MINI2

On the 25th July MINI2 attended a Driving Dynamics Workshop, test driving the next generation MINI Cooper S in the Netherlands.

At the event was another, very well tested (and well exposed thanks to various spy snappers) R56 MINI Cooper S. You may know the car from such publications as World Car Fans and Auto Express, but this time there was no need to hide in bushes or use a telephoto lense. Enjoy this brief photo tour of the prototype MINI Cooper S, complete with imported German flies.

Continue reading MINI2 Photo Exclusive - Up Close with the "R56 Ring MINI"

Following on from our reports from the MINI Driving Dynamics Workshop at the Zandvoort Circuit, Netherlands, we compare our exclusive shots of the new R56 MINI Cooper S, with the outgoing model.

While at the test drive event of the new MINI prototype, MINI2 captured several exclusive images of the car to provide as much detailed visual feedback to our readers as possible. In this follow up article we compare some of our shots of the second generation MINI with new like for like images of the current ‘06 model year MINI Cooper S.

Our first shot is looking over the bonnet, obviously many changes in this area. Continue reading 1st Generation & 2nd Generation MINI - Exterior Design Comparison Photographs

MINI2 gets behind the wheel of the new MINI Cooper S. Driving impressions from MINI Driving Dynamics Workshop - Zandvoort Circuit, Netherlands.

25th July 2006, MINI2 attended a MINI Driving Dynamics Workshop at the Zandvoort Circuit, Netherlands. A unique chance to put the pre-production 2nd generation MINI Cooper S through its paces, prior to the official Media and Public launches.

Continue reading MINI2 World Exclusive - 2nd Generation MINI Cooper S Test Drive Report

Experience the 2nd Generation MINI Cooper S like nowhere else with our exclusive Video footage - The Slalom.

Watch the 2nd Generation MINI Cooper S (R56) put through its paces at a special slalom course at the Zandvoort Circuit, Netherlands. Then, if you think it looks like fun, you can ride with (and spare a thought for) the passenger on this roller-coaster ride!

The course begins with a fairly fast slalom run, and a tight right hand turn, then accelerating up to around 80km/h the MINI then brakes hard and changes lanes, in a nicely prepared puddle. The MINI then takes off toward a very slow, tight slalom before coming around complete circle to the start of the course.

Continue reading MINI2 Video World Exclusive - 2nd Generation MINI Cooper S Slalom Test

On the 25th July MINI2 attended a Driving Dynamics Workshop, test driving the next generation MINI Cooper S in the Netherlands. This report is a summary of our impressions of the new model and a guide to what we saw at the event.

This car isn’t finished yet. That was made clear to us from the very start of the MINI Driving Dynamics Workshop. The MINIs we were to test drive were not production models, although they were assembled at Oxford, and they would still be disguised, albeit lightly. Our feedback was wanted, and key members of the MINI development team from powertrain, chassis, safety, suspension, testing and overall product development were on hand to both ask and answer questions of the assembled distinguished members of the motoring press. And we were there too, of course.

Continue reading MINI2 Exclusive Report on the 2nd Generation MINI Cooper S - Design & General Overview

Experience the 2nd Generation MINI Cooper S like nowhere else with our exclusive Video footage - The Tour.

At the Zandvoort Circuit MINI2 attended a MINI Driving Dynamics Workshop. A unique chance to put the 2nd generation MINI Cooper S through its paces, prior to the official Media and Public launches.

Here we have taken a little time to wander around the car with our trusty camcorder, showing you the interior, the engine bay (including engine starting up and running) and the exhaust note at idle, as well as being revved.

Continue reading MINI2 Video World Exclusive - 2nd Generation MINI Cooper S Short Tour

Experience the 2nd Generation MINI Cooper S like nowhere else with our exclusive Video footage - The Track.

25th July 2006, MINI2 attended a MINI Driving Dynamics Workshop at the Zandvoort Circuit, Netherlands. A unique chance to put the 2nd generation MINI Cooper S through its paces, prior to the official Media and Public launches.

This section includes the longest and largest pieces of video captured from the day for your enjoyment, so the clips may take some time to download, we are sure the reward will be worth your time!

The first clip shows a Pure Silver MINI Cooper S shot from another vehicle leading us around the track. The engine noise you hear is mostly that of the leading utility vehicle, not the Cooper S. Special thanks must go to our cameraman on the day who managed to capture this footage while quite literally rolling all over the place!

The second clip puts us inside the new R56 MINI Cooper S. Shot using a wide angle lens to show as much of the interior as possible while also capturing the track outside. This footage hopefully will provide you with some impression of riding the new car, until you have a chance to do so yourself.

The third clip is filmed with a wide angle lens attached to the outside of the vehicle, on the door panel. You can see the new shaped wing mirror, as well as just about making out the disguised, revised side repeater location. This video shows two laps, one slower lap, one fast lap. We hope you agree that it’s quite a ride!

Continue reading MINI2 Video World Exclusive - 2nd Generation MINI Cooper S Track Time

On the 25th July MINI2 attended a Driving Dynamics Workshop, test driving the next generation MINI Cooper S in the Netherlands. Below is the full text of the press release handed out at the event.

Continue reading 2nd Generation MINI - Official Press Release - Full Details (Long)

After three years and 36,000 miles, the MINI retains 66% of its original price, the Glass’s Guide survey found.

In the survey, the MINI beat the Porsche Boxster 2.7 and Honda Jazz 1.4dsi (not many motoring surveys where those two cars would be neck and neck) into joint second place. Both cars sold at 62% of their original price according to EurotaxGlass’s.

“In valuation terms the Mini has achieved a remarkable performance, particularly for a car that is now in its fifth year,” said spokesman Richard Crosthwaite.

“Demand for the car remains sky-high thanks to its very obvious virtues. In terms of residual value, it is rare for a car to outperform the best of the prestige sector, particularly the established star performers such as Porsche.”

The results are published in Glass’s Guide, the industry guide to car valuation.

Continue reading MINI Tops UK Residual Value League Table

If you can’t make it to the show, don’t worry! MINI has a few MINI goodies from the show to give away.

Continue reading MINI2 British Motorshow Competition.