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Avenue of the Giants Weekend Run - Sat. March 23, 2024

Saturday will be a very full day of cruising from Novato up through the Avenue of the Giants and ending at Eel River Brewing in Fortuna. Sun...

Ouch!

How not to load a car for transport -

[Source: YouTube via Alta Performance on Facebook]

The Wide Variety Of Classic Minis

The original Mini came in a wide variety of styles. This video captures many of them. (Please pardon the videographer's song choice.)

[Source: WatDidYouCallMe @ YouTube]

Coming Soon - A Toyota MINI?

Today the blogs are abuzz with a rumor that BMW is in talks with Toyota to trade use of the MINI platform to Toyota in exchange for BMW's use of the new Toyota iQ platform for production of the proposed iSetta city car.

[Source: via MotoringFile]

56th And Wabasha, Honey, We Could Be In Kansas By Time The Snow Begins To Thaw

Bob Dylan has licensed use of his voice for GPS Systems. We can hear it now - "Detour - Your old road is rapidly agin'. Please get out of the new one if you can't lend your hand."

[Source: Automotive News via the cartech blog @ cnet; Photo courtesy bobdylanlyrics.net]

Vehicles That Suck You Dry

Not only are the Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series, Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG, Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG, Audi R8, Porsche 911 Convertible Turbo, Audi A8 L W12, Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, Porsche Cayenne Turbo S, BMW M6 Convertible and Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AM terribly expensive to purchase (all retail for over $100,000), based on fuel, insurance, repairs, maintenance and depreciation, according to BMWBlog they are the most expensive to own and drive.

Did You Buy Any Of These In The Past Ten Years?

Cars.com considers the Pontiac Aztek, anything made by Daewoo, Isuzu VehiCROSS, Jaguar X-Type, Pontiac Sunfire, Cadillac Catera, Toyota Echo, Jeep Compass, Chrysler Sebring and Smart For Two to be the worst cars of the 2000's.

MINI Crossover Debut Delayed Until 2010

MotorAuthority reports that MINI will delay unveiling of the new MINI Crossover until 2010 due to development delays. It will not be at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The first versions will be available in front-wheel-drive only, with a BMW Xdrive-derived all-wheel drive model set to go on sale soon after the initial launch.

What Does The Future Hold For MINI?

This video provides some hints because the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept is part of BMW's iProject to bring efficiency (without sacrificing performance dynamics) to the entire range of cars sold by MINI and BMW, not just the upcoming iSetta small city car products.

[Source: MotoringFile]

You Are Supposed To Back It In

Another beer? Or one too many?

[Source: Jalopnik]

Ninjas Attack An Isetta

[Source: via Ridelust]

Wednesday Night Drags At Infineon

Nearly every Wednesday throughout the year, car owners can bring their own cars or trucks and race em drag style on the historic Infineon asphalt.

[Source: cnet cartech blog]

ABF Performance Road Tour 2009 Coming To San Francisco

Coming September 12 & 13, 2009, to Candlestick Park, San Francisco, CA, is the ABF Performance Road Tour 2009 presented by MINI USA and Yokohama Tire Corporation. The tour provides participants with the opportunity to experience the handling, performance, and lifestyle that is MINI. Attendees will be treated to the use of Auto-Cross type courses at each event. They will ride along with professional drivers as they demonstrate the MINI's handling prowess. Then they take the driver's seat and experience first-hand what makes MINI owners so dedicated to the marque. You can also show off what makes your car unique (or just see what others have done to their MINIs). There will be a Car Show and trophies and prizes in over twenty categories (from Best Cooper and Cabrio to Most Miles on the Odometer). In addition, enjoy the Manufacturer's Midway (to find those parts you have been looking for); Product Displays and Demonstrations; ("Ask the Experts" Panels in case you are into some serious customization); Great Gifts and Giveaways; and, of course, food, drink, and a slew of other fun activities.

And It's Free!

For more information, and to register, go to the ABF Motoring website.

Can't Find A Parking Space In San Francisco?

Try GottaPark.com which provides an exchange for rental of parking spaces (or driveways) for a small fee. They currently have about 10,000 spaces available in the Bay Area.

[Source: PSFK]

An iQ MINI?

CarandDriver.com discusses future MINI models and speculates that MINI could work with Toyota to build a vehicle based on the iQ badged as a 21st century BMW Isetta.

Practical Joke Goes Awry

Let robrob8484 @ YouTube tell it:

Teddy Lawrence borrows Tim's truck to take his motorcycle to deals gap and Tim changes Teddy's mini cooper into an Ohio state car. Teddy is a huge Michigan Fan he was not happy.

Batmobile Accessories For Your Own Batmobile

Here is something that could be robin you of some scratch. Now available for $18.00, bat wings and snout to convert your car into a batmobile (of sorts). What, you think I am a joker? Check out the story at AutoMotto.

MINI Roadster Concept And Campaign

This leaked photograph from edmunds inside line appears to depict the MINI Roadster and hints at the marketing campaign to come - "Ideation." Production is expected in 2011.

Two Seater Coffee Table

We so want this in our family room.

[Source: autoblog via The Truth About Cars]

33 Lbs Yeast, 4.7 Gallons Water, 2.2 Lbs Salt, 3 Gallons Of Food Varnish =

One Lifesize F1 Breadmobile.

