Tag Archives: today

P90094988_lowRes

MINI Canada announces incentive program supporting two Canadian motorsport series.

MINI Canada announced today that it will support MINI motorsports competitors across the country through all-new contingency programs. Canadian racers racing a MINI in the Canadian Touring Car Championship (CTCC), including the all-new B-Spec class, and MINI entrants in the 2012 Targa Newfoundland will have the opportunity to win cash prizes.
“MINI’s motorsport heritage is impressive and has been part of the brand’s DNA since the 60’s – with wins in big events such as the Rally Monte Carlo, Targa Newfoundland and most recently the Dakar Rally, as well as track racing in MINI CHALLENGE events in Europe and the CTCC. We want to recognize and foster the passion and success for MINI motorsport in Canada and continue building that legacy,” said Adam Shaver, Director of MINI Canada. “To show our support, we have launched a significant contingency program in Canada for 2012.”

For the Canadian Touring Car Championship, MINI Canada will pay contingency awards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each points-paying race in the Championship. Additionally, MINI Canada will reward championship-winning drivers in the Touringand B-Spec classes during the 2012 CTCC season.

The contingency payout structure will reward first, second- and third-place finishers in each race in the Touring class, as follows:

Payout
1st Place $ 1,000
2nd Place $ 750
3rd Place $ 500

Touring Class Championship Bonus: $ 5,000

In the all-new B-Spec class, the contingency payout structure will reward first, second- and third-place finishers in each raceas follows:

Payout
1st Place $ 500
2nd Place $ 300
3rd Place $ 150

B-spec Driver Championship Bonus: $ 3,000

“MINIs are one of the mostpopular cars with CTCC fans and they are always very competitive,” states John Bondar, President of Canadian Touring Car Championship. “I am proud to welcome MINI Canada as a contingency partner of CTCC and look forward to seeing more MINIs on the podium in 2012.”

In addition, MINI Canada is pleased to include Targa Newfoundland in this program, recognizing its 10 year history in Targa competition and the many MINIs participating in this exciting and exacting rally:

Payout
1st Place in Open Class $ 3,000
1st Place in Modern Class $ 3,000
1st Place in Grand Touring Class $ 3,000

MINI Competitors in these series can access detailed information on the MINI Contingency Award Program by contacting: MINIMotorsport@MINI.ca.

BMW Group in Canada
BMW Group Canada, based in Richmond Hill, Ontario, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BMW AG and is responsible for the distribution of BMW luxury performance automobiles, Sports Activity Vehicles, Motorcycles, and MINI. BMW Group Financial Services Canada is a division of BMW Group Canada and offers retail financing and leasing programs and protection products on new and pre-owned BMW and MINI automobiles, as well as retail financing for new and pre-owned BMW Motorcycles. A total network of 44 BMW automobile retail centres, 20 BMW motorcycle retailers, and 29 MINI retailers represents the BMW Group across the country.

MINI UK releases info and pics for special edition MINI Highgate!

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 USA Announces RFP For Advertising in the USA

MINI USA today announced it will hold an agency review for the majority of the MINI brand creative work in America due to BMW Group policy requirements. The announcement comes as MINI USA achieved its best sales year ever, and is in the midst of growing the brand’s vehicle lineup and dealer network.

There are several areas of focus for agency support in the RFP – national brand creative, regional and dealer creative, media planning and buying for both national and co-op advertising.

Interactive is currently supported by Beam Interactive in Boston, MA and is not included in the RFP. Sanders Wingo in Austin, Texas was appointed in September 2011 to support all the diversity marketing activities for MINI USA, and that area of the marketing business is not included in the RFP.

The national, regional and dealer creative and media advertising efforts have been handled by Butler, Shine, Stern and Partners (BSSP) from Sausalito, California since late 2005.

“MINI USA has been very satisfied with BSSP’s services. They have helped support MINI’s growth over the years with ground-breaking, never-been-done before creative. We are simply adhering to BMW Group corporate purchasing procedures by going to RFP,” said Tom Salkowsky, Manager MINI USA Marketing. “BSSP has made valuable contributions to our business and will participate in this review.”

“We understand that this is a procurement-driven requirement,” said John Butler, Executive Creative Director at BSSP. “Generally, we believe incumbents shouldn’t participate in an agency review. However, with our strong dealer and client relationships, an Effie for MINI each year that we’ve had the business, and the strength of the work, we are confident that we will prevail.”

