See on the right and find out more about the MINI Buzz:
- USA Today article about the MINI Clubman
- Driver Training with Phil Wicks Driver Academy on June 7 and 8, 2008
- JCW Package Review
- ...these cars selling like hot cakes
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NEWS & EVENTS
We included in this page a few News about MINI and their Buzz all-over the world. For example you see here that the Europeans have designed a Police Clubman, which actually is not going on duty but still will serve a very good cause. This car will be Ebay-auctioned in June for the European AIDS charity. Between June 5 to the 15, 2008 the unique vehicle will go online. As you see, there’s always something happening at MINI and MINI of South Atlanta, so even if you don’t see an event posted at this time, just contact us to see what’s going on. Or better yet, stop by and visit – we’d love to see you. HAPPY MOTORING!!!
Mini Cooper Clubman makes a huge impression (excerpts from USA TODAY)
You've got a car popular largely because it's small, so you make it bigger. Disaster?
Delight. The Mini Cooper Clubman, a stretched, wagonlike version of the little Cooper sedan, is a honey.
Looks terrific. Drives great. Can be decked out inside as scrumptious as luxury cars priced twice the well-equipped test car's $28,700 sticker. What's more, Consumer Reports magazine gives the Mini Cooper hardtop — mechanically the same — the top scores in reliability, owner satisfaction and total ownership costs.
Why a maxi Mini? More sales.
"We want to invite a broader scope of people" to consider the line, says spokesman Andrew Cutler. The basic Mini Cooper hardtop's appeal is limited because it's "an astonishingly small car."
But stretch the wheelbase a few inches for more rear leg- and knee-room, add a small, reverse-opening door for passenger-side access, and the result is a quite useful car. It's still a stretch to call Clubman a family car, or to say it's spacious. It remains a little car with all that implies. But it's now big enough to be more practical, and a ball to drive. The test car's base engine was enthusiastic and peppy.
The turbocharged S, much more powerful and $3,500 more expensive, wasn't tested. Mini's published acceleration times show it's a couple of seconds quicker from 0 to 60 mph.
The Clubman's longer wheelbase, along with the chassis design Mini introduced on the second-generation Cooper hardtop in 2007, provide the smooth ride the Cooper's been missing. In no way sloppy or floppy, the Clubman simply does a better job soaking up bumps than the shorter hardtop does now, or ever did, while retaining the agile steering and tight handling that have been part of the Mini Cooper's appeal.
You can turn up the dynamic fires by pushing a small "sport" button that could accurately be renamed "quicken." That's what it does to throttle and steering response. With the automatic transmission, sport changes how it shifts...
...Without sport engaged, you had to literally floor the throttle a moment to get the engine to rev enough (and back off before the engine overreacted). With sport engaged, the engine revved more willingly but remained less lively than desired during the blipping process...
The interior continues the funky presentation: charming or alarming, depending on your taste. The tachometer is in front of the driver, suggesting engine speed is what's important. The speedometer and lesser gauges are in a huge circle in the center of the dash. That implies a casualness toward speed, but the numbers are so big, you can't miss them. Controls for power windows and locks are firm-feeling toggle switches ganged on the dashboard and overhead near the front dome light, each switch separated by a small, curved railing...
...Other delights and demerits:
• Engine. Mini Coopers originally used an iron engine jointly done with DaimlerChrysler. The new, alloy powerplant is a cooperative effort with PSA, the big French car company that's not Renault. What a difference. The new engine is quieter, and when it makes noise, it's nicer noise.
• Appearance. It looks even cooler than the regular Mini Cooper (called the hardtop). The test car's chocolate brown interior was more sumptuous than many lux-mobiles.
• Utility. Generous space under the rear cargo floor is a good spot for the rear head restraints you might remove for better visibility. The cargo net is strong enough to restrain some hefty items. Bins and cup holders in the doors are sufficient. Both front seats tip and slide forward enough that the back seat's easy to reach (on the small-car scale of "easy").
• Gripes. The front passenger's safety belt hangs in the way when you open the back-seat door (which, incidentally, won't open unless the front door is open). Mini says that beefing up the seat to mount it there, out of the way, would add too much weight, cost and complexity to the car...
...There are few cars that you can hop into and find they match perfectly your wants and needs — even ones you didn't know you had. Despite the gripes, Clubman is one.
