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Last Sunday the 26th of June Top Gear Season 17 debuted with Jeremy Clarkson driving the BMW 1M and James May racing the MINI JCW Countryman WRC against a sled. We’ll leave the 1M to our sister site and of course focus on the JCW WRC. Unfortunately this version of the video omits Captain Slow giving the rally car the business on public roads. To say he was impressed would be an understatement. But we’ll have to make due with just the main event: Chris Meeke racing against him is Amy Williams, the British Olympic skeleton gold medalist. We won’t give away the result but we will say (in true Top Gear fashion) it’s very close. </img></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

June 2011 June 2010 % YTD 2011 YTD 2010 % BMW brand 21,637 19,182 12.8 113,705 100,632 13.0 BMW passenger cars 15,474 14,490 6.8 82,338 78,423 5.0 BMW light trucks (SAVs) 6,163 4,692 31.4 31,367 22,209 41.2 MINI brand 5,228 4,149 26.0 29,816 20,953 42.3 TOTAL Group 26,865 23,331 15.1 143,521 121,585 18.0 [Official Release] MINI USA reported sales of 5,228 automobiles in June, a new record for the month. The June 2011 sales are an increase of 26% over the 4,149 sold in June, 2010. “Fuel prices have moderated in the last month or so but we are still seeing an increase in MINI sales” said Jim McDowell, Vice President MINI USA. “It’s not just the new Countryman that’s popular but the entry hardtop as well, telling me that more Americans are embracing small cars as a rational choice.” Year-to-date, MINI sales in the U.S. are up 42.3% on volume of 29,816 compared to 20,953 in the first six months of 2010. The January to June numbers are the highest achieved in that six month period since MINI was launched in the U.S. in 2002. </img></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

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Hot on the heels of the Coupe debut, here we have a pre-production prototype of the MINI Roadster getting spied by WorldCarFans in Germany. No big surprises here, just a nice glimpse of the car-to-be. Having now seen the Coupe and how closely it kept to its concept car roots, we expect the production R59 to be pleasantly unsurprising. Head on over to WCF for their full gallery of spy shots. </img></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

Editors note. MINI is insisting that ‘Inspired by Goodwood’ be in all caps. We think it’s plainly ridiculous looking at won’t be following that custom here on MF. As MINI Inspired by Goodwood makes its European debut this weekend at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, MINI announces UK pricing for the stunning car which blends Rolls Royce luxury with the unmistakble MINI driving experience. From 30th June 2011 customers will be able to place their order for one of just 1,000 MINI Inspired by Goodwood models priced at £41,000. The first of these unique cars will be delivered in March 2012. MINI Inspired by Goodwood is the result of an exceptional collaboration between MINI and the Rolls Royce Motors Cars design team. The special edition MINI features top-grade materials and the highest level of workmanship. The exterior and interior design features, were conceived at the Rolls-Royce Design division in the Sussex town of Goodwood and provide the car with a luxurious charisma and an incomparably high-quality ambience. Inside the MINI Inspired by Goodwood, specially selected materials and precise craftsmanship guarantee the highest degree of comfort. The dashboard, central console, air vents, carpets, heated lounge leather seats, roof lining, doors and interior cladding all boast the exclusive Rolls-Royce colour Cornsilk. The dashboard and doorhandle surfaces, which are manufactured in Goodwood are finished in Walnut Burr, a premium wood trim exclusive to Rolls-Royce. The MINI Inspired by Goodwood also features cashmere roof linings, sun visors and rear storage tray as well as deep-pile lambswool foot mats – a quality also featured in current Rolls-Royce models. The most striking features of the exterior design are the body finish in the exclusive Rolls-Royce colour Diamond Black metallic and 17-inch light alloy wheels sporting a multi-spoke design. The MINI Inspired by Goodwood is powered by a l.6-litre 135 kW/184 bhp four-cylinder engine with Twin Scroll turbocharger, direct petrol injection and variable valve control. The power unit, which is featured in the new MINI Cooper S – it is the most efficient engine in its displacement class. The MINI Inspired by Goodwood’s range of high-quality equipment offered as standard also includes Xenon Adaptive Headlights, Park Distance Control, automatic air conditioning, an onboard computer, MINI Navigation and the audio system Radio MINI Visual Boost, which includes the Harman Kardon hi-fi speaker system. The car also comes with MINI’s 5 year servicing package; MINI TLC. Customers can find out more about the MINI Inspired by Goodwood at www.mini.co.uk and can place an order at their local MINI dealership. Source: MINI UK News Full Gallery [show as slideshow] [View with PicLens] 12► </img></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

Download |29.1MB | 1:03:42 |WRR @ iTunes Apologies for the delay in getting this posted. That said, let’s move on. We swapped Chad for Gabe tonight which is always a treat, as long as he isn’t trying to steal the show from me. But, even more Coupe talk, quite a bit more Fiat 500 talk and I even let some Bimmer talk in. And, some Top Gear talk. White Roof Radio live is coming together nicely! We would still love for you to RSVP either way (Yes/No/Maybe) to give us an idea of how many of you fine people are planning on attending. </img></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

