Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Kansas City man wins trip to England for logging most topless hours in a Mini]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/05/kansas-city-man-wins-trip-to-england-for-logging-most-topless-ho/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/05/kansas-city-man-wins-trip-to-england-for-logging-most-topless-ho/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/05/kansas-city-man-wins-trip-to-england-for-logging-most-topless-ho/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2009 Mini Cooper S Convertible (above), Openometer (inset) - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ever wonder what possible use the Openometer could have? The tiny dashboard gauge is found only in the Mini convertible and tracks the number of hours a Mini motorist has been driving with the top down. Cute, sure, but hardly as useful as, say... a speedometer or fuel gauge. Well, David Loveall and over 400 other Mini Cooper Convertible owners across America found the Openometer very useful as they participated in the Open One Challenge.

Kansas City's Loveall logged some 555.55 hours of top-down driving in his Mini, after driving across the country and visiting every one of the 48 contiguous states in the union. He took some of America's greatest back-roads, like Route 66 and US 50, avoiding the freeway at all costs and often camping roadside in a tent.

For his dedication to the open-air cause, Loveall is being awarded with a free trip to England to visit the Mini factory in Oxford. That's on top of the $1,000 in gift cards he got after finishing first in four out of five of the monthly contests and third in the fifth. Not too shabby, David. Follow the jump for the full press release, click here to visit the contest website and check out our gallery of high-res images from our review of the Mini Cooper S Convertible - in Interchange Yellow just like Loveall's - by clicking the thumbnails below.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Mini Cooper S Convertible


[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Kansas City man wins trip to England for logging most topless hours in a Mini

Kansas City man wins trip to England for logging most topless hours in a Mini originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david loveallDavidLoveallkansas cityKansasCityminimini convertiblemini coopermini open one challengemini openometerMiniConvertibleMiniCooperMiniOpenometerMiniOpenOneChallengeopen oneopen one challengeopenometerOpenOneOpenOneChallengeFri, 05 Feb 2010 09:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19344940/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/02/05/kansas-city-man-wins-trip-to-england-for-logging-most-topless-ho/19344940/article-detail.xml 19344940 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/minisvertreview008opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/minisvertreview008opt.jpg <![CDATA[Report: BMW sues amusement park over Mini coaster]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/15/report-bmw-sues-amusement-park-over-mini-coaster/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/15/report-bmw-sues-amusement-park-over-mini-coaster/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/15/report-bmw-sues-amusement-park-over-mini-coaster/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

BMW gave us the Mini Cooper, Mini Convertible and Mini Clubman. We've also seen the Mini Countryman, Mini Coupé and Mini Roadster. Well, how about a Mini roller coaster?

According to The Sun News, Freestyle Music Park of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is operating a roller coaster with six-passenger cars that bear a striking resemblence to BMW's Mini Cooper - make that a near exact copy. Understandably, BMW is less than pleased as the park's owners don't have permission to be rolling unauthorized knock-offs around the rails (likely pulling more G's than the actual production models). Following an unanswered cease-and-desist letter back in November, BMW of North America LLC and Bayerische Motoren Werke AG filed a suit against FPI MB Entertainment Tuesday for trademark infringement and false designation of origin.

The owners of the park, who purchased it out of bankruptcy just last year, claim this is all just a misunderstanding. They understand BMW's position regarding the "Round About" coaster and expect to work something out with the German automaker in the near future. BMW, on the other hand, is not only looking for the cars to be pulled off the track, they're seeking damages, too. They had better get in line - there are reportedly more than a dozen liens filed against the financially-troubled park for unpaid services since July. Thanks for the tip, Mason!

[Source: The Sun News]

Report: BMW sues amusement park over Mini coaster originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jan 2010 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coasterFreestyle Music ParkFreestyleMusicParkinfringementLawsuitMini ClubmanMini CoasterMini ConvertibleMini CooperMini Roller CoasterMiniClubmanMiniCoasterMiniConvertibleMiniCooperMiniRollerCoasterRoller CoasterRollerCoasterRound AboutRoundAboutTrademarktrademark disputetrademark infringementTrademarkDisputeTrademarkInfringementtrademarksFri, 15 Jan 2010 17:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19318712/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/01/15/report-bmw-sues-amusement-park-over-mini-coaster/19318712/article-detail.xml 19318712 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/bmw-mini-coaster-with-permission_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/bmw-mini-coaster-with-permission.jpg <![CDATA[VIDEO: Mini at 50 is <i>Rebel Without Pause</i>]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/15/video-mini-at-50-is-i-rebel-without-pause-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/15/video-mini-at-50-is-i-rebel-without-pause-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/15/video-mini-at-50-is-i-rebel-without-pause-i/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above to watch the video after the jump

While it's certainly fair to pick nits and say that Mini's revival under BMW has resulted in a markedly different product than Sir Alec Issigonis' original machine, it's also fair to say that the world has once again embraced the friendly-faced little guy with open arms like few other automobiles before or since. As it was in the beginning, the Mini is a bona-fide cultural phenomenon, effortlessly transcending social and economic classifications to become the darling of auto enthusiasts and trend setters everywhere. Critically, as before, it's a also great steer - a nimble, tossable car capable of running rings around bigger, more powerful machinery on-track and off.

Consider it fitting, then, that Issigonis' big little achievement celebrates its 50th anniversary with a new, nicely done short film called Rebel Without Pause. The video features both contemporary and classic Minis in both modern and archival footage, and conveniently, it's available after the jump.

[Source: Mini]

Continue reading VIDEO: Mini at 50 is Rebel Without Pause

VIDEO: Mini at 50 is Rebel Without Pause originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMWIssigonisMiniMini convertibleMini CooperMiniConvertibleMiniCooperPaddy HopkirkPaddyHopkirkRebel Without PauseRebelWithoutPauseMon, 15 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19066045/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/06/15/video-mini-at-50-is-i-rebel-without-pause-i/19066045/article-detail.xml 19066045 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/vintage-mini-cornering-vid_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/vintage-mini-cornering-vid.jpg <![CDATA[Little Schnitzer: German tuner tweaks the Mini Cabrio]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/04/little-schnitzer-german-tuner-tweaks-the-mini-cabrio/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/04/little-schnitzer-german-tuner-tweaks-the-mini-cabrio/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/04/little-schnitzer-german-tuner-tweaks-the-mini-cabrio/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


AC Schnitzer Mini Cooper S convertible - Click above for a high-res image gallery

From the base model all the way up to the JCW, there's no shortage of trim levels available for the Mini and its various body-styles. But if you're looking for something a little different, BMW tuner par excellence AC Schnitzer has released a full tuning package for the latest R57 Mini Cabrio.

The treats start under the hood, where Schnitzer takes the Cooper S and pumps it up from 175 horsepower (good) to 208 horsepower for the domestic market (better) or 226 horsepower for export (booyah!). Not the kind of tuning house to tweak the engine and leave the rest untouched, AC's also offering a limited slip differential, an adjustable suspension setup, a sport exhaust. Naturally, the buyer can trim out their Cooper with manner of visual upgrades, too, from the aero package to the various rolling stock options and all the requisite decals and interior trim touches.


Gallery: AC Schnitzer Mini Cooper S cabrio


[Source: AC Schnitzer]

Little Schnitzer: German tuner tweaks the Mini Cabrio originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ac schnitzerac schnitzer miniac schnitzer mini cabrioac schnitzer mini cooper sac schnitzer mini cooper s cabrioac schnitzer mini cooper s convertibleAcSchnitzerAcSchnitzerMiniAcSchnitzerMiniCabrioAcSchnitzerMiniCooperSAcSchnitzerMiniCooperSCabrioAcSchnitzerMiniCooperSConvertibleminimini cabriomini convertiblemini coopermini cooper cabriomini cooper convertiblemini cooper smini cooper s cabriomini cooper s convertibleMiniCabrioMiniConvertibleMiniCooperMiniCooperCabrioMiniCooperConvertibleMiniCooperSMiniCooperSCabrioMiniCooperSConvertibleschnitzerThu, 04 Jun 2009 12:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19057636/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/06/04/little-schnitzer-german-tuner-tweaks-the-mini-cabrio/19057636/article-detail.xml 19057636 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/web580-13-schnitzercab_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/web580-13-schnitzercab.jpg <![CDATA[New MINI Convertible to debut in Detroit]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/25/new-mini-convertible-to-debut-in-detroit/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/25/new-mini-convertible-to-debut-in-detroit/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/25/new-mini-convertible-to-debut-in-detroit/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Now that the very last of the first-gen convertible MINI Coopers has officially rolled down the assembly line, all eyes turn their attention towards the new R57 model. There are some undisguised spy shots floating around, though all but the most die-hard fans would be hard-pressed to spot the differences. The top works the same, featuring the same partly opened 'sunroof' style and the fully opened wind-in-you-hair mode of the last model. Also, the top does not stow away like many modern convertibles, instead sitting atop the rear deck like many of the classics MINIs. Also conspicuously absent is the large external roll-bar of the old model, replaced with a single pop-up unit for '09. It's under the skin where the changes are most apparent, most notably the new 1.6-liter BMW/PSA/Peugeot-Citroen mill. Expect standard Cooper and up-level Cooper S models to make it to the U.S. with the Cooper One and Cooper D added for Europe.

Rumor has it that MINI is set to debut the new '09 'vert at the Detroit Auto Show in January. We expect production to be fully ramped up so that customer deliveries will begin in earnest before summer. And if you don't have your order in yet, expect a very long wait.

[Source: Auto Express]

New MINI Convertible to debut in Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Sep 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for high-res gallery of the MINI Cooper Convertible Sidewalk

Fans of the MINI Cooper Convertible take note: the last of the first-generation R52 models has now rolled off the assembly line. The last of the breed was a Cooper S with the Sidewalk package, painted metallic White Silver. If you were hoping to get your hands on this climactic machine, don't get your hopes up -- it's already been sold. Don't fret, though, there is a good side to this story. This stoppage was all planned, of course, and it means that the line will begin retooling for the second-generation R57 model. The next MINI convertible will be powered by the newer BMW/PSA/Peugeot-Citroen 1.6-liter four cylinder engine that should make it a little more frugal than before. Also of note are the new pop-up roll bars that replace the fixed units from the older model. Lastly, the R57 convertible will come in a few new colors, including Interchange Yellow (think hi-liter), Space Blue and the Hot Chocolate hue that had previously only been available on the Clubman.

Gallery: MINI Cooper Convertible Sidewalk


[Source: MINI]

Continue reading Final first-gen MINI convertible rolls down the line

Final first-gen MINI convertible rolls down the line originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Aug 2008 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click for a hi-res gallery of the JCW MINI

Step into a MINI dealership as of next spring and ask for "the works", and there'll be a new option at your disposal: the John Cooper Works MINI convertible, which Inside Line reports will be unveiled in March at the Geneva Motor Show.

The drop-top Works will, by and large, share the same mechanics as the Cooper cabrio (for bodystyle) and the 208hp JCW hatchback (for go-fast bits), with the possible addition of the optional front sway bar as standard to keep the body rigid. An extra 220 pounds of weight is tipped to make the run to sixty 0.3 seconds slower than the hard-top; at about 6.5 seconds, tied with the bigger JCW Clubman. Price is anticipated to begin at $33,000 - pretty steep for a MINI, but a tantalizing choice - with a vast catalog of accessories and options available on top of that. Of the 240,000 MINIs built each year, only 12,000 of those will be earmarked for "the works", only 4,000 of those as JCW cabrios, with just 1200 anticipated to make it stateside, so if you want one, better call your MINI store now.

[Source: Inside Line]

JCW MINI Cabrio coming to Geneva '09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motoring File has attained U.S. pricing for the 2007 Mini. The new model's base price increases $600 to $18,050 with standard 6-speed manual and rear spoiler. Standard equipment will also include a trip computer, traction control and a sport mode button. The Cooper S increases $300 to $20,900, the Convertible will be priced at $21,950 with the S option adding $4,200 to the drop-top's price.

Motoring File has all the details on new content packages, paint colors, interior choices and performance upgrades.

New MINI pricing and options originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Oct 2006 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2007 mini2007 mini pricing2007Mini2007MiniPricingbmwbmw miniBmwMiniminimini convertiblemini coopermini cooper convertiblemini cooper smini pricingMiniConvertibleMiniCooperMiniCooperConvertibleMiniCooperSMiniPricingnew mininew mini cooperNewMiniNewMiniCooperMon, 30 Oct 2006 17:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/692963/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2006/10/30/new-mini-pricing-and-options/692963/article-detail.xml 692963 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/10/newminismall_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/10/newminismall.jpg -1 2