For the 2010 model year two special models (or packages in the US) were released to help celebrate the occasion of MINI’s 50th Anniversary. Both feature attractive trim and color choices combined with unique wheels and badging. Beyond that there really aren’t that many differences between standard models. With one exception of course. The Camden model (named after a trendy London neighborhood with more places to buy shows than you thought was imaginable) comes standard with something called Mission Control. The feature responds to your normal driving inputs by congratulating you, urging you on more than anything trying really hard to be your digital friend. Provided you don’t order Nav (which deletes the option) it’s a standard feature with the Camden that (at this point) is entirely exclusive.
And after spending some time with the car, we hope to God it stays that way. The video above likely gives tells you all you need to know about our reaction to the system.
Official Release: For the third consecutive year, a MINI brand vehicle is being named as one of IntelliChoice’s ‘Best Overall Value of the Year’ (BOVY) winners. Today, the MINI brand’s value was endorsed once again as the MINI Cooper Convertible was named ‘Best Value Convertible’ in the annual IntelliChoice BOVY awards, which were announced at the Chicago International Auto Show.
“The ‘Best Value Convertible’ award that the MINI Cooper Convertible received today is further confirmation that the MINI brand is a wise investment,” said Jim McDowell, Vice President of MINI USA. “This latest award demonstrates that MINI promises a fun motoring experience while offering low cost of ownership. Its unique design appeals to our emotional side, and the compelling value story of free scheduled maintenance, great fuel efficiency and competitive price point appeals to our rational side.”
The Chicago Auto Show. The largest in the nation and (by volume and attendance) one of the largest in the world. This year the snow and the economy have reduced the press turnout but the cars and the debuts were still to be found. Enjoy.
Yes the A1 will not be coming to such markets the US. But it’s a watershed car for Audi and one of the more impressive MINI rivals we’ve seen. But how does it stack up in the eyes of MINI owners? At launch the car will be available with a range of diesels and petrol powerplants but none that quite matches up with the MCS or JCW MINI models. Nontheless we want to hear your thoughts on how it stacks up with the MINI.
Diesel: 90hp / 169 ft lbs of torque and 105 hp / 184 ft lbs of torque
Petrol 122 hp / 147 ft lbs of torque
2,300 lbs curb weight
manual or dual clutch
155.5 inches long, 68.5 inches wide and 56 inches tall, with a 97.2-inch wheelbase
The MotoringFile team will be at the nation’s largest autoshow today in Chicago. It may not have the debuts of LA or Detroit but neither of them come close to the scale the Windy City’s show. For fans of the Roundel, the BMW Alpina B7 will be making its North American debut today and we’ll get some insight into the car the engineers who designed it. But the MINI? Well there isn’t anything scheduled so we’ll be focusing on the competition. Look for the entire gallery later tonight.
Now here is a show for you lovers of the long shows! Todd and I are joined by Gabe Bridger and Chad Miller (from Detroit Tuned) to talk about MINI stuff like we like to do. And wouldn’t you know, you just missed out on some prime Black Roof Radio.!
We talk about news from MotoringFile.com, Chad answers some great questions and we interview Andrew ‘Agro’ Ross, Grand Poohbah for AMVIV about the upcoming event that is going to include White Roof Radio Live. Listen for details!
Woofcast 324:
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1st Gen MINI R50: One & MC Hatch R52: All 1st Gen MINI Convt. R53: MCS Hatch 2nd Gen MINI R55: Clubman R56: Hatch R57: Convertible R58: Coupe R59: Roadster R60: MINI Crossover R61: MINI Crossover Coupe 3rd Gen MINI F55: Clubman F56: Hatch F57: Convertible F60: MINI Crossover F62: Traveller
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Sections: 50th Anniversary, R56 (Hatch) Feb 12th, 2010 36 Comments 
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