MotoringFile
Minspeed.net

MINI Takes the States

MINI USA will offer the first batch of 80 GPs delivered to the US a chance for a truly special delivery experience. MINI USA will be announcing the plans at the New York autoshow today.

Here’s what we know; MINI will fly the first GPs out to Monterey Historics in California where the lucky owners will pick them up. After the festivities are over, you will have the chance to join MINI USA, journalists and MINI owners for a cross country road trip culminating at Limerock. Along the way the caravan will be stopping in major cities and picking up even more MINIs for the rest of the ride.

We’ll have more on the plans (including the official press release) shortly. Whew… we’ve been keeping that under wraps for way too long….

Written By: Gabe
MINI of Manhattan

20 Comments

Dave Apr 13th, 2006 Link

It strikes me as ambitious, but I wish them the best.

First 80 owners is probably about 1 from each dealership (my speculation). The article says they’d fly the cars to Monterey (which seems unnecessary since a ground transport would be a half day trip from the Port Hueneme VPC). Any rumors about whether MINIUSA would be picking up the tab for the owners to get to Monterey?

It will be interesting to see how many new owners decide to take on this cross country trip and put a few thousand miles on their brand new special editions.

Erik Rutberg Apr 13th, 2006 Link

So how long will this event be? I was at my dealership today and the manager told me there will be 2 events. One starting at Monterey and the other at Niagra Falls. She was not sure were I would be going, but would know in the next 3 weeks. I am on the East Coast, so if there are 2 starting points, I would assume that I am starting at Niagra Falls. Can’t wait to hear more. I was excited for the car, but I think I more excited for this event now. If we all start in Monterey, I have to start convincing the wife why I need to be away a couple weeks, while she stays home with the 2 year old. I could do the cross country drive in 2 days (did it in my ‘88 M5), but since the Monterey Historics and Lime Rock Vintage festival are 2 weeks apart, I think that is what BMW has in mind for a timetable.

Erik Rutberg

Micah Apr 13th, 2006 Link

Dammit I wanna do that! Anyone feel like sponsoring me for $30K?! I promise the GP will get driven properly and taken to the track on numerous occasions (and I’ll also give you my ‘06 Space Blue/Silver MCS)… :)

alpha-6 Apr 13th, 2006 Link

Any chance of the GP making an appearance at THE DRAGON in NC??!?!? (much like the fully loaded JCW cabrio did last year.)

dickdavid Apr 13th, 2006 Link

…Along the way the caravan will be stopping in major cities and picking up even more MINIs for the rest of the ride.

Picking up more GPs or is this one of those Forrest Gump-cross-country things where anybody with a MINI can join? That would be fun if I could get off work and put my life on hold.

Gabe Apr 13th, 2006 Link

Picking up more GPs or is this one of those Forrest Gump-cross-country things where anybody with a MINI can join? That would be fun if I could get off work and put my life on hold.

Yes.

Ian C. Apr 13th, 2006 Link

Finally! :)

GMINI Apr 13th, 2006 Link

finally announced. much more appealing than the story first told me.

Charlie Apr 13th, 2006 Link

OK; so if I live in Monterey, and I’m buying in Ohio, where do I take delivery of my GP?

Patrick Apr 13th, 2006 Link

So that’s what was meant by “Buying Experience”.

Great idea and all, but … isn’t this kind of thing more for those with way too much time and money on their hands and can just drop what they’re doing?

I think Ferrari owners do this kind of thing.

Anyway, for those able to do this … awesome.

Unfortunately, for most of us getting a GP … we’ll have to pass.

MINIAC Apr 13th, 2006 Link

As I posted in the another thread …

MINI USA should make it a “Buyers Experience” for everyone who purchases one by having the wheel arches and rear lower trim painted to match the side skirts when the cars arrive at the VPC.

matt tardif Apr 14th, 2006 Link

I am ‘first’ on the list for my dealer in Peabody massachusetts. the good news is i am a school teacher and have a summer holiday. I could handle either trip. Sounds like one of my all-time favorite movies. Cannonball run!

Erik Rutberg Apr 14th, 2006 Link

I have seen the press release for MINI takes the States. It mentions an east coast starting point too, but does not elude to where it is. Any other info on that? I have a summer to plan. Will east coasters have the option of Monterey Delivery?

AprilWhine Apr 14th, 2006 Link

I’m #1 from Checkered Flag in Va Beach VA! :D

I was told car will be delivered in Monterey and I will be driving cross country, but no other details.

05DSMCS Apr 14th, 2006 Link

Can’t wait to see the planned route! I am going to do whatever I can to join this crazy parade, how fun!

Erik Rutberg Apr 14th, 2006 Link

Major stops in route, in order:

Monterey, Santa Barbara, Las Vegas, Flagstaff, Albquerque, Amarillo, Dallas, Memphis, Nasville, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Charleston, Charlottesville, Washington DC, New York, Lakeville(lime rock)

Charles Apr 16th, 2006 Link

Does this mean there will NOT be any deliveries to dealers before August?

