Mar 21st, 2011
We get asked all to often what MINI has planned for model X and/or when will we see an update to model Y. Frankly, we don’t know all the answers, but we do know enough to be dangerous. So with that said we wanted to publish a rundown of what we do know and what our best guesses are. Keep in mind, even if some of the following information has come directly from MINI sources, it may yet change as the dates get closer. continued →
Mar 18th, 2011
Well, it’s that time of year again. That time when J.D. Power gives MINI a terrible “dependability” rating. This year MINI didn’t simply score low in the study, but came in at the bottom of the list. For those who aren’t familiar with this study, it measures “problems per 100 vehicles” over a three year period. So it’s not a measure of initial quality, or an accounting of significant mechanical failures. Instead, it’s a measure of “problems” with no distinction between an engine bursting into flames and a cup holder being too small for the owner’s big gulp. That’s not exactly stellar methodology if you ask me, so take these results (the good and the bad) with a small pile of salt. continued →
Mar 18th, 2011
The second UK trial of MINI’s all-electric Cooper has come to a close. With 40 “pioneer” participants handing in their keys at Plant Oxford, this second round of the MINI E trials closes another chapter in BMW/MINI’s extensive electric vehicle testing program. With both the BMW i3 and i8 cars forthcoming, this program has been critical in getting real-world data essential to building EVs that are truly viable road cars. continued →
Mar 17th, 2011
The following is a copy of the interview published at MINIMotorsports.com about the current state of the MINI Rally team.
The MINI Rally Car is currently being tested near Sevilla. MINI WRC Team Engineering Planning Manager Nigel Riddle explains what the final tests for the upcoming MINI WRC Team season debut are all about.
Nigel, the team has three more tests before the first event of the season. What will these tests focus on?
Nigel Riddle: “It is all about continuing to fine tune the car ahead of its first outing under race conditions at the Rally d’Italia Sardegna . When we tested the car for the first time in September, everything was new to us. During the early tests, we were basically just finding out how the car would react to all the different driving situations and how it responds to the changes made by the engineers. The drivers and technicians must have a feel for the character of the car. Then we carry out the endurance tests, where we find out how long certain parts of the car can hold up to the respective loads and strains they will be subjected to. After that it is a matter of going back fine tuning for specific events. That is the phase we are in now.” continued →
Mar 16th, 2011
We’ve seen a few sets of spy shots of the MINI Coupé since our first postings, but these new photos are the first in a while to show us anything new. Specifically, we’re getting a good look at the new roofline and a new, more aggressive front splitter (nevermind those winter wheels and tires). These new photos are also a lot closer, and give us an even better sense of the shape of the new car. It’s remarkable just how close the production car seems to be to the original Coupé concept car we saw so many months ago. But what about the JCW version? Luckily we’ve got photos of that as well. continued →
Mar 16th, 2011
I spent the weekend in Waukegan, Ill, as my son graduated from Navy Bootcamp, in a hotel with poor Wifi and worse VZW coverage, so Todd soldiered on with Chad and Nathaniel with news from MotoringFile. And, with my absence, there was some BMW talk. You have been warned. The lads also spent some time talking about modding an R60, something Chad has been sharing with us on Facebook. I will try to share some of the photos with everyone later in the week.
Thanks for your patience this week. We expect to get back on schedule, kinda, this week with some AMVIV talk!
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Mar 15th, 2011
It’s been years in the making but a special edition MINI co-developed by MINI Yours and Rolls Royce will be unveiled next month. We’ve held information on the car close to the vest for quite awhile but with the recent leak of the debut date (the Shanghai Auto Show) we thought it appropriate to give you a little tease. continued →
