Monthly Archives: January 2008

Media Coverage, Modern MINI, Track Talk

US MINI Challenge Getting Closer?

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I received an e-mail over the weekend from the folks over at MC2Magazine.com talking about how the US MINI Challenge is actually getting pretty close to becoming a reality. According to MC2 Magazine, MINI USA has been talking to both SCCA and NASA to get the JCW Challenge MINIs competing on the track. One can only hope that enough interest is eventually garnered to have an exclusive MINI Challenge series. I also noticed that this morning, the folks over at MotoringFile.com also posted some news on the subject which corroborates what was sent in the MC2 e-mail. Let’s cross our fingers on this and hope it all pans out!

MINI Challenge

[ U.S. MINI Challenge Gets Closer @ MC2 ]

MINI Press, Modern MINI

MINI Clubman @ Detroit Auto Show

Here is the official MINIUSA press release regarding the MINI Clubman at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit that we were waiting for. So far, no mention of the “D” word.

MINI Clubman

NEW MINI CLUBMAN FEATURED AT NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW IN DETROIT
New Member of MINI Family Offers Flexibility, Fun and Performance
Woodcliff Lake, NJ – January 13, 2008… The 2008 MINI Clubman, an all-new addition to the MINI model line, is featured at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, MI. With a little more room in the back and an innovative door configuration, the eagerly anticipated MINI Clubman defies convention in its concept and style. This all new addition to the MINI family will go on sale in the US February 16th, 2008 as both a Cooper and a Cooper S model. The MINI Cooper Clubman will be offered with a MSRP of $20,600, while the MINI Cooper S Clubman will come with a MSRP of $24,100. Both prices include a $650 Destination charge.
Continue reading MINI Clubman @ Detroit Auto Show →

Media Coverage, Modern MINI

MINI Cooper D Heading To US?

MINI USA has once again successfully generated buzz around their next product introduction taking place at the Detroit Auto Show. Various sites around the net are speculating that MINI will be introducing Diesel versions of US-bound MINI Coopers. If true, this is a huge win for those who have petitioned MINI to bring the fuel efficient MINI to the states. Should be interesting to watch as this unfolds…

[ ë08 NAIAS: Mini to Drop Diesels into U.S.-bound Coopers? ]

Other Automotive

The Disappearing Car Door

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Now this is one of the coolest things I have seen in a long time. A car door that folds down under you so you never have to swing open a door again. Imagine getting this mod installed on your MINI! Those rear passengers can just slide out! Forget that suicide door. Ok – so structural integrity may take a hit – still a VERY cool idea. Thanks to Al Darko for this find!

[ The Disappearing Car Door ]

Site Information

Happy Belated New Year!

Ok – so it is January 3rd and I have not posted the traditional Happy New Year greeting – what gives? Truth be told, as crazy as the end of 2007 was for me, 2008 is off to more of the same craziness. I actually tried to leave town to get away from the insanity of work, only to be called back in to town to put out some fires that cropped up at work again :(. Think I actually got to spend 1 whole day with my family on New Years without the cell phone ringing with some problem to fix. For that I am thankful. Needless to say, I have piles of MINI “schtuff” to sort through and post, but first I must sleep ;). Here’s hoping that you got your year off to a great start and got a chance to do some motoring! Talk to you real soon!