[Source: Jalopnik]

Imitation Is The Sincerest Form Of Flattery II

Old Mini? No. A Daihatsu Mira Gino which has a 660cc engine and is only sold in Japan. [Source: Ridelust]

How Do You Stop Suicidal Bridge Jumpers? You Butter Them Up

Guangzhou, China had a problem with suicidal jumpers getting on, and jumping from, a bridge. Not only were people dying their escapades were causing severe traffic jams. The government tried employing guards at both ends of the bridge but that didn't work. They put up special fences and notices asking people not to commit suicide there. That didn't work. Then government officials ordered workers to smear butter on all of the climbable surfaces of the 1,000 foot long steel bridge. Now, nobody can get up on the bridge and, if they try, they fall. This seems to have halted most suicide attempts but we have to wonder about flies and what it smells like on a hot, sunny, day.

[Source: Gizmodo]

Is The MINI Coupé Awesome Or Ugly?

The SF Examiner.com believes there is a controversy over the styling. Well, readers, thumbs up or thumbs down? Tell us why.

MINI Coupé Concept Aimed At The Audi TT?

That is what GreenCarReports.com thinks. What do you think?

Bring Back The Original Mini

That is what treehugger.com wants. Its calls the new MINI a "bloated and expensive SUV by comparison."

MINI Clubster S

This is not a BMW or MINI design. Richard Mitchell – a transportation design graduate from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco – conceptually started with the BMW 1 Series platform to give his design, called the Clubster S, a longer profile with rear-wheel-drive. We can only hope the Speedster will be as cool. More photos are available here.

[Source: autoblog]

The Canadian MINI GTA Design Challenge

MINI Canada held a design challenge for the 50th Anniversary of the MINI. This clip interviews the two artists/designers of the MINI Vaughan West entry.

[Source: White Roof Radio via rygold @ YouTube]

MINI 50th Birthday Parties From Around The World

On August 26, 2009, MINI owners all around the globe celebrated MINI's 50th Birthday. Here is Toronto:

[Source: Ritterfalken @ YouTube]

Amazing MINI In-Car Entertainment System

From the Chiba Import Car Show in Tokyo.

[Source: del787b @ YouTube]

Another Cash For Clunkers Say It Ain't So Moment

Why A MINI Coupé Concept?

Because you blog readers asked for it according to this quote from Director of MINI Design Gert Hildebrand:

New ideas never come from the board offices; they come from the floor of the design studio. BMW does trend analysis a lot and every three months we talk to Mini representatives from all over the world to discuss the needs of our clients. But we were never asked to do a coupé. We’re close followers of blogs and so forth, and we just felt that people would like the idea of a car like this.

The coupé will be launched as a Cooper S and a JCW initially and will have specifications to please the enthusiast. With over a 200 lbs. weight reduction over the MINI Cooper, mainly as a result of the all aluminium roof, this will be the fastest MINI ever produced by the factory. Production is expected to occur in 2011 or 2012 and the car will likely be priced about the same as a MCS Convertible. Add 8 to 10% more for the Speedster.

[Source: MotoringFile]

A Reason To Own A Hybrid Vehicle

A Bikini Car Wash for Hybrids Only.

[Source: Jalopnik]

BMW Mule Spied

[Source: TopSpeed]

Five Best Minis Of All Time


According to Jalopnik, the five best Minis ever are Paddy Hopkirk's "33EJB" Cooper S; the Mini-Moke; the Mini Countryman Woody; the Mark VII Mini; and the John Cooper Works New MINI. Check out the article to find out why.

Automotive Kickball

[Source: Jalopnik]

MINI Birthday Greetings

Miniworld provides a birthday greeting on MINI's 50th as well as this cross-section graphic of the original MINI -

Facts About the New MINI Coupé Concept

Dimensions: 146.1 inches overall, 66.1 inches wide and 53.3 inches high.

Luggage Space: It is a true two-seater. The only luggage space is behind the seats. The space itself measures about 8.8 cubic feet, about the same as a regular Mini three-door. There will be a pass-through area so you can grab items from the trunk from the passenger seat.

Engine: Turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-4 producing 211 hp - same as the MINI JCW.

[Source: edmund's inside line]

Where Have All The Power Hot Rods Gone?

Apparently, they have gone to Finland for the 2009 Hot Rod Reunion.

[Source: The Garage]

Happy Birthday MINI! Today You Are 50.

. . . and to celebrate, a music video -

[Source: via MotoringFile]

Video Of the MINI Coupé Concept

Front

Interior

Side

Rear

[Source: via ZerCustoms]

MINI Birthday Commercial

[Source: via MotoringFile]

Is This MINI's Early Reveal?

Is this concept of a two seat MINI Coupe the prototype vehicle MINI has been hinting it will reveal before or at the Frankfurt Motor Show? The rumors are flying and many think so. We shall see soon enough.

[Source: The Thrill Of Driving evo]

Edit: Yes it is!!! Here is a high resolution gallery of the concept.

[Source: MotoringFile]

Faster Than A Stanley Steamer Rocket

We previously reported on the efforts of the British Steam Car Team to break the steam car speed record set by Fred Marriott in 1906 when he went 127.659 mph in a Stanley Steamer Rocket. Today, Charles Burnett III drove the team to a new record with a two way average speed of 139.843 mph in the 25 foot long car Inspiration. Full coverage is available here.

[Source: Wired]

Street Legal Bumper Cars

Salvaged from the Long Beach Pike Amusement Park, builder Tom Wright made seven of these bumper cars street legal with Honda or Kawasaki 750 motorcycle engines. They have been clocked at up to 160 MPH.

[Source: via Jalopy Journal, read more at Bench Race, via Jalopnik]

Half-Scale Cardboard Mini

This half-scale Mini was made from cardboard by Steve Hind. The vehicle is replicated right down to the engine.

[Source: MiniWorld]