We love a good comparison test here at MotoringFile, especially when the MINI gets its due as a driver’s car – especially the Cooper. While MINI doesn’t always come out on top in these small car shoot outs, it’s always interesting to see how the automotive press compares the Cooper to its rivals. This month, Motor Trend published a story pitting the MINI against the Scion tC, Honda CR-Z, Volkswagen Beetle, Hyundai Veloster, and of course, the Fiat 500. These, as the misfit group of the automotive world — the odd balls. Spoiler alert, MINI came out on top. continued →
According to a report by German publication Auto Motor und Sport, MINI intends on showing a cargo van version of the current Clubman in late February at the Geneva Motor Show. The concept (which could be very close to production) reportedly will feature two seats and a flat load floor. Gone are the typical rear windows and in their place sheet metal for greater safety and reduced cost. continued →
Gabe, Todd, Chad and db doing what they do best; Talking about Cadillacs. And MINIs, especially our favorite The Clubman. We all really like it quite a bit, especially in Hampton trim as Gabe caught view of last week.
Also welcome Otto’s MINI of Exton to the sponsor roster. Thank them further by making plans to visit on Friday, January 13th 2012 as they celebrate their grand opening in this new location! If you are looking for even more of a reason to hang out a brand new MINI dealership, Todd and I will be there all day! Doing what we do and sharing with the rest of the MINI Community. Hope to see as many of you as possible, especially between 6:00p and 8:00p. We’re told that’s when the party will be happening!
One more show before the new year and we are going to try to do it live. Follow along on the Twitter for more details.
Woofcast 408:
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Perhaps the most well received concept from MINI in the past ten years, the Rocketman has long been held up by MINI faithful as the proper direction for the brand to head. However bringing the car to production isn’t as easy as many had hoped. Originally thought was given to shortening the R56 or even the next generation F56 platform. However that has turned out to be not an option, either being too difficult or not feasible given costs. But that hasn’t quelled enthusiasm for the car inside MINI and company is look at another option.
Enter Toyota. Last month BMW announced a collaboration between BMW and Toyota that will give BMW future hybrid technology and Toyota BMW’s award winning four cylinder diesel engines. But rumors are that the partnership could expand even further. continued →
In a shock to both MINI WRC fans and Kris Meeke alike, MINI has decided not to run both of its team drivers in every race this coming 2012 season. Starting with Meeke’s absence from the season opener, the Monte Carlo Rally. Meeke’s seat in the second MINI team car will be filled by a local driver. With his multiple podium finishes last year, Dani Sordo will race every event this year. Meeke will continue to test cars when he is not racing competitively. As for Monte Carlo, sources at MINI and Prodrive are saying that if there were funds to enter a third car Meeke would be the one behind the wheel.
What does MINI Head of Design Anders Warming want for Christmas? A production version of the MINI Rocketman concept for one thing. Warming told members of the UK Press Corp that the Rocketman was, “a clear leap forwards,” and a car to “claim the true heritage of the brand” at the annual press dinner — this year about the new Roadster and other models. Warming went on to say “The Rocketman and Roadster are part of an ongoing dialogue with customers that asks, ‘What can we do with Mini?’ It’s about making authentic movements and developing a relevant bandwidth for the brand.”
Does that mean a production Rocketman is in the works? continued →
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: In the Press, MINI Competitors Dec 31st, 2011 10 Comments 
