplying the service provider with all relevant information about the vehicle, most importantly, its exact location.
“MINI owners appreciate technological innovation and will welcome the additional peace of mind that comes from having fast, easy access to the free roadside services provided during their warranty period,†said Jim McDowell, Vice President MINI USA. continued →
Aug 20th, 2009
MotoringFile has learned that MINI USA intends to celebrate the introduction of the MINI Clubman JCW aero-kit, by releasing a special “Rally Edition” Clubman S. We’ve obtained some interior photos and information that give us a good look at this new, very limited edition model. The Rally edition will be a very exclusive with only around 70 made and each dealer in the US getting only one car. The unique part of the specification the unique “Rally Green†Mirror Caps and Side Scuttles. In addition to that the car will be full specced with the following:
- Midnight Black (A94),
- Roof in Body Color (381)
- Sport Package (ZSP) – DTC (5DT)
- White Turn Indicators (785)
- Xenon Headlights (522)
- 17†Black Wheels
- Roof Rails (386)
- Anthracite Headliner (ZAH)
- Piano Black Interior (4BD)
- Automatic climate Control (534)
- Leather Steering Wheel w/Multifunction
- Comfort Bluetooth (6NE)
In addition the car can either come with : A) summer configuration: 17†Black Web-Spoke w Performance Tires (2RW) or B) winter configuration: 17†Black Crown Spoke (2RP, 2RV) w All-Season Tires (927) and Cold Weather
Package (CWP)
Accessories included in the model are:
- New John Cooper Works Aero Kit painted in Midnight Black
- New Rally Green Mirror Caps & Side Scuttle, Sport Stripes (Silver)
- Roof Rack for Roof Rails
- New Roof Basket
- Driving Lamps in Black.
The total MSRP of the Special (Ex-Factory Equipment plus Accessories) $32,999 (w/o Tuning Kit) continued →
Aug 20th, 2009
Through several sources we’ve been able to piece together some details on the forthcoming MINI Speedster and Coupe. The cars will usher in a new chapter in BMW’s plans for the MINI brand. Specifically eschew practicality and versatility in favor of performance with design and engineering choices made to cater to enthusiasts rather than the masses.
From the outside the design will feature aggressive and performance oriented cues meant to set the tone. The car will be based on the R57 but will be further massaged with a wider track for more cornering stability. Wider wheel arches will do the job of covering all the rolling bits up while giving the car a sporty look. continued →
Aug 19th, 2009
Autocar and British publication Motorsport News are reporting that BMW is seriously considering entering the World Rally Championship (WRC) with the upcoming Countryman. This ties in very nicely with the report that MINI has green-lit a special motorsport version of the Countryman that would be even more powerful and focused than the JCW model.
The Motorsport Sport news quotes a source within the WRC saying that MINI executives had a “very postitive response” to the series. Additionally 1960′s rally legend (and MINI ambassador) Paddy Hopkirk was quotes as saying, “Everything they do they do well. If there is aproblem they will throw more money at it until they get it right. Without the [BMW Sauber] F1 project there could be more money to do that.”
Considering the timing of the Countryman model cycle and the availability of the “über” JCW Countryman, we wouldn’t expect anything before 2011.
+ MINI Linked to Rally Return / Autocar
Aug 19th, 2009
The JCW Tuning Kit. We’ve raved about it for two years as one of the better JCW accessories released. However until just recently it was a R56 only modification. We reported last spring that its release on the Clubman was and today we can officially tell you it is available at dealers throughout the US. Available for a few months in Europe and the UK, the kit features the same power and torque figures as the version on the R56. The kit takes the stock Clubman MCS from 175bhp to 192bhp. But more importantly it increases torque to as much as 200lbs-ft within the range from 1750 to 4500 rpm with the over-boost function. Additionally the ECU tuning sharpens the already fast throttle tip-in (with sport button on of course) to even higher levels.
The kit will be available on both manuals and automatics starting immediately. This also means that MINI USA now offers the tuning kit for all three variants (R55, R56 and R57) and in both manual and auto.
You can read our review of the JCW Tuning Kit (JCW Stage I as we’ve called it) as it pertains to the MINI R56 MCS here.
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