Dec 8th, 2011
Just what we’ve been waiting for. One of the best things about MINI Connected is the easy of updating the software with new features. Luckily it looks as if those features aren’t all going to revolve around social media and games. Enter the Driving Excitement App. The app allows drivers to see the following:
- Lateral Gs
- Acceleration
- Coolant temp (finally!)
- Engine output
- RPM
- Torque output
This update will come in the form of an updated app for iOS (yes it works on the iPhone but also the iPod Touch and iPad) in the coming days. Android users are out of luck for the foreseeable future.
Read on for details and the full gallery. continued →
Dec 7th, 2011
Last week we repotted on MINI’s incredible 70% increase in sales for the US. Now it’s worldwide sales. The MINI brand recorded its best November. Global sales climbed to 23,534 vehicles (+14.6%/prev. yr. 20,541). Volumes rose 22.4% (255,595/prev. yr. 208,816) in the first eleven months of the year, with sales growth in virtually all markets. continued →
Dec 7th, 2011
Last week we kicked off JCW month with a look back at the JCW GP five years later. This week we take a look at the other JCW of the time, the MINI Cooper S factory JCW. This was a time of transition for the JCW brand as it moved from a dealer installed kit to a factory installed package. It also represents the pinnacle of the factory R53 (not counting the special edition GP).
Over the last week or so my respect for the Cooper S JCW kit has grown immeasurably. Driving almost 1,500 miles in seven days is a great way to find a car’s potential and its faults. Yet with the JCW MCS, the latter was almost impossible.
But before I get to my final thoughts on the car let me recap a bit. MINI USA gave me the keys to a 2006 MINI Cooper S with the JCW package and basically said, have at it and let the world know what you think. As the owner of a Cooper S with a pulley and a number of other modifications, this was a chance to do a direct comparison between the two cars and see what it was like to actually live with the JCW MCS. The test car was lightly specced. Chili Red/White roof, Sport package, JCW package and 18″ Matte Black JCW wheels. From a performance standpoint one couldn’t ask for anything more save for the JCW suspension or a full-on GP.
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Dec 5th, 2011
If you’re looking for a great view of the new MINI Coupé in action, look no further than this new video from MINI. No new info, just some terrific eye candy. Enjoy (after the break). continued →
Dec 4th, 2011
For the second year in a row, MINI has been ranked #1 in customer satisfaction for mass market brands. Sharing the #1 spot with Lexus in the luxury brand category. This isn’t about satisfaction with the cars themselves, but rather peoples’ satisfaction with the purchase experience at the dealership.
MINI ranks highest among mass market brands for a second consecutive year. Buick and GMC, respectively, follow MINI in the mass market segment rankings. The mass market brands with the greatest improvement from 2010 are Volkswagen (moving from 13th rank position to fourth), Scion (moving from 11th rank position to fifth) and Nissan (moving from 18th rank position to 12th).
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Dec 2nd, 2011
Ever since BMW made the switch to run flats, enthusiasts have been waiting patiently for the technology to mature. And with BMW’s move of course came MINI’s reliance on run flat technology as well. This is especially true in the US where they’re not an option (as they are in there markets) but standard on all tire sizes larger that 15″.
We’ve been waiting for the technology to become transparent – meaning that there’s no trade-off in feel, performance and comfort as compared to the tires we’re all used to. With the launch of the 3rd generation of run flats, tire makers – specifically Bridgestone – may have finally done it. Our friends at Tirerack recently tested the Bridgestone’s third generation run flat and came away very impressed with the results and the tech behind it all. Here’s an excerpt:
Bridgestone’s new third generation (3G) run-flat features a sidewall design that helps minimize the run-flat tire’s negative influence on ride comfort. While still thicker than a conventional tire, the signature features of the 3G run-flat sidewall are a unique exterior cooling fin design and special rubber compound, both designed to reduce the heat buildup that occurs while driving on a tire that is no longer inflated. Reduced heat buildup during run-flat operation allows for the thinner sidewall design, ultimately improving ride comfort. continued →
Dec 1st, 2011
MINI USA reported sales of 4,750 automobiles in November, up an astonishing 70.5% from the 2,786 sold in November 2010. Year-to-date, MINI sales in the U.S. are up 25.4% on volume of 51,800 compared to 41,324 in the first eleven months of 2010. (Full sales chart after the break) continued →
