Archive for September 2011

Video: MINI London 2012 Long Jump

Sections: Events, Marketing, Special Editions, Video Sep 30th, 2011 1 Comment

MINI Currently Leading WRC Rally of France

Sections: Countryman WRC Sep 30th, 2011 17 Comments

As I type this MINI’s WRC team is shocking the automotive world but leading the WRC Rally of France. With 7:03.8 mins on Special Stage 8, Dani Sordo (@DaniSordo on twitter) jumped to the overall lead of the rally. It’s the first time a factory MINI team has lead a world championship rally event in over 40 years. And it’s not just Sordo. The other factory MINI driver, Kris Meeke has moved up to 4th overall. Details after the break. continued →

MINI Coupe JCW Coupe Accessories update

Sections: Accessories, Auto Shows, R58 (Coupe) Sep 30th, 2011 9 Comments

Thanks for Drill for allowing us usage of his photos. View all images after the break.

During the recent September 15th-25th 64th Annual IIA Motor Show in Frankfurt MINI exhibited some of the upcoming accessories for the R58 Coupe that were previously covered in our story on the upcoming MINI Coupe accessories.

JCW Coupe Spoiler – The spoiler does replace the innovative automatic spoiler that is a first for the BMW/MINI group  We still have not received any information if this accessory spoiler will need the default spoiler either removed or disabled. This gives the Coupe and the eventual Roadster increased down force that will likely be useful in higher speed pursuits such as a track day. The visual language does a good job complementing the rear of the Coupe.

Black trimmed taillights – Likely developed to complement the Black headlight that have recently gone on sale. These should retrofit to R56, R57 LED taillights as well.

Cross spoke R113 Red Stripe Wheels – The R113 in black with the red stripe. This should present a sportier feel to the very popular R113 wheel.

Side Decals – Originally we identified these as being Cooper S side graphics but the image clearly shows a JCW logo incorporated with the stripe. We believe that there might be multiple side strips thus explaining this. Could this mean side strip for Cooper, Cooper S, and JCW? These will fit R56, R57, R58, and R59 cars.

JCW Leather and Alcantara Recaro Sports Seats – These are a new Recaro seat that is a blend between the standard sport seats and the current JCW Recaro seats. There was no information if these seats are replacing the current more aggressive JCW Recaro seats or just a secondary option. There is no information that these would be made available to the US market so until we hear differently we would presume they would not make it to the US market.

Rolls Royce MINI now on MINIUSA.com

Sections: MINI Rolls Royce Sep 29th, 2011 2 Comments

Want to get your hands on a stateside Rolls Royce MINI? MINIUSA.com has created a micro-site experience just for you. The limited edition, hand-appointed, $52,000 MINI is available “by reservation only”, so have your people get in touch with their people as soon as possible.

MINI Inspired by Goodwood on MINIUSA.com

White Roof Radio #396

Sections: Podcast Sep 29th, 2011 No Comments

Another day under the White Roof. Things are a little changed up this week. We knock out Ask Chad first, just to be different. Then, it’s the Coupe show with Nathaniel, fresh from his first day at the press preview of the Coupe. Watch Motoringfile for his full write up soon.

Full notes to follow.

Woofcast 396

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Download| 1:03:45 | 29.2MB |WRR @ iTunes | Show Notes

MINI UK Introduces Olympic Special Editions

Sections: R56 (Hatch), Special Editions Sep 28th, 2011 4 Comments

[Official Release] MINI, official partner of Team GB and ParalympicsGB, has unveiled its new London 2012 special, limited edition models to celebrate the monumental London 2012 Olympic Games.

There will be just 2,012 of these special edition models built, which are available in Cooper, Cooper D, Cooper S and Cooper SD trims and come in the Union Jack themed colours; Chilli Red, White Silver or Lightning Blue. All models boast white mirror caps and a white roof featuring the iconic London 2012 Olympic graphic.

Full gallery after the break. continued →

2012 Olympic Long Jump Hopeful Leaps over MINIs

Sections: Official News Sep 28th, 2011 1 Comment

[Official Release]England long jump champion J.J. Jegede succeeds in attempt to clear three MINI London 2012 Edition models.

England long jump champion and London 2012 hopeful J.J. Jegede today succeeded in his attempt to jump over the roofs of three cars at the launch of the MINI London 2012 Edition Models. continued →