[Source: traversmangDOTyeah @ YouTube]
WHAT'S COMING UP?
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...
Media Day For The 2012 MINI Challenge
MotorSport Vision Racing presents Championship co-ordinator Paul Harvey who provides this preview of the 2012 MINI Challenge and the new Brands Hatch MINI Festival.
JCW Countryman To Appear At Geneva Auto Show
MotorAuthority Gives The 2012 Clubman An 8
MotorAuthority gives the 2012 MINI Cooper Clubman an 8 out of 10 in its review. It decides:
The good news is that opting for the more practical Clubman doesn't mean you have to miss out on any of the regular Cooper's sporty offerings like the 208-horsepower John Cooper Works edition. For our money we’d definitely pick this variant, as not only do you get a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine dishing out 208 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque, but a host of suspension mods to help you make the most of it.
Consumer Reports Says MINI Clubman Worst In Class
The Making Of Roadster Designer Custom Handbags
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[Photo Credit: Francesco Carrozzini via MINI Space] |
MINI Connected Gets AUPEO!
MotoringFile reports on a BMW/MINI press release that announces:
The AUPEO! app for the Apple iPhone will be downloadable free of charge from the iTunes App Store at www.itunes.com/appstore.
The AUPEO! Personal Radio iPhone app will soon be available for all current BMW and MINI models.
The AUPEO! app for the Apple iPhone will be downloadable free of charge from the iTunes App Store at www.itunes.com/appstore.
DuPont Registry Reviews The 2012 S Coupe
Tabitha Baez reviews the 2012 MINI Cooper S Coupe for DuPont Registry. Baez says, in part:
When the Coupe S was in Sport mode, we noticed the increased responsiveness of the throttle sportier tuning of the ride. Its handling was like a dream, offering a firm grip on the road and easily tackling corners like a rally car. The short wheelbase renders a smaller turning radius, making U-turns as quick as a New York minute.
MINI Owners - Join Us At Pacific Coast Dream Machines
On April 28, 2011, NorCal MINIs will participate in the 22nd Annual Pacific Coast Dream Machines Show at the Half Moon Bay Airport in Half Moon Bay, CA. This is an incredible charity event for the Coastside Adult Day Health Center with a huge selection of beautiful and unique vehicles.
Registration is now open . Click HERE to register and for more information. If you enter before April 15, 2012, the entry fee is $30 which entitles the driver and passenger admission to the event (after April 15, 2012, the cost goes up to $40 and, if you don't enter your vehicle, admission is $20/adult, Age 11-17 and 65+ $15 (Cash only accepted at the gate).) By entering your vehicle you will save money and be able to park with us.
To park together we must arrive early and first assemble off-site. Thus, we will meet up at 7:00 a.m. in the parking lot in front of:
Peet's Coffee & Tea
142 San Mateo Road
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
[MAP]
(This is at the corner of Highway 92 and Highway 1)
We have invited the members of Redwood Empire MINI Enthusiasts to join us at this event.
Members may respond to their email invitations when received. Non-Members (and Members) may also tell us they are coming by sending us an email at info@norcalmins.com.
Here's a promotional video from last year!
We hope to see you there!
Registration is now open . Click HERE to register and for more information. If you enter before April 15, 2012, the entry fee is $30 which entitles the driver and passenger admission to the event (after April 15, 2012, the cost goes up to $40 and, if you don't enter your vehicle, admission is $20/adult, Age 11-17 and 65+ $15 (Cash only accepted at the gate).) By entering your vehicle you will save money and be able to park with us.
To park together we must arrive early and first assemble off-site. Thus, we will meet up at 7:00 a.m. in the parking lot in front of:
Peet's Coffee & Tea
142 San Mateo Road
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
[MAP]
(This is at the corner of Highway 92 and Highway 1)
We have invited the members of Redwood Empire MINI Enthusiasts to join us at this event.
Members may respond to their email invitations when received. Non-Members (and Members) may also tell us they are coming by sending us an email at info@norcalmins.com.
Here's a promotional video from last year!
We hope to see you there!
Roadster Cooper S An "Impractical Plaything"
That is what The National concludes in its review. But, it also says:
The Roadster scores over the Coupé in being a more visceral and invigorating experience, especially because you can revel in the exhaust's more parpy note once the sports button is pressed. The massive central speedometer remains useless but is now a signature design feature, but all the info you need is in front of you.
