<p>Hmmm don’t see though to remember Rocky fighting Drago (thanks IMDb lol) in broom closet though MINI. Not to different than setting up a autocross versus racing Porsche on the full track. Keep having to ask myself if this is the best use of advertising dollars? To me the entire thing is so absurd that I cannot get over it.</p>
<p>@JonPD – From my personal experience, it seems to be a great use of advertising dollars. I printed a copy of the NY Times AD and hung it on my wall at work. Many people have asked about it and went to the facebook site to find out more. Several guys here that are “car” guys but never cared for MINI’s have been amazed by the challenge and the continued pursuit by MINI and watching the updates unfold. They have become MINI fans for the first time as a result of this (especially after the Porsche email got them fired up being so cocky) and one is even looking to buy a MINI (very soon) for the first time.</p>
<p>Any car guy would have to be uninformed if they think its any thing short of a loaded exercise on which car can get around a autocross built for it quicker. Maybe they should really nail the MINIs ability by bringing out a M3, M5, X5m, X6m and prove that all four cars are much worse performance cars than the R56. Come on MINI race BMW.</p>
<p>I think this is GREAT!!! What is with all these people who are all too serious and against this?! THIS IS MINI pure and simple. This is why we love MINI!! What other manufacturer would do this?! This is right in line with the MINI philosophy. Remember Hammer and Coope? That was great and so is this!!!!</p>
<p>I could do without this last video ( Sorry Hate it )
Mini VS Porsche is a Great Fun Idea
The First two videos Outstanding
Really made you glad to be a Mini Owner
We really need the add made into a poster
I would run to my dealer to buy it.
Lets have a Race even if they have to rent a Porsche</p>
<p>Hammer and Coupe was much better. Lets see a R56 outrunning a full size pickup truck. Yep that works, meanwhile a outrunning a 911 on a race track (scratch that… a autocross). MINI is trying to egg on a real company that races their cars against competition unlike MINI who runs theirs in a spec series.</p>
<p>Best part is that in four days this stupid misleading propaganda will be done. Have lost a large amount of respect for Brad Davis and Jim over this inane faux race.</p>
<p>Still if MINI thought so much of the R56 why don’t they accept a challenge at the same time on a autocross setup by a classic Mini Cooper S to race against and lets see just how much the new time the R56 spends plowing cones. Surely this will show the best Mini built was done long before BMW bought the brand.</p>
<p>Or as I said bring the current line of ///M cars to run across the same autocross track they want to race the Porsche on. Would love to see Bigger Motor Works cars plowing cones too.</p>
<p>This is getting to be embarrassing. I used to feel good about owning a MINI and zealously advocated them to others. This campaign is making me uncomfortable being associated with the brand. In a word… “uncool.”</p>
<p>Would be great Aurel but they said its the 172 hp Cooper S.</p>
<p>I have it arranged with a local 1974 Mini Cooper S, a E92 M3, and a E60 M5 that are all willing to go to the event. The M drivers both would like to try the same course and the classic driver is willing to setup a autocross for it and challenge the R56. I have emailed MINI and wait anxiously to see if they accept our counter challenge.</p>
<p>I am just glad that MINI is going full speed with this campaign. The best part is that JonPD found a new “obsession” after getting over the R60.</p>
<p>How come nobody mentioned that this marketing plot will divide the MINI community, yet :)</p>
<p>All sorts of unhappiness with MINI, luckily the R58/R59, and WRC entry exists so I can actually see the brand moving in what my small world view thinks is a good direction.</p>
<p>I’m not sure why this advertising is so terrible – I think it’s just good tongue in cheek funny. As I see it, it really has very little to do with the ‘race’ – if it happens or not. I think the point is to underscore the fact that the MINI can be a great fun performance car.</p>
<p>People are talking about it in the same breath as the iconic 911 – they’re talking about scenarios where perhaps the MINI ‘could’ beat the 911, maybe stacking the deck in their favor, whatever… I’m not sure it matters. If the race is held and MINI wins, people will certainly say the deck was stacked as obviously the 911 is an outstanding performance car. If MINI loses, well where’s the shame in losing to a 911? They would still likely win in the ‘bang for the buck’ category against the 911… Although it is interesting that they may not win ‘bang for the buck’ against some of MINI’s direct competitors (but of the direct competitors, where is their personality?).</p>
<p>If there’s no race, than it’s just a humorous, almost self-deprecating ad — that still associates performance with MINI.</p>
<p>I thought the Rocky video was funny. I’m not sure where the embarrassment is in not taking yourself too seriously.</p>
<p>I find most (not all) TV/video advertising annoying, prefer watching TV content from DVD box sets then watching 40 minutes of program and 20 minutes of commercials at a predetermined date/time (aside from sports…).</p>
<p>Given this is an online ad (or stunt); you have the choice of whether to consume this or not, more than once if you really get a kick out of it – to each their own. If it is truly great, it will go viral and stand on its own merits.</p>
<p>I do like the idea of a full page ad in the NYT or in a magazine; I have cut out MINI ads in the past and hung them up. I really enjoyed the Halloween ads over the past few years too.</p>
<p>Regardless, my love for the MINI and decision to purchase the car was based upon the design and driving experience (test drives, etc.). As long as the product is great, I will be a return customer, despite any theatrical, corny, cheeky and desperate (real or perceived) advertising.</p>
<p>Of course if this was a legitimate race, I would be more interested as I believe the brand’s history/legacy would be well served to engage in bona-fide racing. Hopefully the R60 WRC will provide an opportunity in the next few years.</p>
<p>This whole campaign is one of the most clever marketing schemes I have ever been privileged to witness unfold. All we really want is to be entertained, right? This nails it!</p>
<p>i personally protest the way MINI is going about this… not that they’d listen but i’d like to petition Mini USA to use all of Road Atlanta and have a third party to verify that both cars are factory stock or if they’re using a JCW then put the JCW options on like Suspension so that way they have their best factory car vs Porsche’s best factory car. If they want to use the
autocross-style course as well, they should publish times for both that and the full circuit. IMO, this is somewhat recoverable for Mini. If they do it honestly, it could end up being something to file under “T” for “Typical Mini”.</p>
<p>I would not have any issue if MINI played this straight and admitted its a autocross not a race around the track. MINI has so many good points making up a point like this and hiding the true content makes as much sense as MINI comparing its cup holders to those in a Ferrari, and then deciding MINI is the better car based on the one slim fact.</p>
<p>I would have no problems with this if they played it straight. Love the humor, hate the misrepresentation.</p>
<p>This is fantastic. Not sure why most of the people here woke up on the wrong side of the bed. This is tongue and cheek and its good to see these companies have fun with each other.</p>
<p>illegalprelude: for the companies to “have fun with each other,” both of them would need to be willing participants. Porsche has already declined the invitation and MINI can’t seem to let it go.</p>
<p>Remember that this has all been one-sided and the object of MINI’s poking, prodding and the butt of their jokes has indicated they don’t want any part of it. If this applied to people, MINI would be facing charges of stalking and harassment.</p>
<p>I’ve tried to be positive as the idea of challenging Porsche (or other Goliath types) with MINI (David) is excellent. But this last video looks and feels not only “canned” but amateurish and – I have to say it – a bit embarrassing. Anything MINI-related that highlights performance or “tech” I will often share to my other car nut friends (only one of whom has a MINI), but I find this last vid embarrassing as a MINI and R53 Factory JCW owner. :(</p>
<p>The initial “throwdown” vid with Jim was excellent… the second that acknowledged Porsche’s refusal but prodded once more, also good… the T-shirts, I’ll buy several of them!… the flag over P-car’s USA HQ, love it… but this cheesy Rocky style vid with the cars “training” and some kind of Orthodox jew / Greek Orthodox type figure on a bicycle? As the famous Simpsons line read “This demeans us both.”</p>
<p>Hold a legitimate driving event on 21 with cars MINI brings themselves, inclusive of P-cars and possibly other competing cars that are more demographically and pricing comparable. But please don’t make the event over contrived! And please don’t issue any more of these “canned” videos that only seem to render MINI a caricature of itself!</p>
<p>@that.guy and JonPD and goat: put away your gravity, righteousness, and deep wisdom! This ain’t the Holy Grail! It’s a fun, imaginative promo, in the cheeky spirit of the car we love. Okay, maybe you don’t get it; but my 120 horsepower Clubman with racing stripes does. Her OBC display told me so. In perfect German :)</p>
<p>MINIUSA replied to my offer saying they might not be able to do the event on the 21st since Porsche turned them down.</p>
<p>I was able to find friends that would be willing to show up at the site in a e92 M3, E60 M5, and a 1973 Cooper S.</p>
<p>I had proposed a race between the M cars on the same autocross course as the MINI/Porsche challenge. Then a race between the classic and the R56 on a course setup by the owner of the classic.</p>
<p>The same friend that owns the M5 also has a 911 S so trying to convince him to bring it. We will see what MINI has to say.</p>
<p>I think we as MINIacs tend to read a lot more into MINI affairs than the average consumer. I’m surprised nobody has critiqued the quality shirts used in the first two commercials. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with this latest vid. Is it the best, no. But taking it for what it was I found it comical in it’s reinforcement of the “insurmountable odds” theme. I think the general populace will look at the NYT ad, say “oooh, MINI vs. Porsche,” and easily identify with the Rocky IV vid (no matter how cheesy).</p>
<p>As far as the actual race is concerned, MINI could’ve said the race will be to see who can haul 4 grown men around Road Atlanta the fastest. Obviously people would take issue with that and have various arguments as to whether it were a real race (or whether a MINI can actually seat 4 grown men), but I think MINI’s tactics overall speak volumes. They’re not taking themselves too seriously in this, which I think is refreshing.</p>
<p>@ Hfred: did you read my comment? I’ll summarize (and can only speak for myself, not presume to speak for JonPD or that.guy, though I don’t disagree with them that’s for sure!):</p>
<p>Idea = good.
Execution (of this latest vid ONLY) = painfully botched (like Camden’s Mission Control).</p>
<p>And if your 120hp Clubman “gets it”, trust me when I say my 210hp JCW “gives it”… “it” being the very essence of MINI: a small car with a big heart that frequently embarrasses much more “serious” machines on twisty back roads! :)</p>
<p>Just think MINIUSA missed with the message. The R56 gets so much right. Why do you feel the need to try to lure another good car into a pre-loaded test. Invite the Porsche to any number of the smaller tighter course and race it there. The R56 is a fun car that is a blast to drive, gets great mileage etc etc. I just feel the bashing Porsche has taken over not accepting the obviously loaded test is repugnant. It just feels that MINIUSA is trying to build the reputation of the R56 by blasting another good car, but not a competitor.</p>
<p>There are a lot of cars out there hitting at MINI so would have love to see MINI invite the competition to a autocross.</p>
<p>the bottom line is, even if this won’t happen (which looks like it won’t) it was pretty clever viral marketing and certainly put the MINI name way out there on the cheap.
I personally think it’s corny but what do I know?</p>
<p>This is halarious! Perfect goof on Rocky 4. If you don’t think this is funny or have problem with the whole campaign you’ve got a serious lack of humor.</p>
<p>Mini has always been abut FUN. If you really don’t get it you should be driving a Saab or Volvo.</p>
<p>Hmmm don’t see though to remember Rocky fighting Drago (thanks IMDb lol) in broom closet though MINI. Not to different than setting up a autocross versus racing Porsche on the full track. Keep having to ask myself if this is the best use of advertising dollars? To me the entire thing is so absurd that I cannot get over it.</p>
<p>Also just came to me that the boxing parallel to this would be Ali vs Stallone. One real boxer versus one that plays the part. lol</p>
<p>@JonPD – From my personal experience, it seems to be a great use of advertising dollars. I printed a copy of the NY Times AD and hung it on my wall at work. Many people have asked about it and went to the facebook site to find out more. Several guys here that are “car” guys but never cared for MINI’s have been amazed by the challenge and the continued pursuit by MINI and watching the updates unfold. They have become MINI fans for the first time as a result of this (especially after the Porsche email got them fired up being so cocky) and one is even looking to buy a MINI (very soon) for the first time.</p>
<p>Any car guy would have to be uninformed if they think its any thing short of a loaded exercise on which car can get around a autocross built for it quicker. Maybe they should really nail the MINIs ability by bringing out a M3, M5, X5m, X6m and prove that all four cars are much worse performance cars than the R56. Come on MINI race BMW.</p>
<p>I think this is GREAT!!! What is with all these people who are all too serious and against this?! THIS IS MINI pure and simple. This is why we love MINI!! What other manufacturer would do this?! This is right in line with the MINI philosophy. Remember Hammer and Coope? That was great and so is this!!!!</p>
<p>I could do without this last video ( Sorry Hate it )
Mini VS Porsche is a Great Fun Idea
The First two videos Outstanding
Really made you glad to be a Mini Owner
We really need the add made into a poster
I would run to my dealer to buy it.
Lets have a Race even if they have to rent a Porsche</p>
<blockquote>a loaded exercise on which car can get around a autocross built for it quicker</blockquote>
<p>Pretty sure Road Atlanta isn’t an autocross course…</p>
<p>That is true Matt, however even by Brad Davis’s admission they are not doing the race track but rather a tight autocross.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/jun/12/minisbrifs/" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/jun/12/minisbrifs/</a></p>
<p>Hammer and Coupe was much better. Lets see a R56 outrunning a full size pickup truck. Yep that works, meanwhile a outrunning a 911 on a race track (scratch that… a autocross). MINI is trying to egg on a real company that races their cars against competition unlike MINI who runs theirs in a spec series.</p>
<p>Best part is that in four days this stupid misleading propaganda will be done. Have lost a large amount of respect for Brad Davis and Jim over this inane faux race.</p>
<p>Still if MINI thought so much of the R56 why don’t they accept a challenge at the same time on a autocross setup by a classic Mini Cooper S to race against and lets see just how much the new time the R56 spends plowing cones. Surely this will show the best Mini built was done long before BMW bought the brand.</p>
<p>Or as I said bring the current line of ///M cars to run across the same autocross track they want to race the Porsche on. Would love to see Bigger Motor Works cars plowing cones too.</p>
<p>This is great!! I have an idea about tomorrow morning’s training section for my MINI!</p>
<p>maybe this would be some reveal of the JCW Coupe … isn’t that a Cooper S as well? ;)</p>
<p>This is getting to be embarrassing. I used to feel good about owning a MINI and zealously advocated them to others. This campaign is making me uncomfortable being associated with the brand. In a word… “uncool.”</p>
<p>Would be great Aurel but they said its the 172 hp Cooper S.</p>
<p>I have it arranged with a local 1974 Mini Cooper S, a E92 M3, and a E60 M5 that are all willing to go to the event. The M drivers both would like to try the same course and the classic driver is willing to setup a autocross for it and challenge the R56. I have emailed MINI and wait anxiously to see if they accept our counter challenge.</p>
<p>I am just glad that MINI is going full speed with this campaign. The best part is that JonPD found a new “obsession” after getting over the R60.</p>
<p>How come nobody mentioned that this marketing plot will divide the MINI community, yet :)</p>
<p>Nah Volkan</p>
<p>R60
jcw
silly advertising blitz</p>
<p>All sorts of unhappiness with MINI, luckily the R58/R59, and WRC entry exists so I can actually see the brand moving in what my small world view thinks is a good direction.</p>
<p>That’s a nice bike.</p>
<p>I’m not sure why this advertising is so terrible – I think it’s just good tongue in cheek funny. As I see it, it really has very little to do with the ‘race’ – if it happens or not. I think the point is to underscore the fact that the MINI can be a great fun performance car.</p>
<p>People are talking about it in the same breath as the iconic 911 – they’re talking about scenarios where perhaps the MINI ‘could’ beat the 911, maybe stacking the deck in their favor, whatever… I’m not sure it matters. If the race is held and MINI wins, people will certainly say the deck was stacked as obviously the 911 is an outstanding performance car. If MINI loses, well where’s the shame in losing to a 911? They would still likely win in the ‘bang for the buck’ category against the 911… Although it is interesting that they may not win ‘bang for the buck’ against some of MINI’s direct competitors (but of the direct competitors, where is their personality?).</p>
<p>If there’s no race, than it’s just a humorous, almost self-deprecating ad — that still associates performance with MINI.</p>
<p>I thought the Rocky video was funny. I’m not sure where the embarrassment is in not taking yourself too seriously.</p>
<p>I find most (not all) TV/video advertising annoying, prefer watching TV content from DVD box sets then watching 40 minutes of program and 20 minutes of commercials at a predetermined date/time (aside from sports…).</p>
<p>Given this is an online ad (or stunt); you have the choice of whether to consume this or not, more than once if you really get a kick out of it – to each their own. If it is truly great, it will go viral and stand on its own merits.</p>
<p>I do like the idea of a full page ad in the NYT or in a magazine; I have cut out MINI ads in the past and hung them up. I really enjoyed the Halloween ads over the past few years too.</p>
<p>Regardless, my love for the MINI and decision to purchase the car was based upon the design and driving experience (test drives, etc.). As long as the product is great, I will be a return customer, despite any theatrical, corny, cheeky and desperate (real or perceived) advertising.</p>
<p>Of course if this was a legitimate race, I would be more interested as I believe the brand’s history/legacy would be well served to engage in bona-fide racing. Hopefully the R60 WRC will provide an opportunity in the next few years.</p>
<p>This whole campaign is one of the most clever marketing schemes I have ever been privileged to witness unfold. All we really want is to be entertained, right? This nails it!</p>
<p>i personally protest the way MINI is going about this… not that they’d listen but i’d like to petition Mini USA to use all of Road Atlanta and have a third party to verify that both cars are factory stock or if they’re using a JCW then put the JCW options on like Suspension so that way they have their best factory car vs Porsche’s best factory car. If they want to use the
autocross-style course as well, they should publish times for both that and the full circuit. IMO, this is somewhat recoverable for Mini. If they do it honestly, it could end up being something to file under “T” for “Typical Mini”.</p>
<p>I would not have any issue if MINI played this straight and admitted its a autocross not a race around the track. MINI has so many good points making up a point like this and hiding the true content makes as much sense as MINI comparing its cup holders to those in a Ferrari, and then deciding MINI is the better car based on the one slim fact.</p>
<p>I would have no problems with this if they played it straight. Love the humor, hate the misrepresentation.</p>
<p>This is fantastic. Not sure why most of the people here woke up on the wrong side of the bed. This is tongue and cheek and its good to see these companies have fun with each other.</p>
<p>illegalprelude: for the companies to “have fun with each other,” both of them would need to be willing participants. Porsche has already declined the invitation and MINI can’t seem to let it go.</p>
<p>Remember that this has all been one-sided and the object of MINI’s poking, prodding and the butt of their jokes has indicated they don’t want any part of it. If this applied to people, MINI would be facing charges of stalking and harassment.</p>
<p>As it is, it’s just plain annoying.</p>
<p>It’s only annoying if you don’t like it.
Meanwhile others can sit back, relax and enjoy it as entertainment.</p>
<p>I’ve tried to be positive as the idea of challenging Porsche (or other Goliath types) with MINI (David) is excellent. But this last video looks and feels not only “canned” but amateurish and – I have to say it – a bit embarrassing. Anything MINI-related that highlights performance or “tech” I will often share to my other car nut friends (only one of whom has a MINI), but I find this last vid embarrassing as a MINI and R53 Factory JCW owner. :(</p>
<p>The initial “throwdown” vid with Jim was excellent… the second that acknowledged Porsche’s refusal but prodded once more, also good… the T-shirts, I’ll buy several of them!… the flag over P-car’s USA HQ, love it… but this cheesy Rocky style vid with the cars “training” and some kind of Orthodox jew / Greek Orthodox type figure on a bicycle? As the famous Simpsons line read “This demeans us both.”</p>
<p>Hold a legitimate driving event on 21 with cars MINI brings themselves, inclusive of P-cars and possibly other competing cars that are more demographically and pricing comparable. But please don’t make the event over contrived! And please don’t issue any more of these “canned” videos that only seem to render MINI a caricature of itself!</p>
<blockquote>All we really want is to be entertained, right?</blockquote>
<p>Reason #1 that the United States is in decline.</p>
<p>@that.guy and JonPD and goat: put away your gravity, righteousness, and deep wisdom! This ain’t the Holy Grail! It’s a fun, imaginative promo, in the cheeky spirit of the car we love. Okay, maybe you don’t get it; but my 120 horsepower Clubman with racing stripes does. Her OBC display told me so. In perfect German :)</p>
<p>MINIUSA replied to my offer saying they might not be able to do the event on the 21st since Porsche turned them down.</p>
<p>I was able to find friends that would be willing to show up at the site in a e92 M3, E60 M5, and a 1973 Cooper S.</p>
<p>I had proposed a race between the M cars on the same autocross course as the MINI/Porsche challenge. Then a race between the classic and the R56 on a course setup by the owner of the classic.</p>
<p>The same friend that owns the M5 also has a 911 S so trying to convince him to bring it. We will see what MINI has to say.</p>
<p>I think we as MINIacs tend to read a lot more into MINI affairs than the average consumer. I’m surprised nobody has critiqued the quality shirts used in the first two commercials. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with this latest vid. Is it the best, no. But taking it for what it was I found it comical in it’s reinforcement of the “insurmountable odds” theme. I think the general populace will look at the NYT ad, say “oooh, MINI vs. Porsche,” and easily identify with the Rocky IV vid (no matter how cheesy).</p>
<p>As far as the actual race is concerned, MINI could’ve said the race will be to see who can haul 4 grown men around Road Atlanta the fastest. Obviously people would take issue with that and have various arguments as to whether it were a real race (or whether a MINI can actually seat 4 grown men), but I think MINI’s tactics overall speak volumes. They’re not taking themselves too seriously in this, which I think is refreshing.</p>
<p>…Rant off</p>
<p>@ Hfred: did you read my comment? I’ll summarize (and can only speak for myself, not presume to speak for JonPD or that.guy, though I don’t disagree with them that’s for sure!):</p>
<p>Idea = good.
Execution (of this latest vid ONLY) = painfully botched (like Camden’s Mission Control).</p>
<p>And if your 120hp Clubman “gets it”, trust me when I say my 210hp JCW “gives it”… “it” being the very essence of MINI: a small car with a big heart that frequently embarrasses much more “serious” machines on twisty back roads! :)</p>
<p>Anybody who is uptight about this needs to get a life… or at least a sense of humor!</p>
<p>I enjoy the humor MINIme.</p>
<p>Just think MINIUSA missed with the message. The R56 gets so much right. Why do you feel the need to try to lure another good car into a pre-loaded test. Invite the Porsche to any number of the smaller tighter course and race it there. The R56 is a fun car that is a blast to drive, gets great mileage etc etc. I just feel the bashing Porsche has taken over not accepting the obviously loaded test is repugnant. It just feels that MINIUSA is trying to build the reputation of the R56 by blasting another good car, but not a competitor.</p>
<p>There are a lot of cars out there hitting at MINI so would have love to see MINI invite the competition to a autocross.</p>
<p>the bottom line is, even if this won’t happen (which looks like it won’t) it was pretty clever viral marketing and certainly put the MINI name way out there on the cheap.
I personally think it’s corny but what do I know?</p>
<p>This is halarious! Perfect goof on Rocky 4. If you don’t think this is funny or have problem with the whole campaign you’ve got a serious lack of humor.</p>
<p>Mini has always been abut FUN. If you really don’t get it you should be driving a Saab or Volvo.</p>
<p>Some Porsche fans are kicking up some dust on this matter. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lets-go-to-Road-Atlanta-and-shut-Mini-up/131010103593070" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lets-go-to-Road-Atlanta-and-shut-Mini-up/131010103593070</a></p>
<p>Now you’ve got both sides wishing this would happen.</p>
<p>Hey JonPD. 10 posts? Get a life and a sense of humor.</p>
<p>Yawn.</p>