After a deal fell through on some Sylvania SilverStars, which are apparently only available online these days (no- really- I tried!) I dropped $6 on some replacements for the stock amber bulbs. FYI- swapping out turn signal bulbs on gen2 MINIs are ridiculously simple!
European charm? $6.
Note: Anyone who doesn’t opt for the “white turn signals” on their MINI build at MINIUSA.com, is totally missing the boat. IMO.
This weekend I battled the rain to make it down to my local MINI dealer for two reasons- The first, to get some “seat time” with the MINI Connected with Navigation, in-car system.
I have to say, it’s actually better than them fancy, scripted videos! Even after years of being retrained to a touch-screen interface, I almost instantly figured out the turn-the-joystick-and-push controller (see- I just taught *you* how to work it!). I scrolled right past the AM/FM channels because who listens to the radio anymore? I went straight to the Bluetooth features and paired up my days-old iPhone within seconds.
Sadly, my iPhone is so new, I have no music on it (I know, right?). I couldn’t control my playlists or any of the other neat music-related stuff; I do however, have a few contacts on it. Getting to the Address Book and recently called numbers was simple enough. It wasn’t until hearing a three week old voicemail from my BFF played through the HK stereo system, and me squealing “I know that person!” like a 12-year old, that the deal is all but sealed on this option. (NB: I swear I saw a “conference call” option at one point, but neither I or my MA could find it again. Just as well- who wants to be on a three-way while tooling down the highway, right?)
"up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, b, a, start", right?
I’m not a big Pandora or MOG Radio fan- yet. I was not able to check out the Pandora or recently announced MOG radio apps within MINI Connected, because neither of these are on my phone; I do however, totally appreciate and *get* how and why MINI (and other auto manufacturers) are setting the pace for in-car “apps” as a reality. I mean, you’ll be able read and reply to tweets and Facebook updates! Why you would want to, I don’t know, but you can. That will be the last thing on my mind while driving this particular vehicle. (For a look at BMW/MINI’s long-term app strategy, follow the link to this in-depth article at MotoringFile.com, “Inside BMW’s ConnectedDrive Program: Past, Present & Future“) Oh- and if you don’t have a smartphone, the car comes equipped with a USB port *and* old-school, AUX input for you analog types.
What’s meh? Well, quite frankly, I wasn’t overly excited about the GPS system. It doesn’t suck, but is pretty straightforward as far as in-car navigation goes. (Talk to me when it’s voice-activated.) Additionally, as a techie surrounded by 27″ computer screens, iPads, HD TVs and Retina Display iPhones, it took two seconds to know that the MINI in-car visual display, is… well… not HD. That is one thing everyone should consider before adding the option, since there is not an app for that and you can’t swap it out.
Bem-vindo ao Salzburg! (*Not* HD!)
Overall, I was impressed with it enough that if it comes down to it, I’ll probably slap down the extra $1750 for it instead of the awesome five-spoke Black Star Bullet wheels that I’ve drooling over. Which brings me to the other reason I went down to a dealership on a rainy Sunday…
Ah, the ol', "Interest List".
I am officially “on the list”, as they say. And now, we wait…
Related Links:
MINIofStevensCreek.com
mini.com/connectivity
MINI Connected iPhone app (on iTunes)
MotoringFile.com
A few days ago MINI officially unveiled the for-production, two-seater convertible Roadster. After poring over numerous photos and technical data, I’ve concluded that the 2012 MINI Roadster Convertible is the most awesome worst car ever made. Seriously. I can’t even begin to go over all the details MINI managed to exceed all my expectations screw this one up on. Here are just few:
Manual Top? Ludicrous!
A manual top? Genuis! Ludicrous! Sure it lowers the center of gravity, shaves off about 50 pounds and $500 off the MSRP, but what it obviously lacks is the ultimate douchebaggery of activating the automatic top in the Whole Foods parking lot off a keyfob, or while waiting for the light on Sand Hill Road. You know- right when every one is watching. Because, that’s what you a get a convertible for, right? Without an automatic roof, one might have to actually GET OFF THE PHONE for two seconds! Heavens!
Go-kart handling, luxury styling, and great gas mileage too?! Nonsense! While no official EPA MPG numbers are available at the time of this post (the “hard top” Coupe lists at 35hwy/27city), what’s the fun in smoking TTs and leased 3-Series’ at 0-60 MPH in 6.3 seconds if you can’t complain about the price of gas when you’re done? I mean, really!
Sorry- No room for tricycles.
Another win fail for MINI is the entire two-seater concept. Without even the semblance of a back seat found in the previous Cabrios, no one will never be able to cart a menagerie of screaming adorable neighborhood kids to day care, the park, or soccer practice. MINI claims you can fit a set of skis, golf clubs, or 8 bags of luggage, but the nearly 8-1/2 cubic foot storage area is nary enough for the average trip to Home Depot, Costco, or an extended family’s worth of perfunctory inspiring holiday presents as you travel across the country to endure relish a few days of claptrap witty banter and painful wonderful memories.
