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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...

MINI Prepared To Defend Dakar Rally Title

MotoringFile links you to the route map and and the official Dakar Rally mobile app iOS & Android as:
. . . this Saturday MINI begins it’s defense of the Dakar title. Dakar is easily MINI’s most successful event in recent history with four straight wins – mostly in dominate fashion. For 2016 MINI is back with 12 Countryman run by the ALL 4 Racing team and is gunning for #5. . . .

NORCAL MINIS Wishes You A Happy New Year

We look forward to motoring with you in 2016 - Think about it - Monthly Events, MINI Takes The States, The MINI John Cooper Works Team in the 2016 Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge Street Tuner (ST) Class IMSA series at Laguna Seca, The new MINI Clubman, next generation MINI Cooper, S and JCW and Convertible. Later in 2016 the new MINI Countryman and, who knows? Maybe an electric Superleggera?

It is going to be an exciting year to be involved in the NORCAL MINIS' community! Become a paid member MINI family and get all the benefits of membership. Give a membership as a gift and Let's Motor in 2016. We can't wait!!!!

NORCAL MINIS Family Membership is only $25.00/family per calendar year. Family Members get full access to the Members Only NORCAL MINIS' Google Group; sponsor, vendor and club discounts; direct email invitations for NORCAL MINIS events, a say in where we run and what we do, and exclusive access to Members Only events.

We have made it easy for you to join in the fun. Pay for your membership now. Use this Paypal Button:







Marketing Daily Interviews Tom Noble

Tom Noble heads up brand communications at the Woodcliff Lake, N.J. U.S. office of MINI and MediaPost publishes his interview with Marketing Daily with these final thoughts:
Q: What do Mini customers really care about that drives them to Mini?

A: Authenticity and purpose. That really matters to people who buy our cars. And I think it's something inherent in our brand — it's the whole concept of "Mini-ness": "you don't need this much, when you can have this much." In other countries people buy as much car as they can get away with. In America you buy as much as you can afford.

Dakar Rally MINI Testing

Jalopnik's Black Flag reviews the upcoming Dakar Rally 2016 and the X-Raid MINI ALL4 Racing Team's preparations, as seen in this video of the team testing its MINI vehicles.

"Family-Friendly Potential"

Carrie Kim writes about the 2016 MINI Clubman for its North American debut at the L.A. Auto Show for cars.com:
. . . The new "maxi" version of this Mini is the most promising contender yet for parents who enjoy the thrill of motoring with Mini. A few car seats in back shouldn't keep you from having fun on the road, and based on its specs, moms or dads won't have to defend an impractical choice either.

MINI To Offer MINI Clubman "Stealth Package"

MotoringFile notes it is listed on the configurator, but not yet selectable:
. . . The package is intended to eliminate some of the badging in order to give the car a more (as you guessed it) stealth look. The package takes away the MINI logo and the model name (i.e. Cooper) from the right and left sides. . . .

What Vilner Did To A MINI One Convertible

autoevolution examines the over the top Bulgarian Vilner 2010 MINI One Cabriolet pimped out for Chinese actress Tyan Lynn.

Coverage Of The MINI Four Door Carbon Edition Premier

MotoringFile notes that MINI just premiered the Carbon Edition, "MINI’s latest limited production vehicle" and publishes this Official Press Release:
Official Release: The Carbon Edition combines the already powerful MINI Cooper S Hardtop 4 Door model with the new John Cooper Works Pro Tuning Kit, valve exhaust system and high-grade carbon fiber accessories. The result is 208 horsepower and an ultra-aggressive exhaust note with Sport and Track Mode*.

The exhaust flap is operated wirelessly via two clicks of the Bluetooth controller and unleashes devilish backfire pops and crackling sound on the overrun.

Genuine carbon fiber mirror caps, air intake trim, and tailpipe finishers are offset against Midnight Black metallic paint and exclusive matte black sport and side stripes accented by a red pinstripe.

The JCW Exterior Package and additional accessory parts further distinguish the edition, with the aggressively styled body kit, rear spoiler, and 17” JCW Track Spoke Black Wheels.

These exterior upgrades are complemented on the interior by an 8.8” high-resolution screen with navigation, JCW steering wheel, sunroof, heated seats, and MINI’s Harman/Kardon premium sound system.

