Mini knows how you take your coffee after a test drive

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Mini

Mini Netherlands wanted to give its countrymen a good reason to test drive its cars, so it threw in a free cup of coffee with the spin - but not just any old cuppa joe. Cars were fitted with a sensor that analyzed the driver's style. The chip was then placed in a special coffeemaker that produced a blend to match the driving; middle-of-the-road test pilots would get a lungo (long) coffee, test-the-rollcage types were given a ristretto (short, and stronger).

The knock on the head for U.S. drivers? Milquetoast test drivers were given an Americano - a watered-down espresso. You can watch the unique promotion at work in the video below.

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Mini knows how you take your coffee after a test drive originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Oct 2012 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiat 500L to launch with world's first in-car coffee maker option [w/video]

Chris Tutor — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Technology, Videos, Crossover, Design/Style, Fiat

Generally speaking, until we've had at least twice of the FDA's recommended daily allowance of caffeine, we aren't as observant as we need to be. For instance, when we wrote about the newly announced Fiat 500L, we were so distracted by its massive glass roof, seating for five and the potential of six engine choices we totally overlooked a small, but buzzworthy option.

When launched, the 500L will be the first production car in the world to offer a "true espresso coffee machine." Yup, right there between the front seats plugged into its very own power source will be an actual, water-boiling, caffeine-dispensing, java-juicer.

Developed by famed Italian coffee maker Lavazza, the "Coffee Experience" kit comes with car coffee cups, a spoon holder and its own sugar container. At least one media outlet says the kit will cost €250 (about $300 USD). Fill the Lavazza 500 base with water and pop it into the center cupholder. The heating element boils the water, steeping the coffee-filled pod in the top part and, seconds later, you have a piping hot cup of brew.

Well, not you. Unless you live somewhere other than the States. Because while we fully expect the 500L to be sold here, there's no indication from Fiat that the Coffee Experience kit will make it through the gauntlet of attorneys just itching for a good burn lawsuit. It could happen, but it's not likely, so we're guessing 500L owners will want to keep an eye out on eBay for retrofit possibilities. Check out a couple of videos by scrolling down to see if it percolates your interest.

Continue reading Fiat 500L to launch with world's first in-car coffee maker option [w/video]

Fiat 500L to launch with world's first in-car coffee maker option [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jul 2012 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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