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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

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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