What’s more limited than a limited edition MINI? How about a limited edition laser etched glass block with a (your) John Cooper Works GP captured inside it?
That’s what MINI2 member Tonyt3 has managed to come up with, and he’s making them available as a truly one off collectable item for GP owners, people looking to buy GP owners a unique and personal gift, in fact any MINI enthusiast who fancies something out of the ordinary in their collection.
Presumably wishing to do anything BUT recreate that 80s classic “National Lampoon’s European Vacation“, Robert Apon is currently on tour of Europe in his 2004 John Cooper Works MINI Cooper S.
As if it wasn’t enough of an experience to fly over from the US to attend MINI United, it seems Robert wanted to do the trip in style, so had is MINI Cooper S shipped over to rendezvous with him in The Netherlands. This alone seems to have been quite an adventure!
At MINI United Robert met MINI icons such as Rauno Aaltonen and Mike Cooper and had a chorus of “Happy Birthday” sung to him on stage before being showered with MINI gifts. Makes you think that it really was worth all the effort!
You can keep track of Robert’s adventures in Europe on his blog, and maybe you can hook up if he’s in your area?
Following on from our earlier report on the 2008 MINI Challenge Australia, which will feature the second generation MINI Cooper S in full challenge car spec, MINI Australia have Today released their full press release on the upcoming MINI Challenge series. It’s a bit OTT, but we admire their enthusiasm, so it’s reproduced in full for you below!
MINI RISES TO THE CHALLENGE IN 2008
MINI will race heart-rates off the clock around Australia when a grid full of potent MINI Cooper S hardtops catapult the 2008 MINI Challenge Series into the very-fast lane.
A swarm of angry bees or nest of exceedingly disturbed vipers would pale into insignificance compared with the swashbuckling bump-and-grind apex arguments that will divide the victorious from the vanquished in this modern-day joust between multitudes of jostling knights in shining armour.
Testosterone levels will reach critical as MINI Challenge visits eight of the most exciting tracks across all Australian States and Territories.
For this Dutch seaside town, summer has never begun quite like it did this year!
Over the course of three days, more than 8000 MINI fans from 50 different countries flooded the Circuit Park on the North Sea coast for the MINI United Festival 2007. Under the banner of ‘Friends. Festival. Challenge.’, the worldwide community of MINI fans enjoyed a unique mixture of racing atmosphere, party and lifestyle. It even exceeded the resounding success of the MINI United premiere in 2005. The event underscores the growth of the MINI community and the enjoyment of the MINI brand, lifestyle and sense of community seems to be limitless.
With the North Sea on the one side, and a sea of 3000 MINIs on the other covering the town’s roads and car parks, Zandvoort was certainly the perfect location for the biggest MINI festival ever. Many of the guests had travelled a long distance to be there and join in the action of the MINI United 2007. The longest journey of all was undertaken by Yuliya Tkachenko from Krasnodar in Russia: She left her home seven days before the festival began, travelling some 4200km in her MINI to be sure of arriving in time for the event.
Continue reading 8,000 MINI Fans from 50 Countries Invade Zandvoort for MINI United
270 Nm of Torque and 192 BHP.
The International Automobile Salon in Geneva (March 8th - 18th 2007) is the setting for the world premiere of the John Cooper Works Tuning Kit for the MINI Cooper S. From mid-2007, what is already the most powerful version of the compact premium model will be given an additional power boost under its bonnet. With the John Cooper Works Tuning Kit for the MINI Cooper S, the output of the 1.6 litre twin scroll turbo engine is increased to an impressive 141 kW/192 bhp, with maximum torque up to 250 Newton metres in the engine speed range between 1,750 and 5,000 rpm. With the overboost function, the torque level can even be increased temporarily to 270 Nm for powerful acceleration in the engine speed range from 1,750 to 4,500 rpm.
Continue reading John Cooper Works Tuning Kit for the MINI Cooper S
What’s an R56? What’s a facelift MINI? We attempt to fill in the blanks for the uninitiated.
People new to MINI2 and the MINI in general, often appear to be a little unsure over what changes and versions of MINI have been offered since it’s 2001 introduction. Those familiar with the MINI often use phrases such as facelift, R56, second generation and so on, which can be a little bewildering for others.
This is a small, visual “spotters guide” to the main changes and updates for the MINI, including all major model updates. We have not included region specific options or limited editions to try and keep this guide as clear and concise as possible. We hope you find it useful.
Continue reading The New MINI - A Brief Pictorial History (The Blagger’s Guide to MINI)
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
Since rumours began of a light-weight Cooper S limited edition, we’ve been itching to get hold of one and having some fun. June 21st 2006, it finally happened…
Let me just start by saying from now on I’ll be calling the MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP Tuning Kit the “Works GP”. Quite frankly after hours holding on for dear life around the Adria International Raceway at the wheel of one these little beasties, the full name is just too much for my poor little fingers to take right now. I know, I can feel the sympathy as I type and truly appreciate being in your thoughts. Given the stunning imagery below now might also be the time to state that no, I’m not available for modeling work just now!
The launch event for the Works GP took place at the Adria International Raceway in Italy. An appropriate choice of location given the fact that the car is completed at Bertone, and the track is extremely twisty, something that suits any MINI perfectly.
Continue reading MINI2 Drives the MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP Tuning Kit
The MINI GP has sold out in the UK before a single customer has driventhe car and extra allocation of the exclusive 2000 models being built for the globe has been secured.
The MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP Kit was announced in October 2005, and only 444 UK customers were given the chance to own one from July 2006.
Such has been the demand for the fastest, most powerful production MINI yet, that MINI UK has been negotiating with other countries and has managed to snatch fifteen more of the prized models. Only ten of these extra models remain today. America, Germany and Switzerland have also been eager to increase their share of the elite 2000 cars.
Continue reading MINI GP Sold Out in the UK - Countries Vying for Extra Allocations!
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.
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