When such a car comes along, even if it's off your list because of size or price, it's worth a cheer. To Clubman, hoorah.
ABOUT THE 2008 MINI COOPER CLUBMAN
What? Bigger version of the popular small car, with a teensy extra door on the passenger's side for back-seat child insertion and other use by humans of any size. Two versions: basic Cooper Clubman; fancier, turbocharged Clubman S.
When? On sale since Feb. 16.
Where? Manufactured at Oxford, U.K.
Why? Needed a car for deserting Mini owners who couldn't figure out what to do with babies once they arrived, and for others who like the basic Mini Cooper but find it just too mini.
How? Stretch the chassis of the basic Cooper hardtop, tailor a wagon-esque body to fit.
How much? Clubman starts at $20,600 including $650 destination charge.
Clubman S starts at $24,100 and ends a blink south of $40,000 with all conventional accessories, or mid-$40s if you dive into the John Cooper Works accessories (carbon fiber this, aluminum that, checkered-flag-pattern something else).
How many? Autodata shows 1,768 Clubman sales from launch through March, which is about 1,200 a month, or 25% of Mini Cooper sales if hardtop and convertible sales continue at recent rates.
What's next? Remake of the convertible about a year from now, to get it onto the same chassis as the hardtop and Clubman. A crossover-utility model is possible a year after that.
How snappy? Fairly. Base models have 1.6-liter, four-cylinder rated 118 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, 114 pounds-feet of torque at 4,250 rpm.
S models have 1.6-liter, four-cylinder, turbocharged, direct-injection engine rated 177 hp at 5,500 rpm, 177 lbs.-ft. of torque that Mini says is available from 1,600 to 5,000 rpm.
Six-speed manual transmission standard; six-speed automatic optional. Traction control and stability control.
How big? A bit shorter, narrower than a Mazda Miata. Weighs 2,723 to 2,900 pounds. Rated to carry 816 pounds. Turns in 36.1 feet.
How thirsty? Clubman manual rated 28 miles per gallon city, 37 highway, 32 combined. Automatic: 26/34/29. Clubman S: 26/34/29 manual, 23/32/27 automatic.
Trip computer in non-turbo test car with manual registered 26.5 mpg in suburban driving, 20% of that in performance-enhancing, mileage-reducing "sport" mode.
Tank holds 13.2 gallons. Premium fuel is required for full power, but lower octane is OK, Mini says.
Overall: Whee.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE RELEASED IN: USA TODAY, 04/25/2008
PHIL WICKS DRIVING ACADEMY - sponsored event
You have the opportunity to improve your driving skills and become a better and safer driver by attending the Phil Wicks Driving Academy at Talladega Gran Prix in Munford, Alabama, Saturday and Sunday, June 7 and 8, 2008. This is a MINI of South Atlanta sponsored event.
MINI of South Atlanta will be there to host and welcome you to a weekend of instruction by Phil Wicks, one of the world's foremost authorities on Mini/MINI Cooper. Since the intro of the first Mini 1959 through the years of racing, car development, driving in movies including "The Italian Job" with Michael Caine in 1969, right up to present day. Phil's curricula range from safe driving accident avoidance courses to full blown race instruction.
Go to www.minidriving.com or call 615-463-0228 to register directly. Mention you are a MINI of South Atlanta customer and receive a discount on entry fees. Your cost for the one day of instruction will be $225 (normally $300) or $375 for the weekend (normally $500.) See you at the track.
2008 MINI Cooper S John Cooper Works Package Review | ||||||||||||||
By Kevin ''Crash'' Corrigan, April 22, 2008 I doubt that I have to explain to many of you what the initials JC in JCW stands for, especially if I were to add in, the word MINI.
But to truly appreciate the man and what he achieved, one has to understand the story behind the man. John's father Charles Cooper ran a small mechanical workshop in Surbiton, Surrey. After service in the Royal Air force during World War 2, he joined his father there making single seat race cars for privateers. Together they formed a company in 1948 specifically to design and build race cars, and were so successful, that by the early 50's names like Jack Brabham, Stirling Moss, Maurice Trintignant, and Bruce McLaren were to be seen behind the wheels of Cooper products. Much of their success in racing came from the fine handling of their cars. Although most race cars at the time were powered from the front, the first Cooper built cars were propelled by motorcycle engines. Hence, they positioned the engines in the rear. Perhaps unbeknownst to them at the time, they were the forerunners of what we now know as open wheel rear-engined Formula One cars. In fact, Cooper later remarked, "We certainly had no feeling that we were creating some scientific breakthrough...We put the engine at the rear...because it was the practical thing to do". Much of Cooper's success came from what I like to think of as, "Thinking outside the box", and it is that which brings us to the story of the MINI Cooper. John Cooper's association with the MINI came through his friendship with Alex Issigonis, the designer of the original MINI. Coming from a race and rally background, John quickly saw the potential that the MINI could have in competition use. The first MINI Cooper was launched in 1961, with the acclaimed Cooper S coming two years later. The latter quickly earned acclaim with Monty Carlo Rally victories in 1964, 1965 and 1967.
MINIs were initially placed first, second and third in the 1966 rally as well, but were disqualified after a controversial decision by the French judges. Their reasoning had something to do with the variable headlamp dimming circuits used.
Had the MINI not been disqualified, it would have been the only car in history to be placed in the top three on the Monte Carlo Rally for six consecutive years. John Cooper continued to be tied to MINI and together with his son Mike, he served in an advisory role to BMW and Rover's New MINI design team. In fact, John Cooper Garages, which unfortunately closed in 2006, is often referred to as being "the home of the JCW", which nicely zips us ahead to the present day! Yes, when people today think of a MINI, they almost automatically think of the name Cooper, especially here in North America, because for the moment at least, you can only purchase a MINI with his name on it, the Cooper, the Cooper Classic, or the outstanding Cooper S. (Rumor has it that BMW has plans in place to bring out several new variations on the MINI. Possibly, a MINI Van and Pickup like the originals could be in the offering soon). All the Coopers are amazing little vehicles in terms of performance and handling, and are worthy of his nameplate, but what if you want more? Well, that's where the John Cooper Works package comes into play! Now first of all, I should explain that the MINI Cooper S with the JCW package should not be confused with the actual John Cooper Works MINI which is due out later this year. The JCW package is a dealer installed item, and does not offer all the performance modifications of the genuine JC Works MINI. However, for the additional $ 2,342 you do get a stainless steel low backpressure sport exhaust system, a modified air box, and an enhanced Electronic Control Unit (ECU), which adds noticeable improvements in performance. Of course, you also get those cool little JCW badges which will impress your friends no end.
Now, before I go on, I should point out the fact that my tester came quite well equipped before the JCW package was added. It already had the Premium Package ($ 1,600), the Sport Package ($ 1,200, Almost a must if you're going to add the JCW kit to it), and the Chrome Line Package ($ 390) which I must say, certainly adds to the look of the vehicle.
My tester also carried the optional Limited Slip Diff ($650, Again, wise to have with the JCW package), and Comfort Access, Piano Black Trim, and the Lounge Leather interior. The last one prices out at $1,900, but I dare anyone out there to view it and not order their vehicle with it, because it's stunning! Of course, when you add this all up, you may get a bit of a shock because you'll find that you're only just under $40k ($ 39,292 to be exact). And don't expect to find too many deals on one, because as I hear it, MINI's are selling like hot cakes at the moment. Now that begs the question, why? After all, the MINI is a pretty small vehicle to warrant those kinds of bucks. Well, I've thought about that, and I think that I can sum that up in one simple sentence... "No other vehicle on earth drives like a MINI". Yes, a Shelby Mustang, or a Charger SRT8 might turn heads, but if they could turn corners as good as a MINI, they could be a lot better. Ask anyone who has ever driven a MINI...They go around corners as if on rails! Naturally, there are one or two cars out there in this price range which offer similar performance and road holding. I'm perhaps thinking of the VW GTI, and possibly the MAZDASPEED3, both of which are great cars. In fact, on the track, I'd put the Mazda pretty close to the MINI in handling. However, the BMW has a huge advantage over them in the MINI. Not only can it produce the cutesy look, whilst at the same time being known as a tarmac ripping pocket rocket, but its basic design is hard to top.
