Section: New Product
Apr 19th, 2007
Since we’ve had a few requests for more info about the new MINI 50 Years book (just released in the US) here’s the official press release from MBI Publishing.

Publisher Press Release: No little car has had such a big impact on car lovers worldwide as the MINI. In his new book, MINI 50 Years, recognized MINI expert Rob Golding tells the full story of the iconic car from its initial launch in the late 1950s through its current super-hip BMW-built incarnation right up to the current version.
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Apr 13th, 2007

Back by popular demand, we’ve got more of MotoringFile feature in the new MINI 50 Years book. But first, a quick recap; Wednesday we brought you the news of a new MINI book: MINI 50 Years by long time automotive writer Rob Golding. It’s an essential addition to a MINI owner’s book collection and a great gift. But beyond that it also goes in-depth on MotoringFile thanks to an interview I did last year with Mr. Golding. And since then we’ve gotten quite a few requests for more of that material, we thought it appropriate to show-off a bit more of it.
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Apr 11th, 2007

MINI 50 Years - the definitive MINI book chronicling the first 50 years of the MINI written by Rob Golding will be released this April 15th. Mr. Golding has many years experience in all things MINI and it shows throughout the book. From the early years of BMC to the GP to the current state of the MINI web, everything seems to get space in the book.
Here’s a brief introduction:
It’s not the size that matters, Austin Powers tells his son as they look over the MINI, but how you use it. And the diminutive MINI has made it big from the first. This book tells the full story of the iconic car from its initial launch in the late 1950s through its current super-hip BMW-built incarnationright up to the revised version set for release in 2006. The threads that tie together the original MINI and todays are numerous and fascinatingalmost as interesting as the differences that set the two cars apartand MINI 50 Years follows them all. From the swingin 60’s darlingimmortalized in the original The Italian Job in 1961 and again in the 2003 remake to the racing champ to the twenty-first-century hipster transport, author and mini expert Rob Golding treats readers to every thrill that marks the MINI.
Mr. Golding also touches on the MINI web community and even discusses MotoringFile’s impact on the brand in an 11 paragraph section titled “Get Involved”. Here’s a quick excerpt:
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Feb 20th, 2007

For all those that want to re-live the Hammer & Coop experience in their daily lives, we’ve got the part number for you. Here are the official MINI product numbers for both the black and white lightening stripe sets as seen in the Hammer & Coop web episodes:
White set: 51 14 0 429 594
Black set: 51 14 0 429 593
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Sep 28th, 2006
(Poorly translated English version below)
Neben dem MINI Hatchback und dem MINI Cabriolet wurde mit dem MINI Concept Car im Herbst 2005 auf der Frankfurter Automesse erstmals ein Ausblick auf die weitere Zukunft von MINI gewÒ¤hrt. In dieser Studie verspricht MINI neben FahrspaÒŸ und altbewÒ¤hrtem GoKartfeeling ein ganz neuartiges Fahrkonzept. Dazu passend hat MINI jetzt den Werdegang dieses Zukunftsautos in einem einzigartigen Buch verewigt. Ein Grundkonzept, vier Interpretationen, vier StÒ¤dte: Das “MINI Concept for the Future” Buch dokumentiert die Entwicklung von vier Studien, die alle auf Basis eines Grundkonzepts fÒ¼r die Automobilmessen in Frankfurt, Tokio, Detroit und Genf entstanden. Das Buch im Stil eines “Coffee Table Book” erscheint in limitierter Auflage von nur 3000 StÒ¼ck und ist ab sofort in den Regalen von ausgewÒ¤hlten, internationalen Buchhandlungen erhÒ¤ltlich.
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Sep 27th, 2006

(Really bad English translation below)
Morgens im BÒ¼ro. Nachmittags am Strand. Oder abends im eigenen Wohnzimmer. Der perfekte Ort fÒ¼r ein kÒ¼hles GetrÒ¤nk ist der, an dem man sich gerade befindet. Deshalb gibt es jetzt die Urban Chill Box aus der aktuellen MINI Collection. Die hochwertige KÒ¼hlbox im auÒŸergewÒ¶hnlichen MINI Design ist besonders leicht zu transportieren und funktioniert wahlweise mit Strom aus der Steckdose. Und nicht nur das: Bei Bedarf verwandelt sich die Urban Chill Box auÒŸerdem von einer KÒ¼hl- in eine WÒ¤rmbox mit einer Innentemperatur von bis zu 65 Grad Celsius.
Auch wenn das KÒ¼hlen ihre Hauptaufgabe ist: Die Urban Chill Box aus der MINI Collection 2006/2007 lÒ¤st niemanden kalt. DafÒ¼r sorgt schon ihr Ò„uÒŸeres im unwiderstehlichen MINI Look. Zwei Versionen der Urban Chill Box sind erhÒ¤ltlich, beide tragen das legendÒ¤re MINI Logo an der Vorderseite: Eine Version ganz in Schwarz und die andere in Anlehnung an die vier legendÒ¤ren MINI Dachflaggen, jeweils mit Flaggendekor auf der TÒ¼r.
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Jun 12th, 2006

MotoringFile has learned that MINI USA (like MINI UK) will reveal a special MINI Visa June 19th. Details are still sketchy at this point but we know that owners will be able to design the front of the card with a MINI of their own specification. Look for more information (including availability) soon.
Apr 21st, 2006

MINI USA has introduced a new set of bonnet stripes that are the official version of the always popular “Viper” aftermarket stripes. Here’ the official info from MINI USA:
The new Sport Bonnet Stripes run parallel, starting at the hood, over the roof and the rear trunk lid. These stripes can be installed on all MINI Cooper and Cooper S
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Apr 13th, 2006
BMW has lifted the curtains on the next generation iPod integration that it has quietly been promising almost since the first adapter launched two years ago. The new version uses BMW’s new generation of audio systems to allow not only ID3 tags but actual navigation of the iPod’s interface itself. This is a huge improvement over the previous version which only allows for navigation to specific playlists, from song to song, and volume control. So why are we covering this on MotoringFile? Simple; the next MINI will be equipped with almost identical systems and will be compatible with this new generation of iPod adapters.
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Mar 30th, 2006

[Updated] A fixture of classic Minis (and many English cars from days gone by) was the grille badge. Whether is was the Union Jack or just a simple sign of local club affiliation, they were ways to put a personal stamp on your car and great opportunity to tip your cap to other like-minded enthusiasts.
To carry on this tradition, MINI USA has brought out a grille badge holder (part #: 51 13 0 406 752) for the current car that allows for the use of magnetic badges. At an MSRP of $25 it’s a great way to personalize your car and add a bit of heritage. And magnetic badges are inexpensive and easy to swap out depending on your mood. However the badge holder is not only buried in the back of the latest accessories catalog (with no part number) but also is not offered with any actual badges. Apparently that’s up to all individual MINI owners to do.
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Sep 24th, 2005
Ian over at gbmini.net has a few photos of the ever elusive Space Blue and Silver roof combo that’s sure to be very popular over the next year. While we’ve seen a few photos of this combo previously, this is the most thorough look so far. Check it out below:
[ MCS Space Blue/Silver Roof ] gbmini.net
Sep 8th, 2005

Reader Luke Bussey snapped some great shots of the new JCW rear spoiler and R105 18″ JCW Wheels (the black version) that are currently available in the UK and Europe and will be coming to the US this fall. You can check them out here.
We should have US specific info in the coming weeks.
Aug 9th, 2005
This isn’t exclusively MINI related but it may be worth a mention nonetheless. A site called Youremblem.com provides a service that allows you to create your own font based emblem for use on a car. Here’s how it works:
Just choose a word or initials that reflect who you are and send in your order. In a few days you’ll receive your custom order of letters that are just like the ones manufacturers use for car names and models. We’ll give you instructions for how to apply the letters so your car is unique.”
Not a bad idea really. While the font doesn’t quite match what’s currently on the MINI, it’s not that far off from what one might expect on the car.
[ YourEmblem.com ]
Jun 10th, 2005

This looks like the one many MCS owners have been waiting for (from the official MINIUSA Bulletin):
Aftersales is pleased to announce the release of an auxiliary Gauge Kit for the Mini Cooper S.
These gauges are a must have for every enthusiastic Mini Cooper S Driver. The kit contains a volt meter and a mechanical boost gauge. The boost gauge is specially calibrated to match the stock Mini Cooper S as well as the Mini Cooper S with the John Cooper Works Kit. The custom made gauge pod positions the two gauges, where they are most visible, next to the rev-meter on the steering column, right in view of the driver.
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Jun 8th, 2005
This new product info comes from MINIUSA Press:
Motoring into the great wide open requires functional fashion sense — and a sense of fun. MINI USA introduces the latest “must have” apparel: the Expedition Jacket and the AIRVANTAGE(TM) Vest, featuring built-in options for hydration, extra warmth and cooling down after those exhilarating road trips.
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