DimON

For those who don’t read the comments, there was some interesting chatter the other day between frequent MotoringFile commenter and BMW insider Herr26. He gave us some interesting information on some future MINI variants. Specifically, Herr26 mentions the future of the Paceman, the next generation of the Clubman and the as yet unseen Spacebox (aka MINI MAT). Considering Herr’s comments are almost always spot on they’re probably worth repeating here for those who may have missed them. The MINI (MAT) is the genesis of the Spacebox concept – some have dubbed MINI caveman because of it’s “cavernous” space in the interior (hah-hah) . But if you want to give it it’s final market term it will be called the MINI Traveller – It’s an ingenious concept – a MINI with more passenger flexibility. It is effectively a larger Clubman , with the next Clubman taking on a more sporting “Shooting Brake” style. The MINI Paceman has developed into a more sportier looking vehicle with rear hinged “activity” doors making the car a full five door. but still keeping that dynamic sloping roof at the rear. The front of the car has changed and is following the next generation of MINI’s with the headlights for example instead of the placement on the front wings or slightly pushed in on the R56. The next generation of MINI illustrates it’s evolutionary traits by having them cut into the front of the car and raked further into the wings to give a really sporty impression. We definitely like the sound of a sporty, AWD Paceman with even more aggressive lines. Most interesting is the description of the future Clubman. Many have wondered how the Paceman and Clubman can co-exist without being too redundant. A longer shooting brake style Clubman could have almost a MINI Coupé fastback rear end and (according to Herr and other sources) could be based on the next generation MINI (the F56) and not the R60 Countrymam. This would give the Clubman a sport wagon profile possibly in the vein of the best shooting brakes over the years. </img></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

Finishing up from yesterday with some Ask Chad talking about JCW Aero kits and transmission replacements. And we drop some hints about something that is probably going to be happening sometime in October. At Detroit Tuned to celebrate Woofcast 400. More details to follow very soon! Download |12.8MB | 28:04 |WRR @ iTunes </img></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

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Ever wonder if an electric car could really work in your daily driving routine? Take heart, a recently released study from UC Davis and BMW Group found that the MINI E met the daily driving needs of 90% of the trial participants. The study also found that 95% of participants drove fewer than 80 miles in a given day. In terms of commuting and even general errand running, this isn’t particularly surprising, but the results are noteworthy because of most people’s so-called “range anxiety.” Read the full summary after the jump. [Official Release] The University of California, Davis and the BMW Group today released the largest publicly available study of electric-car users ever conducted – including over 120 families who drove the fully electric MINI E automobile more than 1 million miles in California, New York and New Jersey from June 2009 to June 2010. The report shows that the participants found the cars to be fun yet practical, easy to drive and recharge, and many said they would buy an electric car in the next five years, according to UC Davis researchers. As battery electric vehicles (BEVs) enter the commercial marketplace for the first time, the results of this year-long study by the UC Davis Plug-in Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Research Center provide valuable insight into new ways that consumers value BEVs. Through online and telephone surveys of the participating households, and diaries and in-person interviews with a subset of more than 40 households, the UC Davis MINI E research team examined user behavior, infrastructure use, costs, environmental benefits, and other aspects of electric driving. Among the key findings of the study are the following: 100% of respondents said BEVs are fun to drive and practical for daily use Respondents said the MINI E met 90% of their daily driving needs 71% of respondents drove fewer than 40 miles/day; 95% drove fewer than 80 miles 99% of respondents said home charging was easy to use 71% of respondents said they are now more likely to purchase a BEV than they were a year ago while only 9% said they are less likely. 88% of respondents said they are interested in buying a BEV or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle in the next five years By the end of the lease period, MINI E drivers overwhelmingly thought that the electricity for charging their BEV should come from renewable resources such as solar, wind and hydropower, and were strongly opposed to using coal to generate electricity for their vehicles. The UC Davis study is part of a whole set of studies being conducted by the BMW Group on electric vehicles, which includes research in China, Germany and the U.K. Compelling combination of “clean and fun” UC Davis Plug-in Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Research Center director Tom Turrentine said the study highlights three new and potentially significant ways that drivers value BEVs. First, the MINI E meets drivers’ desire for a vehicle that is both environmentally friendly and fun to drive. Drivers loved the vehicle’s quick acceleration and quiet operation. “What we heard over and over again in our interviews is how fun it was to drive. That’s in part because it’s a MINI and in part because of the feel of electric drive,” Turrentine said. Second, drivers find value in using electricity as a fuel and in mastering their individual energy use through efficient driving behaviors. “The combination of limited onboard energy and extreme efficiency make BEVs the premier appliance for people to experience energy use,” says Turrentine. Additionally, the drivers learned to appreciate the car’s powerful regenerative braking function, which returns energy to the battery and allowed them to drive using a single pedal for acceleration and braking. Third, drivers like to develop their clean driving territory. “Drivers start talking about the MINI E as a special way to explore their region. They of course can go anywhere in their gas car, but they like to talk about where they can go in their MINI E,” Turrentine says. “Range anxiety” not a big issue for experienced MINI E drivers While range is often held up as a limitation of BEVs, the MINI E’s range of around 100 miles was acceptable to most drivers most of the time. “We found that households adapted their driving around the capabilities of the vehicle and even explored ways to maximize the use of the MINI E,” said Turrentine. By studying the MINI E drivers’ usage patterns and need for range, researchers were able to determine that strategic placement of charging stations could allow drivers to reach most of their desired destinations using a BEV that has a range of 90 to 100 miles. Most charging occurred at home, at night, and 99% of respondents said home charging was easy to use. BMW Group prepares 2nd phase of its EV strategy with BMW ActiveE “The MINI E studies are extremely valuable for us as they show that electric cars are already today offering an attractive mobility solution to a broader spectrum of customers. While reducing the tail pipe emissions to zero, the MINI E provides the fun that users expect when driving our products. The results of the UC Davis study have a direct impact on the development of all BMW Group electric vehicles to come,” says Ulrich Kranz, head of project i, BMW Group. “BMW Group now is developing the next generation of full electric cars, with the BMW ActiveE test fleet coming into the market in 2011 and the series production BMW i3 following in 2013.” The all-electric BMW ActiveE will be available in select US markets beginning in late 2011, for a two-year lease at $499/month, with a $2,250 down payment. Details can be found at www.BMWUSA.com/ActiveE. Join the growing conversation about the future of mobility at www.BMWActivetheFuture.com. </img></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

