Since the release of the 2nd generation JCW GP we’ve been debating how it compares to the original. And while we’ve found that the new GP runs rings around the first generation on the road and track, the jury is still out on which actually looks better. So we wanted to take another look at both with back to back photos comparing details of both cars. Which one wins out? Lets hear it in the comments. continued →
A few weeks back at this year’s Geneva Motorshow an MF reader noticed something odd about the fogs of the R56 hatch on the MINI stand. The Foglights were completely different and 100% LED rather than the standard bulbs. A closer look revealed even more. They were fully LED, and illuminated in three ways: the upper half of the halo only, the full halo, or the full halo and the fog lamp lit up.
In the words of MF reader Jason who spotted them, “They look amazing – much better than stock.” However surprisingly the folks at the MINI stand knew nothing about them. We know they were an officially MINI part since they had the world “MINI” stamped into the center of the light itself (and of course they were on the stand of a major auto show).
Over the past couple of week We’ve done some asking around but have thus far come up empty. So we turn to you dear MotoringFile reader. Does anything have any light to shed on these new LED fog lights? Are they unreleased accessories? Or maybe a sneak peek at what to expect on the F56? Or perhaps just MINI designers having a laugh?
MINI Product Manager Pat McKenna took some time out of his busy schedule to chat with us about a couple of the more debated topics on MF recently. First up the GP. More specifically what’s up with the waiver GP owners are having to sign? Then we talk GP sales and value for money.
April 1st 2013, Munich. Official Release: Now for something a little more romantic. The latest version of the MINI Connected App is playing cupid to make MINI fans’ dreams of finding the perfect partner come true. Connect Us is like nothing else out there on planet dating – and can only be used in a MINI. This is not just the world’s speediest dating service, it is also the most reliable. Here, at last, is a matchmaker that goes beyond personal interests, favourite activities and how you like to spend your free time – and gets down to the nitty-gritty: driving style. Connect Us compares how drivers like to treat their accelerator, steering wheel and brakes (as deduced by the MINI Driving Excitement Analyser) in the search for a compatible co-driver on the journey of love. Only if it detects a meeting of minds on the matter of driving fun will the app oil the wheels of romance between MINI fans. The Driving Excitement Analyser function of the MINI Connected App has been available for several weeks as a free download from the Apple App Store. But make sure you don’t take your eyes off the road just when things are getting interesting; the Connect Us, ahem, “update” can be downloaded on one day only: 1 April 2013. continued →
When MINI released the first GP any part associated with it could only be bought if you had an actual GP VIN. It was assumed this would be the case with new GP as well. But surprisingly longtime reader Karl Muller did some digging and was able to order perhaps the more interesting of all parts on the new GP – the rear diffuser. And perhaps most surprising it was not only easy but relatively cheap and simple to install.
EVO Magazine – perhaps our favorite car mag – not only got its hands on a JCW GP but managed to get it to a track and pit it against the best hot hatches from around the world. The results speak volumes of what we’ve been saying about the GP. After our reviews (track drive, video review, road review) we’ve been blown away by the performance and the feel of the thing. Tiff Needell and Richard Meaden seem to agree. In fact even the raw numbers give the GP the edge over the much more powerful 350 HP Focus RS or the AWD 256 HP Audi S1 hitting the highest top-speed and having the quickest time around the track.
A few months ago we introduced the concept of MotoringFile Spec. Over the years, we’ve fielded hundreds of spec-related questions from readers. What packages should they choose? What accessories are must-haves? We’ve seen them all.
Well what if readers could actually buy a car spec’d by MotoringFile? Now you can. We’ve partnered with MINI of Chicago to pre-spec a series of MINIs that will be known as MotoringFile Editions. These cars are based on the existing MINI options and accessories available to US customers, but chosen with MINI enthusiasts in mind.
The first of those cars, MF01, has finally arrived at MINI of Chicago. For those who wondered how MotoringFile would spec a JCW, this is our first answer (of many). This first MotoringFile Edition car is a loaded, White Silver JCW hardtop that features a wide range of options and MINI accessories. The focus of the exterior is a high-contrast look. Black on white with a number of key touches that make this MINI as bold as it is bright. Yet while MF01 is nearly entirely outfitted with off-the-shelf choices from MINI’s massive options and accessories list, there is one rather unique feature.
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: JCW GP, R56 (Hatch) May 3rd, 2013 35 Comments 
