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We’ve seen the car in pictures, and on the track. I’ve even seen it in person and sat in the driver’s seat. But nothing quite compares to seeing the JCW Endurance actually at the ‘Ring being driven in anger. And that’s exactly what we have. Almost 10 minutes of the car driving at the track among some of the other competitors. One thing you’ll note about the 24 Hours of the Nurburgring, the race-cars are more varied than any other form of motorsport. You’ll see a 1980′s 3 Series being passed by the latest BMW M3 LeMans/ALMS car. It’s quite frankly the most extreme for of endurance racing we can think of. And exactly the kind of race MINI should take on. </img></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

As some of you likely know, there is a race to be run this weekend. And for MINI it’s a pretty big deal. Sure they don’t stand a chance to win outright. But if following the team and their two cars is your goal, you’re going to need to be a bit nimble on the interwebs (provided you’re not in Germany where all 24 hours are broadcast live). So we’ve created a quick guide that should help you find coverage throughout the weekend. You can watch a stream of the race at adac.24h-rennen.de (when it’s working) along with official timing and scoring. Of if you’re preferred method is iOS, you can download this iPhone app (German only) that should give you live timing and scoring as well. Finally Youtube and Justin.tv are your friends. If you know where to look, you’ll find plenty of video either as it happens or shortly afterwards. </img></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

MINI France has commissioned a rather creative Facebook application, MINI MAPS, that combines Facebook, Google Maps and Flash to let you not only race a virtual MINI on virtual roads all over the world. You can challenge your FB friends or just random people using the app. You pick the track, location and even time of day. The game even simulates weather and other environmental factors. Win races to unlock new MINIs and zoom your way up the worldwide rankings. Take that, Farmville. [source: Creativity] </img></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

The JCW Endurance officially launched this morning at the famed Nurburgring. Powered by a 250 bhp version of the JCW race engine (which itself is mostly the stock engine) the JCW Endurance will take on the likes of BMW, Audi and Mercedes at the toughest 24 hour race in the world. And now we can actually see it under its own power. We’ve managed to get a hold of some video of the car at the track that gives you a greater appreciation for everything that MINI has done in this one-off race-car. (Second video after the break) In addition to the video, here’s a look at the car from this morning’s launch at the ‘Ring. We’ll have much more on the car and the race in the coming days. </img></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

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A new trailer for season 17 of Top Gear UK just hit the interwebs and in it, there’s a moment of special interest to MINI fans. At about 0:10, we see none other than Captain Slow himself, James May, driving the fire out of what appears to be the MINI Countryman WRC race car. He seems to be racing against something, although we aren’t shown what. Knowing Top Gear though, it’s as likely a cheetah on methamphedamines as a jet engine powered BMX biker. Either way, we’ll definitely be tuning in. </img></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

As you may have guessed we’re pretty pumped for the 24 Hours of the Nurburgring this weekend here at MF. Sure F1 is at Valencia but for those could do without the glitz and glamour and would rather focus on the ultimate man and machine, there isn’t a better race in the world. So with that said we thought it appropriate to do a little refresher on the track that will be featured this weekend and that has so shaped MINI’s parent company BMW over the years. The Nordschleife Nurburgring has been synonymous with the BMW brand since the 1930′s. BMW and its products are probably more closely tied to the ‘Ring than any other manufacturer. And since the R50 and R53 MINI has been part of that. Every car MINI designs and engineers ultimately makes its way to the ‘Ring for what some would consider the most important part of its development process. But the beauty of the Nordschleife is that you can actually drive any street legal car on it much of the year. All it takes is around $30 and you have a chance to tackle the most famous (and perhaps dangerous) track in the world. Having driven it in the past I can tell you that there is simply nothing that can totally prepare you for the experience. No matter how great video games have become, there is no way they can match the sensation of the real track. And beyond that the paddock area is about as close to automotive heaven as you can get. Every kind of car from every manufacturer is there in one of the best impromptu car shows you’ll ever see. So to celebrate the 2010 24 Hours of the Nurburgring we’re presenting both our podcast (recording while driving the ‘Ring with an R56 MCS and our good friend Axel from Bigblogg) and the official BMW PDF all about the history of the track. A highly recommended and listen read for anyone with interest in the ultimate track. + The Nordschleife Line / Sport Auto PDF (by BMW, 2003) You can see more photos of our last trip to the ‘Ring below. </img></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