Not with a MINI! BMW specifically designed it to look like the old original MINI, and to cash in on the heritage factor. Therefore, it's a little difficult for them to go off track and design a completely new looking one. In fact, very few people can tell the difference between an 06 MINI and the new current shape. In my mind, this makes it the perfect little vehicle to own long term, which nicely brings me back to, why spend the extra money for the JCW package? My answer is, why not. If you are going to buy the best small performance car on the planet, pay the extra money and get the whole kit and caboodle. After all, you're never going to want to sell it!!! You think that I'm joking, but I'm not. To prove that point, I'm going to tell you a true story...I've just had a conversation with a friend of mine. He owns a new Porsche Cayman, and his wife has a Boxster. He also owns a Land Rover and a few vintage race cars. He purchased a Cooper S when they first came out. He drove it, his wife did, and now his daughter has it. However, she is going away to Europe to study, so he tells me, and he's decided to sell off his Cayman and go back into the MINI for the summer. Doesn't that just say it all!!!! Photos: BMW, Kevin Corrigan Source: Auto123.com |
While rest of industry is in recession, these cars are selling like hot cakes
Mini Clubman is a new product that is expected to keep the Mini brand’s sales high through 2008.
Source: The Patriot Ledger
Auto industry analysts are forecasting a grim year for new car sales in 2008. This would continue a recession in auto sales that began in June 2006. Since then, with few exceptions, overall auto sales have been tumbling. The decline got even steeper during the first two months of 2007.
However, one automaker, Mini, defies the doom and gloom with sales that keep skyrocketing. Mini sales were up 33 percent during the first two months of the year. Inventories are low as they’ve been since Mini sales began in the U.S. in 2002.
Mini U.S.A. Vice President Jim McDowell forecasts a 10 percent increase in deliveries this year. Last year, there were 42,045 Minis sold in the U.S. McDowell says he expects supplies of new Mini models will drop to almost zero once the summer begins.
“The world is becoming more Mini,” McDowell said recently. He says that the small car appeals to customers who crave more fuel-efficient vehicles that pollute less. “We’re leaving (natural) resources for the next generation.”
The Mini’s popularity is so great that there are no incentives or discounts needed to sell the brand. Virtually all Minis sell for the full sticker price. What’s more, Mini buyers typically add $4,000 to $5,000 in options with their new purchase.
A new stretched Mini, called Clubman, recently went on sale and should boost the brand’s sales even more. Most of the first Clubman models went to buyers who ordered the vehicle months before it actually went on sale.
Vincent Kung, a Mini product planner, predicts 50 to 60 percent of Clubman buyers will be new to the Mini brand. Kung also expects the new longer Mini will appeal to a buyer who’s younger than the current average age of the Mini customer, which is 44. Kung says the Clubman will be a magnet for a more active group of buyers.
The Clubman Cooper comes with a 118 horsepower naturally aspirated engine. The Clubman Cooper S version has a 172 hp turbocharged mill. Both are four-cylinder engines, built at the BMW engine plant in Hams Hall, England.
BMW designed the engine with Peugeot. The French company uses the powerplant in a wide range of models that are not sold in this country, while BMW only uses it in the Mini. The engine is among the shortest four-cylinder units in its displacement class.
Some buyers complain about the car’s fuel economy, even though it is rated at 37 mpg highway. Despite that high fuel economy, the Clubman doesn’t leave much to desire in the way of spirited performance.
One of the more unusual features of the Clubman is the split rear door that allows access to the generous storage area, yet the doors don’t give the vehicle a commercial-type of appearance. The Clubman Cooper carries a suggested price of $20,600, while the more powerful Cooper S version has a $24,100 sticker price. Both prices include the $650 destination charge. Average transaction prices are expected to run about $2,500 above the sticker, Kung says.
The Clubman Cooper S is forecast to account for 55 percent of sales during launch months, says Stephen Saward, sales manager for Mini.
“We’re planning on a 50/50 split between Cooper and Cooper S later on,” he says.
There’s only a 10- to 15-day supply at dealers, but it’s possible to buy a Clubman off the lot in some regions. However, customized orders are expected to take two months for delivery to East Coast customers and a month longer for those on the West Coast, Saward says.
The Clubman won’t be the last variant Mini intends to introduce in coming years. The next Mini model to be introduced will be the second-generation convertible that will debut about a year from now, McDowell says. A crossover utility vehicle is also in the works but remains a couple of years from introduction.
McDowell says there are no plans for a hybrid model.
“We see more potential with clean diesels,” he says. But a diesel Mini won’t happen until a new-generation diesel is developed.
Source: Patriot Ledger
