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Willow Glen Holiday Lights Cruise - Saturday, December 16, 2023
Join host and Club President Pat Lewis on December 16 for an evening cruise through the holiday lights of the Willow Glen neighborhood in Sa...
Hints Of Merger Of BMW With MINI Hardware

Driving The 15,000 Mile Pan-American Highway In An EV

[Source: Wired]
The MINI Beachcomber May Be Produced
autoblog reports that response to the open-sided MINI Beachcomber concept shown at last year's Detroit and Geneva auto shows was so great that MINI is now discussing production of the vehicle. The article includes videos of Dr. Wolfgang Armbrecht, Senior Vice President of Brand Management for MINI, and Gert Hildebrand, Head of MINI Design, discussing the Beachcomber concept at the Detroit Auto Show.
Winding Road Drives The 2011 Countryman Cooper S

". . . the new, weightier Mini family member comports itself nicely, feeling in the hands and seat of the pants exactly as we imagined it might be at first sight."
"The ALL4 system is a nice 243-pound, all-season add-on and is honestly for nothing more rough than relatively groomed gravel estate paths or well-plowed ski area access roads."
"Does it drive like a go-kart? No. But it gets as close as possible in anything resembling this style of taller, and more spacious, and heavier vehicle. We had a ball at the little test circuit, pulling off controlled slide after controlled slide without ever losing our competitive smile or feeling that pushing the Countryman like this was inappropriate. For these street-going credentials, our Mini Countryman Cooper S ALL4 is the funnest SUVXover yet built for sale by anyone."
"Overall dynamics are great and the steering does it’s best to stay true to what we’ve gotten used to from our Minis. The braking action is right on the button, too, aided certainly by the almost non-existent front and rear overhangs."
"Space for passengers is really fine, including headroom for all."
"Look for the Mini Countryman Cooper S with front-wheel drive to start at around $28,500 and the ALL4 version to begin bankrolling at around $31,000. "
Only Two Days Left To Buy Your Hearst Castle Tour Tickets

NorCal MINIs' Hearst Castle Overnight is June 12-13, 2010. We are staying at the San Simeon Pines Seaside Resort, a quaint older resort on Cambria's Moonstone Beach with fireplaces, a heated pool, a private beach and a very small par 3 golf course (bring a 7, 9, wedge and putter. That's all the clubs you will need to play), at the special rate of $120/night, not including tax (with tax $133.20). NO PETS PERMITTED.
YOU MAY STILL BE ABLE TO BOOK A ROOM AT THE RESORT BY CALLING 866-927-4648 BUT THERE ARE NO GUARANTEES. Other local accommodations may also be available.
For Sunday, June 13, 2010, we have reserved for a group of 30 the 10:30 a.m. Hearst Castle Tour (this requires us to be there by 10:10 a.m.) TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED NO LATER THAN MAY 28, 2010.
The Tour starts with a 40 minute film and is followed by a 55 minute walking tour that starts at 11:10 a.m., covers approximately 2/3 miles and a total of 170 stairsteps, and is complete at 1:05 p.m. (For those with accessibility issues, an accessibly designed tour will start at after the movie at 11:20 a.m. and complete at about 1:20 p.m. If you will need to book the accessibility tour make sure you tell us when you pay for your reservation.) We were able to get discounted group prices for the tour:
Use this Paypal Button to purchase your tickets.
This event is open to the entire MINI community. DON'T MISS OUT! ACT TODAY!
At BMW's New Environmental Test Center

BimmerFile Drives And Reviews The MINI Countryman

It’s an aggressive and masculine design that gives the car a unique character while mapping back to the historical MINI form language. Yet it also works on a functional level helping with airflow and pedestrian impact standards.BimmerFile's conclusion -
MINI has created the best handling and characterful small crossover in the world. While doing that they have pushed the MINI brand into a new category while maintain the character of what we’ve all come to love. However, that said, pricing will still play a significant role in the success of the R60 Countryman and in the US market no final pricing decisions have been made at this time. If the base price of the Countryman Cooper comes in at under $25,000 as we expect then it’ll be a full-on success. With that price it’ll compete with the more mundane crossover options while delivering in expectational performance, style and fuel economy all with a brand that still (even after introducing a crossover) means something. If the Coutryman does all those things then MINI has succeeded in pushing MINI (with brand attribute surprisingly intact) into a new, more lucrative and much larger market.
It Will Be Crowded Out There This Weekend

Unbelievable Animal Rescue Story
In Chile a man hit a dog on the highway. Thinking the dog was dead and that the vehicle would need front end repairs the driver continued on to a repair shop for an inspection and evaluation. Miraculously, the dog was found wedged inside the bumper under the vehicle and was extracted and found to have only broken a leg. Check out the video of the extraction -
[Source: via Carscoop]
[Source: via Carscoop]
MINI Is In Top Ten Among Younger Drivers

