Archive for December 2009
Dec 7th, 2009
We’ve given MF a makeover in a couple of key ways. With this latest release we’ve dramatically widened the site to better house images and video within the main content area. This means you can see all those beautiful images how they were meant to be seen, big. And we can now show video at a full 640 px wide. Also look for an entire new collection of header images as we’ve revamped almost all of them to coincide with this new release.
We’ll be working on further upgrades in the coming weeks and months. Of course if you have any feedback regarding these changes or suggestions for new ones, let us know below or on the contact page.
Oh and if you see a few things broken, let us know. While most of everything should be updated, there are a few corners of the site that will take an extra day or two.
Dec 7th, 2009
Official Release: At the Copenhagen climate summit (COP 15, December 7 to 18), the BMW Group will take part in a variety of activities affirming its commitment, as industry leader in sustainability issues, to the fight against climate change. The BMW Group will not only provide vehicles for the official UN shuttle service, but for the first time at such an event will also take part in two official side events, at which it will put forward substantive ideas for tackling climate change. Partners will be the German Ministry for Environment, Conservation and Reactor Safety and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. Furthermore, the BMW Group will also co-host a symposium at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. And the BMW Group is also joining the “Hopenhagen” campaign initiated by the UN for a deal on climate change. continued →
Dec 4th, 2009
We all have our own sacred pieces of pavement around the world that we treasure. And while many of us keep a few of those close to our chests, today we’re going to share a few favorites with all of our readers. And after that, we’d love to hear about your favorites. Where they are, when to drive ‘em, what to bring, and why they’re the best.
Here’s a quick list of some of my personal favorites from my travels:
Highway 1 is often cited as one of the best roads in the world and it cannot be overrated. It’s curves and elevation changes are only matches by its ocean views. Taking a left hand turn into Ft. Hunter Liggett just ups the ante a bit in terms of elevation and corners.
What can you say about the Dragon. Simply put it is the best road I’ve ever had the pleasure of driving on. It’s status cannot be underrated as one of the best driver’s roads in the world and arguably the best in the US.
Driving to the ‘Ring a few years back I happened upon one of those magical roads you seem to only find in Black Forest region of Germany. It’s the perfect set-up to an incredible day on the ‘Ring with sweepers, hairpins and elevation changes all running through thick German forests.
Now let’s hear your favorite road and what car (preferably a MINI we won’t hold it against you if it’s not) you’d bring to tackle it.
Dec 4th, 2009
Our friends at Insideline had a chance to catch-up with Ian Robertson about the state of MINI and he had some interesting remarks. As we know MINI production is bursting at the seems. Recession aside, MINI is dealing with a plant that can only produce 250,000 cars while demand is expected to grow in many parts of the world. In addition to that, BMW is planning new models (as we’ve noted many times here on MF) beyond the current family of vehicles. While the BMW Group will be producing the MINI Crossover in cooperation with Magna in Austria, future production expansion will likely happen within current BMW factories around the world. continued →
Dec 3rd, 2009
Official Release: MINI vehicles have long been known for maintaining their overall value, and the company is proud to accept multiple awards for resale and residual value during the LA Auto Show from both Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com and ALG.
“The resale value awards that MINI received this week further reinforce that a MINI brand vehicle purchase is a wise investment,†said Jim McDowell, Vice President of MINI USA. “It also demonstrates that the MINI speaks to the practical argument for buying one of the brand’s vehicles, as well as the emotional appeal of a MINI and the promise of a fun motoring experience.†continued →
Dec 2nd, 2009
Official Release: MINI USA reported sales of 2,564 automobiles, a decrease of 43.6 percent compared to 4,545 cars reported in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, MINI USA also reported sales of 41,736 automobiles, a decrease of 17.4 percent, compared to the 50,511 cars reported in the first 11 months of 2008.
“November was a peculiar month as we saw fewer consumers shopping for small, fuel efficient vehicles,†said Jim McDowell, Vice President MINI USA. “However, we know we have the right kind of vehicles for the future and remain committed to expanding our dealer network and getting ready for three new MINI models in the near future.â€
Dec 1st, 2009
Winding Road Magazine took some of today’s hottest hatches out to rural Michigan for a thorough testing recently as a way to introduce the new VW GTI. It was a test set-up for the GTI (Motor Trend’s newly crowned car of the year) to win going away. Yet it didn’t. And even more surprising, it wasn’t the MazdaSpeed 3 or the Mitsu Lancer SST. No it was the oldest car in the group that came away with the overall win. That car is the 2009 R56 MINI Cooper S. Here’s an excerpt:
So the Cooper S Seems, on paper, to be the middle child of the group of hot hatches_ not terribly exceptional in anyone area. Yet, we can’t help but love it the very most. Why?
For starters the MINI is far and away the most engaging car on the test here. The Mazda may bark louder, but the MINI communicates with the driver via seat and steering wheel. It’s also the only car that feels honestly nimble- though the GTI comes very close. The other two hatches have no problem feeling confident on the road, but we can always tell that they’re fighting their on weight or power at different times. MINI is more like a natural athlete, living within the boundaries of its own considerable ability. continued →
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