Sections: 2011 LCI, Technology Dec 20th, 2010 9 Comments 
The updated MINI Connected app that is required for the MINI Connected option is finally here. New features include the MINIMALISM Analyser, Google Local Search and GoogleSend to Car. Go grab it and start swiping and taping.
MINI Connected / iTunes
Additionally you can read our review of the option and the app here.
Sections: 2011 LCI, R55 (Clubman), R56 (Hatch), R57 (Conv.), R60 (Countryman), Technology Oct 19th, 2010 45 Comments
It all started with that simple iPod connector that debuted in 2003 in BMWs and MINIs. The idea of connecting technology from outside the car and allowing it to power the infotainment center in the dash. Fast forward seven years and MINI has finally taken a giant leap with MINI Connected.
In fact leap isn’t even the right word. In reality Connected is a watershed moment in automotive technology for the simple fact that it takes software development out of seven year automotive cycles. And equally important it introduces app like mentality that allows for software development to focus on new features that are built on robust platform. That means MINI can tailor the Connected app and your car’s future functionality for whatever comes next in the world of technology. What’s going to be hot in 2013? We have no idea. But in 2013 MINI can update MINI Connected and have it there ready for you.
Or you can also think of it this way; Connected allows MINI related functionality to be driven by your iPhone and then displayed on MINI’s new gorgeous hi-res display all while being controlled by the center joystick. It takes the phone out of your hand and makes the car the interface for your life.
At the recent press launch of the 2011 MINI range, we had a chance to walk-through MINI Connected with BMW Senior Engineer Robert Passaro (one of the lead engineers of MINI Connected). Robert not only talked us through each feature but gave us some background on the technology and why it was built. The idea (as mentioned above) is all about decoupling the car from the technology.
But we’ll let Robert walk you through the system. Here’s a quick video of Robert and myself going through Connected. (video after the break) continued →
Sections: 2011 LCI, Efficiency, R55 (Clubman), R56 (Hatch), R57 (Conv.), R60 (Countryman) Oct 8th, 2010 13 Comments 
Naturally the most gaudy of the numbers belongs to the Cooper hatch at 37 mpg on the highway. But in our minds the MCS hatch is even more impressive at 36 mpg. That’s up 2 mpg while getting a 9 hp boost. Here’s the rundown (full stats after the break): continued →
Sections: 2011 LCI, R55 (Clubman), R56 (Hatch), R57 (Conv.), R60 (Countryman) Oct 8th, 2010 14 Comments We’ve got 222 photos of all the festivities over the past 24 hours to give you a taste of what it was like. As you can imagine the event itself was superb and many thanks have to go out to the MINI USA team for pulling off such a well planned trip. Obviously we couldn’t bring along everyone who reads MF so we’re doing the next best thing and hosting over 200 of the best images of the event. It’s a look at all the different 2011 MINIs from every angle.
We’ll have reviews of the Countryman range as well as a first look at MINI Connected in the coming days.
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Sections: 2011 LCI Oct 6th, 2010 12 Comments The day isn’t quite over but I’ve already gone through the hills in a handful of the 2011 MINI models. We’ll have full reviews of the cars and all the technology of the 2011 line-up in the days ahead. In the meantime, here’s an early look at day one.
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Sections: 2011 LCI, Site News Oct 6th, 2010 37 Comments MINI USA has invited us down to Austin Texas today and tomorrow to drive the entire 2011 MINI model range. We’ll be getting more seat-time in the Countryman as well as another look a the updated R55, R56 and R57 models. And there’s even a rumor that Countryman pricing will make an appearance at the event. You’ll see updates via our twitter account and photos at MotoringFile’s Flickr page continued →
Sections: 2011 LCI, Countryman WRC, R60 (Countryman), Scooter Concept Oct 1st, 2010 8 Comments 
With a few of us covering BMW racing for a title in ALM this weekend at the Petit LeMans, we couldn’t quite make it to Paris this week to cover MINi at the Mondial de l’Automobile. However we’ve still got you covered. We’ve partnered with Kilometer Magazine to bring you exclusive photos of of everything MINI at the show. Enjoy.
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And for a look at the show in it’s entirety head over to Kilometer.
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