Vista MINI Blog

With the arrival of the Countryman up-and-coming, MINI has released their typically entertaining commercials. Here are a couple of them, including one featuring a flight attendant and another featuring a couple of sushi-lovers. I am not certain if the built-in sushi chefs made the cut on the list of MINI Countryman options, but it might be an awkward issue having two of them in the back seat during the whole time of ownership. If you are going to stay in the mall for an extended time, we suggest at least cracking the windows for those poor souls.

This quick little video above shows the first MINI Countryman rolling off the line. Sure, there have been a few pre-production models that were built for previews, but this is the first true Countryman coming off the line that will go to an actual customer. That makes it quite special, and the event quite epic.

The Countryman is MINI’s bold journey into the world of crossovers – the 2011 MINI Countryman is an effective mix between the classic MINI look and a modern Sports Activity Vehicle. It’s the first 4-door MINI (or 5, counting the hatch), and comes with the option of all-wheel-drive. Its 1.6 liter, 4-cylinder engine makes 120 HP, or you can get the Countryman S, which is turbocharged and delivers 180 HP.

Though the look and format has changed, this is 100% MINI. What this means is though you’ll have the most versatile MINI yet, you’ll still have the classic MINI handling, performance and look. Also making a first-time appearance is the MINI Center Rail System, which takes the place of a center console between the four bucket seats, extends from front to back, and allows an array of customization possibilities. Want extra storage or an array of cupholders? Just snap them on the rail and position them where you want! Ingenious! Check back regularly to get the latest news on this MINI and all the others, or visit our store for the latest specials and offers on the full line of MINIs.

Drivers Owen Trinkler and Randy Smalley in their MINI Cooper S claimed their second win at the GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge this past weekend after edging into first place on the streets of Quebec’s Trois-Rivieres.

The Grand AM American Road Racing Association was established in 1999, and focuses on different styles of racing including sports car racing, touring car and motorcycles throughout North America.

Local Quebec racer Jocelyn Herbert was favored to win, but his lead ended when a lapped car made contact and sent him off course. The MINI Cooper S seized the moment and took the point, maintaining the lead for the final 32 laps.

Smalley had this to say about his MINI: “The car was incredible,” he says. “It stuck to the track like it was on rails. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so comfortable in a race car. Our entire crew really deserves a pat on the back for getting these MINIs set up so well.”

Paul Walker, of Fast and Furious legend, had a friendly race in a BMW M3 against a custom MINI. The MINI is perhaps the fastest one yet, with 650 HP under the hood and a bevy of aftermarket tech to make this one aggressive little machine. The race is a Touge race, where one car plays lead for half and the other chases, with the roles reversing on the second half. The object for the chaser is to close the distance, while the pursued tries to widen the gap. Times are taken, distances are measured, and the winner is declared. I won’t outright spoil the results, but let’s just say Paul Walker isn’t the best driver on the track, and that little MINI delivers some big surprises…

The rarest, most loaded MINI yet. Last year, we were shown the ultimate John Cooper Works MINI at the MINI United, the World Championship 50. This limited-edition model includes one-of-a-kind green exterior paint and loads of features both inside and out, making it the most unique MINI ever produced.

Did we mention only 50 of them have been delivered stateside? This makes the MINI JCW WC50 the most limited-production MINI model ever, and an exclusive purchase for anyone lucky enough to get their hands on one. A limited list of the special features include 17” cross-spoke black alloy wheels, additional driving lights, BiXenon lamps with black reflectors, a three-spoke Sport steering wheel, JCW Aerodynamics, carbon fiber hood scoop, carbon fiber door grips John Cooper Signature plaque and a host of others too long to mention.

The price tag nears $40,000, but the collection of features on this fully loaded beast makes the car well worth the money, as these options on a regular MINI would go thousands above the asking price. Throw in the one-of-a-kind features and the exclusivity of owning this vehicle, and it makes buying one a no-brainer. Last I checked, Vista MINI still had one available for sale, so give them a call if the idea of owning the most unique MINI yet has some appeal for you.

On June 8th, deep in the boroughs of London, an unlikely pair collaborated for the European launch of of the all-new MINI Countryman. Megastar producer Timbaland laid down the phat tracks for delicate country singer Michelle Branch at the MINI Countryman Open Air event. They performed the single “Getaway” before a massive audience there to see both the stars and the new MINI Countryman.

The Countryman is MINI’s biggest MINI yet, and first four-door model, ever. It represents a true crossover with its abundant room and available all-wheel drive. Tech-laden and the most rugged MINI ever made, the Countryman will be the most useful and practical MINI yet. It’s a flexible car with a feisty spirit, four doors and the spirit of MINI in the handling and under the hood.

The massive, annual road rallies that lead to a weekend-long motoring festival in Denver begins in August. It’s a chance for all MINI owners to be a part of an unforgettable road trip, but sadly, it comes no closer to South Florida than Atlanta, GA. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go, however.

It’s a perfect opportunity to unwind and open up that responsive engine sitting under the hood of your most beloved automobile. Just rise and shine early, and head north for a glimpse at a line of MINI’s as far as the eye can see. It will be totally worth it, so what are you waiting for? Join in on the motoring fun this August! Check MINIUSA.com for details and dates, and we hope to see you rolling with the MINI zerg…

Even though Porsche is a current no-show, it hasn’t stopped MINI from strenuously training for the event, as is evident in this video offering a glimpse of both parties training for the fight of their life. Are those sports drugs being injected into the gas tank? Is that sanctioned by the Auto-Dueling Association?

It’s a shame that Porsche has declined to participate in what would be such an exciting and entertaining spectacle for MINI and Porsche fans alike. I think Porsche needs to quickly develop a sense of humor and accept this challenge. What do they have to lose? Do they know something about the lion-hearted MINI we don’t know? Are they scared? Do they think this race has the potential to darken their illustrious racing career? Only the bigwigs at Porsche know those answers, and they are currently locked away in their ivory tower, not answering the call to glory or my emails.

The truth about bullies is that they are all cowards on the inside.

German sports car maker Porsche is at the top of its game, muscling out the opposition on the track and in the showroom, using the momentum of its former great racing heritage to kick butt and claim market share. No doubt they have seen success, but they seem content to sit on their laurels when there is potential to gain new glories.

MINI’s current head, Jim McDowell, as a former current Porsche employee, knows this better than anyone, so he recently laid down the gauntlet – MINI vs. Porsche in a “winner takes all” showdown at Road Atlanta, a world-class racing facility carved out of the red Georgia clay.

So far, Porsche has declined to commit their 911 Carrera to the spectacle. Maybe their reluctance is well founded. The MINI is a little car with huge heart, and who knows how it could go when Porsche has to finally put its money where its mouth is. Porsche has, so far, firmly decided to be a no-show at the scheduled June 21 race date. But Porsche’s official and public decline of the challenge has not disheartened MINI or McDowell – they continue to issue the challenge on both Facebook and YouTube, as evident in the link above. Will Porsche take the bait? Probably not, but it sure is fun to watch the big racer squirm under the scrutiny.

MINI, a little car with enormous courage, will be anxiously awaiting Porsche’s next response. Stay tuned to see if it really goes down…

MINI Cooper S is getting a full refresh this year, and the photos have been leaked early!

Big news is the 1.6L engine is getting a thorough revision, meaning more power, but it will also be remarkably more efficient! The new MINI Cooper S will either match or closely match the current Cooper S’ MPG highway ratings, thanks to BMW adding in the Valvetronic. Another upgrade worth mentioning is the fully variable valve train, which is good for an additional 10HP for the approximate 182HP the new Cooper S is expected to have. Along with these two major changes, the Cooper S will be graced with new wheels, more responsive steering(!), new colors and some new packages.

It is an exciting time for the Cooper S. With a wonderful makeover , new infusion of power and performance, plus an eclectic blend of new MINI colors and packages on the way for this year, it will surely be a big hit when it arrives stateside.