Our official correspondent, Litabelle (aka Fayt) driving along with hubby Rob C. (aka Fayt’s M8) in BamBam (previously known as Guinness!) took some great video, edited it down and even did some narration during the filming of Redwood Empire Mini Enthusiasts “Mountain Tour Part 2″ through Yosemite! Yay! (if you recall, they also did Mount Shasta in Part 1 a bit ago, filmed by our own Rob ‘Califzeph’ Saunders and friends) Well, gosh, let me quit yappin’ (and try to stop putting these silly comments in parenthesis) and show you the video she ended up with! Enjoy!
A first of many videos, we are sure.. great job! (note this was filmed Labor Day weekend, September 2007, sorry for the late posting!)
StarLord (chris) and Ozbot (dave) visit the San Francisco International Auto Show at Moscone Center, San Francisco, to take a look at the 2008 MINI Clubman, as well note some new features, similarities and differences between this new MINI, the earlier editions, and his classic.
We like it! Hey, MINIUSA, when can we get one for a test drive?
This 17 minute video is in medium resolution, and took forever to upload to Google/YouTube, which didn’t seem to work.. so we converted it to Flash Video and uploaded it directly here — you may call that a Miniology exclusive clip, LOL
The MINI Cooper Convertible and MINI Cooper S Convertible: Genuine MINI
The MINI Cooper Convertible and MINI Cooper S Convertible bring the fun of open to motoring to the MINI brand. The authentic four-passenger convertibles have been engineered from the ground up to be fun-to-drive cars while offering a high level of safety and practicality.
The design of the MINI Convertible does not compromise appearance, functionality and engineering, and remains honest to the MINI concept of go-kart-like performance with a recognizable “MINI†appearance from every angle.
More Room, More Utility, More Fun in the Latest “True†MINI:
Stretching the wheelbase a mere nine inches in comparison to the MINI hardtop does virtually nothing to diminish the go-kart-like driving characteristics of the new 2008 MINI Cooper Clubman and MINI Cooper S Clubman, but it significantly enhances interior room and utility as well as driver/passenger comfort and convenience for those who want more of this iconic British brand. And – in true MINI fashion – mixing the traditional with the modern results in both the car’s unique, but unmistakably MINI appearance and unique ways to access this interior: The tailgate carries forward the twin, outwardly hinged “split-doors†found on the Clubman’s ancestors, while rear-seat passengers ingress and egress is eased through the rear-hinged “Clubdoor†incorporated in the car’s right side.
The new MINI Cooper Clubman, an expansion to last year’s introduction of the second-generation of the modern MINI, mirrors the latest MINI Cooper hardtop – both inside and out, in terms of equipment – from the radiator grill to the B pillars. This means the new variants share the 172-horsepower turbocharged engine of the MINI Cooper S and the 118-hp, naturally aspirated four-cylinder powerplant of the MINI Cooper, both driving the front wheels, as well as dashboard, seats (with the exception of some upholstery colors and materials as well as interior trim colors), comfort and convenience features and switch gear. And they share the chassis components, as well as the soul, which have earned the MINI accolades on its fun-to-drive, go-kart-like handling characteristics.
Go-kart-driving fun, an interior that provides the maximum amount of car in the minimum amount of space and a myriad of personalization possibilities keep the 2008 MINI Cooper and Cooper S on top of the small-car premium segment – some 800,000 units produced since the 2000 introduction of the first generation new MINI.
The body of the latest generation MINI – introduced last year – boasts evolutionary development from the iconic 1959 Classic Mini, while the interior, including styling cues are evocative of the original and contain the latest technological advances found today. And powering either the 2008 MINI Cooper or MINI Cooper S are a pair of four-cylinder engines resembling the original MINI’s in cylinder number and placement, transversely over the front axle, but far more efficient, cleaner and powerful.
From our friends at http://Chipmunk.Com we have what looks like the same photographer that took the Barcelona footage of the new 2007 MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S, showcasing the exterior and interior of the MINI Clubman. Now all those people who say they would get a MINI if they could carry more stuff…? Your new car has arrived!
The In-Fine blog writes up a nice article about the cult status MINI has become, and questions if it is truly love of the Mini that draws people, or just the raw passion and sex appeal the marque has been and continues to be today? This, with regards to the MINI-themed art publication Visionaire coming next month. Is it excess or pure entertainment? Well, whatever it is, it certainly is great marketing and fun. Read more here:
Uhm, by the way, if you don’t read or speak German, you’ll need to throw it at a translator like Google’s page here.
Great read though! I like this person’s writing style and look forward to reading more of their posts.. and THANKS for linking your readers back to Miniology
MINIUSA is doing it again next year, Mini Takes The States – The cross-country motortastic roadtrip/rally rumoured to be an East to West run, culminating in a major party in San Francisco Sept. 2008! This footage includes the Monterey Historic footage from 2006 in Laguna Seca raceway, as well lots of stuff from the first few legs of Mini Takes The States (MTTS) and kickoff party.
If you will recall back in the day before Miniology, there was StarLord Mini Podcast, this was a 3-part series, now remixed into 1 big 21 minute show! Enjoy!
The 5th Annual North American Motoring Calendar of Motoring This is our third COLOR version of the calendar and focuses on getting out and enjoying your MINI…from travel, to racing, to taming the streets this calendar has something for everyone. Enjoy monthly special offers from select NAM Vendors. With the savings and offers included you’ll save money on your upcoming MINI-related purchases and have a great calendar to motor through the year!
This edition features:
- Full color photography selected from members of NAM (Click here for a complete list of last year’s calendar winners
- More than 60 classic Mini and MINI significant events and dates in history
- Special monthly offers from NAM vendors that can save you hundreds of dollars!
- All major US, Canadian, and Mexican holidays
- 12 month format
They will make great gifts for yourself and other MINI lovers!
Shipping via USPS First Class postage is included in the price. Calendars should begin shipping the first week of December.
Save on your MINI-related Purchases
Introduced last year, the 2008 calendar will feature monthly specials and offers from select NAM vendors that will quickly save you more than the cost of the calendar. From product specials, reduced cost custom design time, and more you’ll find savings in each month of the NAM calendar.
