Apr 15th, 2014
Sadly, we missed Gin and Tonic day last week, and I have something to say about that. Gabe posted his F56 Cooper review on Motoringfile last week and we talk a little bit more about the F56. Plus, the Final Test Test Drive videos are live, check them all out at minifttd.com, they are all pretty awesome.
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Subscribe || Download | 39:37 |WRR @ iTunes | Show Notes
Apr 14th, 2014
When our long term cars test cars go back to MINI they get washed, waxed, refurbished and sold to a new owner. And during this process we lose track of where the car goes and who it ends up with. However thanks to MF reader John Calder we now know where our JCW Roadster test car ultimately ended up. continued →
Apr 11th, 2014
Along with signs of spring comes MINI and BMW’s annual Nurburgring testing program. One of the first cars tested this year has been the 2015 MINI Clubman. As you’ve likely read on MF, the 2015 F54 Clubman will feature four doors, a wider chassis and an entirely new interior as compared to the F56. But enough of that, lets check it out in motion around the world’s most dangerous track. continued →
Apr 11th, 2014
While the automotive world is focused on the new MINI, the upcoming four door and Clubman, MINI is quietly working on what will be the largest MINI yet, the F60 Countryman. Expected in the summer of 2017 MINI is already using focus groups to help get feedback on early concepts for the car.
Why is MINI making these changes? Consumer response to the Countryman has been good over the past three years since launch with sales that have exceeded expectations. However it’s clear that those same consumers want a car with slightly more room and less trade-offs. What does that mean?
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Apr 9th, 2014
Official Release: The wait is over! The MINI community voted Alex Coyle’s “DeLux” as their favorite “MINI Originals” design package. Part of the larger Final Test Test Drives contest designed to support the launch of the new MINI Hardtop, Alex Coyle’s blacklight-influenced MINI Hardtop was voted number one by the MINI community over nine other unique owner-developed design packages. A limited number of vehicles (up to 56) with Coyle’s “DeLux” package will be available for order on MINIUSA.com and through MINI dealerships across the country beginning next week through 2014. continued →
Apr 8th, 2014
After a failed attempt at a live show, can you believe Skype was able to save the day? Oh boy did it! Todd, Chad and I still managed to mope our way through a show for you, talkin’ about MINI stuff, like we like to do. Tons of news from MotoringFile.com tonight, Todd took an F56 apart with his teeth and we were joined by Mr. Gabe Bridger. We even talked quite a bit about the issues with the F56 Cooper and what MINIUSA is doing about it.
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Subscribe | Download | 1:03 |WRR @ iTunes | Show Notes
Apr 7th, 2014
Making a Case for the Cooper.
MINI has a unique problem with the Cooper. Traditionally it’s been this swiss army knife within the MINI model range. Sure it’s never been near as fast as the Cooper S, but through every generation, MINI has allowed potential owners the opportunity to spec a Cooper to essentially the same levels of handling. However as the years have gone by and new generations have been released, MINI’s customer base has expanded into a broader segment of the populace. Because of this MINI has wisely made the base (i.e. non-sport suspension) Cooper a little more compliant and perhaps inline with the expectations of a typical consumer. Naturally it’s still more go-kart in feel than other small cars (and certainly more premium) but there’s a little more room between the Cooper and Cooper S with every generation.
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