The John Whitmore Trophy race is the most insane classic Mini race we’ve ever seen. Named after the famous British touring car champion (who of course won in a Mini), the race takes two driver teams (typically a combination of amateur and professional) and sends them loose on the famed road course. One driver change is required but otherwise it’s just wheel to wheel racing.

This race is a follow-up all-Mini Betty Richmond Trophy at the last Revival, which saw nearly 60 minis battle through two heats and a final. However with only one 45 minutes race and a mandatory driver swap, things were bound to get interesting.

This year the race featured six-time Olympic and 11-time World Champion Chris Hoy, AC/DC frontman Brian Johnson, Le Mans 24hr winners Emanuele Pirro and André Lotterer, former F1 drivers Jochen Mass and Brendon Hartley, multiple Formula E Champion Jean-Eric Vergne and well as F1 drivers/broadcasters Martin Brundle, Karun Chandhok and Tiff Needell.

Grab your favorite beverage and get on the edge of your seat. This is a hell of a race.

John Whitmore Trophy: Full Race

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The 10,000 mile mark is an important one in owning a car. You’re well past any honeymoon period and well on your way in understanding what it’s like to live with. Longterm build quality starts to become apparent and things you might have looked past when new, start to catch your attention. With the five digit mark about to be passed in our 2021 JCW Countryman we’re here to tell you what it’s like to own and live with the ultimate Countryman (and some would say the ultimate MINI).

Before you send the hate mail for even insinuating that the JCW Countryman could be considered the ultimate MINI, let’s explain. We know that look of subtle disdain some of you give the F60 (and the R60 before it). MotoringFile was started in 2002 because the MINI was embraced the opposite of the SUV culture. And now we’re staring at a four door 3,789 lbs MINI in our driveway. But this is a very different kind of small crossover.

2021 JCW Countryman – Finally Worthy of the JCW Badge

MINI has taken a forgettable formula in the small crossover and made it rewarding in a way a MINI should be. This is a car that engages you in ways that no small crossover does. It’s not an R53 or even an F56 in disguise. But this truly is the MINI of the small crossover world. Quick turn-in and flat cornering make it all feel immediate where most of the competitive set bounce, roll and flounder. With the JCW specific springs, shocks and sways bars our Countryman feels eager and light on its feet.

Of course it’s not quite as nimble as the 181 lbs lighter JCW Clubman but over 10,000 miles we’ve found what you give up with a bit more weight, you make up for with more space and utility. That hatch, the larger cargo area and even the more versatile rear seats. It all adds up to a car that is more of a Swiss Army knife that ultimately becomes endearing for different reasons.

The unsung hero might just be the revised suspension (new for ‘21) and larger brakes that finally make the JCW Countryman live up to the badge. The single-joint spring-strut-type axle for the front wheel and the multi-joint rear axle were redesigned and tailored for JCW with more rigidity and less weight than before. Additionally MINI fitted revised swivel bearings that allow for improved camber values on the front wheels. In total this has improved the transmission of lateral forces in corners through the car and to the driver. In other words, MINI worked hard to bring increased feedback to the driver along with greater levels of performance. It’s worked – to a point. The car is eager at turn-in and balanced at the limit but doesn’t produce the type of feedback that inspires immediate confidence. It’s not totally lacking, but the capabilities are so high that you want for a bit more communication when pushing the JCW.

But the real headline figures are the 306 hp and a staggering 332 ft lbs of torque. Coupled with the Aisin 8 speed automatic and All4, the JCW rips off 0-60 runs around just over four and a half seconds over and over. While the transmission has a tendency to be confused in low speed autocross corners, it’s almost faultless on and off the track. And when pushed hard, this automatic becomes surprisingly effective. While it’s not at the level of the best dual clutch transmissions – especially when it comes to downshifts – it’s surprisingly capable.

