[Source: appleactionws @ YouTube]
Christian Gebhardt Drives The Allegedly Fastest MINI Race Car
The vehicle was modded by Schirra Motoring and is filmed onboard at Nürburgring Nordschleife.
[Source: cc8186 @ YouTube]
[Source: cc8186 @ YouTube]
Torque News Excited By The New MINI JCW GP
For the Mini enthusiast who wants the most special, fastest JCW ever the GP is coming. This will not be a car that sits in stock so if this is your dream you should reserve yours fast.
Autoweek's Answer To The Question "Do I Want [A Paceman]?"
We couldn't help seeing this as the X6/Crosstour/1973 VW Fastback of the Mini line. Is it the answer to the question no one asked? You get most of the increased interior room of a Countryman but without the convenience of the Countryman's four doors. Style is something you can't define but you know it when you see it. If you were looking for a more practical Mini that offers up a bit more stylish geometry with 4wd as an option, this could be your ride. It arrives in dealerships March 2013. Pricing and a few other details will be announced at the LA auto show, but expect it to cost around $30,000.
2012 U.S. MINI Buyers Are The Most Satisfied Car Customers
For the third consecutive year, MINI leads the J.D. Power Sales Satisfaction Index among mass-market brands.
[Source: via AutoGuide.com]
[Source: via AutoGuide.com]
MINI Production In Netherlands At NedCar To Begin Late 2014
edmunds.com Reviews The 2013 MINI Cooper Line-up
. . . Bluetooth is now standard on all Mini Coopers, while satellite radio is now an option instead of standard equipment. A USB/iPod adapter is now standard, and John Cooper Works models are now available with an automatic transmission.
So, What Do The Italians Think Of The 2013 MINI JCW GP?
We haven't the faintest idea, but if you happen to speak Italian -
[Source: Andrea Ciampaglia @ YouTube]
[Source: Andrea Ciampaglia @ YouTube]
AutoSpies.com Covers The L.A. Auto Show
A MINI Mini Rally Accident
Came around just a bit too fast! I guess he was thinking, "Don't worry, we will cross that bridge when we come to it" and he did!
[Source: RevistaMotororg @ YouTube]
[Source: RevistaMotororg @ YouTube]
Five Door MINI Hatchback Coming Soon. Other Variants To Follow
Once the five-door hatchback has launched, MINI will begin to expand the model line-up even further, with everything from a saloon to a seven-seater version of the Countryman.
MINI Roof Rack Gives It That Turbo Jet Sound
Check out this recording of a whistle experienced by Kirk @ YouTube when driving his MINI Cooper S with roof rack at 40 to 60 miles per hour.
Are The MINI JCW GPs PistonHeads Heroes?
2,000 were built (GP1's), and although 449 were originally destined for the UK, according to GPMini.net only 437 actually found homes here; judging by the PH classifieds you'll be needing at least £11K to join the ownership ranks. The imminent arrival of the new version is unlikely to diminish these values. The two are similar in character, but from my own brief squirt in the new GP2, all that clever aero can't quite make up for the missing mechanical diff, and the 1.6 turbo can't match the supercharged engine for charm.
New one looks the part but is it too civilised? And that's what really makes the MINI GP (version 1) a PH Hero: it might not be the fastest thing on four wheels, nor the hardest, but it's absolutely bursting with attention to detail and charisma.
DIY: Upgrade MINI Tail Lights To LED Type Lights
Here are the LED lights used in this demonstration but the substitution should also work for other LED makes.
[Source: powerfulukltd @ YouTube]
[Source: powerfulukltd @ YouTube]
MINIUSA 2013 Countryman Configurator Operational
Airbrush That British Roof Instead Of A Vinyl Graphic?
Why get an airbrushed British Flag graphic on your MINI's roof, like this one offered and recorded by KOZ Autozentrum @ YouTube, instead of a vinyl decal? Well done to be sure, but . . .? You tell us what are the benefits of the airbrush job over a vinyl wrap, if any?
MINI Of Concord Flash Mobs Broadway Plaza
MINI of Concord surprised Black Friday shoppers at Walnut Creek's Broadway Plaza with this Flash Mob flashdance!