MINI Roadster Cockpit
With only two seats, a Motorer’s dating pool is quickly reduced to only independently minded folks who couldn’t spec out a bedroom or appliance set if their progeny depended on it. Literally! Sorry kids- no washing machines here.
Personally, I cannot recommend anyone purchasing the 2012 MINI Roadster Convertible. In fact I will go on the record as actively discouraging it. If I had my way, no one will buy one, and MINI will be forced to lower the yet announced price to foster what little margin they can eek out. At least until a poor sap like me can snatch one up.
Note: All images in this post respectfully copied from MotoringFile.com. Because, you know, don’t wanna overload the servers by rudely hotlinking to them, right? Right? You can get all the information you’d ever want to know about the MINI Roadster and all other models at MotoringFile.com. Its where all MINI dealers go for their info, so should you!
Anyone who has any interest knows that the next variation of the MINI- the two-seater Coupe, is not only very real, but currently “on tour” (and available for pre-order, if you ask nicely).
The two dozen or so Coupes making the “IRL” rounds through US dealerships is certainly succeeding at getting people in the door, drooling, as well as pulling out their checkbook. (According to rumors, almost 100% of pre-orders are coming from current MINI owners). When I got word that my local dealership had one on its way, I had to hot-foot it on over ASAP! Some insight after the jump…
If I didn't already want one, I'd so want one!
After inspecting every detail of the exterior (to the point I was getting funny looks), I was fortunate enough to spend a good twenty minutes sitting inside the Coupe, noting the interesting “little things” one can only realize in real life, and having a good conversation with a Motoring Advisor (sidebar: Is there any job as easy as a MINI Motoring Advisor? I mean, seriously?)
Some tidbits I came away with:
Anyone who says MINI is “killing the brand” with this particular model, has no idea what they’re talking about. The Coupe is very much a MINI inside and out- To the point I don’t even really need to talk about it. However, as far as the interior goes, some minor details that you don’t see in the photos and videos….
The 2011 MINI Coupe in real life
Headroom to spare. I’m not the tallest guy out there- But even with the seat adjustment cranked up to “4×4″ mode I noted at least 2-3 inches of additional headroom. Might not work out if the flat-top fade makes a comeback, but works for me.
Ear-level, rear mounted speakers. Even without a rear seat, you still want rear speakers, right? MINI could have easily placed them anywhere, but why not mount them into the rear panel that breaks up the cockpit from the cargo area? Instead of placing the tweeters directly behind the seat, they have been positioned just on the inside edge of the driver and passenger seats, so’s not to block the sound. Good on ya MINI!
No forward folding seats. Being the first actual two-seater I’ve ever sat in (Vettes don’t count), I was caught off-guard when I went to flip the seat up, as if to grab something out of the back w/o popping the hatch, and there is no lever. This might be a bit awkward for awhile, as I often consider my backseats as VIP storage for my laptop bag and special cargo. Speaking of cargo…
More space than you'll ever need. Really.
Need Cargo space? There is no lack of it in the Coupe! Fact: The end-to-end length of the Coupe (12′-3″) is only a paper lunch bag shorter than the R56. Without pesky rear seats to fumble with, the Coupe’s cargo-hold packs in almost twice that of a seats-up R56. So aside from the need to shuttle an occasional third-grader, most people won’t even notice the difference. (See MotoringFile.com‘s “MINI Shows off the Coupe’s Junk in the Trunk“)
And of course, the most important part…
Pricing. The spec of this particular Coupe was a 6-Speed Cooper S with 5-spoke wheels, Auto-A/C, HK stereo system, leather seats, chrome-interior, MINI Connected w/ NAV, blacked-out Xenons, and sport stripes (Technology & Sport Packages, perhaps?). The MA estimated this build at $36k before all the WTF charges. He was pretty hush hush on the “for real price”, sticking to the dealership’s “no dealer markup” slogan when prodded for out-the-door pricing.
Since I lack any media pull, the best I could do was beg for a front-of-the-line ticket to take one out for a spin when the demos come in. If I hadn’t already decided two years ago that I’m going to get one (and have been saving up ever since), I would surely want one now! I’m still holding out for the Roadster (convertible) though, whose pricing is still a mystery at this point. Worse case scenario? By the time the convertibles arrive, someone will have returned a hard top because it only carries one set of golf clubs.
For more MINI Coupe and Roadster info, insight, and photos you can handle, visit every MINI dealership’s website of choice, MotoringFile.com.