Mark Hendrie Apr 18th, 2006 Link

Any chance of a similar UK event? I suspect the answer to that question is “no” - typical rip-off Britain and we have to pay around $8,000 more than US buyers!
I am still glad that I have ordered this car but it does get annoying when we are always ripped-off for.

In relation to release dates - I am first in line at my dealer and have been told September with the cars starting production in July.

Shawn Was Here » Blog Archive » Take Me Back to Texas… Dec 18th, 2006 Link

[...] We went to Palo Duro Canyon Friday night to meet up with many other Mini driver’s for Mini Takes the States. Its basically a road trip of mini’s that started on the west coast and makes its way to the east coast. [...]

MotoringFile » Archive » MotoringFile 2006 Year in Review Jan 1st, 2007 Link

[...] MINI Takes the States [...]

M7 Tuning

Leave a Reply

Preview:

The Fine Print

MotoringFile reserves the right to edit or delete any post for any reason. Derogatory comments of any kind will not be tolerated.

HTML Formatting Tips

  • To make something bold: <strong>Text to bold</strong>
  • To make something italic: <em>Text to italicize</em>
  • To make a hyperlink: <a href="URL">Text to link</a>
  • To quote something previously said, you can use <blockquote>text</blockquote>

Markdown Formatting Tips (advanced)

MotoringFile also allows use of Markdown formatting in the comment section. This accomplishes the same formatting as HTML but is typically easy to use.

_your text_your text
**your text**your text
`my code`my code
* Bulleted list
* Second item
• Bulleted list
• Second item
1. Numbered list
1. Second item
1. Numbered list
2. Second item
[link name](URL)link name
***Horizontal ruler
<http://url>
<email@add.com>
Auto-linked
![Alt text](URL)Image




Otto's MINI
Black Wow

Advertise with MotoringFile

If you or your company are interested in advertising on the most influencial MINI website in the world, please visit our Advertising section. If you have further questions about becoming a sponsor or would like to see our rate sheet please feel free to contact us directly.

Previous Select MF Features

2008
» MINI Challenge Race Car in the US
» MF's MINI United Video (part 1)
»
MF Exclusive: Ask Stracco Part 2
» R57: Seriously Always Open
» Factory JCW MINI in Detail
» Exclusive MINI Takes the State Info
2007
» MINI Officially Updates Line-up for 2008
» New Models & Production Locations Confirmed
» MotoringFile's MINI United Coverage
» 2007 JCW Kit Officially Announced
» MINI's Top Secret Colorado Project
» 2009 Factory JCW MCS (Stage II)
» More MINI Variants Officially Confirmed
» MINI Clubman Official Photos and Specs
» R56 Pedestrian Crash Analysis
» Future JCW Vehicles Revealed
» MINI USA's Motorby Pilot Program
» MINI Clubman Update & Sketch
» BMW To Re-Brand JCW
» 2007 MINI MotoringFile Q&A
» MINI One and MINI Cooper D Now Official
» 2007 MINI Reader Reviews
» 2007 MINI USA Pricing and Options
» MINI Unveils the Sidewalk

2006
» MF Design Analysis: 2007 MINI
» 2007 JCW Accessories Revealed
» MINI Names the R55: The Clubman » 2007 MINI In Detail (Part 2 / Part 3)
» 2007 MINI Official Photos (Part 2 / Part 3)
» 2007 MINI Drops Weight
» Official 2007 MINI UK PDFs
» 2007 Nav Includes iDrive-Like Controller
» 2007 US Market Options Packages
» Hey Stracco: The Interview
» Let's Plan: MINI Clubs & MTTS
» MINI's Official R56 Preview Photos
» MINI's Official R56 Preview
» Next Generation MINI Revealed (#2)
» '07 MC & MCS Spotted in Death Valley
» 2007 MINI Color List (US Market)
» '07 MINI Gets More Power/Less Weight
» MF Review: MINIs on the Dragon
» MINI USA Releases JCW GP Pricing
» JCW Cooper S Long Term Review
» Seven New Colors for 2007
» MINI Release Info on Next Gen Engines
» Chicago Autoshow Gallery
» JCW GP at Geneva (final release info)
» 2006 JCW Product Info
» MINI Concept Detroit - In Detail
» MINI Sourced Triump Still Years Away
» US Connection for MINI's new Roadster
» First MINI Now Triumph?
» More News on the MINI Triumph Concept

2005
» Behind the Wheel of the 2007 MINI
» MINI Concept Tokyo - In Detail
» MINI Concept Frankfurt - In Detail
» Driven: The Nürburgring Nordschleife
» MINI Wins at Targe Newfoundland
» 2006 JCW Accessories
» US Market Color Changes for 2006
» Getrag's All Wheel Drive MINI In Depth
» BMW/MINI to Buy JCW?
» Official 2006 MINIUSA Pricing
» Special Editions/Package for 2006
» Checkmate Options Package (USA)
» JCW Direct From to the Factory in '06
» Tips on How to Sell Your MINI
» 2006 Model Year Timeline
» MINI's 2006 Color Changes
» Next Generation MINI Revealed
» Official MINI Armrest Revealed
» MotoringFile Review: MCS Auto

2004
» Details on the MCS Limited Slip Dif
» MotoringFile 2004 Holiday Gift Guide
» Getrag Tests All-Wheel Drive MINI
» Q&A on the OutMotoring ARC Armrest
» 2005 Chicago Auto Show / Gallery
» MINI USA's JCW GP Delivery Program
» 2005 MINI Changes
» The Cabrio In Depth / Gallery
» Special Edition MC40 / Gallery
» MINI Plant Tour Review
» Hood Rub Service Bulletin
» 2004 Chicago Auto Show / Gallery

2003
» MINI Accessory Additions for 2004
» CVT Paddles Retrofit
» 2005 MINI Spotted
» Rear Fogs Almost Here
» New Prince Engine Caught Testing
» MINI Releases Hood Rub Bulletin
» MINI_Motion Launched
» MINI Conquers Snow and Ice
» MINI One D Announced
» MINI Named North American Car of the Year
Helix Minisports
Otto's MINI

mini MF map
MF Club Mappr mini
Translate MotoringFile with Google: 
 
MF NewsRoom

MotoringFile Buyers Guides

R50 ('02-'06 MC) Buyers Guide
R53 ('02-'06 MCS) Buyers Guide

MotoringFile Reviews

Auto Reviews:
'09 MINI JCW Coupe
'08 Clubman S (Auto)
1st Drive: '08 MINI Clubman
Comparison: '08 BMW 135i
'06 R53 MCS vs '07 R56 MCS
'07 R56 JCW (Stage 1)
'07 MINI Cooper S Long Term
'07 BMW Z4 M Coupe
'07 MINI Cooper & Cooper S
Audio: '07 MC/MCS at the Track
'06 JCW GP Long term
Reader Review: JCW GP
'06 JCW Cooper S Long Term
Comparison: '06 Lotus Elise
Comparison: '06 Mazda MX5
Comparison: '06 UK Focus ST
Comparison: '06 Civic Si
Comparison: '04 TVR T350
Comparison: '06 Nissan 350z
Comparison: '06 VW GTI w/DSG
Podcast: Cooper S Auto
Podcast: BMW 325i
Podcast: JCW MC Soundkit
'04 JCW MINI Cooper Tuning Kit
'05 MCS: One Month Review
'05 MCS Auto
'05 JCW S 1st Drive
'05 MINI Cooper
'05 MCS Conv. Long Term
'05 MINI Cooper S
'05 MCS Cabrio 1st Drive
'04 JCW MCS First Drive
'04 MC w/JCW Tuning Kit
BMW M3 SMG Vs. MCS
'04 MINI Cooper CVT
'02 MCS 3 year Review
Autocrossing the MINI Range

cafepress



Performance Accessories:
R56 JCW Engine Kit
R56 JCW Suspension (Long-Term)
R56 JCW Suspension (Track)
R56 JCW Suspension (Street)
R53 Craven Speed Short Shifter
R53 M7 Understrut System
Kumho Ecsta SPT Tires
R53 M7 Strut Tower Plates
R53 JCW Alcantara Wheel
R53 JCW Brake Kit
R53 Webb 15% Pulley
R53 Helix MCSa 15% Pulley
R53 H-Sport 19mm Sway Bar
R53 MCS Supersprint Exhaust
Podcast: R53 MCS SS Exhaust
R53 JCW Cold Air Intake
Reader Rev.: R53 JCW Brakes
R50 Supersprint Exhaust
R50 Remus Exhaust
R50 Promini Intake
R50 Remus Dual Exhaust
Schroth Harness System
R50 CVT Steering Wheel Paddles

Exterior Accessories:
Miniature's Receiver Hitch
OEM White Tail Lights

Lifestyle Accessories:
MINI_Motion Watch
MINI_Motion Driving Shoe

Audio:
MINI Digital SoundModul
ICE-Link Plus iPod Adapter
Official BMW/iPod adapter
ICE-Link iPod Adapter
Kenwood iPod Interface
Alpine iPod Interface
Harman Kardon Stereo

Interior Accessories:
JCW Alcantara Steering Wheel JCW Leather Dash
MCAW Auto Up Circuit
MINI Rear Camera
MINI Rear Saddle (official)
MINI Rear Cargo Storage Case
Official MINI Rear Saddle Bag
2004 MINI Armrest Reviewed
Mymini Knee Pad
MINI Bluetooth Kit
MINI Video Input
Aftermarket Bluetooth Integration
Ian Cull Auto-up Circuit
Universal Mobile Phone Holder

Offers from the Tirerack
> Special Offers: Save on quality tires with these manufacturer's promotions available from The Tire Rack.
> Gift ideas for $50 or more in The Tire Rack's Automotive Gift Guide.
> Shop for KUMHO tires at The Tire Rack.

MINI Model Number Cheat Sheet:

1st Gen MINI
R50: One & MC Coupe
R52: All 1st Gen MINI Convt.
R53: MCS Coupe
2nd Gen MINI
R55: Clubman
R56: One/MC/MCS Coupe
R57: One/MC/MCS Convt.
R60: MINI SUV