The result is a car that is seriously quick – especially in the mid-range. Next to the JCW Countryman in the MF garage sits an BMW 1M and Porsche 718 Spyder. The JCW Countryman isn’t that far off of either in the mid-range. If it wasn’t for the weight, it might be surprisingly close.

Could there be improvements? Absolutely. I’d love to see a more aggressive throttle mapping in sport mode and the B48’s inability to rev quickly or produce power at the top-end continues to frustrate. But given what else is out there in this space (for the money) the JCW Countryman delivers performance that is truly worthy of the badge.

2021 MINI JCW Countryman: Design

Where the standard Countryman saw some notable exterior changes for 2021, the JCW sees more subtle styling alterations. The newly designed grille is the most noticeable losing the under-bite design we’ve seen since the car’s introduction in 2010. The overall look is cleaner with less lines and simpler forms – something we’re seeing more and more from MINI.

A barely noticeable change is the front splitter which now is more aggressive and tied in better with the lower grille. That lower grille also sees some subtle updates to better match the new pattern seen in the larger grille above.

The new LED headlamps introduce a new rectangular form to the car for the first time (perhaps in reference to what is to come in 2023). Also seen here is the new black trim is plays on the JCW nicely. 

Around back is more of that piano black trim and the (at times controversial) Union Jack inspired tail-lamps. In an interesting move MINI has added the same webbing pattern found on the front grille on the faux diffuser. Next to that are the enlarged 95 mm tailpipes which deliver one of the better sounding engine notes MINI has ever had.

Infotainment, CarPlay And Touchsceens. 

Big changes in small upgrades here. CarPlay has been a part of MINI for a few years but moving to a version that makes use of the full screen changes the game. And for ‘21 MINI updated the Countryman’s infotainment with faster processing that makes everything all the more responsive. Combine this with the new digital cluster and there’s a real sense of modern tech in a MINI for the first time.

The other big addition is the digital gauge cluster taken from the Mini Cooper SE and JCW GP. Larger and more readable, it’s a huge improvement in our eyes and is surely just the start of digital instrumentation from MINI. In daily use it’s a huge improvement but we’d love to eventually see a free-form display that takes over all instrumentation allowing for even more flexibility. Then there’s the new “black panel” design just below the navigation that is a dust and fingerprint magnet. So much so that we carry one of those microfiber clothes with us everywhere we go.

JCW Countryman Pricing

MINI USA has been very aggressive with pricing for the 2021 model year reducing MSRPs across most models. The outlier is the new Countryman primarily because (you guessed it) it’s new. However the JCW is only up $100 for the year. In our mind that $100 represents a substantial value. From the exterior design changes, the interior refinement, to the suspension and chassis tweaks, the 2021 JCW Countryman looks to be the best crossover MINI has ever produced. 

Early Conclusions

We’d be the first to admit it’s hard to get excited about small crossovers these days. But throw in 306 hp, a well engineered chassis and massive 16.1″ brakes and you have what feels like a tall hot-hatch. And outside of a fluke software issue that lasted a few miles, it’s been completely faultless in almost 10,000 miles.

In short everything just works. MINI has finally created a car with straight line performance that the JCW badge has always promised combined with an overall driving experience that’s surprisingly rewarding. Inside the infotainment delivers a best in class experience while the interior design and utility make it a great daily driver. In short this a MINI that does it well so well it’s hard to find fault. It may not reward like the smaller, manual JCWs, but it delivers far more.

The post 10,000 Mile Review: 2021 MINI JCW Countryman appeared first on MotoringFile.

Official Release

MINI USA and the MINI John Cooper Works Team returns to the track this weekend at Watkins Glen International in Watkins Glen, N.Y., fielding cars in both the Touring Car (TC) and Touring Car A (TCA) classes for the 2021 SRO TC America series. The #60 MINI JCW PRO competing in the TC class will be piloted by team veteran driver Derek Jones while fellow team member Clayton Williams will pilot the #62 MINI JCW in the TCA class. The team is coming off a podium finish by 19-year-old Williams, who finished third in the #62 MINI JCW in Race 1 at Road America just three weeks ago.