Customers looking to order a Carbon Edition should contact their local MINI dealer.
"

Cars.com's First Impressions Of The 2016 MINI Convertible

cars.com looked at the 2016 MINI Convertible at the L.A. Auto Show and thinks:
. . . I especially liked the trim panels, including matte-finish wood in one car and fiber alloy in the other. The Cooper S featured the lush, new diamond-stitched saddle leather, which Mini calls Chester Malt Brown, where "Chester" represents the look of English chesterfield sofas, and not the name of the steer that gave his life for the interior. . . .

Aussie Car Advice Reviews The 2016 MINI Convertible

Car Advice looks at the 2016 MINI Convertible and, among its comments, says:
The third-generation Mini Convertible becomes the BMW-owned British brand’s biggest and most mature fabric-top model ever, measuring 98mm longer and 44mm wider than its predecessor, and sitting on a wheelbase that’s 28mm longer than before. . . .

TFL With A 2016 MCS On The Appalachian Trail

Here is the video from the Apache trail and includes analysis of the 2016 MCS, from TFLCar:

Interior Design Of The 2017 MINI Countryman

According to BMWBlog this interior spy shot was taken in China.

MotoringFile's Exclusive Roadmap Report On The New MINI Convertible

MotoringFile takes a look at the 2016 MINI Convertible Cooper and Cooper S and also advises:
. . . It’s worth noting that MINI is planning a six year model cycle for these new convertibles (instead of seven) with the last month of production being 10/22.

"Eyes On Premium Small Car Prize"

That is what The Coffs Coast heralds in its Aussie review of the new 2016 MINI Clubman.

All Wrapped Up!

RainMakerSigns.com Christmas wrapped this MINI for Funny Clone and photographed the transformation.

MINI USA Announces Full MTTS 2016 Route


Here is the official press release:
MINI USA ANNOUNCES OFFICIAL ROUTE FOR MINI TAKES THE STATES 2016

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – December 24 – After much anticipation, MINI USA today announced the official route for the 2016 running of MINI TAKES THE STATES . The legendary biennial cross-country owners rally will kick off at Road Atlanta in northeast Georgia on July 9, 2016 and finish at the Thermal Club in Palm Springs, CA, on July 23, 2016.

In true MINI TAKES THE STATES fashion, the route will not take a direct path from point A to point B. The more than 4,000-mile “track-to-track” adventure will travel up the east coast, across the Great Plains and over the Rocky Mountains before arriving in Southern California. The legendary adventure, which attracts thousands of MINI owners and enthusiasts every other year, will pay tribute to the brand’s motorsports heritage by stopping at several professional race tracks to host driving experiences along the way.

“MINI TAKES THE STATES is one of the most anticipated experiences that the MINI community takes part in every other year,” said David Duncan, Vice President MINI of the Americas. “Owning a MINI is about being a part of a community and never is that more evident than during MINI TAKES THE STATES. We can’t wait to hit the road this summer!”

MINI TAKES THE STATES 2016 will leave Atlanta making stops in Charlotte, NC, Richmond, VA, and Baltimore, MD. The route then turns slightly west heading towards stops in Pittsburgh, PA, and Detroit, MI. The group of owners and MINI employees will then head north and cross over the legendary Mackinac Bridge, considered to be a rite of passage for thousands of MINI owners who have participated in the biennial MINI on the Mack event before arriving in St. Ignace, MI.

After crossing over into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula the route heads along the banks of Lake Michigan to Green Bay, WI, before heading west for stops in Minneapolis, MN, and Sioux Falls, SD. The rallying MINI owners will then motor across the Great Plains and through the Black Hills where they’ll make a pit stop in Sturgis, SD, home of the legendary motorcycle rally. The route then heads south for the final legs of the epic journey making stops in Cheyenne, WY, Park City, UT, and Las Vegas, NV, before finally crossing the finish line in Palm Springs, CA.

Stay tuned for more updates or visit MINITAKESTHESTATES.com to receive email updates. For blog posts and press images from MINI TAKES THE STATES 2014 please visit the MTTS 2014 page on MINIUSANEWS.com. Media interested in updates on MINI USA can also follow us on Twitter at @MINIUSANEWS.

2015 MINI Clubman 73 Out Of 100

motoring.com.au of South Africa gives the new MINI Clubman three and a half stars. It remarks:
It's when measured against the old model Clubman that one really takes note of how far the new model has come. By rights the new Clubman deserves to earn itself a swag of extra sales the old car could never have hoped to acquire.

Motor Trend's First Drive Review Of The 2016 Clubman

Motor Trend concludes:
. . . Mini is pressing ahead with its quest to produce more cars sized for the mainstream. No longer content to be the tiny rebel, Tom Noble, Mini’s GM for marketing, says the company wants you to think of the Clubman as the “cool uncle” in the family. The 2016 Mini Clubman lives up to the promise of being a full-blown compact car and seems to be the one that would fit the bill for lots of people. A big question with Mini’s previous offerings has always been one of value. With refined powertrain options and an interior that is nicely catching up to Mini’s price points, that will be less of an issue.

But a dynamic tension between Mini’s heritage and its future, more mainstream offerings will always remain. During a presentation by Noble, someone asked a question. “How many of your buyers know the cars are assembled in Oxford?” A member of the media (and fan of the brand) harrumphed, “98 percent!” The executive said it was probably more like a third. If they can create more cars like the 2016 Clubman, the real answer will be, “Who cares?”

Autoweek Reviews The 2015 MINI Cooper JCW

Associate Autoweek editor Jay Ramey decides:
. . . Is the JCW package worth it? I’ve driven the base Minis in two-door and foor-door flavors, and while the manual models are certainly not as quick as the JCW model I am not sure that if I were spending my own money that I would go for the JCW model to get the performance boost. The base Coopers are also available with manual transmissions, and even though the sport modes in those cars don’t quite match up to the performance that the JCW offers, I have trouble seeing myself shelling out the premium required for the hotter model. That is to say that the base models, including the four-door version, are already quick on their feet and feature suspensions that I would actually prefer over the JCW model. . . .

NZBLOKES Reviews The New MCS Clubman

New Zealand's NZBLOKES decides:
. . . Over all the Mini Clubman is great package, enough performance to get you in trouble, an agile dynamic chassis that is fun to flick around, enough space for moving people and stuff and a some nice styling that stands out in a market dominated by boxes. As a compromise between fun, performance, style and practicality the Mini Clubman gets it right, with just the right amount of each. Yes, I could happily own one.

Have Yourself A Very MINI Christmas!

Even Saint Nick drives a MINI when he is not driving reindeer!

Merry Christmas from NORCAL MINIS.

Celebrating Festivus: Airing MINI Grievances

The Daily Toggle celebrates the fictional Seinfeld holiday of Festivus with the airing of its grievances relating to the MINI.

MOTORING FUN Impressed By MINI Carbon Edition

MOTORING FUN looks at the special edition four door:
This MINI is very well equipped with the “MINI Carbon Edition” package that includes DDC, Comfort Access, Sunroof, Heated seats, LED lights, and HK Sound. Of course the JCW interior and exterior bits come standard too. For $37,100, this MINI is not for everyone, but for those looking for a unique special edition MINI in a 4 door configuration, this may just be the right car.

MINI One Of Thirty Best Car Brands

tuscon.com looks at how " AxleGeeks took an analytic approach, comparing every major mass-market automaker based on expert reviews, safety and efficiency of their models" and ranked MINI as number 29 on its list.

MINI Thunder VII

Register here.

More information available here.

BMW Recalls 626 Chinese MINIs

ChinaDaily Asia writes:
Luxury car maker BMW's China Automotive Trading Ltd. will recall Mini Cooper models due to concerns over a fault with the power steering system, China's top quality watchdog said Tuesday.

The recall will involve 626 vehicles sold on the Chinese mainland that were produced between September 2002 and February 2005, according to the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine in a statement.

There is a risk that the electric hydraulic power steering system could experience temporary or permanent failure, said the statement.

The recall will start from Feb. 1 and the company will repair the faulty parts free of charge, it said.

Spy Photos Of 2017 MINI Countryman And JCW Version


WorldCarFans discusses this highly anticipated real SUV with:
"Spy photos [that] show the second generation MINI Countryman (F60) is starting to lose some of the camouflage and it’s also getting a JCW version."

Automobile Reviews The 2016 MINI Clubman

Automobile's Connor Golden reviews the 2016 MINI Clubman and surmises:
. . . The 2016 Mini Clubman might be the least mini Mini, but its growth spurt has made this car a more reasonable wagon-style vehicle than the smaller Hardtop 4 Door. The increase in size has also made the Clubman comfortable, stylish, useable, and mature enough for those who want a slice of the Mini pie yet need something more practical. In short the 2016 Clubman is more like a real car, less like a plaything. . . .

MINI Hit With $40 Million "Untimely" Fine

According to the International Business Times:
BMW said Monday it has agreed to pay up to $40 million in penalties for not issuing a timely recall of more than 30,000 Mini Cooper cars that failed to meet adequate side-collision protections. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the penalty in a consent order after it said the German automaker acknowledged it took too long to inform owners of the problem. . . .

"Best Yet"

SundayWorld.com reviews the new MINI John Cooper Works and remarks:
Only BMW could take a car called the MINI and take it to the max.

Now This Is A Stretch!

[Source: OPPO]

Dakar Rally 2016 Almost Here

Steve @ Motoring Alliance republishes this from MINI@Dakar 2016:
Munich. From 02 to 16 January 2016 motorsport interest will focus once again on the deserts, mountains and sand trails of South America to view the 2016 Dakar Rally. This most adventurous of all long-distance endurance cross-country rally races promises to be a difficult race for all competitors with the addition of longer stages at high altitude and tough route navigation listed amongst unforgiving terrain.

Once again MINI and its MINI ALL4 Racing will be participating, not just one but 12 MINI ALL 4 Racing will join battle to land the prestigious Dakar rally title – a title that MINI knows all too well having won the last four years (2102-2015) in succession with the iconic MINI ALL4 Racing.

The 2015 Dakar Rally saw success once again delivered to MINI by a MINI ALL4 Racing, this time by the crew of Nasser Al-Attiyah (QAT) and his co-driver Mathieu Baumel (FR). This formidable pairing is taking on the challenge of defending their title in 2016.

"MINI Clubman JCW Targets Focus RS"

AutoExpress explains how the 300 bhp-plus new MINI Clubman JCW is "set to battle the Ford Focus RS and Audi RS3."

Mr. Bean Mini Mayhem

c|net On Cars' Video Review Of The New MINI Clubman


The 2016 Mini Clubman has enough room for your... by cnetcars

Pros And Cons Of The New MINI Clubman

wheels.ca reviews the 2016 MINI Clubman and provides these "pros" and "cons":
"THE PROS & CONS

What’s Best: All the things you expect from MINI, such as handling, style and, most of all, fun.

What’s Worst: Massive B-pillar makes glancing over the left should nearly impossible. Mirror placement is crucial.

What’s Interesting: This is MINI’s first venture into the compact segment.

Mark Elias' 2¢ After 2016 MINI Clubman First Drive

Mark Elias offers, at AutoTrader, his first drive review of the new MINI Clubman. Here is how he thought it drives:
. . . The MINI Clubman 1.5-liter TwinPower turbo 3-cylinder engine with the automatic transmission surprised us with as much power as we have seen from previous-generation 4-cylinder engines. The 6-speed automatic transmission was a smooth operator, with surefooted gearing through the range.

Switching to the 2-liter Clubman S found an engine that goes to 11. This little 4-banger displayed prodigious pulling power in all gears of the 6-speed manual transmission. Both cars displayed MINI's trademark go-kart style that encouraged and rewarded enthusiasm behind the wheel. Thanks to enhanced sound dampening, we found the Clubman extremely quiet on the best roads, while coarser surfaces tended to transmit the tires' displeasure with the streets at hand.

The Comfort/Sport/ECO mode selector allowed us to behave (or misbehave) as much as we wanted through a dial that instantly boosted the throttle and flashed the message "Let's Motor Hard" while depicting the image of a go-kart. Conversely, if you switch to ECO mode and exceed what it thinks is a speed that is not so ECOnomical, it will alert the driver to slow down.

Marty Padgett Gets A First Drive In A New MINI Clubman

Marty Padgett provides a first drive review of the 2016 MINI Clubman for MotorAuthority. Padgett concludes:
". . . You don't have to have a crossover to get their job done, don't have to settle for a dowdy hatchback shape when a cool long-body wagon will do. If you've ever lusted for an 1800ES or an M Coupe clown-shoe, look no further for a substitute. . . ."