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The MINI Coupe has been released and priced. Now it’s time for us to take a look at the thing actually moving. And as much as the pictures show us, there’s nothing quite like seeing a car under it’s own power to help define the design. For those who missed the initial announcement earlier this week, the MINI Coupe will be launched internationally October 1st this year in four flavors; Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper SD (N/A in the US) and JCW. The launch will be followed by the Roadster next March. </img></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

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During the test drive of the MINI Coupe I had a chance to play investigate the various features of the new Coupe. It’s the first time a wing like this has shown up on any BMW product. And as cool as it looks, it was born out of functional need. The wing reduces lift on the rear axel by 40 kg or almost 90 pounds. It also helps reduce turbulence that is a by-product of the short rear window with air first flowing through the roof mounted spoiler onto the larger wing. Both spoilers were created in BMW’s new wind tunnel and are considered so crucial to the performance of the car that, if the wing doesn’t move up at 50 mpg for one reason or another, the car won’t allow DSC to be fully dis-engaged. You can flip the wing up at any time below 50 mph via toggle switch near the dome lights (ironically the same place you would have put the roof down on a convertible). It’s a cool trick and one that owners will love seeing in the rear view mirror. It also really completes the look of the car – especially with the optional stripes. </img></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

The new MINI film you see above is a teaser for the launch of the new MINI Coupe and leads into a new MINI campaign; “Another Day. Another Adventure.” The film features driving scenes shot in Rio de Janeiro, Iceland and Hong Kong. The reveal film, shot in the style of a movie trailer, previews three new MINI commercials set to air from September on. César Charlone, the Oscar-nominated cameraman behind “City of God”, gave the Rio spot a unique feel as you’ll see above. Look for this campaign to mostly show up in international advertising starting this fall. </img></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

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Today MINI has not only taken the wraps off of the new Coupe but also released final 2012 pricing. And yes that include all models of the Coupe. Full rundown after the break. Official Pricing MINI Coupe MY2011 MY2012 Cooper NA $22,000 Cooper S NA $25,300 John Cooper Works NA $31,900 (aerokit included) MINI Hatch Cooper $20,100 $20,200 Cooper S $23,700 $23,800 John Cooper Works $29,800 $30,600 (aerokit included) MINI Clubman Cooper $21,800 $21,900 Cooper S $25,500 $25,600 John Cooper Works $32,000 $32,100 (aerokit included) MINI Countryman Cooper $22,350 $22,450 Cooper S $25,95 $26,050 Cooper S ALL4 $27,650 $27,750 Equipment / Technology Changes for 2012 In regards to model year updates versus 2011, changes for the MINI Hardtop, Convertible, Clubman and Countryman models will be related to customization. MINI Yours debuts in 2012MY, which is a more premium and very exclusive series of options from upholstery, interior surfaces and exterior colors that can be purchased as a package or as individual options. MINI Yours interior options include: An instrument panel covered in a smooth two-tone soft-touch leather that has exposed stitching Two-tone leather steering wheel The new MINI Yours 17” alloy wheel – on all Cooper and Cooper S models MINI Yours pattern “Soda” mirror caps, which have a three-dimensional effect MINI Yours Soda pattern Lounge Leather, where the unique Soda pattern appears on the sides of the backrests and headrests, and a contrasting black leather stripe runs down the middle of the seats and is offset with a premium piping Cosmopolitan floormats will be standard on all MINI models sold in the US. Specific Color / Option Changes by Model All JCW Models The model year 2012 John Cooper Works Hardtop and Convertible will be equipped standard with the JCW aero kit. MINI Clubman The lower C-pillars are now available in body color for Laser Blue, White Silver, British Racing Green II, Eclipse Gray and Pepper White. MINI Hardtop and Clubman New standard wheel for Cooper models is the 15” 7-Hole wheel, replacing the 5-Star Spooler. MINI Hardtop, Convertible, Clubman and Countryman A new option is an interior mirror with a digital compass. MINI Hardtop, Convertible and Clubman Cross Check Cloth/Leather in Polar Beige will be now available on all body styles, along with Satellite Gray Lounge Leather and Carbon Black Cloth/Leather. </img></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