“We always put up a strong performance at Watkins Glen and I don’t expect anything different this weekend,” said Luis Perocarpi, team owner, LAP Motorsports. “We also have another great crew of MINI dealer techs supporting us from across the region, who will be ready and able to tackle anything The Glen throws at us this weekend.”

The MINI JCW Team will have their usual fulltime race crew supported by four service technicians from MINI dealerships in the Eastern Region, including two technicians from MINI of Peabody in Peabody, Mass., one from Otto’s MINI in West Chester, Pa.,  and one from MINI of Warwick in Warwick, R.I. These are the same technicians that repair customer MINIs and have proven time and again that their knowledge transfers to the racing world.

The MINI JCW Team will hit the track again on October 1 – 3 at Sebring International Raceway in Sebring, Fla.  

The MINI John Cooper Works team continues to build on the momentum from the start of the season after taking three podiums at Sonoma Raceway in pursuit of the team’s third Manufacturer’s Championship in a row in the series. The MINI JCW Team also won Manufacturer’s Championship in 2018 in the final season of the Street Tuner class of the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge Series, where the team finished ahead of BMW, Porsche and Mazda.

The post MINI John Cooper Works Team Returns To Watkins Glen appeared first on MotoringFile.

OFFICIAL RELEASE

MINI has sold over 5.1 million cars globally in the past two decades, and the UK is the brand’s largest market. David George, Director of MINI UK, said: “To have sold over one million MINIs in just 20 years is a remarkable milestone; we are all extremely proud. This achievement is testament to the fantastic cars we’ve built and launched during that time, our customers’ continued love for MINI, and the strength and unwavering dedication of our retail network.

As we see the increasing demand for our MINI Electric and MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid models, which account for nearly a fifth of global electrified sales, we’re excited to see what the next twenty years hold, as we transition into our fully electric future.”

MINI will launch its last model with internal combustion engine in 2025 and, by 2027, the share of all-electric vehicles in global MINI sales will be at least 50 percent. In the early 2030s, MINI will be the first BMW Group brand to go fully electric. 

The post There Have Been 1 Million Modern MINIs Sold in the UK appeared first on MotoringFile.

This week, I decided we should spend some time talking about the NFL engines that are in the current generation of MINIs; the B38 from the Cooper and the Chevy 350 of BMW engines, theb48 from just about everything. Luckily, we managed to get Gabe to join in the discussion. Hopefully you enjoy!

Are you a mechanic? Live in Detroit? Know a mechanic in Detroit? Want to work for one of the most prominent MINI Cooper shops on the planet? Send your CV over to Detroit Tuned (resume@). Chad would love to talk to you, 3,000%.

A HUGE thank you to everyone that has filled out the survey so far. We really appreciate you taking the time to provide us your amazing answers. We are still looking at you that haven’t filled it out yet. It is pretty short, anonymous and a bunch of the questions aren’t even required. If you could, we would appreciate it. Oh, and who is looking for the full version of our awesome theme music that Todd created for us? You can grab that from the server.

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OFFICIAL RELEASE

More and more young people are opting for an electric company car: at Deloitte alone, 26% of employees do. To meet this growing demand, Deloitte has ordered 140 electric MINIs. According to BMW, this is the largest order of fully electric MINIs in Europe so far. With an additional charging infrastructure, Deloitte wants to make a significant contribution to climate neutrality.

Deloitte added the first 100 MINI Electric to its fleet back in August last year. Now the company announces that it is adding 140 new MINI Electric to its electric fleet. Deloitte’s fleet now has 240 MINI Electric. The fully electric MINIs with the eye-catching green rear-view mirrors in Deloitte colour are particularly popular with new employees. In total, Deloitte has ordered 540 new MINIs since June this year.