You Need A Written Warning?
Anybody here not know that running a fuel engine in a closed space is dangerous?
[Source: White v. Victor Automotive Products]
The Auto Channel Drives And Reviews The MINI Countryman

During the test drive Hemmes found,
Gone is the kart like feel of the Mini One. The Countryman has a more grown up character. Steering is sensitive, but not as sensitive as of other models. Handling is agile, but friendly and leaves a safe impression on the soaked track. Body roll is minimal, an achievement of the development team, with a car that is over 6 inches higher.Hemmes liked the car but pronounced the following verdict - "The extreme fun factor of the original new Mini is gone, but you get more practicality in return."
Can't We Just Drive?

Three out of every twenty drivers (15%) performs sex or other sexual acts while driving!?! Now, that is a good reason to watch out for other drivers. Of course, if you want to do it yourself there are always the illustrated instructions at the Blacklight Arrow blog showing "How To Have Sex In A MINI."
[Source: cartech blog @ cnet]
Chris Forsberg Drifts Road Atlanta
From the Formula Drift Tour -
Chris Forsberg - Formula Drift Atlanta 2010 from Joshua Herron on Vimeo.
Racist Road Sign Hacker In Miami

[Source: via Jalopnik]
New Michelin Sunflower Oil Tires Stop Quicker
Beginning July 1 Michelin will offer its new MICHELIN® PRIMACY™ MXM4® all season tires with a 55,000 mile warranty in 13 sizes with rim diameters ranging from 16- to 19-inches. The tires are made with the oil from specific types of sunflowers that Michelin claims increases traction at low temperatures for braking and handling in wet conditions and has better overall performance in the snow. The proof is in the testing. The tires stopped 23 feet sooner than a set of Continental ContiProContact tires. The new Michelins are expected to replace the Michelin Pilot® MXM4® tires that were oem on many Mercedes, Infinitis and Buicks. On a wet test track the Continentals caused the vehicle to fishtail - the new Michelin's stick like glue. Here, watch the test -
[Source: AskPatty.com]
[Source: AskPatty.com]
The Robin Hood Rally Reviewed

Buckle Up Or Face Big Fines

[Source: via The Auto Channel]
Revised 2011 MINI Engines

Beautiful Mini Moke For Sale In FLA


[Source: Hooniverse]
1950's Anti-Hitchhiking PSA
Beware! Stick out your thumb and a friendly stranger may want to have gay sex with you!
[Source: via I Hate The Media]
[Source: via I Hate The Media]
"Small Is The New Black"

VW Jetta Tailgate Mod

[Source: Jalopnik]
MINI "Motoring Madness" Event
Bamboo EV To Go On Sale In Japan
This odd electric vehicle made from bamboo is called the Meguru. After a two hour charge it will take two people about 25 miles at up to 25 miles per hour.
[Source: Japan Trends via Gizmodo]
[Source: Japan Trends via Gizmodo]
Travie McCoy's "Billionaire" MINI Cooper Music Video
LANGUAGE CAUTION: This music video of Travie McCoy's upcoming release song "Billionaire" contains foul language in the lyrics that may be offensive to some and not suitable for minors. But, damn, it is catchy and contains a really nice MCS Convertible.
[Source: Fueled By Ramen @ YouTube]
[Source: Fueled By Ramen @ YouTube]
Car And Driver Drives The Countryman Prototype

Japan's Manhole Cover Art

AutoWeek Reviews The 2011 MINI Cooper S Countryman

Hope Your Teenagers Made It Home Last Night

MINI vs. Mini On The Track - Compare and Contrast
Here are two track videos - one of a MINI and one of a classic Mini running down a Maserati. Listen to the difference in the vehicles. Both look like loads of fun:
[Source: jbalfournc @ YouTube]
[Source: Mr1275S @ YouTube]
[Source: jbalfournc @ YouTube]
[Source: Mr1275S @ YouTube]
Sandra Powell Has A Bad Hair Day

Deputy: “Ma’am?”Don't believe it, see the videos of the chase and stop for yourself -
Driver: “Yes, sir.”
Deputy: “Are you OK?”
Driver: I’m on my way to get my hair cut and I went the wrong direction and now I’m running late.”
Deputy: “Ma’am, you know you just about caused an accident?”
Driver: “Well, I just about killed myself.”
Deputy: “Do you know how fast you was going?”
Driver: “Yes, I do.”
Deputy: “How fast?”
Driver: “100 miles an hour.”
Deputy: “Huh?”
Driver: “100 miles an hour.”
Deputy: “Do you think that’s safe?”
Driver: “No.”
[Source: via Jonathan Turley]
1 Bike + 1 Bike = 1 Sportscar

[Source: TopSpeed]
MINI Announces Countryman Engine Options Details

[Source: via rpmgo.com]
A First Drive Review Of The MINI Countryman Cooper S

Warming Up To The 2010 MINI
[Special thanks to Erik Holmquist for forwarding this article.]
Who's Going To MINI Meet West?

