Sections: R61 Paceman, Video Jan 19th, 2011 16 Comments Here’s a quick highlights video from MINI at the North American International Auto Show, including video of the Paceman reveal. Enjoy.
Sections: New Product, Official News Jan 19th, 2011 14 Comments 
We’ve received official word this morning from MINI France PR that the matte black special edition cars we reported on earlier are indeed coming. Exclusive to France (for now) the small run of 250 cars will go on sale January 21, 2011. Wrapped in a matte black film, each car will feature a numbered side scuttle and matching key ring, along with a checkerboard themed interior and mirror caps. The mat film carries a separate 2-year warranty and there is full factory paint underneath. continued →
Sections: Podcast Jan 19th, 2011 2 Comments 
Chad drinking beer from the future, I’m not wearing pants, Todd sneezes and Chad ties his shoes. Shoulds like the makings of a pretty good show to me. And, among other pre-show goodies, I talk iPhone on Verizon.
After that, Todd tells us about Detroit and mostly about the Paceman. Along with Gabe, they got some great interviews at the Detroit Auto Show. You can grab them from MotoringFile. Those will be in the feed starting tomorrow.
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Download | WRR @ iTunes | 25.7MB | 53:27
Sections: New Product Jan 18th, 2011 34 Comments 
Big thanks to Mark for sending this in! It’s an iPhone holder that integrates into the MINI dash much like the old R50/53 Chrono Pack speedo. From the photos, this appears to be an R56 installation and we don’t have any word on whether a similar kit would be available for the R50/53. It’s made by the German company Attractive4MINI and is due for release sometime this spring. No word yet on pricing. Also, rumor has it that something similar is in the works from MINI USA. It’s a great idea and kudos to its developers.
[UPDATE] We’ve talked with the folks at Attractive4MINI and have a little more info. The first versions will be iPhone 4 only. It does include the dock connector and can replace the arm rest iPhone dock if you want it to. That means that this gauge can be your iPhone cradle for MINI Connected. Also, they plan to build a version of this for the Countryman as well. Sadly, there will be no R50/R53 version as those gauges are apparently too small to house the iPhone. They are making plans for US shipping availability once the product is ready to go.
More photos after the break. continued →
Sections: Opinion, R53 (Coupe) Jan 18th, 2011 12 Comments 
This story comes to us from MotoringFile contributor Brendan.
I met TonyB two years ago through North American Motoring and we’ve kept in touch sporadically since then. I bought my current suspension from him and a few other bits and bobs. A few Sundays ago, I made my way up the windy California backroad towards his house to talk to him about his car. In particular, I wanted to know more about weight saving techniques. continued →
Sections: In the Press, MINI Competitors Jan 17th, 2011 64 Comments 
In an interview with Autoblog’s Jonathon Ramsey, MINI’s new marketing manager, Tom Salkowski, had some interesting things to say about the landscape of MINI’s competition. Among general comments about MINI’s continued success amidst a growing competition, he reportedly had this to say about Fiat’s 500:
“The 500 is a darling little car, but MINI is a premium brand.”
This sentiment echoed when asked what other marques are thought of as competition for MINI in the small car segment. “…maybe Volkswagen, Mazda, Scion in the small-car segment,” going on to say that “Mini is very much a mindset, it’s different than other vehicles…for the time being we don’t see anything.”
Oliver Friedmann, head of product management, agreed saying, “We don’t see any one-to-one competition, maybe the [Range Rover] Evoque could be [for the R60].” continued →
Sections: Diesel, New Product Jan 14th, 2011 40 Comments 
We’ve reported that a Cooper SD was coming in the Spring of 2011 for quite some time, now we have semi-official proof. We’ve received word from an inside source that MINI will debut the Cooper SD in Geneva. Expect a web debut a little earlier sometime in Febuary.
Powered by a 2.0L 143 hp BMW turbo diesel, the new line will include the hatch, convertible, Clubman, Countryman and Countryman All4. We don’t have specific torque numbers (225 ft-lbs is rumored), but we’re told it’s the most torque to ever make it into a production MINI. Here’s the kicker: the Cooper SD will reportedly earn an impressive 65 mpg (on the EU cycle)!
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