The growing popularity of electric cars at Deloitte goes hand in hand with the increasing demand for hybrid vehicles at the company. As of June 2021, electric and hybrid cars together account for 88% of all company cars ordered at Deloitte. This clearly shows that employees prefer sustainable alternatives to conventional cars with internal combustion engines. In addition to purchasing electric cars, Deloitte is investing heavily in its electric vehicle infrastructure. For example, the Belgian office currently has 540 charging stations for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids.

“All our investments in sustainable mobility are part of Deloitte’s goal to be CO2 neutral by 2030. As our fleet accounts for 70% of our carbon footprint, every small and big step brings us closer to carbon neutrality. That’s why we launched a new mobility programme in 2017. We have also been working successfully with MINI for many years and I am delighted that we are working with them to increase enthusiasm for electric cars at Deloitte. The fact that one in four new employees now chooses an electric car gives me full confidence that we are on the right track to make Deloitte a pioneer in sustainable mobility,” says Piet Vandendriessche, CEO of Deloitte Belgium.

The post Hundreds of European Deloitte Employees Choose The MINI Electric Making it The Largest Fleet in the World appeared first on MotoringFile.

BMW has made it abundantly clear it’s partnering with Great Wall Motors to build an all electric MINI in China. The partnership solves for the enormous development costs associated with bringing an entirely new platform to market while still selling ICE MINIs for another generation. But what does partnership mean and how will this new electric MINI slot into the range? We now might have some answers.

Last week Great Wall Motors unveiled the impressive Ora Kat – a small electric car with the similar proportions as the forthcoming small MINI. Even aesthetically it looks a bit similar. But don’t pay attention to the looks – MINI will have total autonomy when it comes to exterior design and performance tuning.

While the design won’t be shared, most of the mechanicals will be. And that’s where we can get a peek into the next generation electric MINI . The Ora Kat is powered by a single electric motor producing 169bhp and 184lb ft, (which results in a 0-31mph in 3.8sec) and comes with driver assistance systems not seen in small cars before. It will also feature a range of around 250 miles in base form. That last number is identical to what we’ve heard from sources about the next generation MINI (although expect that to be closer to 200 miles on the EPA’s testing cycle).

The all electric MINI will likely be available in both three and five door formats and will be sold alongside a new ICE version as well. However that ICE version will likely be an entirely different chassis developed from the updated BMW front wheel drive platform and built in the UK. .

MINI is trying to cover all its bases globally as electric cars are set to explode as prices come down and range goes up. Which is why this won’t be the only electric MINI in this next generation. BMW is also planning an all electric Countryman which will be sold alongside a mild-hybrid ICE version as well.

MINI is trying to cover all its bases globally as electric cars are set to explode as prices come down and range goes up. Which is why this won’t be the only electric MINI in this next generation. BMW is also planning an all electric Countryman which will be sold alongside a mild-hybrid ICE version as well.

Confused yet? You’re not alone. Not every variant will be available in every region but it’s safe to say that the success of the electric MINI Cooper SE has made MINI strategists realize the importance of being aggressive with this transition.

Here’s a quick view of what we believe we’ll see from the brand from 2021 to 2025:

• 2023: All-Electric small MINI (potentially based on the same platform as the Ora Kat)
• 2023-2024: Petrol powered ICE MINI 3-door/MINI 5-door/MINI Convertible
• 2025: Electric crossover (Likely a version of the
• 2023: MINI Countryman
• 2024: MINI Countryman XL (name TBD)

The post Rumor: the Next Generation Electric MINI To Be Based on the Ora Kat appeared first on MotoringFile.

OFFICIAL RELEASE

BIGLOVE is the MINI way of showing how two small words can inspire positive action. Ever since the brand was born in 1959, MINI has been all about doing more with less and finding the most creative ways to use space. The current campaign being run by the British premium brand goes one step further. #BIGLOVE is an expression of diversity embraced in practice in all its forms, welcoming fresh thinking and new ideas no matter where they come from. At the IAA Mobility 2021 in Munich, the MINI brand presented its path towards more sustainable mobility and an inclusive future for everyone based on the claim “We’re all different, but pretty good together”.