Wheels.ca Reviews The 2014 MINI Paceman Cooper S
2014 Mini Cooper S Paceman
PRICE: TBA but probably in low $30,000 range
ENGINE: 1.6L four/1.6L direct-injection turbo four
POWER/TORQUE (hp/lb.-ft.): 121/114; 181 /177 (192 overboost); 208/192 (207 overboost)
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 6.1L/100 km combined
COMPETITION: Ford Focus ST, VW Golf R, Range Rover Evoque
WHAT’S BEST: Lively handling and cheeky styling
WHAT’S WORST: Expensive
WHAT’S INTERESTING: Available with ALL4 AWD, a boon in our winters
BMW Blog Speculates On BMW/MINI Models From Shared UKL Platform
MINI 3/5dr - Increased demand leads to the next generation MINI due next year with five drs for the 1st time.
* * *
MINI Sedan - Sporty four dr MINI aimed at increasing markets for MINI products, potentially could be MINI’s best global seller overtaking the Countryman.
* * *
MINI Traveller - MINI variant of the [BMW] Active Tourer. Designed to show how both cars can co-exist with individual style and flexibility.
* * *
MINI Cabrio - Latest F56 rendition of the popular open top MINI.
* * *
MINI Roadster - Next Roadster and Coupe will launch with a sportier look which is completely separate from the standard MINI. The typical MINI design elements will be present but bodywork is not based on the hatch family.
* * *
MINI Coupe - Coupe version of Roadster, more individual in appearance.
* * *
MINI Countryman - Next generation of the global MINI juggernaut, heavily shared with BMW X1.
* * *
MINI Paceman/XL - Next generation of new MINI member will be offered with 5 door version as well as 3 door.
* * *
MINI Clubman - Current car revisited with more style and more flexibility, more of a Shooting Brake with dynamic raked roof and forward looking proportions.
* * *
MotoringFile Answers Your Questions About The MINI JCW GP II
Next Generation MINI's New Head and Tail Light Design
These latest spyshots of the next-gen MINI hatch show us a very important design element: the headlights and actually the taillights as well. The circular headlights have become much bigger, and the reason for this seems to be that the indicators underneath are now little bars instead of huge circles. The bulbs have also moved down a bit from what we can tell in order to make the nose of the car look a bit sportier.
Club MINI Aguascalientes' "MINI Takes The Oval"
From the Aguascalientes International Circuit in Mexico in a race modified R53 MINI Cooper S.
[Source: jgsanmartin @ YouTube]
[Source: jgsanmartin @ YouTube]
The Car Connection Gives 2013 MINI Cooper Countryman 8 Out Of 10
It's a bit of a shock how much MINI there is in the Countryman's handling, but no surprise that in the end, it's more sporty crossover than real sports vehicle. There's a more refined ride than in any of the smaller Coopers, thanks to more weight and a longer wheelbase, but the difference from a typical MINI is measured in small degrees, not in a major paradigm shift.
Despite its MINI package, the Countryman offers impressive space for passengers in all positions, but it lacks a bit in cargo space. The 2013 model also has a redesigned armrest with relocated power-window controls and a larger console storage area. Also, the second row seat is now a three-person bench, with a two-person bucket arrangement now a no-cost option.
Motor Trend's First Test Drive Of The MINI JCW GP II
As with any front-wheel-drive car, it's hard to get traction to power out of corners while the car is still turning (insert friction circle diagram here). Like with any Mini, the key is to be smooth with inputs and feed throttle in on corner exit rather than just mash the pedal as might be done in a Miata or BRZ. Still, power felt strong on the straights, and the Recaros proved grippy and supportive, though they might be a bit narrow for larger frames. The overall driving position is excellent, with good steering wheel extension and pedal spacing for simultaneous rev-matching and braking.
Automobile Gets Its First Drive In The MINI Cooper S Paceman
We're not sure how many more times Mini will be able to apply the same character cues to a new niche. We also wonder if there's a saturation point in the market for coupe-like crossovers. But that day of reckoning has not yet arrived. With a base price that will be higher than that of the Countryman but still thousands less than an Evoque, the Paceman brings crossover coupe styling to a new audience. More important, the Paceman is charming, eccentric, and fun to drive, exactly like a modern Mini should be.