With calendar summer about to officially start, it’s time to start looking forward to the 2012 MINI lineup and pricing for this coming fall. We’ve received updated pricing information for the various MINI models, as well as some package changes. As of this posting, our information is still incomplete, but here’s what we know so far. 2012 MINI Cooper Hardtop, Clubman and Convertible Pricing The base price for the R56/R55/R57 will all rise by $100 each, but will now include floor mats as standard. That pushes the base prices to $20,200/$21,900/$25,650 for the Cooper engine class in the Hardtop, Clubman and Convertible respectively. 2112 MINI Cooper S John Cooper Works The full JCW car will jump $700 over its current price to $30,500, making it the first MINI (not counting low-number special editions like the GP or WC50) with a base price above the $30k mark. However, taking into account that the price bump (finally) includes the JCW Aero Kit (as of November) and floor mats ($100), you’re in essence getting the Aero Kit for a mere $600. That’s a great deal, and the JCW car is finally getting the visual distinction it deserves. Package Changes Two significant changes to the MINI USA packages will come for 2012. The first is in the Premium Package, which will trade the Dual Pane Sunroof for Park Distance Control and the Chrome Line Interior. Why the change? MINI has two flavors of hardtop now. There’s the conventional rooflines in the Hardtop, Clubman and Countryman that can accept the sunroof. Then there’s the new Coupe, which cannot. Rather than having to keep track of two separate premium packages, the sunroof becomes an ala cart option. The 2012 model year will also see the addition of a new package: the Technology Package. Our information is incomplete at this point, but we do know that this package will include at least Bluetooth integration, the center arm rest and MINI Connected. No word yet on pricing or what else may be included in this new bundle. Here’s the full break-down: Premium Package: $1750 (similar to the old convenience package)- Anti-Theft Alarm System- comfort access- chrome lined interior- autodimming rear view mirror- rain sensor and auto headlights- auto climate control Technology package $2000- Armrest- Park Distance Control- Harmon Kardon Stereo- MINI connected- Add Navigation to package for $750 </img></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

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As we gear up for MINI’s run at the 24 Hours of the Nurburgring this weekend we thought we’d give you a quick overview of the track courtesy of Vimeo member Ozan Halici. This video (shot with four Gopro cameras) captures the track and the danger incredibly well. Check back throughout the week for more on the ‘Ring and the MINI that will be attacking it. For more on the 24 Hours of the Nurburgring you’ll want to check out a documentary look at BMW’s win in last years race at our sister site BImmerFile. It’s one of the best pieces of motorsport video we’ve ever seen (and like the video above, is also non-official. </img></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

German car tuning house AC Schnitzer has built a super MINI based on the R56 JCW. Setting a lap time at Hockenheim Circuit of 1:13.341 minutes, the “Eagle” can turn the course faster than the BMW M3, Ferrari California, Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Black Series and the Porsche 911 Turbo and Carrera S models. It’s little wonder with power at 256hp, and weight is down to just 2,312 lbs. Thanks to a fully re-engineered exhaust system and tweaks to the engine management system, the 1.6L MINI Turbo engine is belting out well over 50hp more than the stock JCW. Custom suspension and 18″ wheels round out the performance package and aggressive styling of the car. Where the Eagle concept for sale, it’d cost you a spendy $88,667, but alas, it is not. Track video and gallery after the break. (Full press release and video after the break) Press Release: The fastest MINI comes from Aachen: the AC Schnitzer EagleWith a sensational lap time of 1:13.341 min., the new “AC Schnitzer Eagle” concept vehicle (based on John Cooper Works MINI) showed its competitors a clean pair of heels in a direct comparison around the Hockenheim Circuit. In vehicle testing, one of the standard bases for assessment is the lap time on the world-famous Grand Prix Circuit in Hockenheim. The 260 HP AC Schnitzer Eagle has muscled its way into the big boys’ league of thoroughbred sports cars with a lap time of 1:13.341 min. In a direct comparison, the AC Schnitzer Eagle was able to leave its class rivals well behind. Only the very big names with a far more engine power on board, such as the X-Bow, M3 Kompressor, Mercedes AMG and Caterham were able to beat the “little rocket” AC Schnitzer Eagle based on the John Cooper Works MINI.The successful principle behind the concept study (not for sale) is easy to explain: in the development of the AC Schnitzer Eagle, all areas of the vehicle were optimised by our technicians and engineers for “Efficient Performance”. <a href="http://www.motoringfile.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/2544834871002218867.jpg">