For the duration of the trade fair, under the motto “BIG LOVE from Munich”, MINI contributed to the revitalisation of the vibrant industrial site in the suburbs of Munich called “Sugar Mountain”, which focuses on creativity, sport, personal fulfilment and community. The site of the former concrete factory is now enhanced by a multi-coloured mural on an old tower, designed by London-based artist Lakwena Maciver especially for the occasion. Lakwena’s artistic style thrives on bold statements and bright colours. Her aim is to make art accessible to everyone. This is why she mainly paints in public spaces, bringing art to people who might otherwise not have access to it. This approach makes her the perfect partner for MINI, conveyed in the messages that appear in her colourful mural with the words “DIFFERENT BUT GOOD TOGETHER” and “BIG LOVE”. The installation will continue to embellish the district of Obersendling in Munich after the IAA Mobility 2021 is over.

Sugar Mountain represented the kick-off of MINI’s IAA “Big love from Munich” campaign with MINI friends taking part in a wide range of activities here. Exciting matches on the World Club Tennis Court, high-speed races on the BMX pump track and laid-back tricks on the Jam Skate Park – they had plenty of space to spontaneously engage in sports or express their own personal style. There was also the opportunity to improve their DJ skills at a DJ set master class, with the sound of relaxed beats providing the perfect background for people to meet and relax in the spacious community area.

Furthermore, adventurers and outdoor lovers alike experienced an urban campsite with the AUTOHOME special edition roof tents for the MINI Countryman. The roof tents, produced for the first time with recycled materials, are made with bottles collected from the ocean and fully match the brand’s design and the MINI pioneering spirit, where every day offers new sustainable adventures and perspectives.

MINI’s IAA BIG LOVE campaign continued in the MINI Pavillon at Lenbachplatz in Munich where visitors were able to take part in a variety of activities from culinary to sport. With displays created by British fashion designer Paul Smith, the MINI Pavilion was also transformed into a fascinating and versatile hotspot for fresh ideas. The MINI STRIP, a custom-made one-off car by Paul Smith in collaboration with MINI, presented here focused on the topics of sustainability and innovation for increased environmental protection. The MINI STRIP shines the spotlight on an innovative approach to the issue of sustainability in automotive manufacturing. Guided by the overarching theme of ‘Simplicity, Transparency, Sustainability’, the car showcases inspirational ideas for a more sustainable method of automotive design.

Visitors also had the opportunity to find out about the future design of individual mobility and urban living spaces through displays and panel discussions involving designers and visionaries from the creative tech start-ups that are being supported in connection with the MINI Start-up Accelerator URBAN-X. The ideas presented were then debated live with thought leaders from the dialogue platform “The Sooner Now” under the motto “The city of tomorrow is made today”.

This dialogue between visionaries and the MINI community during the IAA Mobility 2021 in Munich was thus entirely dedicated to the crucial issues of our time facing MINI: urban mobility, sustainability, cosmopolitanism and individuality. In this way, the future-oriented brand was able to leave behind positive stimuli and a feeling that lasts – #BIGLOVE.

The post MINI and the IAA Mobility 2021: #BIGLOVE appeared first on MotoringFile.

The radical MINI Urbanaut concept is being considered for production according to MINI head of Design Oliver Heilmer. As first reported on Autocar, the brand is looking at the feasibility of such a radical concept from a production and engineering standpoint. If green-lit, the concept would likely be at least 5 years away from reality.

“As you can imagine, it’s a long process. It’s a different platform [to any current Mini], and from a technical point of view it’s a challenge as it has things like steer by wire that’s not in production yet. But we’ll never give up on it.”

Oliver Heilmer.