Comparison of 2012 Juke, S Countryman All4 and Compass Latitude 4X4
Car and Driver compares the 2012 Nissan Juke AWD, the MINI Cooper S Countryman All4 and the Jeep Compass Latitude 4X4 and puts them through a number of tests. In part, here is what it has to say about the MINI:
This swollen Mini—all Minis, in fact—would have more securely won our hearts if someone would sort out its cockpit goofiness. What seems fun at first—a speedometer the size of a basketball, window-lift toggles hidden in front of the shifter, the world’s most mismatched and insanely located switchgear—isn’t even remotely amusing during a white-knuckle midnight drive through sleet. We also noted that, with two largish males up front, this car always felt claustrophobic, full of hot air and bad breath. Also keep in mind that the rear seats in our test car comprise two buckets only, although they’re quite comfortable.
When the planets align—meaning perfectly smooth roads, sunshine, one man aboard, the sport button already located and selected by someone who knew how to find it—the Countryman proved the most fun to drive in our group, scoring points as fast as six-foot-seven, 260-pound Metta World Peace. Who, by the way, likely won’t fit inside one.
msn Auto Readers Give 2011 MINI Cooper A 10
While its readers gave it a 10, msn Autos only gave it a 7.8.
Car Chooses The MINI Coupe Cooper SD For Long Term Review
Car Magazine picks a MINI Coupe Cooper SD, the S diesel version of the Coupe unavailable in the U.S for a long term review. It explains this choice:
Opting for the Cooper SD version was a bit of a no-brainer. While the diesel Coupe loses out on the power front to its petrol-powered cousin (143bhp versus 184bhp) it clouts it for torque (a chunky 225lb ft at 1700rpm against 177lb ft at 1600rpm). And in everyday driving, high levels of low-rev torque is king. A 7.9 second dash to 62mph and a 134mph top speed means the Coupe will feel spectacularly quick after the Honda. And a claimed combined economy of 65.7mpg (the petrol Cooper S returns 44.1) sealed the deal for the diesel.
Gain Insight Into BMW/MINI's Drivetrain Strategy
BMWBlog interviewed Holger Jeebe of BMW’s Antriebstrategie (Strategical Aspects, Drive Train) at the Frankfurt Motor Show and discussed front wheel drive versus rear wheel drive plus the upcoming 500cc per cylinder modular engine.
A MINI Dealer For Jordan
MINI has opened its first dealership in Amman, Jordan. According to MotoringFile:
A new Middle East sales record was achieved in 2011 not just by the MINI brand but by the BMW Group as a whole, with a total of 18,657 BMW and MINI vehicles delivered to countries in the region. The most popular markets were the Emirates Abu Dhabi and Dubai, alongside Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar, in all of which MINI too is strongly represented. Beyond this, the British premium brand sells its models in Lebanon, Bahrain and Oman as well.
Edmunds Inside Line's First Drive In The Roadster S
Alistair Weaver for Edmunds Inside Line concludes, after his first drive:
The Roadster is a logical extension of the Mini brand, but is hardly the last word in originality. The big challenge for the Mini types in Munich is to conjure something more imaginative without offending its more traditional fans. The handsome, innovative Rocketman looked like the way forward, but has now been cancelled.
We have no doubt the Roadster will find a willing army of fans who must have the latest Mini. It is fun to drive and, to our eyes, better-looking than the Coupe, but the ride quality is still questionable and the roof is crude. For $28,000, we expected more.
After considerable seat time in the 2012 Mini Roadster Cooper S, we couldn't help but think that we still find the original Mini (the modern one) the best of the breed. The constant tinkering over the years has brought about some different looks, yet the dynamics of that first hatch were spot-on from the start. The Roadster's funky styling scores it some points, but it's not enough to make up for its other notable shortcomings.
Automotive Craze Reviews 2012 MINI Clubman
Automotive Craze starts its review with these advantages and disadvantages:
ADVANTAGES
Highly customizable; contemporary BMW engineering wrapped in iconic British style; excellent fuel economy; immensely fun to drive; spacious as compared to standard Cooper.
DISADVANTAGES
Potentially high price; suspension might be stiff for some; form over function cabin controls; noisy on cruiseway.