Drag Race: 2011 MCS Versus 2010 MCS
Which do you think will win? Now, find out if you are right. Watch this cabin video from furiously2fast4u @ YouTube taken at Braden MotorSports Park during Fixxfest 9.
Two Truck MINI Cooper Sandwich
[Source: Los Angeles Daily News]
Tuck Your Sweet Little MINI Maniac Into One Of These
The Mini Cilek Bi Turbo Car Bed available in Australia from Fast Car Beds.
[Source: Endree Saade @ YouTube]
[Source: Endree Saade @ YouTube]
MotoringFile Takes Its First Drive In The MINI Paceman
I’ll be frank. In concept, I struggled to look past the size and weight of this car, especially coupled with the lack of rear doors. Yet in the flesh, all those concerns melted away while the style, presence and driving experience of this car took over. It won’t be the practical workhorse the Countryman is for many. Yet for those who are willing to trade a little practicality, the Paceman offers a lot of style and rewards that compromise with a significant handling upgrade. All-in-all, the Paceman is a welcome addition to the MINI line-up, but most of all, a welcome iteration on the Countryman.
MINI Challenges 2012 Argentina And Brazil
MINIs Handle Well But Don't Be Like This Idiot
MINI Cooper Smoking
Those seem to be the topics of this unusual video from Mike Beaverhausen @ YouTube. The girls can have it.
Knapman Drives The MINI John Cooper Works GP II For The Telegraph
. . . I can report that this is a specialist piece of kit with a price tag to match. If you happen to own a go karting track then it comes highly recommended.
MINI In Alaska In The Winter
This video shows why a MINI may not be the best vehicle choice for Alaska. Watch as a nice one is pulled from the Chena River (brrrrrr!)
[Source: Daniel Davis @ YouTube]
[Source: Daniel Davis @ YouTube]
Let Ryan Fix Your Creaks And Rattles
This is a new video advertisement for Ryan G Motorworks ("RyanGMW" and "RGMW") in Auburn, CA. Ryan is a NORCAL MINIS' supporter that provides a discount to NORCAL MINIS Members.
[Source: NOCUBICLE4ME @ YouTube]
[Source: NOCUBICLE4ME @ YouTube]
When It Doesn't Pay To Be A Good Samaritan
Here's the story given by Hill Auto Body after the recent storms in the State of Washington:
WA State Trooper was clearing debris from road when the Mini Cooper stopped to see if he needed an help . A large tree blew over on top of both cars . Unknown what caused the fire it must have been from a dead short in on of the damaged cars . The Trooper pulled the lady from her Mini got her safely away from the smoking cars . He had just enough time to get back to his car and remove his shot gun . The fire department got on scene just has the case of road flares igniated in the trunk of the car . I towed the Mini back to the shop and Tye towed the Trooper vehicle to Olympia . I got back to the shop and had to hook A FedEx Van and get it to longview s. It had a full load of oysters that had to air frieght out same day . We made it to longview just intime to offlad to a ttruck going to Portland airport . We had to take the WA side as a semi had blown over and blocked the Astoria Bridge . I got 10 miles back towards home and they had shut down the highway due to floding . There was a 10 detour through back country roads but I did get home by 7 PMPoor MINI Clubman. It just didn't pay to stop. See the aftermath. The driver gets there at about the 2:20 mark.
eBay Motors Blog Reviews The 2012 MCS Countryman ALL4
Pros:
- MINI’s trademark go-kart-like handling is still there
- Gutsy little turbo engine is up to the task of hauling this bigger MINI around
- All-wheel drive makes for foolproof all weather performance
- Unmistakable MINI styling, in a larger size
Cons:
- MINI’s retro interior styling is an acquired taste
- Interior plastics seem awfully cheap for an almost $30k car
- For a larger MINI, the trunk is still quite small and impractical
- Price with options easily escalates into large car territory
Drifting With Bodacious Babes Done Wrong And Right
Here is Playboy model Jesse Preston doing it wrong. Notice the safety helmet and the location of the seat belt, obviously improperly placed to better show off her, uhh, assets.
