DimON

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

<a href="http://www.motoringfile.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/MG_1354.jpg"> 1234567► MotoringFile Photography [show as slideshow] [View with PicLens] 12► </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

Aftermarket MINI accessory makers Cravenspeed have taken on a rather ambitions MINI mod: a fully electric R53. Now they fully admit that MINI and others did actually beat them to this feat, but they’re taking it a step further. Cravenspeed plan to have their fully electric R53 wheels down in just about a month. Even more ambitions than their prototype timeline are their plans to offer the setup as a kit. Featuring a 245ft/lb electric motor, the Cravenspeed MINI EV should go like crazy. Estimated range is 60-100 miles, and their approach should make a fully electric MINI a rather fun and accessible option for the ambitious R53 owner. Follow along with their progress over at their project blog. Thanks for sending this in, fellas, and best of luck! </img></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

Сочувствуем.

[Official Release] KISS, the most iconic band in the history of rock, isn’t just taking the show on the road this summer. They’re also taking it to eBay (www.eBay.com) for a ten-day Father’s Day Charity Auction, starting May 29 at 4 pm PST. Auction participants can bid on any of the four MINI Countryman vehicles, each autographed by the entire band and custom-painted with the iconic makeup for each band member. All of the proceeds will benefit UNICEF to help children in Japan and other emergency relief efforts worldwide. “Helping others is a gift we can give ourselves, but here’s a four wheel bonus!” said KISS co-founder Paul Stanley. “The KISS MINI’s are the ultimate way to show your KISS Army colors while helping our friends in Japan who have been devastated by the recent earthquake and floods. We’re asking everyone to open their wallets to help UNICEF raise money for children who are still coping with the effects of these disasters.” The custom-painted vehicles are the all-new 2011 MINI Countryman, and feature 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 will also be autographed by all four members of KISS (www.KISSonline.com). “The KISS MINIs are the perfect Father’s Day gift for the man who has everything,” said KISS co-founder Gene Simmons, “But this ain’t your father’s car. It’s bigger, better and the very best for the man who has the rest. It’s KISS, baby. The custom-painted MINI Countryman would be the ultimate collector’s item for a KISS fan or curator of rock band memorabilia, and would be the perfect addition to a car collector’s garage; plus the new owner will have the satisfaction of knowing they’ve supported a great cause.” “MINI has a long history of philanthropic activities as part of our MINI Motoring Hearts program, which is all about giving back to the community,” said Jim McDowell, Vice President – MINI USA. “These efforts support that and we are happy to help UNICEF make a difference in these kids’ lives.” The original artwork for all four vehicles was painted by a team of three BMW Group employees, mostly after normal business hours and on weekends. The designs were influenced by each band member’s iconic makeup, as well as some attributes of their costumes. Each car was taken apart and components were painted individually to ensure proper coverage and a quality finish that will last. “It’s been a lot of hard work, but the team is thrilled to help contribute to this much-needed cause,” said Dan Doot, BMW Group Paint and Body Team Leader. “We have a real passion for this type of work.” For more photos, click here. For more information, visit www.eBay.com, www.KISSonline.com or www.miniusanews.com. </img></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

Дорогие ребята, спасибо ВАМ ВСЕМ, за то, что вы примите участие в завтрашней акции. Только что число экипажей достигло заветной отметки в 200 машин! Что и как завтра? Сбор: Когда - с 09:00 Где - тут Что взять с собой: - Детское кресло если есть у вас или можете взять у друзей/родственников. - Правильную одежду, см. прогноз погоды - Попить, перекусить - день будет длинным. - Хорошее настроение! - Фотик. - Рацию в клубном диапазоне (канал 16), если есть. Что не брать с собой: - хлам на заднем сидении и, желательно, в багажнике. Постарайтесь максимально освободить пространство. - Много народу - имейте в виду, что с вами поедет как минимум один ребёнок, а то и два, и сопровождающий родитель, поэтому все кто с вами приедут, останутся в Парке ждать. Что делать по приезду на место: - Чётко следовать инструкциям людей с рациями, которые будут вас расставлять на площадке перед парком. - Пока вы не поймёте, что ваша машина расставлена и в ближайшее время не потребуется её переставлять, не отходите далеко от машины. Как поедем: - Мы поедем или одной длинной колонной или несколькими поменьше, в любом случае, у вас будет ведущий группы. - Находясь в колонне, не делайте никаких резких движений, будьте ПРЕДЕЛЬНО внимательны и делайте только то, что делает машина перед вами. - НЕ ВКЛЮЧАЙТЕ аварийки. Те машины которые будут передвигаться на аварийках, считаются организаторскими и ориентироваться на их действия нельзя. Т.е. если одна из машин включит аварийку и пойдёт в отрыв от колонны, это значит, что она выполняет определённое задание и следовать за ней НЕ НУЖНО, альтернативно, аварийка включается в экстренном случае, когда машине нужно остановить для устранения поломки, соответственно делать тоже самое остальным не нужно. Всем удачи и до завтра!!!

Дорогие Пиплы, давайте сложим руки в громких аплодисментах в честь всех и нас и Оксаны (Oksi) из Клуба Fiat 500, которая стала 200-м экипажем, записавшимся на нашу Акцию. Вы все огромные молодцы, теперь, очень важно, что бы все приехали! До завтра!

The Nissan Juke one of the more obvious cross-shop vehicles for the MINI Countryman. It’s small. It’s sportish. It’s funky. It’s got a turbocharged engine. It’s got all-wheel-drive. So it’s inevitable that the two cars would go head-to-head in the automotive press. John Leblanc of the Toronto Star gives the edge to the Juke, but upon reading his review, I almost can’t tell why. In basically every category, he gives the Countryman the higher marks. More headroom More rear cargo room Better ride quality More refined interior surfaces and materials So what’s the rub? Price. The Countryman is — as usual for MINI — the driver’s car, and you’re going to pay a premium for that experience. Admittedly, the extra $10k it costs does give the MINI a slight advantage if you like to drive. The Countryman ALL4 leans less in corners and feels more composed when you drive it like a sports compact than the Juke SL AWD. Plus there’s the availability of a manual gearbox in the Mini, an option Nissan doesn’t offer with AWD in the Juke. If I like to drive? Uh, yeah. I like to drive. While he’s not quite calling the Juke an appliance, he hits the nail on the head. The Countryman All4 is the only car on the market right now that gets the kind of mpg it gets, has AWD, and has an available manual transmission — let alone the kind of suspension that makes it capable in the bends. So in the end, it comes down to price with Mr. Leblanc — the tired old trope that price is the only part of the value equation that matters. Needless to say, we don’t agree. </img></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

CNET has a very interesting piece this morning highlighting the different technologies used by auto manufactures to put power down through all four wheels. Featuring everything from MINI’s All4 system, to Mazda’s Active Torque system, to Hybrid on-demand systems found on Lexus vehicles. Somehow though, they’ve managed to flub the All4 system’s specifications, saying that 100% of the Countryman’s power can be sent to the rear wheels. MINI’s own documentation has the power split at only 50/50. Errors notwithstanding, it’s still a very interesting look at the cross section of technologies out there to keep the rubber on the road. Check out the full article over at CNET. </img></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше