MINI USA Product Manager Vinnie Kung answered selected
MotoringFile readers' questions about the future of MINI and MINI products. Kung discusses the changes in 2011, the so-called "MINI refresh"; option availability for, 2011 changes in, and the future of, the JCW; why MINI's fabric seats lack lumbar support; the reason for elimination of the tilt/slide/memory from the front passenger seat; the addition of new oil feed line heat shields on the turbo engines and new timing chain tensioners; MINI color choices; whether the JCW will ever come with an automatic transmission; further future differentiation of the JCW from the MCS; the possibilities for an all wheel drive JCW; seating for the Countryman; the potential for WRC-inspired parts and versions; headroom in the Coupe and when it can be expected to debut; the lack of one touch up for the Convertible roof; the future for diesel MINIs in the US; the addition of Start/Stop technology; and MINI's view of the new Fiat 500.