Sep 19th, 2011
We’ve been reported for several years now of MINI’s intention to bring to the market a 2nd generation GP. The first of course being based on the R53, remains the most powerful and motorsport focused production MINI of all time. Last year the rumors of what the car will be based on went from R56 hatch to the R58 Coupe. And now we’re hearing about yet another change, this time to the upcoming Roadster. continued →
Sep 16th, 2011
The biggest auto show of the year is about to open up to the public in Frankfurt and we have a sneak peak for you. Obviously MINI was on hand to show-off the new coupe. But without a world debut or surprise concept our attention quickly turned to the rest of the show. BMW was showing off the new 1 Series five door hatch and of course the i3 and i8 concepts that debuted earlier this summer. Elsewhere VW had the new UP and Beetle R on hand as well as the new 911 (which is sorta technically a VW now… right?). You can check out all 200 photos after the break. continued →
Sep 14th, 2011
In this weeks longer-than-normal show, we do some follow-up from last week (including a couple of Facebook comments, no talk about motorcycles or BMW’s, news from MotoringFile and some Ask Chad.
Woofcast 394
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Sep 14th, 2011
For years new MINI magazines have come and gone. In fact the only one we could ever think of worth handing our money over for (Go MINI) ended production over five years ago. However there has been one MINI magazine that has been there from the start producing not just a look at the brand and its products but high quality lifestyle pieces as well. The official magazine of the brand, MINI International has a long history of catering to the more progressive fans of the brand. The only problem (for those outside Europe) was the excessive shipping costs to actually get one. Now that’s no longer. As of this week you can now find MINI International on the iOS App Store available for the iPad.
Official Release: THE MINI INTERNATIONAL magazine will be released as an iPad app in German and English in the iTunes App Store on 13 September 2011 in time for the start of the IAA International Motor Show.
The MINI INTERNATIONAL app is different. It not only allows MINI fans to experience the contents of the printed edition in multimedia form but also provides a weekly update with all the latest news: a MINI “best-of” from the blogs and websites unlike.net, NOWNESS.com and davidreport.com. These three partners will help ensure that THE MINI INTERNATIONAL app stays exciting and up-to-the-minute. continued →
Sep 13th, 2011
The latest version of MINI’s turbocharged Prince engine features variable valve timing, direct injection and a tall torque plateau that starts early and pulls the Cooper S forward with plenty of gusto. It even does heavier duty under the bonnet of the Countryman. The 2011 model year upgrades to the Prince engine brought adjustments to the power band and solved nagging issues some owners found with their R56s. So it’s little surprise that Wards has named the updated Prince to its Top Ten list of Engines for 2011.
Another new engine on this year’s list is the 1.6L turbocharged direct-injection I-4 that packs a mighty punch in the MINI Cooper S. With a specific output of 113 hp/L, this package quickly rose to the top of a crowded field of new small-displacement 4-cyl. engines in this year’s competition.
The latest “Prince” engine in the Cooper S is assembled for BMW by PSA Peugeot Citroen in Douvrin, France, and integrates BMW’s excellent Valvetronic fully variable valve timing system, which enhances power and fuel efficiency. Driven hard, this prince of an engine still musters better than 34 mpg (6.9 L/100 km) during our test drive.
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Sep 13th, 2011
Couldn’t make the Frankfurt Motor Show? We’ve got you covered with an official MINI video recap detailing the speeches, the new production models and of some of our old favorites. You can see the full video after the break. continued →
Sep 13th, 2011
The following is the official transcript of the speech given by Dr. Ian Robertson, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Sales & Marketing.
Official Release: A decade ago, MINI asked the question: “Is it Love?” …I would say so. Just a couple of weeks ago we celebrated the two millionth MINI rolling off the line at Plant Oxford in the UK. That’s a lot of fans!
By launching the new MINI ten years ago, we created the premium small-car segment. Our approach was: from the original to the original. Since then, we’ve been busy growing the MINI Family. After the Hatch, we launched the Convertible, which was followed by the MINI Clubman… and about a year ago we introduced the MINI Countryman.
The Countryman has taken the brand further afield with four doors and four-wheel drive. As well, it underscores MINI’s ability to enter—and create—new segments with its success, selling over 66,000 units to date. continued →