With a small fleet of press vehicles out for review at the moment, it’s no surprise that we’re seeing more and more reviews of the Fiat 500 online. This one from the New York Times caught our attention because of their take on the inevitable MINI comparison. Read their excerpted summary after the jump. The 500C is often compared to the similarly adorable Mini convertible. But the 500C, which is seven inches shorter than the Mini, feels softer. The steering is considerably less crisp, and the Fiat leans more in the corners than its BMW-owned competitor. But the Fiat is quieter over every type of road. Over all, the Mini feels more like an economical sports car, whereas the 500C feels more like a sporty economy car. In addition, compared with the low-slung driving position of the Mini, the Fiat 500C’s is noticeably loftier, like being perched on a sofa. Then again, Americans tend to enjoy sofas, which might explain Fiat’s decision to equip American-bound 500s with wider front seats than models sold in Europe. It’s been our contention all along that the MINI and the Fiat 500 aren’t really in the same class. On both price and performance, there’s enough distance between the two cars that it’s only really their diminutive size and quirky aesthetics that lump them together. The common thread throughout these reviews (and our experience backs this up as well) is that once you drive both, you quickly realize how different the two cars really are. That’s not a bad thing, and hardly a knock against the 500. It isn’t even that the MINI is a better car, simply that it’s a very different car. Special thanks to Aurel for sending this in. </img></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

Our sources are telling us that in the next few weeks, Horizon Blue will no longer be available on the MINI. HB will be replaced by Laser Blue, which is presently available for the Cooper S, JCW and Convertible hardtops and will remain available on those models. So if you’ve got your heart set on a Horizon Blue MINI, you’d best act quickly. </img></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

WhatCar.com is reporting in an interview with BMW/MINI leadership that while the recent BMW investment in UK manufacturing may spawn as many as 10 MINI variants, the Rocketman Concept will not be among them. While clever doors and composite materials featured in the Rocketman Concept will see the light of day in future MINI models, Ian Robertson put it pretty bluntly: The Rocketman was a concept and we have no plans to take it further, but features of it will appear on future Minis. No word yet on if this kills the entire MINI city car program, but we will do our best to find out more. </img></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

