It may not be as literally as cool as the SMEG MINI Fridge, but issue number 53 of Visionaire, entitled “Sound”, could well be one of the most exclusive collectables featuring the MINI we’ve seen.
Due to go on sale in November 2007, with a retail price of $250 (although amazon.com have it listed with almost $100 off) Visionaire #53 “Sound” features an acrylic dome case, five 12-inch vinyl picture-disc records, 2 CDs, and (for MINI nuts this is the best part) a Mini Clubman “Vinyl Killer” record player. Visionaire #53 includes contributions by David Byrne, Michael Stipe, Yoko Ono, Courtney Love, Alexander McQueen, Helmut Lang, and Doug Aitken.
We’ve no idea of the demand for this publication usually, but it has a serious following in the “World of the Cool”, and is limited to a run of 4,000.
Seven photography schools from Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States were chosen for the finals of ITS#PHOTO, the International Talent Support competition that MINI dedicates to talented young photographers from around the world. The works in this edition were inspired by the theme “Uniqueness is?” and will be on display in Trieste on July 13 and 14, 2007. Besides publishing a photo spread in MINIInternational, the winner will have a chance to take the first, exclusive ride aboard the eagerly awaited MINI Clubman, an event that will be covered by GQ magazine and a famous photographer.
For the third year in a row, MINI is participating in ITS ? International Talent Support, the platform for creative young people from around the globe. The competition, which has reached its sixth edition, was created and developed by E V E, in cooperation with DIESEL and YKK, and is divided into ITS#FASHION, ITS#PHOTO and ITS#ACCESSORIES sections.
Continue reading ITS#SIX. The MINIInternational Award in Trieste
Auto Express receive confirmation from “MINI Spokeswoman” that rear passengers get road side door only for home market
It’s been one of those “known but not confirmed” items regarding the MINI Clubman (also referred to as Estate, R55, or Traveller) that models destined for all markets will only have a rear suicide door on the right hand side of the vehicle for access to the rear (both both front seats will fold forward “hatchback style” as well).
Auto Express however have had it confirmed on the record that this is indeed the case.
They also quote said spokeswoman as saying “There are valid arguments for not having the doors on either side of the car, of which cost is one”. Frankly, we’d love to know the other valid arguments that make it a good idea to only have a rear door on one side. As we’re sure would be many others from the UK, Australia, South Africa and Hong Kong (to name but a few).
Continue reading MINI Confirm Clubman Door Configuration
Another off-beat bit of MINI marketing, captured on film for all too see
While confirming the name of the new MINI Estate to be “MINI Clubman”, as reported here on MINI2, someone was doing a bit of cheeky PR on the streets outside and around Geneva.
The stunt was captured and posted on YouTube, and shared here with permission from the originator “wolframbaier”, for your enjoyment.
Continue reading New MINI Clubman Filmed on the Streets of Geneva
“Clubman Estate” to return to the roads after 27 year break.
At the International Automobile Salon in Geneva, MINI
confirmed that the next derivative in its model range will be called
MINI Clubman. Based on a concept first shown in Frankfurt in 2005 (shown below), a
‘Shooting Brake’ body-styled car will be on sale before the end of 2007. BMW promises the new car will be distinctive, yet authentically embody the MINI character. Offering more versatility without compromising the chassis of current Hatch models.
Historically, ‘Shooting Brake’ models are so-called due to a combination of premium two-door styling, with added interior flexibility for owners leading active lifestyles.
The official press release states the new car takes inspiration and styling cues from the Morris Mini Traveller, which experienced widespread success between 1960-69, however this doesn’t paint a very full picture of the Traveller, Countryman and Clubman Estate history the new MINI model is hoping to recapture some of it’s spirit from.
Continue reading New MINI claims Clubman name
Roving reporter drags himself away from the MINI BARge to report back on MINI at the British International Motorshow.
Continue reading MINI2 at the 2006 British International Motorshow
MINI will show two special models at this years International Geneva Motor Show and details have been released today. First up is the MINI Concept Geneva - Great Days in the Monte Carlo Rally.
Please note, you can see many images of the MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP Tuning Kit in the MINI2 Galleries. Click here for a direct link to the Works GP Gallery.
You can also see many images of the MINI Conceprt Geneva in the MINI2 Galleries. Click here for a direct link to the Conceprt Geneva Gallery.
Continue reading MINI at the 2006 International Geneva Motor Show. Works GP and Concept Geneva.
“We will be enhancing the MINI family with a further model.”
“We will be enhancing the MINI family with a further model.” With these words Dr. Michael Ganal, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG and responsible for Sales and Marketing, today confirmed at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit that the family of sporty little cars from England is about to grow yet again.
The new MINI model will offer increased interior space and increased functionality in order to appeal to the distinctively experience-oriented and active MINI customer. The new car will take its inspiration from the MINI Detroit design concept shown at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). Although it has yet to be defined which of the unique ideas and design features presented on the concept will be implemented for series production, Dr. Michael Ganal in his speech at the NAIAS stated a time frame of three years for the realization of the new MINI model.
Continue reading MINI Concept Travelling into Production
Sporting and Full of Style – Now in the Early 21 st Century
“Go Sports!” – Sports and Fun with Speed.
Continue reading MINI Concept Detroit - Full Press Release & Photo Collection
MINI to show special version of Traveller at Detroit show
MINI will present a North American version of the Traveller concept at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The MINI Concept Detroit, the third appearance for the Traveller Concept, will be transformed into a sport-oriented theme that will be seen only in Detroit.
MINI Concept Detroit places an emphasis on features such as the wheel arches, the shoulder line and the powerdome of the car. Dropping the usual B-pillar, MINI Concept Detroit has an openness usually only found in a coupe or convertible.
The car is inviting to passengers and features plenty of space for sports equipment. Innovative roof carriers and cargo box systems offer additional storage space.
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