Related Links:
You know what they say- the new model isn’t really real until it shows up on the configurator. Thanks to the heads up from @dbwilldo, I found out that was yesterday at MINIUSA.COM.
Since then I’ve configured 4-5 variations of the new two-seater, from a conservative sub-$30 version, all the way up to $47,000, without really trying very hard. Alas they don’t seem to have my favorite color available, Hot Chocolate. But whatever.
While many of my friends are building their dream car to “lottery spec” as the folks call it, On the model below, I went equally unrealistic here, but did not spec out anything I wouldn’t actually want. For example, why spring $1500 on leather seats, when I hate leather seats?
I went for a pimped out black on black Cooper S with the $2000 JCW visual package plus around $6-grand on functional engine and suspension upgrades. Considering that the JCW Challenge spoked wheels are $2600 by themselves, that’ a pretty good deal, right? Also included in the my-startup-company-went-IPO model, is the basically useless $500 alarm system. Since all MINIs are virtually unstealable without the keys or a flatbed, frankly the alarm feature is only good for making the car go “chirp chirp” as you’re walking up to it in the parking lot like a douche. Oh, and the factory alarm brings your insurance down a tad, which justifies the addition. Right?
Onto the interior: Stock leatherette seats, because that’s how I roll. Flashy JCW bits including light up door sills and carbon fiber shift knob. Practical additions of sport gauges and shift indicator lights inch this little bugger toward a daily driver that is also track ready*. The one interior feature I’ve been waiting for, well, since it was announced- is MINI Connected w/ NAV. This $1800 tech package puts you a good five years ahead of the competition as far as tech swag and connectivity go- sure any Joe can have on-board turn by turn directions and bluetooth connectivity to your phone. But downloading new features into your car like you add apps from an app store? Controlling your phone from your car? Sign me up! (even if I hate the armrest).
Why stop now? Hell- throw in the Chrome exhaust tips!
The complete spec list of this build after the jump!
Looks like trouble...
Do these stripes make my ass look fat?
Can you say pimp?! (If you do, you never know what the voice-activated radio will play)
This build: 2012 Cooper S Coupe
Base MSRP $25,300.00
Midnight Black Body Color
Anthracite Headliner
Dark Gray Color Line
Dash/Door Ring in Black Checkered
Door Panel in Carbon Black
Leather Sport Wheel w/Multifunction
Black Headlamps
White Turn Signals
Body Color Roof/Mirrors
Center Arm Rest
Carbon Black Sport Seats
PACKAGES:
John Cooper Works Package ($2,000.00):
17″ Challenge Spoke Wheels
Dynamic Traction Control
John Cooper Works Aero Kit
John Cooper Works Door Sills
John Cooper Works Interior Accents
PERFORMANCE
6-Speed Getrag Manual
Start/Stop Button
Turbocharged 16-Valve Alloy Engine
4-Airbags w/Side-Thorax Protection
Dynamic Stability Control
Sport Button
Front Fog Lamps
Xenon Headlamps
All Season Runflat Tires
INSTRUMENTS
AC & Air Filter
6-spkr AM/FM CD Player
Alarm System $500.00
HD Radio
SIRIUS/XM Satellite Radio
MINI Connected with Nav System $1,750.00
On-Board Computer
MINI MOTORING ACCESSORIES**
Rubber Floor Mats
JOHN COOPER WORKS**
JCW Gear Shift Indicator
JCW Sport Gauge
17″ Sport Brake Kit
JCW Sport Suspension
JCW Strut Brace
JCW Tuning Kit
Total As Configured? $37,566.00
*Of course who’s really about to take a $40,000 prized possession on a real track? ;)
Related Links:
I’ve been driving on Pirelli’s for almost 4 years and never felt unsafe in my H-rated Pirelli P6s, even at V-rated speeds (shhh!). But when it came time to get a new set of tires, Yokohama’s W-rated S-Drive‘s happened to be on sale. Go figure. (actually, they were out of stock on my first choice of Kumho Eksta ASTs, which is probably a good thing). I look forward to putting “the Yoks” to the test, but that- as well as actual photos of them on my car- may not be for awhile. 
NOTE: If you’ve ever wondered how the “Speed Ratings” on tires translate into MPH, kaltires.com has a handy chart or you can geek out with TireRack.com’s more than you ever wanted to know write-up on the history of tire ratings.
Enjoy more content like this at Bushfinger MINI
© all original content copyright 2009
Today’s MotoringFile article implies that the Roadster and Coupe should be available sometime in 2011. I anticipate one to teeter on the $41k mark the way I would want it equipped. Since I definitely intend to purchase one, if I wanted to pay cash in full, I’ll have to sock away about $2,200 a month starting now!
