Autoblog

Autoblog hits the road with Mini Takes The States 2010

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 19:24:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Hatchback, Mini

Mini Takes The States 2010 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Of all the automakers in the United States, perhaps the one with the largest enthusiast following is Mini. Sure, brands like Porsche, BMW and even Subaru have their own clubs and cult followings, but when it comes to eccentricity and personality, no one does it like Mini.

In that spirit, the pint-sized automaker is once again embarking on its Mini Takes The States cross-country road rally, an event that first occurred in 2006 and then again in 2008. This time, Mini is gathering its owners to celebrate the launch of the 2011 Countryman crossover, and we've been asked to tag along. We'll be scoring some seat time in the Countryman as well, so stay tuned for our initial impressions.

Our trip started in New York and will take us to Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Columbus and finally Indianapolis before we hop a plane back home. Many of the other participants will head all the way out to Denver, where they will meet up with other groups doing similar drive routes in different parts of the country. Mini has a full host of festivities planned for the Denver crew, and many other local Mini enthusiast clubs are providing some entertainment along the way.

Mini has provided us with a Cooper S Camden Edition for the trip, which means we'll experience turbocharged small car thrills along the highways of America. We already spent a considerable amount of time with the Camden-ized Cooper, and we've been getting many a thumbs-up from Mini owners out on the road. (We've opted to leave the Camden's Mission Control system in the "off" position.)

Keep your eyes peeled for caravans of Coopers and Clubmans, folks. This not-so-mini road rally is taking America by storm. Want to vicariously join in on the fun? Follow the trip's progress on Mini's Facebook page.

Gallery: Mini Takes The States 2010

Autoblog hits the road with Mini Takes The States 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: BMW to build 9-2 on Mini chassis for Saab

Zach Bowman — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Europe, Hatchback, Saab, Design/Style, Luxury

Feast your eyes on the newest bit of rumor from the creative crew at AutoExpress. The site claims that BMW and Saab are looking to shack up for the production of a new 9-2 based on - you guessed it - the Mini Cooper. The idea is to create a new compact Saab that can go toe-to-toe with Audi's new teacup fighter, the A1, while lessening the burden of development costs for Saab's parent company, Spyker. According to AE, the news came to light during an interview with Saab head honcho Victor Muller, though the direct quote merely suggests that the company will look outside of itself for a little help with chassis development.

The idea of a Mini-based 9-2 doesn't hurt our feelings one bit, and it would seem to make sense for BMW to want to reduce the cost of developing the next-generation Cooper/1 Series by joining forces with another company, and this isn't the first time we've gotten word of such a partnership. But until we hear something a little more substantial from either Saab or BMW, we'd suggest downing this one with a hefty grain of salt. Head over to Auto Express for a look at two renderings.

[Source: Auto Express]

Report: BMW to build 9-2 on Mini chassis for Saab originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mini dishes out more info on Countryman including complete specs

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Mini

2011 Mini Countryman - Click above for high-res image gallery

Way back in January, Mini went ahead and unleashed a dump truck's worth of information and images on its new Countryman crossover, and at the time we expected the full set of specifications to be released along with the car's official debut at the Geneva Motor Show. Instead, Mini waited until now to let the full bounty loose, and we've parsed through detritus to find the most pertinent details.

We'll start with the drivetrain. As expected, both the standard Countryman and the uplevel S model will get four cylinder engines displacing 1.6 liters, with the higher-spec model gaining a turbocharger to boost power from 122 horsepower to 184. Naturally, our European friends also get a couple of diesel options, but we're not really expecting to see those units Stateside any time soon.

Either engine will be available with a choice of a manual or automatic transmission, both boasting six forward ratios. The slowest combination (base model with an automatic) will take over 11 seconds to hit 60 miles per hour, while the turbocharged S dispatches the same test in under eight (add a few tenths for the auto and another few tenths for all-wheel drive).

Interestingly, if you want Mini's full-time All4 all-wheel drive system, you'll need to step up to the S model (or the higher-spec diesel across the pond). The front MacPherson strut suspenders couple with the multilink arrangement at the rear to provide just under six inches of ground clearance... no hardcore off-roading here, folks.

Naturally, there's plenty more to digest. Hit the jump for the complete 9,000-word (no kidding) release along with a listing of specifications for the standard model, the front-wheel-drive S and the All4 S.

Gallery: 2011 Mini Countryman

[Source: Mini]

Continue reading Mini dishes out more info on Countryman including complete specs

Mini dishes out more info on Countryman including complete specs originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW delivers pair of JDM specials - Mini Savile Row and X6 Performance Unlimited

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Japan, Crossover, Hatchback, BMW, Mini, Luxury

Japanese-market Mini Saville Row - Click above for high-res image gallery

Black is the new black, at least when it comes to the special edition Mini Saville Row for the Japanese market. The black-as-deep-space hatch with the black roof is accented by polished chrome 17-inch wheels, gas cap, mirrors and trim outside and in. Privacy glass, bi-xenon headlights, white turn signal lamps and an anthracite headliner have been thrown into the mix as well. There will be 100 made, all with the 1.6-liter four-cylinder and automatic transmissions, costing ¥3,100,000 ($35,028 U.S.). That's a premium of about ¥400,000 ($4,519 U.S.) over the standard Mini.

There will be just 20 examples built of the even more limited edition BMW X6 Performance Unlimited, also for the Japanese market only. Inspired by BMW motorsports, the crossover gets a twin-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder with hybrid technology running through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The body receives silver pearl paint, a BMW Performance aero package, 21-inch alloys and a blacked-out grille, the interior gets Dakota leather and brushed aluminum pedals. It retails for a tidy ¥9,450,000 ($106,823 U.S.). You check it out, along with the Mini Saville Row, in the high-res galleries below.

Gallery: Mini Saville Row

Gallery: BMW X6 Performance Unlimited

[Source: BMW]

BMW delivers pair of JDM specials - Mini Savile Row and X6 Performance Unlimited originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jul 2010 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2010 Mini Cooper 50 Camden Edition speaks to us - literally

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 11:56:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, BMW, Mini, New Car Reviews

2010 Mini Cooper 50 Camden Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's hard to believe, but the Mini brand just turned 50. Nevermind the huge gap in new model production until BMW bought the pint-sized automaker in the early 2000s, but the name Mini as we know it has been around for half a century. It's over the hill, though still looking good for its age.

To celebrate, Mini created two special edition packages for the Cooper hatchback - the Mayfair and Camden - named after two of London's trendiest boroughs. And while the extra kit doesn't provide a performance boost or driving enhancements, they do add some extra cheekiness to the already-cute Cooper.

We recently spent some time with the Camden package fitted to a base Cooper hatchback. The most notably addition is the talking Mission Control system, and while we always enjoy spending time with special editions of our favorite cars, our test run in this Cooper did more than provide us with a few gee-whiz features to show our friends. You see, we hadn't driven a base, non-turbocharged Cooper in a very long time, and while we certainly love the S and John Cooper Works models, there's a lot to be said about the bottom-rung of the Cooper range. Follow the jump to find out what.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Mini Cooper 50 Camden Edition

Continue reading Review: 2010 Mini Cooper 50 Camden Edition speaks to us - literally

Review: 2010 Mini Cooper 50 Camden Edition speaks to us - literally originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jun 2010 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shocker! Porsche 911 beats Mini Cooper in "race" at "Road Atlanta"

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 22:03:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Mini, Porsche

Mini vs. Porsche - Click above to view the videos after the jump

In the over-hyped and ridiculous contrived "race" between the Mini Cooper and the Porsche 911, a victor has been crowned, and as you'd expect, the blokes from BMW had their bumpers handed to them.

Despite creating a "track" at the infield of Road Atlanta designed to maximize the Mini's potential and neuter the high-speed prowess of the Porsche, the Cooper still lost the battle by a full two seconds. Naturally, Mini likes to point out that the difference was $38,000 a second, but to anyone paying attention, the additional $76k is money well spent... particularly on a real track. Maybe Mini should've reconsidered Hyundai's offer...

Hit the jump for the race and two introductory videos, including a thoroughly comical explanation about why Mini opted for an autocross track and not the full course at Road Atlanta.

[Source: Facebook]

Continue reading Shocker! Porsche 911 beats Mini Cooper in "race" at "Road Atlanta"

Shocker! Porsche 911 beats Mini Cooper in "race" at "Road Atlanta" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 22:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Hyundai steps in for Porsche, offers to take on Mini at Road Atlanta

Chris Paukert — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 16:45:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Etc., Videos, Hyundai, Mini, Porsche

Turnabout Is Fair Play: Hyundai takes up Mini challenge - click above to watch the video after the jump

Mini can safely be considered the 800-pound gorilla of viral marketing in the automotive sector, but fresh from its big showing this year with its Assurance program and successful Super Bowl appearances, Hyundai is showing real pluck. Need more proof? The boys from Korea have just stepped up to stand in for Porsche, offering to take on Mini at its Road Atlanta Challenge.

In a smack-talk-tastic video response they've released to Mini USA head Jim McDowell, Hyundai says they're eager to bring their Genesis Coupe to Hotlanta raceway next month. What about Mini's planned June 21 event? Seems Hyundai race driver Rhys Millen is a bit busy getting ready to climb a certain mountain, so Hyundai is challenging Mini to a race in July.

As Hyundai spokesman Dan Bedore tells Autoblog, "Since we launched the Genesis Coupe, we've always said that we'll take on all-comers when it comes to comparison tests. And we've had some experience on the race track at Road Atlanta. We'd be happy to meet Mini on the race track."

To step in and offer to take a punch for someone you don't really even consider a buddy (read: Porsche) is either bold or downright crazy - or more than likely, some glorious combination of the two - but either way, it takes serious cojones. Will Mini step up to the challenge? Better still, might there be a three-way battle royale? Check out the video after the jump and stay tuned, everyone... this just got interesting.

Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe: First Drive

Photos by Michael Harley / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Video: Hyundai steps in for Porsche, offers to take on Mini at Road Atlanta

Video: Hyundai steps in for Porsche, offers to take on Mini at Road Atlanta originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jun 2010 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Update: Mini inviting 400 to watch Porsche Challenge - but who will drive the 911?

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Mini, Porsche, Racing

After Mini's many attempts to coax Porsche into a race, including videos, posting an online petition and even flying a banner plane over the automaker's North American headquarters, the lights have all gone dark in Atlanta, and it looks like Mini is out of luck.

But the show must go on! Even if Porsche has officially decided to decline.

Not only is Mini offering space at Road Atlanta for up to 400 people to come watch, but they're even providing a race-ready 911 Carrera S. As for who's driving, that's still up in the air. Mini posted this advertisement (right) on its Facebook page, hoping to find one brave soul who will put the mighty 911 through its paces against the Cooper S.

What's more, Mini is even offering up track time to any of the 400 guests who show up on June 21. It certainly sounds like a fun day will be had, regardless of the race's final outcome, and we're now wishing that we lived just a little bit closer to Atlanta. Remember, you can keep up to date on all of the Mini vs. Porsche happenings on Facebook.

[Sources: MotoringFile, Facebook]

Update: Mini inviting 400 to watch Porsche Challenge - but who will drive the 911? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jun 2010 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Mini responds to Porsche, still ready to race

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Mini, Porsche, Racing

Mini boss Jim McDowell responds to Porsche - Click above to watch the video after the jump

We'll be honest - we were rather excited to see how a race between a Mini Cooper S and Porsche 911 Carrera S would go down. After Mini initially challenged Porsche to a trackday showdown at Road Atlanta on June 21, Porsche declined, saying that it will "stick to racing the way we have over the decades," and welcomed Mini to attend any sanctioned race where "there is more at stake than t-shirts and valet parking spaces."

Mini has had a very impressive response to this challenge, and isn't giving up. Mini USA boss Jim McDowell has issued yet another message to Porsche Cars North America CEO Detlev Von Platen saying that they're willing to raise the stakes, offering prizes such as Justin Bieber concert tickets (including backstage passes!), a lifetime membership to the Salami Of The Month club or even a (slightly used) home gym, among other things. Excellent.

We love Mini's enthusiasm over this whole event, and as we understand, Mini is even flying a banner plane over Porsche's Atlanta, Georgia headquarters with the message "Dear Porsche, Bring it. Love, Mini." Seriously. You can keep up with the whole back-and-forth on Mini USA's Facebook page. In any case, with only one week until the supposed race day, we hope Porsche will saddle up for this duel, even though Mini hasn't specified what the Road Atlanta challenge(s) will be (it could be an egg-carrying race for all we know) and Stuttgart really doesn't appear to have much to gain by picking on the little kid. Top tip, Brett!

[Source: Mini Facebook]

Continue reading Video: Mini responds to Porsche, still ready to race

Video: Mini responds to Porsche, still ready to race originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Minor updates to Mini Cooper leaked

Zach Bowman — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Budget, Performance, Hatchback, Mini, Design/Style

2011 Mini Cooper - Click above for image gallery

If loose lips truly sank ships, the interwebs would be at the bottom of the Pacific. A few shots of the 2011 Mini Cooper and Cooper S have hit the web courtesy of the keen-eyed crew at MotoringFile. As you might expect, Mini isn't exactly walking away from the iconic shape that has dominated the brand since it hit the scene a few short years ago. Instead, it looks like we'll be seeing (very) slightly reworked front fascias with something of a smiley face treatment and a host of LED lighting.

From what we can tell from these few leaked brochure photos, it looks like we can expect a few new colors to hit the Cooper pallete as well. The base Cooper will be available dipped in Spice Orange and the Cooper S will boast a powder blue hue in addition to the spectrum already available for the car. So far, we're not quite sure what to expect in terms of power or drivetrain additions, but our guess is things will continue to stay pretty much the same for 2011. Thanks for the tip, Gabe!

Gallery: 2011 Mini Cooper

[Source: MotoringFile]

Minor updates to Mini Cooper leaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Jun 2010 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Saab talking to BMW about using Mini platform for new 9-2

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Crossover, Hatchback, BMW, Mini, Saab, Rumormill, Diesel

When Saab first showed the 9-X Biohybrid concept at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, it was expected to evolve into a production model based on General Motors' compact Delta architecture which forms the foundation of the Opel Astra and Chevrolet Cruze. Now that Saab is owned by Spyker Cars, CEO Victor Muller is reportedly looking for a new platform partner in Munich.

According to Swedish daily Dagens Industri, Saab is negotiating with BMW about getting access to the Mini architecture for a new 9-2 model to slot in underneath the 9-3. Before the teardrop-shaped runabout can become a reality, Saab needs to successfully launch both the 9-5 sedan and the 9-4x crossover.

There is no word yet on whether Muller is said to be in exclusive talks with BMW, or if Muller and Co. are in discussions with other automakers about supplying platforms and parts for the planned supermini. For its part, news agency Reuters quotes a unnamed BMW spokesman as saying "We are in talks with several interested parties who have interest in our technology... there are no contracts with Saab at the moment."

The 9-4x, which shares its platform with the Cadillac SRX, is expected to finally launch early next year. But for the model to be successful in Europe, it will need to have a diesel engine option, and Dagens Industri is also reporting that BMW could also provide engines options, although that could be more problematic. The 9-4x has a transverse mounted powertrain, but all of BMW's engines are longitudinally arrayed, which would require significant re-engineering. A tip of the hat to William!

[Source: Reuters]

Report: Saab talking to BMW about using Mini platform for new 9-2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Jun 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mini challenges Porsche to race at Road Atlanta [w/video]

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 12:30:00 EST

Mini takes on Porsche - Click above for high-res image gallery

Here's something unexpected. Mini USA has announced it's challenging Porsche to a formal race, where the go-kart-like Cooper S will take on the infamous 911 Carrera S. This may seem like a far stretch, seeing as how the Cooper is down on power by over 200 horses, but Mini is confident that its more nimble, lighter hatch can out-maneuver the big 911 on the track.

This certainly isn't the first automaker challenge we've heard of this year, and we're hoping Porsche steps up to the plate. The event will take place on June 21 (that's in two weeks!) at Road Atlanta, which as Mini points out, is right around the corner from Porsche's North American headquarters.

In the video found after the jump, Mini USA's president, Jim McDowell (a former Porsche executive, we might add), explains the whole deal, and says that if his team loses, he'll wear a shirt that reads "We did not beat Porsche" at his next public appearance. Likewise, he has a "We beat Porsche" shirt prepped for the same occasion. Mini will be hosting a live video of the event on their Facebook page, as well as more information about the event. Will Porsche send out a 911 for the challenge? We certainly hope so. Let the games begin.

Gallery: Mini Challenges Porsche

[Source: Facebook via Jalopnik]

Continue reading Mini challenges Porsche to race at Road Atlanta [w/video]

Mini challenges Porsche to race at Road Atlanta [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Jun 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mini Cooper facelift caught

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Hatchback, Mini

The psychedelic tape has come off the 2011 Mini Cooper prototypes running around, and it is indeed a "very, very minor facelift" you can expect for the next model. The camouflage hides chrome-rimmed intakes, two in front and two in back, which will not only distinguish it from earlier models but also from the Countryman - at least for the time being. New light clusters will also adorn the refreshed hatch, and some interior finishes will be upgraded - but don't expect that giant speedo to leave the building anytime soon.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Spy Shots: Mini Cooper facelift caught originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jun 2010 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Minor facelift for 2011 Mini Cooper and Clubman spotted

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 07 May 2010 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, BMW, Mini

2011 Mini Cooper and Clubman spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

The next-generation Mini Cooper isn't slated to arrive until 2012, but judging by this latest set of spy shots, it looks like parent company BMW is working on a very, very minor facelift for the 2011 model year Cooper and Clubman hatches. The slight tweaks include things like a new front bumper with revised air intakes (similar to those on the Countryman crossover), a revised rear bumper and restyled taillights with LEDs.

Our spies also indicate that some of these prototypes were sporting some interior cladding, meaning that a slightly revised dash and instrument cluster could be on tap for 2011. The Mini's interior is growing a bit long in the tooth, especially the oversized speedometer - a kitschy feature that is rapidly losing its cuteness.

It isn't much, but these slight upgrades should be plenty in order to keep the Minis fresh until an all-new model launches. Look for the updated Minis to appear at this year's Paris Motor Show, and click through the gallery below to see the spy shots for yourself.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 Mini Cooper and Clubman Facelift

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Minor facelift for 2011 Mini Cooper and Clubman spotted originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 May 2010 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Next-gen Mini Cooper to match diesel efficiency with turbo DI inline-three

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 06 May 2010 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Mini

It's no secret that BMW, like many other automakers, is working on smaller three cylinder engines for its future products to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Some of those engines will go into the next generation of Mini products and the goal is to provide a significant improvement in fuel economy without sacrificing performance.

The new Mini engines will incorporate much of the same technology that exists today in the high performance John Cooper Works edition. The 208 horsepower JCW uses direct injection and a twin-scroll turbocharger to extra extra power from the 1.6-liter four-cylinder. The three-cylinder will likely have a 1.2-liters of displacement with 120 and 180 hp for the Cooper and Cooper S. The next-gen Cooper which will probably arrive in 2012 and will likely be rated around 50 mpg on the highway, similar to the current Mini Cooper D available in Europe.

[Source: Motoring File]

Report: Next-gen Mini Cooper to match diesel efficiency with turbo DI inline-three originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 May 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Canadian police pull over entire Mini convoy

Zach Bowman — Sat, 01 May 2010 11:19:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Budget, Performance, Government/Legal, Hatchback, Mini, Canada

Every year, the Southern Ontario Mini Club organizes two charity drives - one in the Spring and one in the Fall. Over time, the event has grown from a handful of participating cars to over 30, and as such, this year the organizers let local law enforcement know where the caravan would be and when it would be there as a courtesy. So far, so good, right? Not exactly.

During the first part of the drive, the convoy ran into a few members of the Ontario Provincial Police without incident. One officer even went so far as to tell the organizers that there was only one other patrol for the rest of the route. Turns out that wasn't quite true.

Instead of providing an escort for the convoy or thanking the organizers for a heads up, the OPP set up a speed trap along the route where the limit changes from 100 km/h to 90 km/h. When the parade of Minis came past, officers pulled over the whole lot, and cited three cars for going 121-123 kmh in a 90 kmh zone, or about 76 in a 55. One driver was also cited for having a radar detector and had his equipment confiscated.

Yes, setting up a speed trap on a charity drive is a prick move, but it gets worse. The OPP evidently called the local television station beforehand so they could film the whole sting. Once the station had the film, they broadcast a story claiming that 11 of the Mini drivers had been arrested for doing 50 kmh over the speed limit and that they had their vehicles confiscated as a result. Even worse, the story claimed that some of the Mini drivers had their children with them and that the OPP had called the Canadian equivalent of child services on the parents.

Members of the Mini club complained to the station, and the video was taken down as a result, though no apology or retraction has been issued so far.

[Source: The Garage Blog via Motoring File]

Canadian police pull over entire Mini convoy originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 01 May 2010 11:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mini gets naughty with new billboard in Germany

Zach Bowman — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Performance, Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Mini

The naughty Mini - Click above to watch video after the jump

Volvo may be trying to convince the world that the new S60 has a naughty streak, but it's nothing compared to Mini's kinky side. The company is running an ad campaign in Hamburg, Germany under the slogan "A good Mini takes you to heaven. A bad Mini takes you everywhere," and has put up a massive billboard, complete with an S&M whip dangling over the rear of a Cooper.

That would already be enough to stir puritanical parent groups here in the States into a tizzy, but it gets better. Mini put out a secret five-digit number and code word. Anyone on the street can text the phrase to the number, and the Cooper gets disciplined via the automated whip. Yes, it even makes very whip-like sounds and honks its horn in agony/ecstasy. Hit the jump to see for yourself, just don't forget the safe word.

[Source: Paul Tan]

Continue reading Mini gets naughty with new billboard in Germany

Mini gets naughty with new billboard in Germany originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Apr 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Mini's Mission Control is, um, how you say... ridiculously annoying

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology, Videos, Hatchback, Mini

Mini's talking Mission Control system - Click above to watch video after the jump

We're hoping Mini knows a lot of things that we don't, because we don't understand - like, at all - how a brand with a Swiss bank account full of hip could have done something so awfully, terribly unhip. We're talking about Mission Control, which "evaluates a vast range of vehicle, driving situation and vehicle environment-related signals and supplies the driver with relevant information and instructions in customary MINI style."

Car and Driver drove one of the Mini 50 Camden Editions on which the system debuted, and it sounds like "customary Mini style" is another way of saying "OMG WTF?" Follow the jump to hear it. And someone, anyone - please let us know what this is about. Hat tip to Scott!

Gallery: MINI 50 Camden

[Source: Car and Driver]

Continue reading Video: Mini's Mission Control is, um, how you say... ridiculously annoying

Video: Mini's Mission Control is, um, how you say... ridiculously annoying originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Apr 2010 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Mini Cooper World Championship 50 headed for U.S. with brand's biggest-ever price tag

Zach Bowman — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 19:23:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Mini, Specialty, Design/Style

Mini WC50 - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you aren't sitting down, you'll want to grab a chair. According to MotoringFile, Mini is set to bring its World Championship 50 model to a neighborhood near you - at least if you happen to live within spitting distance of one of the few Mini dealers quick enough to raise their hand for one of the scant crop of cars headed to the United States. Originally, the company had no plans to bring any of the 250 special edition units to this side of The Pond, but demand was evidently high enough to warrant 50 of them making their way to the American market.

The World Championship 50 starts its life as a run-of-the-mill John Cooper Works, which means it packs 208 horsepower from a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder, brakes capable of stopping a 747 and a suspension that's chock-full of race ready bits. The WC50 package adds in a unique Connaught green paint and different trim throughout the car.

Cool? Sure, but even Fonzie couldn't command the $40,300 that Mini will reportedly be asking for the WC50. Yes, that includes destination fees, but there are plenty of cars out there for that kind of money that would embarrass the JCW around a track any day of the week. In other words, this one's for collectors.

Gallery: MINI WC50

[Source: MotoringFile]

Report: Mini Cooper World Championship 50 headed for U.S. with brand's biggest-ever price tag originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 19:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bring On the Dune Buggy: Mini production reportedly halted over lack of doors

Chris Shunk — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Mini, UAW/Unions

Mini Cooper S Convertible - Click above for high-res image gallery

Attention all workers at the Cowley Mini plant in Oxford, England: Do not report to work today unless you know how to repair a door press. According to the Witney Gazette, the historic Mini factory is currently on standby due to a dead door press that has all workers at home early for the Easter break, which lasts until Wednesday, April 7. While we're sure workers are happy for the extra time off, they will have to use vacation time to make up for the lost production. We're guessing that solution wouldn't fly at United Auto Workers headquarters, but then again, union membership here in the States isn't exactly flourishing.

The vehicle assembly plant doesn't even make the door panels; that job falls on the Swindon body panel factory. There is no word at this time whether the unscheduled shutdown will affect Mini production long-term.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Mini Cooper S Convertible

[Source: Witney Gazette via MotoringFile]

Bring On the Dune Buggy: Mini production reportedly halted over lack of doors originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Apr 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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