Join Rob, Norm, Kat and Jerry for 45 minutes of Mini goodness as we cover the weekend at Laguna Seca, including an interview with racer Chris Knox, find out how Kat got 3 speeding tickets during MTTS and Jerry will lead us in a salute to the working man. This and more on this month’s edition of Miniology Radio.
You can listen here or subscribe (for free) in iTunes or listen via Stitcher Radio!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
It was in 1959 that the Mini broke out onto the scene as a classless car, quickly took the world by storm and soon became a motoring icon admired by one generation after the next. Nowhere is the close bond between the classic Mini and its followers more apparent than at the International Mini Meeting (IMM).
The 36th edition of this traditional event is about to get under way, and still the classic Mini continues to transcend boundaries: this year marks the first time that the IMM is being held in Hungary. From 24 – 28 May 2012, fans of this compact British classic will descend on the resort of Balatonfüred on the northern shore of Lake Balaton.
The event’s hosts from MINI Club Hungary have put together a wide-ranging programme packed with thoughtful details, all organised with help and support from various quarters, including the MINI Clubs International Office. Two floating pedal-powered MINIs will be launched out onto Lake Balaton, for instance, while MINI wicker beach chairs will invite visitors to soak up the sun, and professionally restored classic Minis from the BMW Group Classic collection will be on show on the lakeshore alongside the brand’s current models.
Fans and drivers of today’s MINI have been equally welcome at the IMM events for years now.
The inaugural IMM took place in 1978 and has since evolved into the world’s largest gathering of classic Mini owners and friends. Some 4,000 of the brand’s fans, including representatives from over 200 MINI Clubs in countless countries, have registered for the IMM 2012. Enthusiasts from Portugal, Finland and Ireland are planning to drive there in their own Mini, and registrations have even been received from as far afield as Seattle in the US. For the day when everyone arrives, MINI Club Hungary has prepared a highly entertaining rally where the objective is not to be the fastest but to master the final stage before the journey’s end along a particularly picturesque stretch of road.
Bungalows and caravans provide accommodation for anyone attending the IMM, while the extensive campsite in Balatonfüred offers enough room for visitors to park their classic Mini and pitch their tent right next to it. The campsite grounds, furthermore, are the venue for numerous spectacular activities revolving around the classic Mini where the name of the game is sporting competition and having fun together. Plans include setting up a parts and accessories market, staging slalom races in the classic Mini, as well as a competition for the most stunning specimens from all model series, the classic Mini that is truest to the original, the oldest driver and the oldest car. Wedding bells will also be ringing amid the ranks of MINI enthusiasts when two members of the host MINI Club take their vows at the event arena before starting their new life together in true style at the wheel of a classic Mini – followed by a celebratory convoy of some 200 further examples of this British classic, whose drivers have registered in advance for the occasion.
Join, Rob, Norm, Kat and Jerry for a remarkable look at the world of Mini for this month. You can listen here, subscribe in iTunes or listen on Stitcher Radio for your iOS or Android device…
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Limited-edition designer bags from Ilaria Venturini Fendi made of up-cycled materials from the MINI Roadster car production.
Munich. MINI presents a specially designed limited edition of CARMINA CAMPUS bags that will be presented at an exclusive preview event at 10 Corso Como, during Milan Fashion Week. In the true spirit of CARMINA CAMPUS’ philosophy, which is based on employing only re-used or reclaimed materials to make fashion accessories, the bags are made of colour samples and material offcuts left over from the production of the new MINI Roadster.
Anders Warming and Illaria Venturini Fendi.
First a MINI, then a bag.
Under the style-assured guidance of Ilaria Venturini Fendi, elements from prototypes of the new MINI Roadster were combined with discarded colour samples and other materials to create fashion designer bags made by Italian craftsmen. This capsule collections comprises week-end and city bags for women and men. The wide-ranging materials from the MINI Roadster provided an extensive source of inspiration. In some styles, the soft yet robust seat leather formed the outer shell of the bag, while the canvas from the soft-top was often decorated by a mosaic of small metal plates coming from the colour samples of the car body painting. Sunvisors hide make up mirrors while from the car interiors, handles become a special detail in a tiny proportioned bag. Reclaiming unused materials, defective or no longer fit for their intended purpose, or searching for stocks of end-of-lines and vintage materials that may change their function in the design of a new object, has been Ilaria Venturini Fendi’s creative approach from CARMINA CAMPUS’ start. This perspective on materials is being increasingly shared beyond the fashion world, and MINI is embracing the practice that now goes by the name of “up-cycling”.
The new MINI Roadster.
“For many years now, the BMW Group has been working with creative people from all manner of fields,” says Anders Warming, Head of MINI Design. “We are delighted to have found in Ilaria Venturini Fendi a designer who devotes her artistic powers above all to considerations of sustainability and up-cycling. For us these are key issues of the future which we are now addressing through this collaboration in customary MINI fashion”.