For the sake of math, I spec’d out a topped out 2010 JCW Clubman at $42,595. To get a payment in a reasonable amount of around $600, I’m looking at a $10,000 down payment! That’s only around $500 a month I’ll need to shove under the mattress, post haste! EEK!!
Related Links:
Enjoy more content like this at Bushfinger MINI
© all original content copyright 2009
This morning I was speculating an estimated payment for my next dream car. The best way to get a reasonable idea? Spec out my *other* dream car!
 |
||
My 2010 MINI John Cooper Works Clubman
|
||
| Base MSRP* | $31,000 | |
| Destination & Handling | $700 | |
| PAINT IT | ||
| Black Roof/Mirrors | $0 | |
| Black Rear C-Pillar Trim | INC | |
| Black Bonnet Stripes | $100 | |
| White Turn Signals | $100 | |
| Hot Chocolate Body Color | $500 | |
| PACKAGES | ||
| Cold Weather Package | $500 | |
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Heated Powerfold Mirrors & Washer Jets | ||
| Premium Package | $1,750 | |
| harman/kardon Sound System | ||
| Dual Pane Panoramic Sunroof | ||
| Automatic AC | ||
| Convenience Package | $1,500 | |
| Rain Sensor and Auto Headlamps | ||
| Comfort Access System | ||
| Universal Garage Door Opener | ||
| Auto Dimming Rear View Mirror | ||
| Comfort Bluetooth w/USB/iPod Adapter | ||
| PERFORMANCE | ||
| Dynamic Stability Control | STD | |
| Front Fog Lamps | STD | |
| 6-Speed Getrag Manual | STD | |
| Rear Fog Lamp | $100 | |
| Dynamic Traction Control | STD | |
| 17″ Challenge Spoke (Performance) | STD | |
| COCKPIT | ||
| Sport Seats | STD | |
| On-Board Computer | STD | |
| Anthracite Headliner | STD | |
| Cloth: Checkered Carbon Black/Black | STD | |
| Interior Surface Piano Black | STD | |
| Computer Nav. System | $2,000 | |
| Leather Sport Wheel w/Multifunction | STD | |
| Interior Color: Carbon Black | STD | |
| TOTAL MSRP AS CONFIGURED* | $38,250 | |
| JOHN COOPER WORKS ACCESSORIES** | ||
| JCW Gear Shift Indicator (installation not incl.) | $313 | |
| JCW Aero Kit Cooper S (installation not incl.) | $1,895 | |
| JCW Sport Gauge (installation not incl.) | $510 | |
| GENUINE MOTORING ACCESSORIES** | ||
| Illuminated Split Door Sill – Checkered Flag (installation not incl.) | $379 | |
| Driving Lamps Black (installation not incl.) | $534 | |
| Alarm System (installation not incl.) | $228 | |
| Mud Flaps front and rear axle (installation not incl.) | $114 | |
| Invisishield: Bonnet Kit (installation not incl.) | $142 | |
| Invisishield: Bumper Kit (installation not incl.) | $135 | |
| Black Rubber Floor Mat (front) (installation not incl.) | $60 | |
| Black Rubber Floor Mat (back) (installation not incl.) | $35 | |
| TOTAL ACCESSORIES ** | $4,345 | |
| TOTAL MSRP AS CONFIGURED* | $38,250 | |
| TOTAL COMBINED | $42,595 | |
| The Build Your Own MINI experience is in ongoing development and expansion. Actual prices and available options are subject to change and may vary from the Summary listing. Please contact us with any questions. We welcome your comments. *Total MSRP excludes all taxes, title/documentary fees, registration, tags, MINI preparation charges, MINI Dealer installed options, insurance, certificate of compliance or non-compliance fees, and finance charges. Prices may vary by MINI Dealership. **All prices are suggested retail prices and are subject to change. Actual prices may vary and depend upon MINI Dealer. Prices do not include installation or painting, if required. Prices exclude taxes and/or shipping and handling charges. Check with your authorized MINI Dealer for complete accuracy of information and availability. All the illustrations and specifications contained in this web site are based on the latest product information available at the time of posting. MINI, a division of BMW of North America, LLC. reserves the right to make changes at any time, without notice, in colors, materials, and equipment. |
||
That’s only $615 a month, with a $10,000 down payment! (As if!)
Enjoy more content like this at Bushfinger MINI
© all original content copyright 2009
Enjoy more content like this at Bushfinger MINI
© all original content copyright 2009
From time to time I like to push the envelope a little. Today’s RMB will either:
a) get me lots of hits
b) get my site banned
c) lose subscribers
d) gain subscribers
or
e) all of the above
Note- this is the third time I’m mentioning that this image NSFW. (in other words, a random naked MINI Babe. And Soap. And a MINI. Enjoy.) (not your style? Try this.
Enjoy more content like this at Bushfinger MINI
© all original content copyright 2009