At this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, one lucky MINI fan will get to ride shotgun with Chris Meeke as he drives the Countryman WRC race car in anger around a 1.67 mile, loose-surface, forest rally course. A raffle will be held at the Glittering Ball, Saturday night, July 2, 2011 to choose the lucky passenger. Other MINI WRC highlights for the weekend include Meeke competing in the annual hill climb event on all three days of the festival. GFoS has been a mecca for petrol heads the world over, and this year there’s something special for the MINI faithful. Cheers! Full press release after the jump. [Official Release] The largest motoring garden party in the world, set in the heart of the British countryside, will be the idyllic setting for an outing of the MINI John Cooper Works WRC. This will be at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on the 1st – 3rd July and here a member of the public will get the once in a life time chance to be a passenger in one of these iconic cars while it is being driven at speed. The lucky person, who will sit beside works rally driver, Kris Meeke (GB), on Sunday morning while the car goes through the 1.67 mile loose-surface forest rally stage, will be the winner of a raffle to be held at the annual glittering ball on the Saturday night. Dr Kay Segler, Senior Vice President Brand Management MINI, commented: “When we were invited to be part of this event, which has a worldwide reputation for being one of the biggest on the motorsport calendar, we were delighted. The affection felt for MINI as a brand is amazing, and I am confident the fans at Goodwood will give it as enthusiastic a welcome as I watched it have on its World Rally Championship debut in Sardinia. We wanted to make it even more special, so we felt giving a prize that money could not buy would be a great start.” Meeke will be driving the car on both the rally stage and up the 1.16 mile hillclimb on all three days. This event, which was founded in 1993 by the owner of Goodwood House, the Earl of March, has become a magnet for fans who come from far and wide to celebrate motorsport and all things automotive at their finest. The hillclimb, which is the main attraction, is very technical and challenging and rises over 300 feet from start to finish. This year’s theme is ‘Racing Revolutions – Quantum leaps that shaped motorsport’. Priceless machinery from around the world representing two and four wheeled motorsport will be on display for the 150,000 sell-out crowd to see at close quarters. The MINI WRC Team has been busy testing ahead of its next WRC outing on Rally Finland on 28th – 30th July. This is the second of six WRC events in 2011 that Meeke and co-driver Paul Nagle (IR) and Dani Sordo and co-driver Carlos del Barrio (ES) will take part in ahead of a full assault on the WRC in 2012. Goodwood Festival of Speed Media Requests: All requests over the event weekend for media interviews should be directed to Martin Harrison from BMW UK, Mobile: +44 (0)7525 977083 </img></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

Look for much more on this team and the car next week. Official news from MINI Motorsports: For the first time Dörr Motorsport starts a MINI at the legendary 24h race Nürburgring this year. In the background of this, Dörr cleverly promotes young long-distance drivers. This year the MINI commitment may be starting under the Olympic motto of “It’s the taking part that counts”, but Dörr has set his sights on a clear goal: Next year, two MINI race cars are due to start, one of them with four junior racing drivers from other long-distance series behind the wheel. To have the best possible car in place for 2012, Dörr has four veterans driving this year’s MINI. “With Christian Penno, Friedrich Holoch, Roland Konrad and Heiko Hahn we are lining up with very experienced drivers who are well qualified to give us feedback on what we might be able to improve. Then we go from there.” However, Dörr is not worried about having to deal with any major problems. He knows all about the quality of the MINI. “The car is already running very well,” Dörr says. Then, in 2012, Dörr makes dreams come true. This spring four junior racing drivers have started behind the wheel of a 220 bhp MINI Cooper S at the RCN Rundstrecken-Challenge Nürburgring. After the 24h race, which the four youngsters will not yet compete in, they will start at the VLN long-distance championship at the Nürburgring. Those who prove themselves in this series can look forward to a starting place at the renowned 24-hour race next year. Dörr is also keen to listen to the opinions of the junior drivers. After all, they were practically raised in the “Green Hell” with their experience at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. And so the future looks bright for Dörr and his young drivers. “The next group are already just around the corner,” says Dörr. </img></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

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Car Magazine snuck in somewhere they shouldn’t have been and snapped the best pics yet of the forthcoming MINI Coupe. For those that read our review of the coupe last week we see a couple details that we mentioned; The contrasting roof and stripes Unique 17″ wheels Silver roof and mirrors (white will not be offered) The Coupe is scheduled to be officially unveiled in the coming days. However until then, feast your eyes the Cooper S Coupe. </img></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше