Juke bashing, MoTD recap and we are looking for a judgement on cross-platform waving. Yep, the boys are back! Besides all of that, we also have a big pile of news from MotoringFile like we like to do.
As a reminder, AMVIV is next week. Both Todd and I will be there and we have some cool stuff planned. You should be there too! Just be sure you click that link to get yourself registered ASAP.
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Let’s face it. More of us live in cities than ever. According to Cars.com’s Kelsey Mayes, one in every 6.4 Americans live in one of the country’s largest 50 cities as of 2009. So for many people, owning a car fit for the city is a must. So Cars.com has compiled their list of top ten list of urban cars, and guess who’s on top? continued →
Saturday we gave you a glimpse at all that went on behind the scenes with MINI’s first factory supported rally in over 40 years. Now with the Rally Sardinia over, we have even more to show you of the car, the team and the drives. (watch part 2 after the break) continued →
The good news continues for MINI sales. While US sales are particularly strong, the rest of the world isn’t far behind. Sales climbed to 23,839 vehicles (prev. yr. 17,719) – an increase of 34.5% over the same period last year. In China (1,400/ +89.2%), South Korea (300/ +130.8%) and Russia (165/ +283.7%) sales growth was in the three-digit percentage range. The number of MINI models through April this year rose to 84,698 (prev. yr. 67,251/ +25.9%) vehicles.
A huge result for an entirely new team and entirely new car. MINI’s first factory supported rally in over forty years has resulted in a 6th place beating many WRC stalwarts in the process. And what better way to welcome new (and old) Senior Vice President of Brand Management for MINI, Dr. Kay Segler back into the MINI family. A huge congratulations from MotoringFile to all those involved in this weekend’s result. Next up will be the Rally of Finland July 28th. Look for the MINI JCW rally team to pourr over data from this weekend and aim for even higher up the standings.
Official Release: The MINI WRC Team has taken a lot of positives from its first ever event. In Rally Italy, Sardinia Dani Sordo (ES) and Carlos del Barrio (ES) brought their MINI John Cooper Works WRC to the ceremonial finish in Olbia in sixth. Sadly Kris Meeke (GB) and Paul Nagle (IR) didn’t re-start this morning, as the team felt it was safer not to risk a recurrence of the problem they had encountered on the first two days. However, the cars both showed a turn of speed that bodes well for the future. continued →
With one day to go Dani Sordo remains in sixth place in the WRC’s Rally Sardinia. Kris Meeke has rejoined the rally despite dropping out Friday. While he’s completely out of contention (and unable to score points due to WRC rules) he’s using the time to get better acquainted with the JCW Countryman. In all it’s not a bad debut of an entirely new team and entirely new car.
Official Release: The MINI WRC Team continued with its mixed fortunes at Rally Italy, but can only be happy about the learning process from its first WRC outing. Top quotes and pictures of the day …
Dani Sordo: “The day was not so bad. I am happy with the car and happier than yesterday as I have more confidence in the car. We have learnt a lot because this is our first rally for the car, we have done a lot of kilometres and also have a lot of information, which is what we came here to do. The performance of the MINI is good and we are really close to the car in front. Tomorrow I just try to finish the rally because there are some fairly difficult stages and the power stage left.” continued →
With the MINI JCW WRC team making it’s debut in Sardinia this weekend (and currently in 6th place) we wanted to give you a behind the scenes look at what actually goes into a rally. The team, the pit set-up and even the food. Here’s a look at how it’s all done.
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: Podcast May 10th, 2011 3 Comments 
