Archive for October 2009

MF at the 24 Hours of LeMons

Sections: Motorsports, Site News Oct 2nd, 2009 7 Comments

Things will be a little quiet this weekend at MF as myself and a few frequent contributors are heading to Ohio for this weekend’s 24 Hours of LeMons at Nelson Ledges road course. This is the only true 24 hour race in it’s series. Therefore the race runs from noon on Saturday through noon on Sunday.

If you are interested in getting regular updates, you can follow our progress on my personal Twitter feed: @Gabriel_bridger

What is the 24 Hours of LeMons?

Each LeMons race is for cars purchased, fixed up, and track-prepped for a total of 500 dollars or less. But before reaching the grid, you’ll have to survive trials like the Personal-Injury-Lawyer Anti-Slalom, the Marxist-Valet Parking Challenge, and the Wide Open Throttle Rodthrowapalooza. Twelve hours into the race, the car voted People’s Choice is called in and awarded a cash prize; simultaneously, the car voted People’s Curse is called in and summarily destroyed. At the end of 24 hours, a gala awards ceremony plies the survivors with trophies, plaques, and four-figure purses in canvas bags full of nickels. What’s not to like?

More information can be found here.

MINI Connected Revealed

Sections: Accessories, R55 (Clubman), R56 (Hatch), R57 (Conv.) Oct 2nd, 2009 17 Comments

Simon sent us this via the MF Inbox, concerning the internet radio feature.

Sharp eyed MF reader Jas brought this one to our attention. The original video is after the jump.

Look at this video, around the 0.28 second mark, it shows a yellow convertible, with a new NAV user interface? I have only ever seen a different looking one, like a list.

We had a feeling the nav system was going to be updated and would guess that these changes should start showing up in the 2010 model year cars. We will have full details when they are available. continued →

AMVIV 7 Update

Sections: AMVIV Oct 2nd, 2009 1 Comment

New update from Andrew ‘Agro’ Ross about AMVIV7, happening March 25th – 28th, 2010. In case you missed it, we actually talked to Agro during Woof 308 so you can go back and listen if you haven’t already.

Hi everyone. It’s been a while I know, but I finally have some AMVIV news for you.

We have signed a hotel contract! We’re moving away from Palace Station this year, to another property in the Station Casinos family. We’re going to Aliante Station which is a brand new, absolutely beautiful hotel casino. The hotel part is a bit smaller than Palace, and we will have the entire hotel blocked out for our attendees. Yes, if you see someone in the hotel elevator, they will be another AMVIV attendee.

continued →

MINI USA Sales Up 10% for September

Sections: Official News, Sales Oct 1st, 2009 1 Comment

Official Release: MINI USA reported sales of 4,128 automobiles an increase of 9.7% compared to 3,762 cars reported in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, MINI USA also reported sales of 34,996 automobiles, a decrease of 14 percent, compared to the 40,694 cars reported in the first nine months of 2008.

“September was another unique ‘out of wack’ month as many dealers reported fewer shoppers and tire-kickers after the end of the ‘Cash for Clunkers’ program,” said Jim McDowell, Vice President MINI USA. “MINI has been fortunate to counter this climate with higher sales compared to last September and serious buyers helping the brand to continuously increase its market share.”

Rauno Altonen & Paddy Hopkirk Test the JCW Cabrio on Rallye Monte Carlo Roads

Sections: 50th Anniversary, Motorsports, Video Oct 1st, 2009 18 Comments

MINI gave a new JCW convertible to rallye racing Rauno Altonen and Paddy Hopkirk and sent them to the famous roads of Monte Carlo. They talk about the old Monte Carlo rallye, the new JCW and everything in between. This is a must watch video for any MINI enthusiast.

Ask MF: Where Can I Find Information on Auto-crossing?

Sections: Ask MotoringFile Oct 1st, 2009 5 Comments

Since myself and a few other MF contributors will be heading over to Ohio to compete in the latest round of the 24 Hours of LeMons, we’re handing over the keys to DB and Todd. We’re also clearing out our mailbox and in the process we’ll be posting a series of new Ask MotoringFile posts. The first comes from Kim:

Hi guys,

I’m brand new to Mini (June ’09) and to autocross. For someone just getting started with learning the car as well as trying out autocross, what sites/information can you recommend? continued →