MINI is taking on the most grueling 24 hour race in the world; the Nürburgring 24 Hours. It’s known as the Green Hell for a reason and MINI will be competing with almost every kind of car concievable as well as the track and the ever changing conditions. MINI Motorsports caught up with Team Principal Lothar Sausemuth about the challenges faced in the race and the advantages of the MINI. And the car? We’ll find out more about that in the coming weeks. Mr. Sausemuth, what do you find so appealing about the 24-hour race? Lothar Sausemuth: “The race is a legend, and the appeal is the starting line-up, which features many different brands and drivers. s.i.g. Motorsport also competes in the VLN Endurance Championship, in which the races take place before or after the 24-hour race. For us, however, the centrepiece of the season is and always has been the 24-hour race itself.” Which MINI cars will s.i.g Motorsport be lining up with this year? Sausemuth: “This time we are starting with two MINI John Cooper Works cars. These were originally used in the MINI Challenge. We have made some modifications to a few areas for the 24-hour race, as this kind of endurance race puts the cars under immense strain.” Who does your team consist of? Sausemuth: “In the first car we have almost the identical driving line-up to last year with Andy Glanc and Ingo Gaupp. New to this MINI are Steffen Schmid und Michael Mönch. We have new drivers in the second car: Dirk Lauth and Martin Heidrich from the MINI Challenge, and Hitoshi Goto from Tokyo, who gives the car an international feel. One place is still up for grabs in the second car. We will decide shortly who will take up this place.” Are you recruiting potential drivers yourself? Sausemuth: “I have been involved in motor racing for over 20 years, so I have a lot of contact with other teams, know a lot of drivers personally, and have a large network of experts who can recommend candidates. Furthermore, we have been racing in the MINI Challenge Germany since its inception. We have very good contacts within ADAC and companies who are actively involved in motor racing. After so much time you know all the world and his brother, which obviously helps when selecting a driver.” What properties do you look for in a driver? Sausemuth: “The drivers absolutely must have plenty of experience of endurance racing. The Nürburgring-Nordschleife is possibly the most difficult racetrack in the world. Over 200 cars will start, and many have twice as much horsepower as we do. We expect a driver to have at least three or four 24-hour races under his belt before he is considered.” Why did you choose MINI for the 24-hour race? Sausemuth: “The MINI is a very reliable car. In 2010 we lined up with the MINI John Cooper Works Challenge, which was built in 2004, and we had absolutely no problem with the parts that are usually so critical, such as the suspension and gearbox. If we had not been involved in a crash, which put us out of action for two and a half hours, we would have achieved a very good result.“ Can you sense the special passion the fans have for the MINI brand when you line up in the MINI Challenge or at the 24-hour race? Sausemuth: “MINI enjoys cult status. A MINI fan club recently arrived in over 40 MINI cars when they came to visit our pit lane. Everyone is happy when we defy the fast cars in our MINI. When it comes to performance, the MINI can more than hold its own.” </img></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

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On June 25th, the official MINI Motorsports teem, three privateer MINI teams and as many as 200 other competitors will race a grueling 24 hours at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. This epic endurance race on the world’s most epic public road will test men and machine alike. It’s been dubbed “The Green Hell Adventure.” Notoriously unpredictable weather plus a swarm of cars will make this race truly a spectacle to behold. MINI is still tight-lipped about just what cars they’re racing at this event, but if they’re the cars we think they are, stay tuned, ’cause you’re going to want to see this. </img></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

If you follow us on Twitter you may have already seen the news. As part of an effort to further differentiate the sub-brand’s cars from standard MINIs, MINI AG is making the JCW aerokit standard across the entire range of JCW cars. It’s a move we have called for since 2007 and we applaud MINI for finally making the right decision. So what took so long. According to sources it was plant capacity. Once MINI ditched the optional aerokit tyat launched with tue car in 2007 there was room to move the JCW kit to the plant. Albiet with some changes that allow for simplier installation. In addition to that the front splitter on tue Coupe has been lengthened a few millimeters for a more aggressove look. Look for 2012 production to start in August of this year. </img></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

Our time with the MINI pre-production Coupe JCW has come to a close. We’ve met with MINI’s engineers and designers and had two track sessions in an effort to get to know the dynamic ins and outs of the R58. So while we start to formulate our thoughts on the car for the MF review, we thought we’d give you a chance to ask some of the questions that many of you have had rattling around in your heads. Just post them in the comment section below and we’ll get them answered as best we can and as they come in. </img></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

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Starting off with something very cool coming up later this year to help celebrate our 400th episode/6th year. We think it will be very cool and think you will too. Moving on to news from Motoringfile.com like we like to do. As an added bonus, we get a short call from Gabe with an update about what he is doing this week. Toss in an interview with our favorite Pikes Peaks racer, Savannah Rickli and that’s how we do that! Big thanks to everyone that has been leaving nice comments on iTunes for us, especially those of you that have a hard time even getting the show. We read everyone one of those, sometimes twice and appreciate every one! Download | 24.2MB | 50:13 |WRR @ iTunes </img></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