MINI UNITED: FRIENDS. FESTIVAL. RACING.
"MINI UNITED: FRIENDS. FESTIVAL. RACING." - that is how the BMW Group PressClub USA press release on MINI United is titled. MINI United is scheduled for May 11-13, 2012 in Le Castellet, France. The press release announces that "[i]n addition to the many festival activities, MINI United will serve as the exclusive location for a new MINI model to make its world premiere." It is a three day event - an open-air festival, owner and fan driving experiences on the track, motorsport activities, live music, stunt shows and vehicle displays ranging from Mini classics to the current lineup. They have also scheduled two pro-series races on the circuit that weekend - the MINI Trophy from Germany and the MINI RUSH HOUR from Italy.
The most up to date information on MINI United is located here on the MINI United Facebook Page.
If you are coming from the U.S. here are your registration instructions:
The most up to date information on MINI United is located here on the MINI United Facebook Page.
If you are coming from the U.S. here are your registration instructions:
US guests who plan to attend MINI United are encouraged to register at:
www.miniunited2012.com beginning Wednesday, February 22. By registering here, MINI owners in the US will enjoy a slight discount on the registration fee for a weekend pass ($50 USD at the link noted here, normally €40). Additionally, they will have access to transfers to a welcome dinner hosted by MINI USA executives, the MINI USA hospitality area during the festival, shuttles to the festival each day, test-drive vehicles for the track experience and an option to reserve a room at the discounted rate in the MINI USA room block at the Dolce Fregate hotel. This hotel is located in St Cyr sur Mer, France, which is a 15-minute drive (approximate) from the festival, 45 minutes from Marseilles Airport and 1 ½ hours from Nice airport. The hotel can assist with coordinating airport transfers.
Now, That's What I Call A Party!
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[Photo Credit: The New York Times] |
The show opened with The Doors' Robby Krieger playing "LA Woman," followed by "Roadhouse Blues" with actor Val Kilmer, who portrayed Jim Morrison in the 1991 movie about the band. Comedian-musician Gary Mule Deer followed, then Alice Cooper, Jack Blades of Night Ranger and Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac jammed accompanied by KISS members Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer while Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley cheered from the audience.
Over $200,000 of the donations are going directly to Alice Cooper's Solid Rock Foundation, a $20,000 donation to St. Jude's Children's Hospital in the name of Robby Krieger as well as a $10,000 donation to Rupert's Kids, the nonprofit organization founded by Survivor's Rupert Boneham who was also a guest at the event.
Throughout the evening, famed "Speed Painter" Rock Demarco showcased his talents with artwork that was created live at the event and auctioned off for more than $100,000.
During the gala Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Tommy Thayer, and Eric Singer helped Brennan give away four brand new KISS Mini Coopers to Dollar Loan Center employees. "All employees walked away with prizes, from$100 in cash to a new car.
[Source: SFGate]
200 BMW/MINI Supplied EV's For London Olympics
Energyboom Transportation reports that BMW will bring 200 electric vehicles to London for the 2012 Olympics, most MINI-E's, of the approximately 4,000 luxury vehicles BMW will supply to escort dignitaries.
Edmunds Rates The 2012 MINI Cooper Coupe JCW
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[Photo Credit: directcarins.com] |
2012 S Coupe At The Sno*Drift Rally
Winding Road took its long-term MINI Cooper S Coupe to Atlanta, Michigan to watch the first round of the Rally America Championship, the Sno*Drift Rally, and put the Coupe's new winter tires to the test.
MotorAuthority Reviews The 2012 MINI Cooper Countryman
MotorAuthority editor Viknesh Vijayenthiran gives the 2012 Countryman a 7 out of 10. He writes, in part:
Power is not quite abundant with the Countryman, even in Countryman S ALL4 trim, so if you like your performance you may want to look elsewhere or hold out for the rumored John Cooper Works model.
Anyone Want A Sailboat For Their MINI?
WestWightPotter @ YouTube is offering this one won on The Price Is Right. Call 800-433-4080 if you are interested.