The search will be conducted by Hasan Ramusevic with Hasan + Co. in Raleigh, North Carolina. Hasan + Co. conducted the agency search for MINI USA in 2005 as well. Interested agencies should contact Hasan at: 919-713-0700, www.hasanandco.com.

[Source: BMW Group North America, Woodcliff Lake, NJ – January 13, 2012]

Attention Bollywood, MINI arrives in India!

MINI unleashes style, inventiveness and excitement at Auto Expo 2012.

The BMW Group today introduced MINI as a premium small car brand in India. The MINI (MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S), MINI Cooper Convertible and MINI Cooper S Countryman are launched in India and can be ordered as CBU (completely built-up) units.

Dr. Kay Segler, Senior Vice President, MINI Brand Management and Business Coordination said, “By launching the new MINI ten years ago, we created the most exciting premium small car brand in the world. Our approach was: From the original to the original. Since then, we have been busy growing the MINI Family with bold models such as MINI Convertible and MINI Countryman. As one of the world’s top growth markets, India is a great place to continue accelerating MINI’s global momentum. We are sure MINI fans in India are as excited as we are.”

In 2012, MINI India will establish three exclusive outlets in the Indian market: Deutsche Motoren and Bird Automotive in Delhi (National Capital Region) and Infinity Cars in Mumbai.

Dr. Andreas Schaaf, President, BMW Group India said, “Around the world, MINI has become a byword in the premium small car segment for expressive design, premium quality and unmistakable driving fun. MINI’s innovative profile has enabled the brand to win over a trend-conscious and quality-oriented target group. With the launch of MINI, the BMW Group debuts in the premium small car segment in India. In the start-up phase, BMW Group’s main focus will be to concentrate on successfully establishing the MINI brand in India. At a later stage, the BMW Group will focus on further development of dealer network and higher sales volumes.”

The MINI (MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S), MINI Cooper Convertible and MINI Cooper S Countryman will be available in six-speed automatic transmission with powerful and efficient petrol engines.

The ex-showroom prices of the new MINI cars in India are as follows –

MINI Cooper:` 24,90,000
MINI Cooper S:` 27,90,000
MINI Cooper Convertible:` 29,99,000
MINI Cooper S Countryman:` 31,99,000

Note: Ex-showroom price excludes RTO registration charges, tax, insurance, handling charges; Octroi and entry tax (as applicable). The above ex-showroom prices are exclusive of sales tax / VAT applicable on sale to the customer. Prices and options are subject to change without prior notice.

Every MINI is unique and stands out from the crowd due to its distinctive design. All the MINI models put a smile on their owner’s face with outstanding performance and leading efficiency in their respective class.

MINI: A global success and ‘Car of the Decade’.
The modern MINI combines an agile ‘Go-kart’ handling as its most natural characteristic with cutting-edge efficiency and uncompromising premium quality. MINI has established itself around the world as a symbol of urban driving fun and an indispensable element in its driver’s mobile lifestyle.

MINI Convertible: Inspiringly Agile, Refreshingly Open.
The MINI Convertible blends the brand’s hallmark attributes with the refreshing feeling of open-air motoring with greater intensity than ever before. Again, the brand’s soft-top representative is unmistakably a MINI. Its proportions, short front and rear overhangs, large wheel cutouts, the height of the waistline and numerous design features typical of the brand clearly show that this is a full-fledged member of the MINI family.

MINI Countryman: Taking driving fun into new territory.
The MINI Countryman takes the hallmark MINI driving fun to a new dimension and marks the arrival on the scene of a MINI with four doors, a large tailgate and a variable-use interior capable of accommodating up to five people. The MINI Countryman is also the brand’s first model with a body over four metres in length. Its advanced chassis technology and the extremely precise and efficient Electric Power Steering ensure that the typical MINI ‘Go-kart’ driving experience is preserved.

[Source: BMW Group India, January 5, 2012, New Delhi]

MINI WRC takes 5th @ Wales Rally GB (FIA World Rally Championship) Day Three.

The sun came out in Wales, but it still threw challenges at the Wales Rally GB crews. Kris Meeke (GB) and Paul Nagle (IR) finished day three in their MINI John Cooper Works WRC fifth despite having to battle with a broken engine mount for the first three stages. Dani Sordo (ES) and Carlos del Barrio (ES) re-joined the competitors in the SupeRally and had a trouble free run.

Meeke started the day eighth and his aim was to move up rapidly to sixth and then battle for fifth. His goal was helped by the retirements of Petter Solberg (NO) and Kimi Räikkönen (FI), but not by the broken engine mount. Despite suffering from this he still set some decent stage times on the three stages into mid-day service in Builth Wells. His car was soon as good as new and ready to challenge for fourth in the afternoon. Meanwhile Sordo was feeling much more confident in the car on the low grip conditions, and on Sweet Lamb was fourth quickest first time through and third on the second run.

Dave Wilcock, Technical Director described the day thus, “We had a small issue with Kris on the first loop this morning. There was an engine mounting that had come slightly loose and it had pulled one of the exhaust slip joints off, so we had hot exhaust gas leaking into the engine bay, which melted a couple of items but nothing that cost too much performance. Because of this he took it cautiously for the first loop. We repaired that at lunch time, this afternoon things were back to normal, and we saw some good stage times from Kris. He struggled a little bit in that last stage, which was nearly 28 kilometres in Myherin, and we need to have a look at the data as he thought it felt okay. As for Dani, on the SupeRally today there were stages he knows from previous years. He was looking forward to today and his times have been improving all day long. He is now much more confident in these low grip conditions, and we could clearly see that in his stage times.

For Kris he has 45 seconds to make up to get fourth and we are now looking for a little over half a second a kilometre to leap frog Henning Solberg. It is a tall order, but there are 84 kilometres to go so we shall see how we get on on the first stage. If he is on target at that point then he will continue to push. If not then we shall just consolidate fifth position.”

Dani Sordo (MINI John Cooper Works WRC No 37) shared, “Today was quite good. I like the stages a lot, but at the same time they were very slippery. I particularly liked the Sweet Lamb stage, and this showed in my time. Tomorrow will be quite tricky as we have some parts on tarmac and some new stages. It was good that it did not rain today, but here in Wales even when it is dry the roads are muddy as it has been raining for a long time.”

Our BMW folks covering the events forgot to mention which position Dani Sordo took at the end of the day, so I guess we’ll find out more tomorrow!

Kris Meeke (MINI John Cooper Works WRC No 52) chimed in, “We sorted the engine problem from the morning at lunch time, which was good as every time I changed gear the engine was moving. We just had to drive through and try to get it back here. The second pass today was tricky and very slippery like the surface had been polished. The car is working well on the smooth stuff, but on the ruts we lose a bit of time. We shall see tomorrow what happens, as it will be interesting to see if we can catch Henning. I have done tomorrow’s stages in the other direction, so maybe I should try reversing through them!”

Whether they run dry, wet, muddy, or somewhere in between, we are pleased to see team MINI WRC on the rally circuit, and look forward to tomorrow’s competition as well the full season next year.

Here’s a few more dirty pictures for you to enjoy .. dirty MINIs that is!

[Source: BMW Group PressClub Sport, Wales, Nov 12 2011]

MINI WRC takes on 12th of 13 rounds of the FIA World Rally Championship, at Rally Spain 20th – 23rd October, Day One.

Salou, 21st October, 2011.

The MINI WRC Team’s crews of Dani Sordo (ES) and Carlos del Barrio (ES) and Kris Meeke (GB) and Paul Nagle (IR) were lying fifth and sixth respectively at the end of what turned out to be a controversial first day of action for the Rally RACC – Rally of Spain. On a day when running first on the road was more advantageous than ever, bad dust on two of the six stages turned what could have been a good fight into a lottery as the crews battled with visibility that was often no more than a few feet.

Stage one was the first where this problem occurred, and this was not helped by no wind speed at all. Then on the final stage of the day run in the dark the dust was even worse, and many crews were openly critical of running in such conditions. However, Sordo and Meeke also suffered other problems, with intercom issues on stage five for the Spaniard, while for the Brit and co-driver Nagle it was dust getting inside the car and in their eyes. With the gravel stages of the rally out of the way the team is hoping for better results on the all tarmac stages over the next two days. Tomorrow there will be six stages covering a total of 143.54 kilometres.

Dave Wilcock, Technical Director said, “We started the day with great expectations, but clearly from the first split we could see the stages were going to be an issue due to dust. On the first stage our two drivers had notes called for sixth gear and they were having to drive through in third! It was not a level playing field for everybody. The three minute gaps put in by the organisers to combat this didn’t work, and we took the option to take a ten second penalty for Kris for checking in a minute late for stage one. He probably gained around 25 or 30 seconds on the stage time, so it was a 15 second gain. Also on the first loop Kris was carrying a small problem as he dropped into a small hole and slightly damaged the suspension, but was able to get back to service with no problems. When Dani got into service we found he had a small amount of damage that may have affected his handling on the first three stages. On the afternoon loop we hoped to claw something back, and the first stage was okay. Then on the next one Dani had an intermittent intercom problem and lost some seconds, but it was repairable for the final stage by replacing a lead. Going into the last stage the crews had four minute gaps, expecting dust, but like the first stage it was completely horrendous and was a complete lottery. We finished the day two minutes down on the leader and most of that is due to dust. We are not very happy, but tomorrow we start the tarmac rally and we shall try and recover.”

Dani Sordo (driving the MINI John Cooper Works WRC No 37) added, “Today the first stage, like the last one, was where we lost a lot of time – in fact over 40 seconds. On the second pass of the long stage today, which was 35 kilometres, the intercom to the co-driver was broken at the start of the stage and it kept cutting out. I didn’t hear Carlos very well so it was difficult to know where the corners were, and that was bad. Then the final night stage was really bad as we had all the dust and it was impossible to see. Today was really difficult because there were many problems. I need to try and push hard tomorrow to try to show everybody that the MINI is fast on tarmac, so do the same as I did in France. It is a new rally tomorrow, with just tarmac which is good for our car, so perhaps we can make up some positions. It should be an interesting day.”

In the MINI John Cooper Works WRC No 52, Kris Meeke gave his daily report: “I had a challenging day. However, if I had really pushed myself to the limit risking everything maybe I would have been on a similar time to Dani, but then I know he is going to pull away tomorrow as I don’t have the experience of the roads. I said for once use the wise head and try to relax and go out to learn the rally. Certainly the most challenging part of the rally is over and the last stage was the most difficult stage I have ever driven. Tomorrow is all about tarmac driving, finding the rhythm there and trying to find tenths of seconds as the stage times will be separated by a lot less. Today with the dust and the rocks falling onto the road it made it very, very difficult.”

We wish the MINI WRC great success and look forward to giving our readers continuous coverage here at Miniology.com!

[Source: BMW Group PressClub Sport]

London 2012 hopeful performs world-first long jump over three MINIs

[Source: BMW Group/MINI UK, London, 9/28/2011]

England long jump champion J.J. Jegede succeeds in attempt to clear three MINI London 2012 Edition models.

England long jump champion and London 2012 hopeful J.J. Jegede today succeeded in his attempt to jump over the roofs of three cars at the launch of the MINI London 2012 Edition Models.

This world-first took place at Potter’s Field, London. The three MINIs when lined up measured approximately six metres in length, a successful jump by a world-class athlete in optimum conditions is seven to eight metres, so Jegede, with no safety-net and under pressure to perform in extraordinary circumstances had very little margin for error.

In order to give Jegede the correct elevation for the jump, the run-up track and sand pit were raised to the height of the MINI’s roofs on specially-constructed structures positioned either side of the vehicles. Both track and pit were built to competition standard to ensure the best conditions for the attempt.

J.J. Jegede said: “When you watch athletics on TV it’s hard to really understand just how far professional athletes can jump. I’ve always wanted to demonstrate my ability in a fun way, so I jumped at the chance to perform an Evel Knievel-style display. [pun, ha!] It is my ultimate dream to compete at London 2012. I spend much of my spare time working with young people to get them involved in sport too, but I certainly advise any budding athletes not to try this one at home.” [as if people had 3 MINIs and an olympic longjump in their backyard.. but sure, yeah we'll go with the bit of caution I'm sure the lawyers are happy with that quip!]

British Olympian Steve Backley, who hosted the proceedings, added: “This has been a fantastic celebration of world-class talent, an extraordinary feat and a special treat for the fans. Having performed on the world stage myself I know how nerve-wracking it feels before a big performance, but in these extraordinary conditions I can’t imagine what J.J. was feeling.”

 

MINI UK [yes, and BMW too..] is proud to be an official partner to Team GB and the ParalympicsGB Team on their journey to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Acting as the biggest fan for both teams, MINI hopes its support will help to inspire extraordinary performances.

The event provided the first look at the new London 2012 special, limited edition models to celebrate the London 2012 Olympic Games. There will be just 2,012 of these special edition models built, and will come in the Union Jack themed colours of red, white and blue. All models boast a white roof featuring the iconic London 2012 Olympic Games logo. The exterior features a distinctive Union Jack single sport stripe and the side scuttles also bear the London 2012 Olympic Games logo.

Inside, the most striking feature is the London skyline, beautifully etched across the width of the 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 headrests complement the theme with Union Jack piping and a London 2012 logo is stitched on the inner edge of both front seats.