MINI United has been officially announced for May 11-13, 2012 at Circuit Paul Recard. So what’s next? Tickets. Today MINI has officially opened the virtual ticket window for MINI United. The three day price is only 40 Euros and is available at Ticketmaster.

So why MINI United? We’ve done all the major MINI events around the world and we can assure you, there’s nothing as big or as thoroughly MINI as MINI United. If you have the time we highly recommend considering making the trek to southern France.

Earlier this week, an eagle-eyed reader pointed out that a little event called MINI United was listed on a French racetrack’s online calendar of events. That listing was soon removed, but now we have the official announcement from MINI that the beloved global MINI festival will take place May 11-13, 2012 at Circuit Paul Recard after all. MINI throws a hell of a party and MINI United looks like it’s going to be a great time. We’ve talked with MINI USA and they’ll be putting together something special for US owners who attend as well. More information is available over at MINI Space, and the full press release is after the break. Will we see you there?

[Official Release] MINI United time is here again! The international community growing up around the British small car brand is set to come together for the fourth running of a very special open-air festival; MINI has announced the date and venue for what is sure to be a spectacular event. MINI aficionados and music fans alike should set aside the weekend of 11 – 13 May 2012 in their diaries and programme the destination Le Castellet – or, more precisely, the Circuit Paul Ricard – in France into their sat-navs. Lying in wait for the MINI United 2012 crowd at the circuit, which played host to Formula One races over several decades, will be a top-class line-up featuring live music acts, motor sport, lifestyle action and MINI Community activities.

Some 25,000 fans from more than 40 nations flocked to Silverstone in England for the MINI United festival in 2009 to celebrate not only the third Community catch-up but also the 50th anniversary of the brand’s founding. However, the Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet offers enough space for even the Silverstone masses to be exceeded in number. Indeed, the event programme is richer in depth and variety than ever before. Live appearances by leading lights of the international music and DJ scene, fun sporting activities, stunt shows and driving experiences on the track, exhibitions of accessories, current MINI and Classic Mini cars on display, and the exclusive presentation of a new MINI model ensure an attractive blend of al fresco party, shared experience and MINI action in every shape and form.

An extensive entertainment programme for younger MINI fans is guaranteed, as are a broad spread of culinary treats laid on by various restaurants, bars and catering stations. Other essential features of a MINI United festival are the MINI Club Area and Beauty Parking, which serves as both a car park and stage for the more strikingly styled members of the MINI fleet. Indeed, for the majority of the fans at the fourth MINI United festival, driving to the venue in their own MINI will be the perfect way of getting into the mood for a weekend among the MINI Community.

Further information on MINI United 2012 is now available at www.MINIspace.com/MINIunited. Regular updates on the event programme, motor sport line-up and MINI Community will also be posted on the site, as well as tips and links on the event location, registration, ticket bookings and accommodation reservations in the area around the venue.

While MINI hasn’t officially announced anything, an eagle eyed reader has found that Circuit Paul Recard (long known to be the host for 2012) has it listed under 2012 events. The site lists MINI United 2012 as happening on May 12th and 13th of 2012.

MINI United was originally suppose to be held in 2011. However with budgets and product launches (or lack there of) getting in the way, it was moved to 2012.

We expect the event to once again feature a new product. However what that will be is still up in the air. Originally the rumor was that we’d see the 3rd generation MINI debut. However it would seem that the launch could be pushed to the 2013 calendar year making the a May 2012 debut unlikely.

Could MINI USA possibly hold their bi-annual event, MINI Takes the States, in the same year as MINI United? In years past they’ve alternated years as to give US MINI fans a breather. However according to our sources that will not be the case as MINI USA seems determined to go forward with MINI Takes to the States for 2012.

Thanks to Pascal for the tip.

The 3rd Generation MINI (known internally as the F56) will debut late next summer at MINI United. And if you feel like you’ve heard this news six months ago on WRR and MF, you’re right. However with several sources recently confirming our original report it’s now 100% clear to us that MINI plans on making MINI United a bigger deal than even usual.

We’ll have much more on the F56 in the next few days. And you can look for more event information leading up to MINI United late this fall.

A little birdie informed us this early this morning and now MINI United official Facebook site has confirmed it. MINI United will not be taking place this summer as originally planned. Instead MINI is planning on moving the event to the summer of 2012. The location will remain France but no details have been given.