Rally di Franciacorta 2012
Here is Pierino Longhi's start -
[Source: lukaseb73 @ YouTube]
Check out his MINI Countryman JCW WRC in the turns -
[Source: lukaseb73 @ YouTube]
Watch him from the other side of the turns at about 3:52 -
[Source: 19Bozzy92 @ YouTube]
[Source: lukaseb73 @ YouTube]
Check out his MINI Countryman JCW WRC in the turns -
[Source: lukaseb73 @ YouTube]
Watch him from the other side of the turns at about 3:52 -
[Source: 19Bozzy92 @ YouTube]
Three MINIs Deliver 45 Pizzas To President Obama
After President Obama singled out Tutta Bella Pizza owner Joe Fugere during the President's address at the signing of the Small Business Jobs Act and mentioned that he had yet to try their pizza, Fugere delivered 45 pizzas to the President and everyone on Air Force One. Tutta Bella created an outside kitchen at Boeing’s Paine Field in North Seattle and, in a driving rain, created 45 Neapolitan style pizzas that were baked in a wood-fired Woodstone pizza oven. Three MINI Coopers loaned by the Lake City MINI Dealership drove the pizzas to Air Force One and delivered them to the crew and Secret Service.
[Sources: Word Incident/The Daily Meal]
[Sources: Word Incident/The Daily Meal]
Austrian Skiers And Countryman Drivers - This Looks Like Fun
SkiWeltmarketing @ YouTube has posted a short commercial video about "Drive & Ski Scheffau 2012" by BMW. Drivers will test and improve their driving skills in the field on winter roads in the Wilder Kaiser Brixen Valley Resort Scheffau at Waldhof, Austria with the MINI Countryman ALL4 - under the guidance of experienced instructors at a training ground. Drivers also explore a unique ski area under the guidance of two knowledgeable local ski guides.
Clubman Rated One Of Most Toxic Vehicle Interiors
Like that new car smell? It could kill you. Cars In Depth reports on the rankings of chemical hazards in new vehicle interiors released by the Ecology Center of Ann Arbor. The plastics in the 2012 MINI Cooper S Clubman made it the tenth most hazardous vehicle in the study. The Aveo was a little worse but not by much.
Sordo And Sandell To Race In The Rally Of Portugal
According to Yahoo Sport! Eurosport.com Dani Sordo will lead Prodrive's MINI team at next month's Rally of Portugal, with Patrik Sandell again alongside him in the second John Cooper Works WRC.
Rail Against BMW For MINI Fires
For What It's Worth recounts the story of Lynn Lavery’s MINI that burned up and set her garage on fire 24 hours after she’d parked it, turned it off and removed the key. The article claims BMW admitted that it knew MINIs were exploding and planned to eventually notify their customers of the danger.
MINI Live! Experience At Japan's Tsukuba Circuit
bond MINI in Japan advises that it will be holding this car handling March 3-5, 2012, but that registration ends on February 22, 2012.
MINI Again Supports The Burton European Open
MINI will support the Burton European Open for the second year in a row and present its Creative Use of Space Award to the most creative snowboarders and shape crews. MINI presents the award to the male and female riders who nail the most innovative and progressive tricks in the halfpipe and slopestyle competitions at BGOS Open events (Canadian Open, Burton European Open & US Open). Here are a couple of past award winners -
[Source: 3d-Car-Shows]
[Source: 3d-Car-Shows]
MINI Of Concord "Can't Top It" Sales Event On February 26, 2012
MINI Clubvan On Sale Before The End Of The Year
Motor Trend says the MINI Clubvan will be on sale before the end of 2012 as a 2013 model. It also says:
. . . the Mini Clubvan is essentially a van-like twist on the existing Mini Clubman model. The rear seats are eliminated in favor of a flat, carpeted load floor, which stretches from the split rear doors to an aluminum bulkhead affixed just aft of the front seats. The rear-hinged third door – located behind the passenger-side door – remains, opaque polycarbonate panels replace the Mini Clubman’s rear quarter windows. . . .
More MINI Dealers On The Way
Bloomberg reports on an Automotive News Europe story that claims BMW intends to expand its dealer network in China, South Korea and the U.S.
MINI Throws Its Support Behind "GREAT" Britain Campaign
MINI has agreed to support the new "GREAT" Britain campaign that is based around the word GREAT and aims to promote the best of British around the world during 2012. Richard Lawton, writing for the site ContractHireAndLeasing.com, quotes Tim Abbott, Managing Director, BMW Group UK:
“As a global brand with its roots firmly planted in the UK, MINI demonstrates the best of British manufacturing, expertise, innovation, design, culture, heritage and style. We are delighted to support the “Great” Britain campaign and to celebrate and encourage others to experience all that is great about Britain.”