The MINI Urbanaut is both a radical step for the brand as one that fits neatly into the original ethos of the classic Mini. Small on the outside (4.5 meters long) but with massive space on the inside, the Urbanaut is designed to appeal to young families looking for more space and flexibility. It’s also the anti-SUV in as world full of them.

The Urbanaut gives us glimpses of the front of the next generation MINI (at a high-level mind you) and an early look at a much simplified design language we’ll be seeing.

That design language has its origins in the 1959 Mini. More specifically the simplicity and minimalism we see here was inspired by the brand’s past. To us it feels both more modern and inline with where the brand started over 60 years ago.

MINI sees trends and data pointing to the potential resurgence of MPVs (as their called in Europe) having a comeback towards the end of the decade. And while the concept of a MINI MPV hasn’t been officially approved, it was an idea the design team wanted to explore as a way to test new ideas and stretch the MINI design DNA. 

But Oliver Heilmer was quick to point out that the Urbanaut is dramatically different than the classic MPV. He wanted to create something that was entirely variable depending on the situation and environment. A concept that could seamlessly blend into the owners life far more than a car (which is parked the majority of the time) could ever integrate.

This is a room concept so it’s dramatically different from that. We’re talking about a multi-functional Swiss knife with the Urbanaut. You’re able to use it in different moments and transform it. So the approach is entirely different. 

Oliver Heilmer
Head of MINI Design

But it’s hard to get past how uncool the MPV or classic minivan has become in most corners of the world. To that, MINI’s head Bernd Koerber had a very straightforward answer; “We won’t make a practical MPV if it’s not cool.” And he expects to see more concepts like this from other brands in the near future – which could in itself start to sway public towards the idea.

MINI Urbanaut Photo Gallery

The post MINI Urbanaut Being Considered for Production appeared first on MotoringFile.

The very first motor show in over 18 months is here and MINI is finally showing off the Urbanaut concept first seen in digital form last December. Read on for the full details.

OFFICIAL RELEASE

Urban mobility, sustainability, cosmopolitanism and individuality are at the focus of dialogue with visionaries and the community at numerous locations in the Munich city area. MINI Brand Hub in the MINI Pavilion on Lenbachplatz will be the “place to be” at IAA 2021. Urban mobility and sustainability are the central themes of the International Motor Show (IAA) 2021, which will be held for the first time in Munich, the headquarters of the BMW Group, where it will become a forum for lectures and discussions on the future of individual transport and living together in urban centres. MINI is enriching this dialogue at IAA Mobility 2021 with innovations and visions for locally emission-free driving fun, consistent resource conservation, individuality and emotionally powerful experiences. The motto #BIGLOVE chosen by MINI refers to both protecting the climate and the environment as well as to interpersonal contacts. In this way, taking responsibility for the natural foundations of life meets cosmopolitan and non-discriminatory cooperation in the worldwide MINI community.

At IAA Mobility 2021, MINI will be seeking dialogue with the public in various formats and at several locations in the Bavarian capital. At the Summit at the Munich exhibition centre, the focus will be on the topics of electrification and digitalisation. The “Open Space” on Max-Joseph-Platz in the city centre serves as a stage for new mobility concepts in urban transport. As the MINI Brand Hub, the MINI Pavilion on Lenbachplatz will be an oasis of inspiration and a place for getting together in a relaxed atmosphere. The current exhibition at BMW Welt shows the entire model range of the British premium brand.

The various locations of IAA Mobility 2021 will be connected via the Blue Lane, which will run through the city area and offer visitors the opportunity to enjoy locally emission-free driving fun in the all-electric MINI Cooper SE (combined power consumption: 17.6 – 15.2 kWh/100 km according to WLTP, 16.9 – 14.9 kWh/100 km according to NEDC). An online streaming service will broadcast the highlights of IAA Mobility 2021 digitally to the entire world, either live or as a recording.