Happy Holidays From NORCAL MINIS!

We look forward to motoring with you in 2016 - Think about it - Monthly Events, MINI Takes The States, The MINI John Cooper Works Team in the 2016 Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge Street Tuner (ST) Class IMSA series at Laguna Seca, The new MINI Clubman, next generation MINI Cooper, S and JCW and Convertible. Later in 2016 the new MINI Countryman and, who knows? Maybe an electric Superleggera?

It is going to be an exciting  year to be involved in the NORCAL MINIS' community! Become a paid member MINI family and get all the benefits of membership. Give a membership as a gift and Let's Motor in 2016. We can't wait!!!!

NORCAL MINIS Family Membership is only $25.00/family per calendar year. Family Members get full access to the Members Only NORCAL MINIS' Google Group; sponsor, vendor and club discounts; direct email invitations for NORCAL MINIS events, a say in where we run and what we do, and exclusive access to Members Only events.

We have made it easy for you to join in the fun. Pay for your membership now. Use this Paypal Button:





MINI Produces Content For Google Goggles

Automotive News hails MINI's content for the Google Carboard goggles that turn any smartphone into a cheap set of virtual reality goggles. Make or get your own and enjoy MINI USA's VR videos:

Roadtrip! Paceman In The Dolomites


Mini Cooper Paceman Roadtrip Dolomites Italy Austria from Rene de Beer on Vimeo.

John Swift Road Test Of The New MINI Clubman

The Sentinel examines the new MINI Clubman and provides this video:

A Little "Awe"

Check out this video of AWE Tuning's take on the F56 MINI Cooper S with:
  • Max gains of 10 hp and 19 ft-lbs of torque to the crank
  • Sophisticated Touring Edition, or more unleashed Track Edition
  • Featuring AWE Tuning’s proprietary 180 Technology® Drone-Cancelling technology (Touring Edition)
  • Less is more: Clean, straight-through design maximizes performance
  • Engineered, designed, and manufactured in-house at AWE Tuning
  • Handcrafted and CNC mandrel-bent from 2.5” U.S.-sourced T304 stainless steel
  • 102mm double walled adjustable slash-cut tips available in Chrome Silver or Diamond Black
  • Direct bolt-on system for factory-like simplicity
  • No Check Engine Light - Guaranteed
  • Perfect Fitment - Guaranteed
  • Featuring the AWE Tuning Lifetime Exhaust Warranty
The Options:

The Touring Edition Exhaust

A bespoke exhaust designed specifically for the F56 MINI Cooper S (F56), the Touring Edition Exhaust features AWE Tuning’s proprietary sound cancellation solution, 180 Technology®, enabling the perfect tone, minus drone, delivering the ultimate mix of performance and sophistication. A direct bolt-on, straight-through design, the Touring Edition Exhaust delivers a civil, smooth soundtrack throughout the range while providing an enhanced in-cabin driving experience no matter how hard you’re motoring.

Sound Perfection: AWE Tuning 180 Technology®

There are valved systems out there. There are other exhausts out there. But there is no other exhaust on the planet with 180 Technology®, AWE Tuning’s proprietary sound cancellation approach. . . .

Saudi Arabian MINI Support For World Diabetes Day

arab news reports:
Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors (MYNM), MINI’s official importer in Saudi Arabia, supported Ameer Al-Rimawai, founder of Backpackers Social Enterprise, a charitable organization, on his 100 km plus walk from Jeddah to Thuwal in support of World Diabetes Day. 
The MINI countryman accompanied Ameer on his two-day journey to raise awareness of the dangers of diabetes in the Kingdom as part of the global awareness drive. . . .

Daily Star Tests The New MINI Cooper S Clubman

The Daily Star looks at the new MINI Cooper S Clubman and writes, in part:
. . . Verdict: Oh yes, it’s posh all right, without you having to spend an extra 10 grand. The interior is beautifully finished, while standard kit includes sat-nav, Bluetooth, a USB port, 16-inch alloys and air-con. . . .