Great Time At MINI Thunder III
Whether you were a participant or an observer Stormin' Norman's MINI Thunder III was an absolute blast! Send us your photos and videos and we will post them here and in the MULTIMEDIA GALLERY!
Webcasts Of The 2011 Celtic Speed Mini Cooper Cup Championship
According to PaddockTalk GoRacingTV.com has partnered with the Scottish Motor Racing Club (SMRC) and bring videos for several of its Championship series to the United States and Canadian market, the first of which is 2011 race coverage shows of the Celtic Speed Mini Cooper Cup Championship. Here is just one of the shows -
MINI Provides Vehicles For Berlin International Film Festival
3D-Car-Shows reports that, at the Berlin International Film Festival, as part of “EFP SHOOTING STARS – Europe’s best young actors”, ten up-and-coming European actors (Adèle Haenel (“House of Tolerance”), Anna Maria Mühe (“November Child”), Antonia Campbell-Hughes (“The Other Side Of Sleep”), Hilmar Guðjónsson (“Either Way”), Isabella Ragonese (“The First Assigment”), Jakub Gierszał (“Suicide Room”), Ana Ularu (“Outbound”), Bill Skarsgård (“Simple Simon”), Max Hubacher (“The Foster Boy”) and Riz Ahmed (“Four Lions”)) will be driving past the red carpet of the Berlinale Palast in MINI vehicles that they have designed themselves and posted their sayings based on the motto “MINI Brings Talent.”
Memories Of Two Years Driving A MINI-E
Pamela Thwaite recalls for Green Car Reports her family's two years of driving a MINI-E and their recent acquisition of a BMW ActiveE.
MINI Opens A Pop-Up Store In The UK
Are You Throwing Transmission Codes On Your MINI?
Here is what AsktheCarExperts @ YouTube says is likely the problem and then tells you how to fix it:
Pirelli To Equip MINI Challenge At Brands Hatch, UK
For the first time well known tire company and F1 sponsor Pirelli will equip the MINI Challenge vehicles at Brands Hatch according to PaddockTalk.
MINI Clubvan Expected At Geneva Motor Show
autoevolution reports MINI is planning to use the Geneva Motor Show to show a “craftsman” version of the Clubman that may eventually be called the “Clubvan” designation. It is a panel version of the Clubman.
Designer Bags To Match Your MINI Roadster
BMW Group PressClub USA announces that specially designed limited edition CARMINA CAMPUS bags will be presented at an exclusive preview event at 10 Corso Como, during Milan Fashion Week. The bags,
In the true spirit of CARMINA CAMPUS’ philosophy, which is based on employing only re-used or reclaimed materials to make fashion accessories, the bags are made of colour samples and material offcuts left over from the production of the new MINI Roadster.
KBB Reviews The 2012 MINI Roadster
The Mini Roadster adds affordable sports car fun to what has been a 1-car segment, belonging to Mazda's MX-5 Miata. The Miata is competent and well made, but after 23 years, it lacks the sassy, distinctive persona of the Mini Roadster and the performance of the Roadster's turbocharged models.
Russian Report On The Roadster At 2012 Detroit Motor Show, Sort Of
We don't understand anything this guy says except Audi and MINI as he shoots video of debuts at the show. Yet, his video commands the presence of every male viewer as he shoots every good looking working girl he can find!
[Source: 2hpcomua @ YouTube]
[Source: 2hpcomua @ YouTube]
The MINI Cooper Dustbuster
Check out James Taylor's MINI Cooper Dustbuster Design and Advertising University Project.
Kudos To MINIs Making A Difference
MINIs Making A Difference is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization supported by MINI Cooper owners with charitable hearts. This year the organization celebrates its 10th Anniversary.
Take Your Kids To Sharkey's For A Haircut
The next time you are in Lexington, KY. One of their chairs is a MINI and they provide video games for older kids!
[Source: FoxWACH @ YouTube]
[Source: FoxWACH @ YouTube]
Chicagoland MINI Green Screens Auto Show Attendees
MINI USA at Facebook shows that Chicagoland MINI has set up the Chicagoland MINI experience at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show which green screens attendees into a MINI Roadster for a ride through London.
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