Nov 22nd, 2005
In November 2004 MINI announced a new OEM Bluetooth that worked with the official armrest and steering wheel controls. Yet for some reason the kit was never been offered in the US. So for the past year those little phone buttons on the multi-function steering wheel have done nothing more than tauntUS MINI owners with their potential.
However we’re proud to announce (after a year of waiting) MINI USA is finally offering the new OEM bluetooth kit integrated into the armrest in the US. This kit is meant to replace the old bluetooth kit (that worked via a small remote control attached to the downtube) and will be the first truly integrated OEM system.
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Nov 21st, 2005
New for 2006, MINIs with anthracite trim now include an anthracite tachometer housing. The new anthracite tachometer is also included with the Piano Black interior.
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Nov 9th, 2005
Like last year, MINI USA will be increasing the prices across the model range for 2006. However, unlike last year (when all cars on the lot by 1.1.05 got the increase) this will only affect cars wholesaled on or after March 1st. Here are the details:
- MINI Cooper: + $500 ($17,450)
- MINI Cooper Convertible: + $500 ($21,950)
- MINI Cooper S Convertible: + $500 ($25,400)
- MINI Cooper S: + $300 ($20,900)
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Sep 8th, 2005
Reader Luke Bussey snapped some great shots of the new JCW rear spoiler and R105 18″ JCW Wheels (the black version) that are currently available in the UK and Europe and will be coming to the US this fall. You can check them out here.
We should have US specific info in the coming weeks.
Sep 7th, 2005
The English Leather seats are a standalone option in the US that are taken straight out of the special edition ‘Park Lane’ Cooper (available outside the US). However we’ve recently learned that the bottom cushion of the US spec seats will feature a ‘unique’ design due to the new US regulated airbag seat sensors first seen on the 2005 MINI. Like the 2005 and 2006 model standard US market MINI sport seats, this means the new English Leather seats lose some of their signature look.
MF reader Luke Bussey actually snapped a few photos of the US spec seats at the recent BMW sponsored event at Lime Rock:
US Spec Front Seats / US Spec Rear Speats
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Sep 5th, 2005
Update: Thanks to an intrepid reader we’ve now learned that JCW isn’t aware of this product being sold as an accessory despite it being shown in the JCW tent along with other JCW parts. While we’ve had this product confirmed by someone at MINI, there still seems to be a real question as to whether this will actually make it to the public.
Yes, that was full carbon fiber bonnet/hood seen recently at the Let’s MINI event in Germany. Despite assumptions, we’ve recently received word that this is not something specifically for a potential special edition MCS Lightweight (which is reportedly still up in the air) but as an option that may simply be a dealer accessory.
Aug 30th, 2005
We’ve got the goods on the three new OEM wheels for the 2006 model year including full weight numbers. In the US all three will be available as dealer accessories with the Flame Spoke (aka the Horseshoe) also being part of the Checkmate package. Outside the US the Delta Spoke will come on the MINI Cooper S7ven; the Bridge Spoke on the Cooper Parklane; and the Flame Spoke on the MCS Checkmate.
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