Well they finally did it! ALTA has released their test and tune results on their R56 turbo kit. From the looks of things, power is increased higher up in the RPM range by trading a bit down low. This is not necessarily a bad thing for those of us who track our cars ;). For a full write up, check out the link at the bottom of this post.
Monthly Archives: November 2007
Video: MINI Clubman @ LA Auto Show
Roadfly posted up a cool video from the LA Auto Show showing the launch of the new MINI Clubman. Take a peak:
Gift Idea: Minspeed ITG JCW Airbox Filter
Now that the holiday season is in full swing, make sure your family knows where to shop for your favorite gifts. For help, click the sponsors link above ;). If you are looking for a nice little mod that will free up your airflow in your JCW airbox, take a look at the ITG JCW filter from Minspeed. I recently just installed this unit in my ’06 MCS and am very pleased.
Compared to the insanely expensive paper filter from MINI, this lifetime filter is the ticket! It is washable and fits perfectly. I have even noticed an improved supercharger whine. There is a version for the R56 as well! Give Pete from Minspeed a call today and let him know MotoringFun.com sent you!
2008 MINIUSA Configurator
Just in time for Thanksgiving, MINIUSA brings you the 2008 MINI Configurator! That’s right – when you are sitting at home too stuffed to move after shoving all that turkey down your throat, reach for the keyboard and the mouse and start building your new MINI Clubman ;). In just a few months, you will be able to head over to your local MINI dealer and test drive these puppies yourself. Until then, the configurator should hold you over. Enjoy!
Video: 2 MINIs At The Nurburgring
Here is a cool video that some of you may have seen. Would be pretty cool to bring my MINI across the pond to run here! Thanks to alDarko for this find.
Virtual MINI Challenge: Daytona
Well I have been spending some time getting used to the road course at Daytona International Speedway via my new favorite racing sim – Race 07 – in hopes of learning the line in preparation for December’s track weekend. So far I have shaved 7 seconds off my lap times and I feel I am getting familiar enough with the line to try some new things. It will be very interesting to see how the virtual world of Race 07 translates to the real world of “Daytona 07”. The car physics seem pretty good in the game so who knows – it may help alot.
In this video, I have set the artificial intelligence (AI) of the other cars to 95% and I started the race in last place (I am driving the Red Nose Day MINI). Through the course of the short 4 lap race, I manage to drive through the field to finish in fourth place. I am still getting used to the AI and need to work on my braking around other cars (as you will see me slam a few lol). Hey – as long as I don’t do THAT in real life I should be fine! Hope you enjoy the video. Eventually I think it would be cool to record actual online races with real online players. I think it would make for some interesting entertainment to watch. Let me know what you think!
Video: Stolen Girlfriends Club
Was checking out BUSHFINGER MINI today and saw that he found this “interesting” video featuring a MINI. I am not sure if the “Stolen Girlfriends Club” is actually a marketing campaign for MINI though as there are no MINIs on the website (there actually is a Mercedes though!). Anyone have any more information on this? The actors sure seem to be really into their roles in this video ;).
Video: Auto Football
This has to be one of the coolest ideas I have seen in a long time. Imagine playing football (ok – soccer for us in the US) with a car! Now don’t get me wrong – I am not playing this with my MINI. BUT… I am sure this was a hoot to film. And I bet you that TV ratings for a sport like this would be pretty high. I know I have watched it several times and am sucked in to watching it all the way through eachtime LOL. Thanks to 2phun for this find!
Video Game: MINI #37 – Arcade Racer Released!
It sure seems that there has been a lot of MINIs showing up in video games lately. I know I personally have been hooked on Race 07 which features the MINI Challenge (and as I reported earlier – I am using to practice for the upcoming Daytona track weekend). This game, however, is a bit different. MINI #37 is strictly MINIs. You may recall me drooling over this back in May. You will be able to drive any MINI for sale in showrooms and various “episodes” will be released over time. Well according to MINI2.co.za, Episode 1 is finally live and ready for download. Enjoy!
[ MINI #37 Arcade Racer Now Live! ]
[ Download MINI # 37 Arcade Racer ]
Daytona Track Weekend – December 7-9, 2007
For the first time in the history of the track, a car club is being allowed to run a High Performance Drivers Ed weekend at Daytona International Speedway! Known as the “Mecca of Motorsports”, this facilty boasts a 3.56 mile road course with 31 degree banking!! And guess what? Team Minspeed will be representing MINI-nation!! That’s right, I will join a few other Team Minspeed members as guests of the Audi Club of Ohio who have booked the track for the weekend of December 7-9th, 2007.
As you can tell from the above picture, I have managed to import the Daytona road course into Race 07 (that new game that features the MINI Challenge). Hey – never to soon to start practicing the line! I can’t wait to see what it is like to drive a MINI on 31 degree banking.
[ Race 07 Gallery ]