The MINI gets compared to a lot of other cars, both here and in Europe. The comparison de jour for the Cooper is the newly stateside Fiat 500. The MotoringFile review of the Fiat 500 goes live in a few hours. In the meantime, we wanted to share this fantastic comparison from Winding Road. Unlike many surface-level, mostly sensationalized comparisons we’ve read in the past few months, Seyth Miersma does a great job of comparing the two cars objectively, on their actual merits. I like the conclusion, because for once it’s not about one car “beating” the other. Drive both, buy one, be completely satisfied, no matter which you chose; that’s the prescription here. We can’t wait to see if the upcoming Abarth version of the Fiat 500 has got what it takes to finally top the Mini, in Cooper S form, too. Here’s to the delicious pain of waiting, and some great small car driving in the meantime. The full article is definitely worth a read. </img></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

Personally, I’m a big fan of creative philanthropy. Being charitable and generous is awesome, but doing so in an interesting way is even better. A great example is the recent partnership between MINI and the iconic band KISS. MINI created four unique, KISS-themed Countryman S four doors, each custom painted to match one of the KISS band members. The cars were then auctioned on eBay to benefit UNICEF. The grand total came to $129,000 raised for Japan relief and global initiatives caring for children in need. At an average of just $32,250 each, that’s not far above MSRP depending on final spec. A modest premium for a good cause and unique MINIs. Kudos to all involved and congrats to the auction winners. Full info after the break. [Official Release] The world watched in horror as the earthquake and tsunami devastated Japan; so the legendary rock band KISS partnered with MINI USA and unleashed the power of The KISS Army to battle the elements with dollars – and plenty of them. KISS (www.KISSonline.com) and MINI USA raised $129,000 during an eBay online charity auction of four custom-painted and autographed MINI Countryman vehicles. After shipping, all proceeds will be donated to UNICEF to help children in Japan and other emergency efforts around the world. And the initiative keeps on giving… KISS vehicle wraps based on the auctioned designs are still available for purchase through www.MINIUSA.COM/KISS or local MINI dealerships. MINI USA’s proceeds from those sales will continue to help those in need. “The KISS Army is the greatest army in the world and when they heard the cry for help, they fought back in the best way that they knew how – with their wallets,” said Paul Stanley. “The KISS MINIs are the ultimate way to show your KISS Army colors and it’s a reminder that we have the best fans in the world.” The four custom-painted vehicles are the all-new 2011 MINI Countryman, and each vehicle features the iconic makeup and costume association of one KISS member, including co-founder and rhythm guitarist Paul Stanley (Starchild), co-founder and bassist Gene Simmons (The Demon), lead guitarist Tommy Thayer (Spaceman) and drummer Eric Singer (Catman). All of the MINIs are autographed by all four members of KISS and have become instant collector’s items. “The KISS MINIs are rare one-of-a-kind collector’s items and KISS salutes the winners of the auction,” said Gene Simmons. “The new owners have the satisfaction of knowing that they not only have an instant investment that will keep growing in value, but every time they look at the car, they’ll also be reminded that the real value is knowing that their dollars helped children in the greatest need.” “Thank you to the auction participants and MINI owners who bought vehicle wraps, thereby contributing to this charitable effort. MINI USA is proud that our vehicles were featured as part of such a remarkable initiative and helped raise much needed funds,” said Jim McDowell, Vice President MINI USA. “It is fantastic to see what started as a simple idea grow into something that will touch the lives of so many. UNICEF does great work and I hope that the ties with KISS and MINI have elevated awareness and support of their tireless efforts.” The eBay auction winners are located in North Carolina, Oregon, and Massachusetts. The vehicles will be delivered in the coming weeks to their new homes. </img></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

This weekend MINI competed in the Nurburgring 24 Hours and came away two cars running at the end. It was a test and learn race for MINI but they did a little more cracking into the top 50 at one point. However with 24 hours on the most grueling track in the world and a pair of new cars, things didn’t go perfectly. But still there are a lot of reasons to be excited about the result. We’ve pulled together the best of the official footage and the behind the scenes to give you a flavor of the weekend’s activities. It’s also the best look yet at the car and the team. And as we find out at the end of the video, it’s a team that will be competing later this year at Spa Francorchamps. </img></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

MINI enthusiast Ozan Halici sent us a link to his entry in a video competition put on by Castrol Edge in Germany. He’s looking for votes, but given the quality of the video, we have no problem giving him the MF bump. Head on over to the Castrol microsite and click on “Mein Favorite” so we can get Ozan bumped up the rankings. The site might require a bit of clever German language wrangling for those who don’t read/speak it, but it’s well worth the hassle to help push on a great piece of video work. </img></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

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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