Audio & Video, Other Automotive

Fully Functional 1:3 Scale Ferrari 312PB

While we tend to focus on MINIs around here the majority of the time, every now and then something non-MINI-related is sent to us that classifies as “Motoring Fun”. This is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!! This guy actually built a fully functional 1:3 scale Ferrari!! According to this video’s YouTube description:

“There are few if any models in the world to rival the Ferrari 312PB built by Pierre Scerri. This 1:3 scale masterpiece is the real thing in every sense, from its operating 100cc 12-cylinder engine to the exact scale operating Ferrari gauges which are calibrated precisely to indicate rpm, oil pressure, water temperature and oil temperature. It took Pierre 15 years and more than 20,000 hours to build this car! He learned to make glass so he could make the exact pattern lens for the operating headlights. He learned to make rubber so he could mold his own tires. The creator of the original gearbox even came out of retirement to produce an exact 1:3 scale version for the model. Featured on Jeremy Clarkson’s Extreme Machines.”

All I can say is – WOW!!! Thanks to beaner for sending this one in!

MINI Sites and Blogs, Modern MINI

Excellent General Module Article by MURMINI

Once again, Murray has posted a fantastic and detailed article regarding the more technical side of our favorite little cars. The MINI Cooper General Module is quite the fascinating little system controling many of the internal functions of the car. Take a moment and click the link below to read the full article. While you’re there – pick up one of the MURMINI shirts!

[ General Module Article @ MURMINI.com ]

Site Information

Happy New Year From MotoringFun.com

Here’s wishing you and yours a very happy 2007. It is hard to believe that I have only had this site up for a little less than 3 months. The response I have gotten from many of you has been overwhelming. Thank you, thank you, thank you for welcoming MotoringFun.com into your browser. For those who have stopped by the Motoring Fun chat room – you really make the site special. It is great to meet new and familiar faces in there and chat about MINI stuff and life in general. If you haven’t done so – send in your pics for the member gallery.

So how are you going to start off 2007? I kicked off 2007 by ordering some new wheels and max performance tires :). Decided on going with the Hankook Ventus Rs2 Z212 tires and A&L Racing 387 wheels by Enkei from EdgeRacing.com. Will have more details soon in a later post once I get them. Between the wheels/tires and the new JCW exhaust and JCW airbox that will be installed this month, 2007 is shaping up to be quite the performance enhancement year for my MINI :).

Have fun and stay safe out there!

Modern MINI

Merry Christmas From MotoringFun.com

Just wanted to take a moment and wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Here’s wishing you a great day of motoring to and from homes of friends and family, eating till you drop and just taking a moment to reflect on what is important in your life. When it’s all over, stop by the chat room this week and share how you spent your day!! See you soon :).

Media Coverage, Modern MINI

R56 to Make North American Debut at 2007 NAIAS in Detroit

Looks like we will get to see the R56 in January at the North American International Auto Show. According to this article from Auto Spectator, the second generation MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S will make their debut at the show alongside the new MINI Convertible Sidewalk edition. You can check out the entire article at the link below:

[ R56 MINI Cooper / Cooper S Debut in Detroit @ Auto Spectator ]