As Carscoop observes, this is how you do it properly and safely with asset protection that does not detract from your bodacious babe as passenger drifting video:
As Carscoop observes, this is how you do it properly and safely with asset protection that does not detract from your bodacious babe as passenger drifting video:
AUTOCAR Reviews The MINI JCW GP II
It’s a savage investment to make, and an outgoing Clio Cup or even Vauxhall’s Corsa VXR Nürburgring would deliver much of the thrill for considerably less. But, realistically, this limited edition car - just 2,000 will be made - is for buyers already heavily devoted to the Mini way of doing things.
From that narrower viewpoint, the car, while admittedly not measured on the road yet, is by some distance the best yet to pilot aggressively. The contrived snap and over-egged scurry of the JCW has been superseded by the accuracy and wonderfully organic recompense of an expensive, track-bred solution. It also feels, in stark contrast to some of BMW’s other recent output, like a proper tribute to the bold, ballsy inventiveness of the brand’s original motorsport heritage
The 2012 MINI WRC Rally Season
The Ultimate MINI Cooper Engine Modification
Fit it with a helicopter turbine jet engine plus all the design changes needed to make it work!
[Source: serkannx @ YouTube]
[Source: serkannx @ YouTube]
Kuwait National Championship Rally
Auto Express Files Its 2nd Report On The MINI Roadster
"The Roadster is fun but flawed. Refinement is poor and on bumpy roads the handling can be wayward. Yet it’s hard to ignore the car’s strong performance, burbling soundtrack and razor-sharp responses."
Off Road Designed MINI Countryman Service Vehicles Headed To Dakar Rally
Set to cover over 8,000 km (4,971 miles) during the competition, the service vehicles will be equipped with an off-road design package that includes "silver-colored add-on parts for the front and rear apron and side skirts." The crossovers will also have an increased ride height, off-road tires and special badging.
MINI says the off-road design package is a retrofit option, so it won't void the crossover's original warranty. They also say the model can be equipped with auxiliary headlights, mud flaps, all-weather floor mats and 18-inch alloy wheels with run-flat tires.
The Dakar Rally starts on January 5th and the X-raid Team is looking to defend last year's victory.
WHATCAR? Reviews The 2013 MINI John Cooper Works GP II
The GP is an absolute hoot to drive on track, feeling significantly more special than the next-fastest model in the range, the JCW.
True, it costs the best part of £30k, but it comes well equipped and its limited numbers mean it should hold its value well.
Fantastic hot hatches such as the similarly priced BMW M135i and cheaper Renault Megane Cup are more sensible choices, but the GP definitely has its own appeal.
Because we've only driven the Mini John Cooper Works GP on a track, we can't give it a What Car? star rating at present.
Results From Tokyo's Burton Rail Days Presented By MINI
BMW Blog Provides A New Photo Gallery Of The MINI Paceman
Upright front end exudes power and presence; hexagonal radiator grille with broad chrome surround, black bordering on the lower edge of the body and other typically MINI design elements lend an individual touch; coupé-style stretched side profile with long doors, dynamically downward-sloping roofline and greenhouse tapering towards the rear; muscular flared wheel arches; distinctive roof form adapted to the car’s coupé lines with integrated rear spoiler; roof can be specified in body colour, white or black; sloping rear window; rear lights in horizontal arrangement for the first time on a MINI.
You Could Win $1,000 From MINI Of Concord For Your MINI Mingle Jingle
Download the jingle beat and share your entry here!
Looking For A MINI? Is It Flood Damaged?
Automobile Wraps Up Its Four Season Review Of Its 2011 MCS Countryman ALL4
Some of the issues we experienced could have been mitigated or eliminated had we made different choices during the ordering process. Going for the automatic transmission obviously would have negated the clutch issue. Springing for automatic climate control likely would have made it easier to achieve a comfortable cabin temperature. Sticking with the standard seventeen-inch wheels, instead of the optional eighteens, probably would have helped the ride. And anyone who cares a lot about stereo sound quality should investigate the optional Harman Kardon system.