The CARMINA CAMPUS label.
The youngest daughter of Anna Fendi, and once herself Creative Accessories Director of the Fendissime young line as well as shoe designer for the legendary fashion house, Ilaria Venturini Fendi retired from the company some years ago to run an organic farm in Northern Rome. In 2006 she launched CARMINA CAMPUS, a label that specialises in making furniture, jewellery and bags from re- used and up-cycled materials – to the highest standards of design. “I’m very
?happy about this collaboration,” says Venturini Fendi. “It shows just how aware MINI is of the motor industry’s impact on the environment and that it is working towards change. For big brands like MINI in particular, up-cycling is an important issue. After all, this is where you will always get scrap material that is generally described as waste, but in fact can become part of a high-quality object.”
The exclusive CARMINA CAMPUS for MINI collection will be available at 10 Corso Como in Milan.
Yeah, you know we mentioned back when we posted the other two special models that there was a third one, but BMW Group kinda dropped the ball on the official release until today, when it finally came through with said info .. was the wait worth it? Oh yes.. yes indeedy, and here it is:
MINI HIGHGATE: THE EXCLUSIVE NEW SPECIAL EDITION CONVERTIBLE
Hot on the heels of the MINI Baker Street and MINI Bayswater comes the third in a trio of special editions for spring 2012 – the all-new MINI Highgate.
Continuing the brand’s established policy of taking the names of fashionable areas of London, the Highgate is a sophisticated new version of the drop-top Convertible.
As with all special edition MINIs, this four-seater offers a raft of unique exterior and interior features. Providing a fresh interpretation of MINI’s premium appeal and style, the Highgate is designed to take the fun and excitement of ‘wind-in-the-hair’ motoring to the next level.
The car is finished in an all-new metallic ‘Iced Chocolate’ body colour, which works perfectly with the tailored ‘Silvertouched Truffle’ fabric roof. The distinctive look is enhanced by truffle bonnet stripes with blue edging. Midnight Black metallic or White Silver metallic paintwork can be specified as an option. The door mirror caps are always finished in the same shade as the exterior.
Also unique to the MINI Highgate are 17-inch ‘Double Cross Turned’ light-alloy wheels in a subtle aluminium colour. The design team took its inspiration for the spokes from the Union Jack flag.
Inside, the ‘Dark Truffle’ Lounge Leather seats feature blue piping and contrasting stitching. MINI’s popular Chili Pack; filled with added extras like automatic air conditioning, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, multi-function steering wheel, multi-coloured interior lights, is standard on the Highgate special edition. Sun-touched Brushed Alloy detailing on the dashboard and the Chrome Line Interior and Exterior packages are also included. Exclusive ‘Highgate’ lettering on the side indicator surrounds, door sills and seat tags marks the car out from the crowd.
As with every MINI, customers can enhance the appeal of their car further using the extensive options list of comfort, convenience, design and technology features.
The MINI Highgate is available with four engine options; the MINI Cooper (90 kW/122 hp), MINI Cooper S (135 kW/184 hp), MINI Cooper D (82 kW/112 hp) and MINI Cooper SD (105 kW/143 hp). All are linked to a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, with a six-speed automatic available as an option.
Here’s retail pricing in UK pounds, add about another 500 for OTR:
MINI Cooper Highgate Convertible £20,665
MINI Cooper Highgate Convertible Auto £21,750
MINI Cooper D Highgate Convertible £21,855
MINI Cooper D Highgate Convertible Auto £22,940
MINI Cooper S Highgate Convertible £23,445
MINI Cooper S Highgate Convertible Auto £24,590
MINI Cooper SD Highgate Convertible £24,255
MINI Cooper SD Highgate Convertible Auto £25,400
And the pictures, 18 glorious web pictures for you to drool over before yours arrives at the dealership:
[Source: BMW Press Group UK, Feb 03 2012]
MINI United time is here again! The international community growing up around the British small car brand is set to come together for the fourth running of a very special open-air festival; MINI has announced the date and venue for what is sure to be a spectacular event. MINI aficionados and music fans alike should set aside the weekend of 11 – 13 May 2012 in their diaries and programme the destination Le Castellet – or, more precisely, the Circuit Paul Ricard – in France into their sat-navs. Lying in wait for the MINI United 2012 crowd at the circuit, which played host to Formula One races over several decades, will be a top-class line-up featuring live music acts, motor sport, lifestyle action and MINI Community activities.
Some 25,000 fans from more than 40 nations flocked to Silverstone in England for the MINI United festival in 2009 to celebrate not only the third Community catch-up but also the 50th anniversary of the brand’s founding. However, the Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet offers enough space for even the Silverstone masses to be exceeded in number. Indeed, the event programme is richer in depth and variety than ever before. Live appearances by leading lights of the international music and DJ scene, fun sporting activities, stunt shows and driving experiences on the track, exhibitions of accessories, current MINI and Classic Mini cars on display, and the exclusive presentation of a new MINI model ensure an attractive blend of al fresco party, shared experience and MINI action in every shape and form.
An extensive entertainment programme for younger MINI fans is guaranteed, as are a broad spread of culinary treats laid on by various restaurants, bars and catering stations. Other essential features of a MINI United festival are the MINI Club Area and Beauty Parking, which serves as both a car park and stage for the more strikingly styled members of the MINI fleet. Indeed, for the majority of the fans at the fourth MINI United festival, driving to the venue in their own MINI will be the perfect way of getting into the mood for a weekend among the MINI Community.
Further information on MINI United 2012 is now available at www.MINIspace.com/MINIunited. Regular updates on the event programme, motor sport line-up and MINI Community will also be posted on the site, as well as tips and links on the event location, registration, ticket bookings and accommodation reservations in the area around the venue.
[Source: BMW Group, Munich/Le Castellet, 16-Dec-2011]
Recently Norm Nelson, Steve Lowery and Bob Wilson of the Shasta Mini Club were guests on the Exceptional Living radio show on KLXR Redding.
Host Lynn Fritz interviewed the Mini Cooper enthusiasts about the Mini itself and the Shasta club.
“Enjoy Exceptional Living” is provided through a collaboration with Enjoy Magazine, KLXR 1230 AM Radio and Lynn E. Fritz, Psychotherapist (MFC 44877).
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
The latest edition of Miniology Radio is here!
Play it here or subscribe to Miniology Podcasts in iTunes!
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
MINI, official partner of Team GB and ParalympicsGB, has unveiled its new London 2012 special, limited edition models to celebrate the monumental London 2012 Olympic Games.
There will be just 2,012 of these special edition models built, which are available in Cooper, Cooper D, Cooper S and Cooper SD trims and come in the Union Jack themed colours; Chilli Red, White Silver or Lightning Blue. All models boast white mirror caps and a white roof featuring the iconic London 2012 Olympic graphic.
The exterior also features a distinctive Union Jack single sport stripe which runs over the bonnet, roof and rear tailgate of the car. The side scuttles also bear the London 2012 Olympic graphic. To finish off the dynamic look, the MINI London 2012 edition features unique grey 17-inch conical spoke alloy wheels – unavailable on any other MINI model.
Inside, the most striking feature is the London skyline, beautifully etched across the width of the piano-black dashboard. Silhouetting some of London’s most iconic landmarks, including Tower Bridge, Battersea Power Station and the London Eye, the dashboard also displays the words “London 1 of 2012”.
The London 2012 inspiration continues with red and blue stitching twined with white piping on both the front and rear Black ‘Lounge Leather’ upholstery. The headrests complement the theme with Union Jack piping and a London 2012 logo is stitched on the inner edge of both front seats. Coloured stitching also features on the hand brake, gear stick gaiter and floor mats which also have piping.
All London 2012 special edition models come packed with a bundle of extra options like Lounge Leather sports seats, DAB radio, air conditioning, cruise control and chrome interior touches. MINIMALISM technology* also comes as standard; helping to make the 99g/km CO2 emitting Cooper D models exempt from London Congestion Charging.
As well as fuel sipping mpg figures and low CO2 emissions – MINI is one of the top five low CO2 car manufacturers** – drivers can enjoy the brand’s trademark go-kart handling and charismatic personality in a truly patriotic driving experience.
To bag one of these must-have street accessories of 2012, the new MINI London 2012 Edition pre-sale list opens at today, with the new models hitting UK roads from March 2012. On the Road Prices for the MINI London 2012 Editions models are:
MINI Cooper Hatch £17,800
MINI Cooper D Hatch £19,080
MINI Cooper S Hatch £20,125
MINI Cooper SD Hatch £20,860
Notes:
*super efficient petrol and diesel engines, gear shift display, auto stop/start function and brake energy regeneration.
**Figures supplied by Clean Green Cars.
Heya, Miniologists!
Here is our video report regarding the close of MINI’s electric car trial in the United Kingdom (similar trials were run in the US and other countries).
It was great to be a part of this and the MINI community on social media sites (facebook, twitter, minispace) were very supportive of the project.
This video doesn’t go into all the technical details of the project, but does have some nice interviews from the people who were actually driving the electric cars during the trial run.
With all the automotive brands doing hybrids that don’t get more than a few MPG more than their gas counterparts, it was very cool to see MINI doing a full-on electric car which looked and performed much like the petrol edition.
Check the earlier post for the full official BMW press release.
Copyright notice: UK b-roll footage and background music used in this video supplied to us from BMW AG and used by permission, under the condition this can not be used for commercial purposes. All other content (like our logo, etc.) is Copyright © 2011 by Miniology.com/The Electric Crayon.