The early rumors indicating the coupe would be lighter were wrong. Due to MINI increasing rigidity with extra bracing (where the rear seat would be), additional pedestrian impact safety, the rear movable spoiler and several options that are now standard on the R58, the Coupe is actually around 45 lbs heavier than the hatch. This is based on our in-depth conversation about the car with MINI execs. One important note, the extra weight of the pedestrian impact safety measures will eventually find it’s way to the rest of the MINI line-up sometime in 2012. That all aside the Coupe is still faster than the R56 according to MINI. While the official 0-60 time is pegged at 6.1 we heard from MINI tonight that the R58 is not only faster than the R56 hatch in a straight line but also around any track thanks to better weight distribution and better aerodynamics. But enough of the subjective. We’ll be putting this theory to the test tomorrow on the track. </img></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

Первоначальная регистрация экипажей производится на форуме клуба MINI-People." 1.FreDD&Nata - #08 2.Semia+1 (За мной номер)-#01. 3.Anneke+Kaetana - #13 4.ASBUS - #7 5. Бирюкова Ксения - #77 6. Andre Bore - #25 7. ElComandante - #24 8. Maretti+1 - #11 9. MiniKisa+1 - #22[/b] 10. Jokerace 11.Gale+1 -№18 12. DimON+marika

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MINI-QUEST – ЭТО НЕ ГОНКА! MINI-QUEST – ЭТО ИГРА! Клуб «MINI-PEOPLE» совместно с телеканалом «Global Star TV», продолжая замечательную традицию клуба, запускает серию игр «MINI-Quest» сезона 2011 года. Первая игра «MINI-Quest» сезона 2011 года пройдет 18 июня. Телеканал «Global Star TV» будет снимать телепрограммы, посвященные мини-квесту, и все это можно будет увидеть в телепрограммах «P.R.O. AUTO», где вы сможете увидеть себя, своих друзей и, конечно же, свои любимые машинки в самые веселые моменты квеста! Игра проводится в городских условиях с соблюдением всех правил дорожного движения. Мы призываем все экипажи к аккуратному и безопасному вождению. Мероприятие проводится 18 июня с 18:00 и до бесконечности! Количество участников – 100 экипажей. Взнос с каждого экипажа - 1000 руб. Специальные призы от телеканала «GLOBAL STAR TV» - первая 10 победителей квеста получает бесплатное проживание в «Империал Парк Отель & SPA». Первоначальная регистрация экипажей производится на форуме клуба MINI-People. Финал квеста пройдет в загородном отеле «Империал Парк Отель & SPA». Партнер квеста - компания «Ароматный Мир» с удовольствием угощает нас эксклюзивными видами вина, бренди, виски, поэтому, если Вы планируете принять участие в дегустации, и особенно если дегустация будет активной, мы рекомендуем Вам остаться на ночь и на весь следующий день в «Империал Парк Отель & SPA». «Империал Парк Отель & SPA» - единственный загородный ***** отель в России, расположенный в самом живописном уголке Подмосковья. Мы выбрали для финала нашего квеста «Империал Парк Отель & SPA», чтобы подарить Вам замечательный уик-энд: чистый воздух, великолепную природу, сервис класса «люкс», веселый MINI-пикник и целый день удовольствий - SPA, бассейн, боулинг, рыбалка, фитнесс и многое другое! Обращаем ваше внимание, что клубу удалось забронировать для участников только 26 номеров со скидкой 20%. Поэтому участники квеста, желающие остаться в отеле и провести там все воскресенье 19 июня, Вам необходимо заранее забронировать себе номера, чтобы гарантировать себе потрясающий отдых. Для этого Вы должны подъехать в ближайшее время в офис «Global Star TV» и оплатить свою бронь наличными (карточки не принимаем). Также Вы можете самостоятельно обратиться в «Империал Парк Отель & SPA», но в этом случае Вам придется оплатить полную стоимость номера. Дорогие мини-пиплы! Если Вы реально хотите провести крутой уик-энд, рекомендуем Вам как можно быстрее решить для себя этот вопрос, потому что номера в отеле в сезон улетают как горячие пирожки. Также обращаем Ваше внимание, что с учетом огромного количества желающих участвовать в квесте для гарантированного Вашего участия необходимо заранее оплатить свое участие и получить номер экипажа. Кстати, кому это интересно, Вы также можете выбрать себе номер экипажа, если до этого момента он еще будет свободен. План квеста: • Сбор участников и регистрация с 18:00 до 19:30. - Blackberry Cafe - Проспект Академика Сахарова • С 19:30 до 20:00 - инструктаж и объявление правил квеста. • С 20:00 до 24:00 - квест с финишем в отеле «Империал Парк Отель & SPA» • На каждом чек-поинте экипаж должен выполнить несложные, веселые задания. • 24:00 до 1:00 объявление победителей и вручение призов, легкий фуршет от спонсоров и компании «Ароматный Мир». Цены на проживание в «Империал Парк Отель & SPA» на 19 июня с учетом скидки 20% для участников мини-квеста: Стандартный номер двухместный: 8748 руб. Стандарт В двухместный: 8019 руб. Студия двухместный: 10449 руб. Студия А двухместный: 9315 руб. Студия В двухместный: 9477 руб.

Bulgarian car customizers Vilner are taking a page out of the book of Rolls Royce, creating a bespoke MINI Cooper S of their own. Dubbed “The Italian Job”, the car features plush brown Nappa leather and matching Alcantara throughout the interior tied together in a diamond quilt pattern. The exterior of the car features a matte gray wrap and contrasting matte black roof and bonnet stripes. Custom 18″ wheels keep everything moving. It’s arguably as lavish as the MINI by Goodwood, but this one-off won’t find its way into a MINI dealer near you any time soon. Full gallery after the break. </img></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

At at cost of only £49 per person, MINI is offering exclusive track evenings for MINI owners at four of the UK’s leading race circuits. Participants must have at least three previous track experiences under their belt, and there are a limited number of spots available. Club MSV’s support team of instructors and track marshals will be on site to help train drivers at each event. You can sign up for the events here. Locations and schedule after the break. Brands Hatch Indy Circuit – Thursday, June 21 Bedford Autodrome SW Circuit – Wednesday, July 20 Caldwell Park Full Circuit – Thursday, August 11 Snetterton 300 – Thursday, September 8 </img></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

MINI Motorsport has released a promo involving Monte Carlo winners Paddy Hopkirk and Rauno Aaltonen and MINI’s motorsport heritage in the 60′s. It’s a fun romp through the past that hopefully mirrors future success. </img></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

MINI USA reported sales of 5,801 cars in May – an increase of 37%. For the year things look even better with sales up an incredible 46.3%. Their staggering numbers and exactly what the brand needed with it’s traditional core product (the hatch) about to enter its 5th year of production However With the introduction of the new crossover it’s quickly becoming clear that there are two core products are for the brand in the US; the R56 hatch and the R60 Countryman. In fact the R60 is selling at well over double the rate of the Clubman and, for May, was only 1000 units behind the standard hatch. Full sales figures after the break. Whether you approve of the R60 or not, it’s hard to argue against it’s success in adding to MINI’s bottom line and subsequently the brand’s future growth. </img></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

2013 brings us huge changes to the MINI family and these are the first images of that change via Worldcarfans. Yes that is the mythical F56 on the road testing for the first time. While the car is dramatically camouflaged this is unmistakably the next generation hatch. WCF may have the photos but they’ve off in several aspects of the story. First off the Clubman side-door? Yes that’s fake. And the BMW-esque interior? That’s an easy one. Because this will be the first MINI based on the UKL BMW Group platform, the testers simply shoe-horned a BMW dash onto the MINI for camo purposes. So no, the center speedo isn’t going away. However it is changing and we’ll have more on that soon. And those odd looking lights? 100% camouflage. Expect something closer to what we saw on the MINI Rocketman concept. Some things we can note right away. First off the size of the car (as sources have told us for well over two years) will be almost identical to the current hatch. In fact we expect the car to become lighter in most configurations thanks to the switch to BMW’s new three cylinder powerplant family. Codenamed the F56 and replacing the R56, the three door hatch will sport completely new interior design (with improved interface design) and an evolution of the MINI exterior design language. Look for other variants to push the envelope a bit, but not the bread and butter that is the hatch. But make no mistake, the hatchback will set the tone for MINI’s new design language on all products. But perhaps most importantly, there will be the new technology and powerplants. BMW will debut it’s new range three cylinder engines in the F56 that will ultimately go on to power much of the (approximately) 12 forthcoming UKL based models. Look for the 2013 MINI Hatch to debut next summer and be at dealerships by the fall. And of course look no further for all the news you need on the new car as products nears. You can see the entire set of images in high-res over at World Car Fans. </img></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше