Ask Vinnie: Your Chance to Talk Directly to MINIUSA’s Product Manager Vincent Kung
Over the past couple of years we’ve found some of the most popular stories on MF have been our Ask Stracco features. They were a rare opportunity to ask questions and get answers from MINI USA’s product manager directly. You could get answers to questions about current products as well as get a few hints and upcoming options and accessories. While Mr. Stracco may be gone, the feature will live on now that the MINI USA Product Manager hat has been passed to Vincent Kung. Vinnie has graciously extended an exclusive invitation to MotoringFile readers to grill ask him anything and everything under the sun about the MINI.
However due to both his and our time constraints we’re limiting the number of questions to 10 and only 10. So for starters that means if you want your question answered you’ll have to submit it in the comment section below. Then we at MF will pick what we feel are the 10 best questions and hand them off to Vinnie.
Look for answers in about a week’s time. Now, what happens if you don’t get your questions pick you ask? Well that’s the best part. This is the first of many Ask Vinnie features will be launching on MF throughout the year. So keep your eye on MF and you’ll get many more chances over the coming year.
We’ll close comments on this post this Wednesday at 12pm EST (5am GMT Thursday) so make sure to get your questions in asap.
And remember to keep these questions focused on products – not a specific regarding your car.
Comments are now closed. We’ll pick 10 questions from what is below and have answers next week!
<p>Will the brake duct kit become available for standard ( non-aero kit ) cars?</p>
<p>Expect lotsa questions regarding the Prince engine reported cold start problems…..</p>
<p>Here is my only question to Vinnie….. When can we expect to see the “facelifted” second gen MINIs?</p>
<p>Future products question: The R56, R55 and upcoming SUV all have taken Mini in a progressively bigger and more expensive direction than the R50/R53. Is there anything on the drawing board that would excite those of us hoping for at least a smaller, if not less expensive, Mini variant in the future?</p>
<p>Vinnie, do you honestly think that in this economic turmoil, people will be lining up at dealerships to order $35K-$40K MINI SUVs?</p>
<p>What happened to the days when MINI proudly waved the slogan ” The SUV backlash starts now?”.</p>
<p>I would like to know Vinnie’s view on the fact why so many JCW’s are sitting idle at dealerships. I presume this is partially due to the economy but I wonder if he thinks if the potential JCW buyer has stated with their pocketbook that Mini somewhat missed the market?</p>
<p>Also would love to hear what he thinks about the large polarization that is happening in the Mini community over the R60.</p>
<p>Btw Vinnie a huge thanks for taking the time to do this, great to see this feature return to Motoringfile. The ask Stracco stories are some of my favorite on Motoringfile.</p>
<p>As C4 noted, questions on Mini long term reliability have keep me on the fence on the new models.</p>
<p>Are the new convertible models susceptible to the cold start rattle, melting hood scoops and throttle body icing issues many people are currently working though? Can fixes be retro-fitted to current models?</p>
<p>Also, with the current strength of the US dollar against the Pound, are any price adjustments coming (up or down)?</p>
<p>I would like to know if there have been any software updates to the R56 control programs. Specifically, will there be any way of increasing the options available to the driver’s programmed settings. I’ve never experienced the cold start problem (my car did throw a code once that affected engine starting but that cleared itself after two days).</p>
<p>Where did the “yo vinnie” come from?</p>
<p>My question… <strong>Any plans for a MOKE type vehicle?</strong></p>
<p>C4… thumbs up man…</p>
<p>“What happened to the days when MINI proudly waved the slogan †The SUV backlash starts now?â€</p>
<p>……gotta love it when a company gets bitten by it’s own slogans… ;-)</p>
<p>Wrt Tony’s question above, you should put some “meat on the bones” when you ask it. We know for a fact that redesigned parts have become available in the system for the timing chain tensioner, the intake manifold, and (perhaps) the hood scoop.</p>
<p>Can Vinnie guarantee that all R55, R56, and R57 vehicles rolling off the assembly line in March 2009 and later have these redesigned parts to help mitigate the associated performance issues?</p>
<p>Does an existing owner need to demonstrate the problem before being eligible for the updated parts?</p>
<p>I would like an answer to bee1000’s question. I would like to build on that question as well. Why not build/revive a Triumph roadster? There were many rumors of this a couple of years ago. The Triumph roadster would sell well even in this econonmy. I would place a deposit down now if MINI were to build it. A Triumph roadster is more in keeping with MINI’s image than a SUV. I believe that in many ways MINI has lost its way. By developing a roadster, MINI could return to its original focus of building small, fun, fuel-efficient cars.</p>
<p>@<a href="#comment-254928" rel="nofollow">bee1000</a>:</p>
<p>Vinnie,</p>
<p>Convince me not to sell my “08” Clubman S!
The dealer just explained because my wife uses it for city driving and the clock will not stay set. 4000 miles in one year.
So, MINI recommends I replace the battery as the issue is the battery is not being charged enough.
They will replace the battery under warranty on the condition that I buy a battery tender and plug the car in at night.
My wife is pissed and is ready to dump this POS.
Why buy a MINI for the city if it can’t hack it?
And yes, (I’m) no, we are pissed!
Previous cars include, 330ci, X3, so why can’t the MINI do the same job??</p>
<p>Wow! Tough crowd. And keep in mind Vinnie is the USA product manager, not responsible for global issues.</p>
<p>I never liked the “SUV backlash starts now” because I owned an SUV (still do) when I bought my first Mini.</p>
<p>I already know one person who’s hoping her aged honda holds out till the R60 is here….</p>
<p>But now for my question: Where does MINIUSA think it fits in the price/value matrix? What brands/models does MINIUSA view as it’s toughest competition? And is MINIUSA willing to let the cat out of the bag on the locations of any more of the planned US dealerships?</p>
<p>Thanks,</p>
<p>Matt</p>
<p>Mr. Kung, Why does the most essential wind deflector cost so much …$500 dollars? I respect that there’s research and technology behind this accessory. So is it that much different from the old one? Unofficial reports say it won’t fit the R57 (I am looking to order from England since the Dollar is favorable to the Pound now). Please, what’s the whole story here on the R57 Wind deflector. Best Regards, a soon-2-B-R57 Owner</p>
<p>Any hope for a MINI dealer to be established in Tucson AZ ?</p>
<p>What is Vinnie doing to insure the long term viability of the MINI brand? With so many people seemingly upset with the overall “Growth” of both the MINI product line and the actual girth of the automobile itself, what is being done to insure that A) the car is being true to it’s heritage (sizewise) and B) making sure that the product line itself doesn’t become heavy with cars that can’t be sold.</p>
<p>How about the mid-cycle refresh on the R56, what kind of changes can we expect there?
How about something concrete on the cold-start issue; this sort of thing shouldn’t be allowed to linger. Like the last person at a Christmas party, some things have just got to go and this issue is one of them. Finally, how about throwing me a bone and send a picture of the 2012 Cooper S; I promise I won’t let it get around…</p>
<p>@<a href="#comment-254952" rel="nofollow">Dr Obnxs</a>:</p>
<p>Matt, Vinnie may not be responsible for global product expansion but he does have a “say” on marketing and product expansion plans for the United States, currently MINIs #1 global market (The UK and Germany come 2nd and 3rd respectively).</p>
<p>Like they say…”If you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen”.</p>
<p>Man, “un-convenient” questions keep coming to my head today…</p>
<p>Yo Vinnie!</p>
<p>How about bringing back the excellent steering and general visceral feel that are hallmarks of the 1st gen R53 Cooper S (Among many others) to the upcoming 3rd gen 2012 MINI?</p>
<p>Yo, Vinnie. How you doin? Say hi to your mother for me, ok?</p>
<p>Seriously…
<b>Any plans for an R56 GP 2.0? And maybe one that really is light weight this time?</b></p>
<p>Definitely look forward to an answer about the cold start issue. I am like many other informed folks in that I hesitate to plop 30K down on a vehicle that sometimes sounds worse than a diesel.</p>
<p>I also hope to hear something about a redesign of the center console as I feel the AC switches in particular look like they came from Fisher-Price.</p>
<p>Thanks for taking the time to respond to our questions, Vinnie.</p>
<p>would also like Vinnie’s view on what is Miniature in his mind, since this is where Mini came from. The Mini brand is larger and heavier than a lot of vehicles. At nearly 3k pounds this is like a weight loss class where the 350lbs guy is called miniature compared to the 500lbs one. Still the base face is the Mini is really a long shot from being Mini in my mind. Don’t get me wrong however still love the brand, just with the R60 likely to go north of 3000lbs I think there is a serious disconnect on what miniature is.</p>
<p>Where are the 13 new MINI dealerships opening up, and if possible, when?</p>
<p>Any possibility of the MINI roadster ever moving forward? Along these same lines, anything you can share with us, (details, sketches, speculation, rumors, etc.)?</p>
<p>Will we see the standard content of the JCW changed in th US like it was in the UK? I plan on trading my 06 MCS next year and will get a JCW if the price/Standard content gets better.</p>
<p>What effect if any do you see the Fiat 500 having on the MINI brand when it comes to the states?</p>
<p>Why is there such a large price gap between the MCS and the 128i?</p>
<p>Why should I keep a car that can’t be drivin in the city due to the battery not holding a charge??</p>
<p>It’s on its way out of my life.</p>
<p>Lets see, can I also thinly veil a complaint as a question, something like “when are you going to stop doing what your doing and start doing exactly what I think you should be doing…” Nuts – I’m just no good at that. Forgive me guys.</p>
<p>How about this: There have been rumors in the past of BMW reviving other sporting marques for possible distribution through the Mini dealer network. Is there any chance of that happening?</p>
<p>…hehehe, lavardera…</p>
<p>…the lost art of just being curious about others vs feigning interest in lieu of self-centeredness…</p>
<p>…is there an chance of existing BMW dealerships having a MINI trained mechanic on hand even if they don’t sell MINIs???</p>
<p>…it’s still 150 miles to the nearest dealership and there are a hole lotta MINIs in central illinois…</p>
<p>…also, when can we expect real-world images of the r60, cause i want one with a diesel please…and thank you…</p>
<p>Any updates on the Mini Cooper D making it’s way to the United States?</p>
<p>Will MINI ever offer a Mini Cooper in chrome orange? (think Lotus Elise orange)</p>
<p>I agree, it would be great to get an oil change at a bmw dealer 5 miles away as opposed to my mini dealer 100 miles away. Simple things like brake jobs, oil changes, and routine maintenance would be great. I don’t mind if I have a special problem, but I just spent my Saturday going for my yearly service, 100 miles away, for an oil change and ac filter.</p>
<p>Seconding the question regarding the redo of the center stack. Please say it’ll happen soon and will be consistent with the premium car image you are trying to portray. Thanks in advance for taking the time to respond to our questions.</p>
<p>I don’t think any of my comments are thinly veiled as a question Lav, just a simple questions for anybody at Mini that have enough guts to face some of the questions of the Mini community. I actually don’t care if my questions are picked up as I don’t think Vinnie is the right person for some of it, however the push back from the community I think directly fits his job role.</p>
<p>I would just like to know if the product planning team sees a departure from what JCW stood for when compared to what JCW is today. How about if they notice a gap when seen from the eyes of the consumer?</p>
<p>If if they do admit a perception gap, do they plan on bringing it back on course or not?</p>
<p>Also, interior changes please!!!! Does the team have any plans on improving the materials used and design when compared to competitors? Or will it just be a dictatorship again?</p>
<p>I echo the questions regarding a more performance oriented MINI–is there a GP type R56 MINI in the pipeline? More and more manufacturers have gone to limited edition street legal club racer type editions, if ever there was a car (and a market, done in limited numnbers) for it, the MINI would be it. Hell, just build 50 of them, as long as I’m on the list…</p>
<p>Any word on how much longer dealer installed JCW kits will be available for the first gen MINIs (R50-53)? Will there be a “close-out” or clearance of first gen performance parts?</p>
<p>Will these 3 points be improved on the 2010 refresh of the R55</p>
<p>1- HDD based Nav with improved screen resolution
2- A proper opaque sun shade for the sunroof
3- A better latching center armrest mechanism</p>
<p>Just a couple of questions. Is there any chance of changing the programing to add “engine tempature”, to the display? Also, what about turning down (or off) the “gong” to the seat belt warning or changing the volume or chime to the turn signal indicators?</p>
<p>I second Ookami’s first question:</p>
<p>Any updates on the Mini Cooper D making it’s way to the United States?</p>
<p>Like others have already posted, I want to know about smaller, and, more importantly, less expensive variants that still have the go-cart handling. I had an ’03 Cooper, but MINI’s are now priced out of my market. I would like to see something the size and price of the 500, w/ a diesel, or, like another poster stated a reincarnation of the Triumph (w/ a diesel).</p>
<p>I’m very curious of there are any planned changes to interior options. Items such as
1) A solid sunroof shade versus the perforated fabric
2) any possible return of the chrono pack from days past?
3) any talk of making the switch color lighting change throughout all interior instrment panels?</p>
<p>What is the future of the Mini interior? Will they go back to a “normal” sized speedometer without the crystal ball look? I think it needs to be MINImalized back to R50/53 size and all interior options should be available worldwide, ie: underdash parcel shelf.</p>
<p>Will MINI ever have a rear wheel driver, perhaps akin to the BMW 1-series?</p>
<p>How will you follow up on the success of the R56, more refined, less polluting, fuel efficient engine, better crash impact ratings, better interior room for the driver (I like the center stack as it affords more leg room and my right leg isn’t crammed up against the center stack), better interior materials (although the center stack has a few that could be replaced), and more refined but still great driving dynamics. Keep up the good work.</p>
<p>I would like to know about certain euro options like the arm rest. I’d like to have the european arm rest with a flip instead of sliding lid that never stays closed!</p>
<p>Will MINI ever have an opaque retractable sunscreen for the moonroof? It kind of defeats the purpose of a glass panel if you need to put vinyl film on it to make it opaque.</p>
<p><b>Note: Please remember to keep this product focused. Vinnie cannot answer specific questions about your specific problems. Your dealer is best to address that.</b></p>
<p>@<a href="#comment-255006" rel="nofollow">Big Jim</a>:</p>
<p>Jim, stay tuned for accessory gauges that can add the following to the 2nd gen MINIs.
For hardtop/clubman models without garmin added, you can actually attach 2 of the 3 gauges.</p>
<p>Oil temp
Coolant temp
G-meter (measuring lateral G’s while driving)</p>
<p>All of them are analog.</p>