MINI Of SF Benefit Rally Set For June 13, 2010

For more information, and to register (before June 10, 2010) go to www.minisf.com/rally.
MINI Autocross Run From BMW CCA GGC This Weekend
Nice video from the autocross held by Golden Gate Chapter of the BMW Car Club of America. Their next autocross is at the Marina Muncipal Airport on June 19, 2010.
Dr. Norbert Reithofer Reports to BMW AG
Dr. Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, reported to BMW AG today at their 90th annual general meeting. The full report can be viewed at BMW PressClub USA. Here is what he had to say about MINI:
* * *
BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce are launching a total of 17 new and updated models between October 2009 and December 2010.
* * *
Good news for all MINI fans: The MINI family continues to grow.
September will mark the launch of the MINI Countryman. It is our offering for those customers who are looking for a bit more MINI. It is all about the number four here:
The Countryman is the first MINI with four-wheel drive,
four doors,
four individual seats, and
about four meters in length.
Another two new models will follow suit: the MINI Coupe and the MINI Roadster.
In the first four months of this year, MINI sales have soared again and are up 10 percent compared with the prior-year period. MINI is and will remain the original. MINI has an easily recognizable face, a unique history and well over 1.5 million fans worldwide. With MINI, we have successfully established premium in the small car segment. And MINI is self-confident enough to handle competition.
* * *
Now, the time is ripe for the broad-based application of this technology. We have taken the initiative. Our global field test with the MINI E is a great success. Today, there exists an international MINI E community.
Our customer Tom Moloughney from New Jersey has already covered more than 25,000 miles or 40,000 kilometers with his MINI E. And he writes about it in his blog.
Our customer Hudson Ledwon says about his experiences with the MINI E:
“I have driven about 5,000 kilometers in Berlin over the course of a good six months. I am fascinated by new technologies. And as I like to share good things with others, I also lend my MINI E to my friends. The fastest feedback came from a friend who texted me: So great! I want one too.”
In our latest annual report, we introduce some test drivers.
We asked all MINI E drivers about their experiences with e-mobility in everyday use:
On its suitability: More than 90 percent of all regular mobility requirements were met by the MINI E.
On its range: Drivers felt either slightly or not at all limited by its range.
On charging it: Most drivers recharged the battery at home or at work – every two or three days on average.
And last but not least, the test drivers agreed that they wanted to use environmentally friendly electric power.
So, what conclusions can we draw from their response?
Many enthusiastic customers for e-mobility already exist today.
We will not have to wait until conditions are ideal for e-mobility, with a network of electric fillings stations in place, etc. We can implement e-mobility today.
E-mobility has a future. However, we need global standards. And we need partners such as electricity suppliers and politics.
We are taking action. This year we are launching our MINI E fleet in France and China. Next year, the BMW brand will also provide customers with an electric car test fleet. These cars will be built at our Leipzig plant.
* * *
. . . Growth in the small car segment: In the future, we will record growth both in the large and small vehicle classes. The small car segment in particular is expected to improve. This represents a global trend. Buyers in this segment also demand premium products. Our success with MINI is proof of that. Another advantage of this segment is that it allows us to turn young customers into fans of our brands, people who will continue to buy our cars throughout their lives. All the more reason for us to offer new models in the small car segment in the future – at MINI and at BMW.
* * *
MINI Australia To Get A New National Manager

[Source: The Auto Channel]
Russian Bullet BMW Art Car

MINI Releases Countryman Prototype Photos

Be A Greener Driver

Breaking News: NorCal MINIs' A's vs. Giants Tailgate Information
On Sunday, May 23, 2010, NorCal MINIs will attend the Oakland Athletics vs. San Francisco Giants game at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Group Tickets are now Sold Out but that doesn't mean the NorCal MINIs members can't party before the game. Our friends at MINI of Concord have reserved for our exclusive use Parking Lot tailgate area B4. (The area is in the northeast corner of the south parking lot. Enter from Hegenberger Road and park in Section A7.) MINI of Concord will display a few MINIs and provide hot dogs and hamburgers for lunch. We will be there cooking when the gates open. Bring a side dish to share.
All NorCal MINIs Members are invited to participate! Your NorCal MINIs' Membership Card is your and your Guests' Lunch Ticket.
Let the Battle of the Bay begin!!!
All NorCal MINIs Members are invited to participate! Your NorCal MINIs' Membership Card is your and your Guests' Lunch Ticket.
Let the Battle of the Bay begin!!!
Successful RSR MINIs Race Memorial Day Weekend

[Source: MotoringFile]
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