No MINI At 2016 Detroit, Geneva And Beijing Motor Shows

According to AUTOCAR MINI will scale back its 2016 motor show appearances skipping Detroit, Geneva and Bejing, although:
Mini is expected to unveil both the Clubman John Cooper Works and four-wheel drive-Clubman All4 at the New York motor show, prior to a world premiere for the second-generation Countryman at the Paris motor show in September 2016.

"My Friends All Drive Porsches, I Must Make Amends"

MotorAuthority reflects upon the recent sale of the iconic psychedelic painted 1964 Porsche 356 C Cabriolet for $1.76 million.

Duel AG's R56

Der Tuning Und Styling Blog examines tuner Duel AG's R56.  According to the short article the vehicle adds:
Duell AG cooler
Duell AG silencer
Duell AG R56 C pillar trim
Duell AG R56 CF roof spoiler
Duell AG R56 front bumper version 2.22
Duell AG R56 fender flares
Duell AG R55 door sill trims
Duell AG R56 sideskirts
Duell AG R56 rear bumper
Duell AG R56 rear diffuser CF
Duell AG R56 Matt Carbon Headlight cover
Duell AG tachometer in yellow
Duell AG Frogkit BF
Duell AG CF steering wheel
Duell AG CF bonnet with air vents in Carbon
Duell AG R56 CF door handles
Duell AG R56 CF filler cap

Tree Angle Looks At The MINI Carbon Edition

Tree Angle turns its attention to the Carbon Edition:
. . . Offering 208 horsepower courtesy of the John Cooper Works Pro Tuning kit and a valve-equipped exhaust, the 4 Door comes in 20-hp shy of the full-boat JCW model. It does, however, offer the ragin John Cooper Works look, with 17-inch JCW Track Spoke black wheels, a body kit, and a rear spoiler. Carbon-fiber mirror caps, air-intake trim, and tailpipe trim add motorsporty aesthetic drama to the Mini, while matte-black stripes and a red pinstripe offer a visual tether to the John Cooper Works model.

Inside, the Carbon Edition includes a JCW steering wheel, heated seats, and a Harman/Kardon sound system. The sport exhaust valve is Bluetooth-activated, and according to Mini, unleashes devilish backfire pops and crackling sound on the overrun. Which sounds enticingly demonic, if you happen to be one those who wish that Swinging London had offered more Satanic Majesty and less Sgt. Pepper. Regrettably, the only thing weve found thats positively Beelzebubbian about the latest performance-oriented Minis is the ride quality. But perhaps freshly Carbonized motorists will be making too much noise to notice. . . .

Tackling The 2016 Alcan 5000 Winter Rally In A 2011 Countryman

MotoringFile features a story about an amateur "Alcan MINI Team" consisting of Bobby Danger and Joshua Murray from Bend, Oregon hell set on braving the "4,700 miles of insanity through frozen Alaska."

S3 Agency MINI USA Marketing

S3 Agency is one of the marketing firms hired by MINI USA.  It has a gallery of some of its MINI work.

"Turning Heads As Brand's Largest Model"

Jacksonville.com thinks the bigger model will draw new customers:

. . . These new customers will find a new interior and dashboard — including iconic toggle switches and a central display screen with MINI Connected access to mobile apps, USB port, Bluetooth calling and music streaming. There’s also a full-length center console and theme to accentuate the car’s width. Power-adjustable front seats are available for the first time. . . .

Bloomberg Business Hails The New MINI JCW

Bloomberg Business reviews the new 2016 MINI John Cooper Works calling it a "Polished Gem" with a "Worthy Interior."

"Away In A Manger, No Crib For A Bed . . ."

A drunk MINI driver crashed his MINI in North Yorkshire, U.K. and, according to a story in the telegraph, tried to hide from police in a manger scene.


It Lives Again As A Pickup

From totalled to MINI "Pick-up." autoevolution writes:
The project belongs to MINI Scene Stuttgart, a non-profit organization that binds all the fans of this British marque in the area.

. . . .Mechanics started off with a crashed Mk2 convertible (looks like it could have been a JCW). Instead of just scrapping it, they went back to the drawing board to make a working truck out of the little bugger. . . .

"Brilliantly Bonkers"

That is what the Irish Examiner heralds in the headline to its review of the MINI Cooper JCW that has an "Overall Verdict" that it is a "Cracking Drive."