I think I speak for all MF readers everywhere in saying… bummer.

We’ve just heard (and confirmed) that MINI United will be held on August 26th – 28th. The location (as announced last week) will be somewhere in the South of France.

For those of you that aren’t following along with the MINI United updates on Facebook, they have just announced the location, but no date.

2011: This just in! It’s officially happening in the South of France sometime near the end of summer. Exact dates when we’ve got them, FB/MINI United will be the 1st to know!

No exact location yet but at least we have an idea of which country it will be in. Hopefully dates and exact locations will be following soon, so get those passports warmed up!

The announcement has been made on MINI United’s official Facebook page. No details are available yet and no we can’t spill anything (yet). But we can tell you it’ll be a little sunnier than 2009′s MINI United in England.

Todd and I take the time to completely recap the drunken debauchery that was MINI United 2009. The things we saw, the things we did, including driving Silverstone circuit. Yes, that Silverstone. Yes, in a MINI. Yes, it was pretty awesome. Too bad Todd got an automatic transmission. He ended up taking a leisurely cruise around the course instead.

How about a funny story about MINI USA? Sure, we have one of those too. And, if you missed it, there was this. Which was pretty funny too.

Oh yea, Todd rode in a helicopter. You can see that here.

I was going to ride too, but, well, you’ll just have to listen.

Huge thanks to MINI USA for bringing us along for the ride, and equally HUGE props to RA Events for putting it all together. Those folks can plan an event, lemme tell ya!

And, see what happens when you call into the WRR Voicemail line. You get a free promo. So, do yourself the favor by clicking over ssallykat.com to check out her cool motoring inspired clothing line. Thanks for calling in Sally!

Interested in getting some driver training? On the ice? In Finland. Listen up for details!

If you missed any of our coverage, you can find it all in the MU ’09 category right here at WRR.

Don’t forget, you can keep up with all that’s going on at WRR with our Twitter Machine or on our Facebook page

Woofcast 297, part 2 :

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Of course, it wouldn’t be a MINI United unless we got the chance to talk to the main man in charge, Dr. Wolfgang Armbrecht, Senior Vice President of Brand Management at MINI. He gives us the lowdown on the latest MINI updates. Or, as much as he could. Pay special attention to the part about the Crossover and the “optional” four wheel drive feature. Also, in what should be music to some enthusiasts’ ears, note that Dr. Armbrecht stated that in the future MINI would be focusing on “the trend toward smaller cars”. Keep in mind this statement followed some discussion of the Crossover, a larger MINI, but the statement can be taken as a hopeful hint of where MINI may be going next.

This is the last of our MINI United coverage. If you missed any of it, you can find it all here. Don’t forget to also check out the WRR YouTube Channel for the all of the video we posted.

MINI United ’09: Dr. Armbrecht Interview :

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What would MINI United be without the owners? We get a chance to speak to many of the people from the US and quite a few of the locals as well.

There is still a little more audio to follow, including our interview with Dr. Armbrecht. Watch for that! If you missed any of the photos, you can check them out here. Don’t forget to also check out the WRR YouTube Channel for the all of the video we posted.

MINI United 2009 – The people:

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At MIN United Todd got the opportunity to catch up with Udo Mark, the technical coordinator of the MINI Challenge world-wide. Details on the Challenge car set ups, rules and differences between the street legal JCW and the JCW Challenge car are discussed.

Stay tuned for even more audio from MINI United 2009.

MINI United: Udo Mark:

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Shortly after we reported on the WC50, Todd was able to connect with Gabe during his weekend to talk about the car and a little bit about MINI United.

There is still more to come gang! We’ve got interviews with owners, Dr. Armbrecht and others that will be coming later in the week.

MINI United: Todd & Gabe:

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We had the chance to interview Michael Hoehn, Director of MINI Challenge Development. It’s a great piece for all those interested all that goes into the MINI Challenge.

Still to come is our interview with the Technical Director for the MINI Challenge as well as Dr. Armbrecht from MINI AG.

MINI United Interview: Michael Hoehn

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Official Release: Driving the MINI is simply fascinating – time and again. But the unique feeling so typical of the MINI goes much, much further. And to express his or her passion for unmistakable style also off the road, the genuine enthusiast will find lots of options in the MINI Collection.