East Bay MINI Displays 2013 Roadster At Paragon Outlets
Raeder Automotive Tuning And Motorsport
Raeder Motorsport races vehicles tuned by the German firm Raeder Automotive. This German language video shows Raeder and its projects. Don't miss Raeder's MINI Challenge vehicle which starts at the 4:05 mark.
[Source: JETZT ABONNIEREN @ YouTube]
[Source: JETZT ABONNIEREN @ YouTube]
The Telegraph Asks Whether The MINI Paceman Is "A Niche Too Far"
. . . . A sports coupé it is not.
However, neither is it like an SUV, for while the ride quality is acceptable, the main controls are just too sensitive. Rather, it sits in an uncomfortable position between the two; difficult to drive smoothly and frustrating to drive quickly.
The harsh reality is that you can have all of this car's good bits (the build quality, the gimmicks, and the drivetrain) in Minis that are more attractive, more practical or better to drive.
One might argue that the Paceman should be applauded for being unique in a market where conformity is the norm. Personally, I thought it a Mini too far.
BMW Blog Covers The MINI John Cooper Works GP II
The exciting race car feel is raised a further notch by an interior ambience which, partly due to the absence of a rear seat bench, is focused entirely on the needs of the driver and “co-driver”, both of whom can savour the performance of the MINI John Cooper Works GP to the full thanks to Recaro sports seats with special GP stitching. A cargo guard prevents items from sliding forward out of the luggage compartment in sporty driving situations. The John Cooper Works thick-rimmed leather steering wheel and the gearshift knob with chrome ring and red shift diagram help give the driver a more direct feel for the car. Finally, with features like the anthracite roof liner, the piano black interior surfaces and door grips, and the anthracite rev counter and speedometer dials, this interior also helps to improve the driver’s concentration and focus on the road.
autoblog's First Drive Review Of The 2014 MINI Cooper S Paceman
At this point, you may be surprised to hear us admit that we like it. The drive time we had over torturous roads showed us that Mini understands the gaps it must fill as it tries everything it can to expand its finite lineup. The Paceman is the seventh model for the reborn Mini company, and is a much more convincing fit in our minds versus the recently launched Mini Coupe and Roadster. On the four Pirelli Cinturato P7 runflats – 205/55 R17 91V is standard for the Cooper S – the more nimble Paceman helps convince us to accept the Countryman as a necessary part... a part that accounts for 30 percent of all Mini sales globally now. And we understand the limitations of the coupe lifestyle, but hell, the entire Mini proposal is a compromise if all we're talking is practicality.
WHATCAR? Reviews The 2013 MINI Paceman
Unless you really like the looks, the similarly priced Audi A3 and VW Scirocco are better alternatives.
BimmerFile Takes Its First Drive In The MINI JCW GP II
With the 2013 GP, MINI did it right. Suspension, brakes, electronics, aero and yes, weight. In doing so they’ve raised the bar dramatically from the first GP. It’s something the numbers and the photos just couldn’t tell us. There really is no substitute for good old fashioned seat time The power figures may be less than we expected on paper, but the fun factor and outright speed is way up. What MINI, and more specifically JCW, have finally created is a car that feels M-worthy.
Bollywood Dad Buys His One Year Old A MINI Cooper S
MINI Video From Rally Spain 2012
Seven seconds of Chris Atkinson:
[Source: matujel @ YouTube]
Eight seconds of Jarkko Nikara:
[Source: matujel @ YouTube]
Five seconds of Dani Sordo:
[Source: matujel @ YouTube]
Eight seconds of Jarkko Nikara:
Five seconds of Dani Sordo:
[Source: matujel @ YouTube]
Give Your Christmas Wishes To MINI To Take To The North Pole
How About Some Designer Sidewalls For That MINI?
New York Daily News Characterizes The MINI Paceman
The new Mini Cooper Paceman is a compact, high-end car with go-kart handling and features unique tail lights for a Mini. The car will retail for around $31,000.
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