This unique Collection comprises fashion, jewellery, accessories and lots of lifestyle products which make it easier not only for the MINI driver to clearly express his or her individual style. Technology, innovation, fun and quality are the primary features offered by the MINI Collection. And like the MINI model range, the MINI Collection is constantly growing and becoming increasingly versatile. Creativity and inspiration are therefore the name of the game in both cases, constantly presenting new facets of a unique feeling in life. New models and new lifestyle products, therefore, enable the connoisseur to enjoy the typical feeling of MINI in a growing number of situations.

On its route in becoming an international best seller in all classes and on all levels of society, the classic Mini in its day already inspired the world of fashion time and again. Renowned designers created individual, one-off models with exceptional body paintwork and interior features.

In the 1970s the Mini finally proceeded from the garage to the houses of its fans everywhere – as a miniature model for the children’s room or as a collector’s item for the display cabinet.

Introducing the MINI, the Company also decided to start the unique MINI Collection. And from the beginning, this exclusive line-up of outstanding products was characterised by stylish, cosmopolitan and highly appealing as well as truly surprising details. The MINI Collection takes up the latest exciting trends time and again, continuing and enhancing these trends in the typical style of the brand. MINI all the way: imaginative, versatile, unmistakable.

In their drafts for the MINI Collection, the most outstanding designers focus not only on the latest fashion trends, but also on the design language and lines of the various MINI models. Indeed, the cars also set the foundation for the various products through their colours and materials, helping to create a product portfolio typical of the brand and truly versatile in every respect, and constantly introducing new ideas to remain absolutely unique.

A good example in this context is MINI’s close cooperation with the Japanese brand Onitsuka Tiger, using design features carried over from the MINI Clubman for their range of sneakers. Rubber patches on the front and back of these sneakers have the same honeycomb design as the radiator grille of the MINI Cooper S Clubman, the inner sole comes in the same profile as the leather seats in the car, and a MINI logo is to be admired beneath the tab on the heel.

A new highlight in the fashion range: the MINI Anniversary T-Shirt.

Moving on to fashion products, the current MINI Collection offers particular highlights through a “Drive of Fame” star printed on the various garments and further embellished by attractive embroidery. The range of choice in the Women Styles Collection extends from classic T-shirts bearing various MINI motifs, dresses, sweat shirts and jackets all the way to the Ladies’ Biker Jacket with its upright collar and extra-wide belt.

The Men’s Styles also come with a wide range of T-shirts, sweat shirts and jackets, as well as the Men’s Bike Jacket and a white Men’s Tattoo Longsleeve as brand-new highlights with a print motif applied inside and shining through to the outside.

Various T-shirts and sweat jackets with individual print motifs and styles are also available specifically for the youngest fans of MINI.

Yet a further highlight in the current range is the John Cooper Works Collection comprising both fashion products and accessories as an expression of the brand’s sporting spirit also beyond the race track. And celebrating the anniversary of MINI, the fashion range for men and women now comes with an exclusive T-shirt proudly bearing the anniversary logo at the front.

MINI feeling wherever you go: accessories and lifestyle products.

The MINI Collection also comes with a wide range of bags and cases enhanced once again in the anniversary year – stylish and trendy companions for everyday life and when travelling. In developing and producing these accessories, MINI cooperates with the most renowned suppliers ensuring full observance of MINI’s quality standards.

The other accessories include sunglasses, baseball caps, belts, scarves and watches again in that unmistakable MINI style, as well as numerous products providing special moments on and next to the road. A MINI magnet board, a laptop case, note pads, address books, key rings, bottles for all kinds of beverages, picnic cloths, a rain cover, the MINI Baby Racer for the sporting youngster, miniature models in various dimensions and colours, a car racing set and even a MINI cushion allow the enthusiast to enjoy the individual style and flair of the brand everywhere and all the time.

The Cuckoo Clock reminiscent in its design of the large circular instrument on the dashboard of the current MINI has already become a spectacular classic in the MINI Collection. A particular highlight of this wall clock now available in two versions is the 1:93 model of a MINI or a MINI Clubman running round the face of the clock every hour, with that typical sound of a MINI replacing the call of the cuckoo. Another equally unique feature exclusive to the MINI Collection is the 14-litre Urban Chill Box serving to keep beverages both cool and hot and available in five different designs.

The MINI Collection: starring at fashion events and on the cinema screen.

The MINI Collection has already become a highlight in the fashion scene and is to be admired regularly at the most outstanding fashion events. One of these events is the renowned BREAD & BUTTER fashion show in Barcelona, where the MINI Collection has already been presented on various occasions. Other, comparable events likewise provide the ideal setting time and again for the MINI brand.

Like the car itself, the MINI Collection has also made it to the cinema screen, with numerous performances in many productions. The Cuckoo Clock and the MINI Baby Racer, for example, play important roles in the Disney production Lily the Witch – the Dragon and the Magical Book. Together with the leading female star Alina Freund, the animated dragon Hector shows his great interest in the MINI Collection in this cinema production of the famous children’s book. In particular he loves the MINI Baby Racer for getting around in fast and furious style.

All products in the MINI Collection are marketed worldwide through the MINI dealer network. An overview of the MINI Collection with all its products is also available online, with all products being presented at www.MINI.com/shop, where the enthusiast may also place his or her orders.

Another fantastic interview with the head of MINI design, Gert Hildebrand. You want to pay special attention to this one, especially when Gert starts talking colors.

MINI United Interview: Gert Hildebrand

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One of the best aspects of MINI United is the motorsport. From the MINI Challenge to the classic Mini racers, there was non-stop action this past weekend at Silverstone.

We get the chance to talk to the man, the myth, the legend, Rauno Aaltonen. Always a great guy to talk to and always full of great information. What you didn’t hear is the conversation Todd and Rauno had talking about all things Apple.

MINI United Interview: Rauno Aaltonen

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25,000 enthusiasts from more than 40 countries converged on Silverstone to wish MINI a happy 50th birthday.

Official Release: The third edition of what has already become the legendary MINI United Festival was held this year from 22 – 24 May in glorious sunshine at the Formula One track in Silverstone, England. 25,000 fans from more than 40 countries made the pilgrimage to the world’s premier gathering of its kind. They arrived in over 10,000 MINI models, most of them lovingly individualised. Numerous German fan clubs made their way to the venue, mostly setting out by car on the long journey to the UK. Even for participants from as far afield as Russia, the USA and South Africa, no effort or cost was too great to ensure they could pay personal tribute to the British classic on its 50th birthday. Likewise determined not to miss out on this winning mix of racing action, music festival and lifestyle spectacular were a whole raft of celebrities.

As part of the world premiere for the new Mayfair and Camden special models, the now 75-year-old Mary Quant – British style icon and inventor of the miniskirt – disclosed a long-guarded secret: the designation “mini-skirt” is not derived from the celebrated brevity of the garment; it was her much-loved car that inspired her to choose this name.

To mark the 50th anniversary, MINI also took the wraps off a reinterpretation of George Harrison’s flamboyant model. This one-off, presented to Olivia Harrison on Saturday night, fully met the precise design brief of the Beatles’ widow. She accepted the MINI on behalf of the Material World Charitable Foundation, a charity which George Harrison founded in 1973. The car will be auctioned this year to raise funds for the foundation. “George was a huge MINI fan and he would have enjoyed this new version. The fact that the 50th anniversary celebrations for MINI will also benefit our foundation has made it an enjoyable as well as meaningful collaboration,” said Olivia Harrison.

But there were plenty more unique models to get pulses racing among the fans. British fashion designer Paul Smith again presented the model created by him, while the designs by David Bowie, Kate Moss, Missoni and the acclaimed illustrator and graphic designer Alan Aldridge were also on display. Similarly drawing approving looks were the original cars from films like “The Italian Job” and “Austin Powers”.

The major highlight of the United Festival was the appearance of “modfather” Paul Weller, erstwhile frontman of the two legendary bands The Jam and The Style Council and now a longstanding and highly successful solo artist. “As I’ve been driving MINI all my life, I was delighted to be able to join in the 50th birthday celebrations,” said Weller. As a tribute to the British artist, the band Twisted Wheel performed a cover version at the festival of one of his classic numbers, “That’s Entertainment”. The track will be exclusively available from the MINI website: www.mini.com.

The official video recap of MINI’s largest event ever. Our coverage will continue throughout the week and even into next week as we finish all of our audio interviews and get more video up. Also look for a huge scoop tomorrow regarding a new option that came out of MINI United.