The Summit at the exhibition centre.
The Munich exhibition centre is the venue for the so-called Summit, where traditional exhibition activities are combined with new forms of communication. MINI will be staged in the exhibition halls with the full focus on electric driving fun. The highlight there will be the MINI Electric Pacesetter inspired by JCW. With its agile driving characteristics and all-electric drive, the car has recently proven itself outstandingly on the tight street circuits of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. In addition, the exhibition stand, which can be experienced interactively and is designed in the style of an inner-city industrial setting, offers an overview of the brand history, the current range of vehicles with electrified drive systems and visions for the future of urban mobility.

The all-electric MINI Cooper SE and the plug-in hybrid model MINI Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 will be on show there (fuel consumption combined: 2.1 – 1.7 l/100 km. The popularity of these two models recently ensured that in the first half of 2021 more than 15% worldwide, and in Germany as much as 30%, of all MINI brand vehicles sold are already electrified. To highlight its versatile character and as inspiration for taking trips into the countryside, the MINI Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 is presented at the Summit with a roof tent from the Italian manufacturer Autohome that harmonises with the MINI design among other things.

In addition, the latest MINI Lifestyle Collection, the smartphone-based digital service MINI Sharing and the latest version of the MINI App will be shown at the Summit. The universal digital interface between the MINI and its driver offers new functions for convenient navigation as well as helpful charging support for plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles. The MINI Vision Urbanaut will also be shown as part of a digital presentation. Another glimpse into the future of mobility and coexistence in urban areas is provided by the URBAN-X programme, an accelerator for tech start-ups founded by MINI, whose ideas and projects will also be presented at the Summit.

Open Space in the city centre.
The physical model of the MINI Vision Urbanaut will be on display in the Open Space on Max-Joseph-Platz in the immediate vicinity of the State Opera and the Residenztheater. There, visitors can learn about current innovations and pioneering concepts for sustainable mobility and discuss ideas and strategies for the urban transport of tomorrow with experts. Creating dialogue between exhibitors and the public is one of the key innovations of IAA in 2021. The MINI Vision Urbanaut will also be a talking point. The study, which can be experienced by the public for the first time as a real vehicle in the MINI Urban Hub, embodies the future of sustainable design and a new interpretation of the brand’s typical “clever use of space”. The all-electric vision vehicle not only conveys the freedom of individual mobility, but can also be used as a place of retreat or as a meeting area to exchange ideas with friends.

MINI Pavilion on Lenbachplatz.
With the MINI Pavilion on Lenbachplatz, the British brand has an attractive meeting place in the city centre area that is set to become an absolute “place to be” during IAA Mobility 2021. There, the focus is not on the cars, but on the general attitude of the brand, which is expressed in the motto #BIGLOVE. Exhibitions, presentations and discussions as well as a diverse entertainment and cultural programme await visitors in the historic building, which MINI shares with several renowned partners from the fields of lifestyle, design and technology. Among other things, presentations are planned by tech start-ups that deal with the future design of urban living spaces and are supported by MINI as part of the Startup Accelerator URBAN-X. At another live event with thought leaders under the motto “The city of tomorrow is created today”, the dialogue platform “The Sooner Now” is also hosted in the MINI Pavilion.

In addition, the design of the MINI Pavilion is dominated by a new collaboration between MINI and the British designer Paul Smith. The aim it to jointly design solutions that focus even more strongly on the topic of sustainability. Sir Paul Smith has long been one of Britain’s best-known menswear designers. At the end of the 1990s, he designed a limited special series of the classic Mini in a shade of blue he created, as well as a one-off with a paint finish in the typical multicolour stripe design. The first result of the new collaboration is a unique current MINI model, which can be admired in the MINI Pavilion at IAA Mobility 2021.

MINI product range on display at BMW Welt.
Another port of call for visitors to IAA Mobility 2021 is the BMW Welt at the Olympic Park. The futuristically designed experience centre also houses a MINI brand world in which the current model range and numerous other products are on show. In addition to the wide range of current models for the premium small car and premium compact segments – from the MINI Cooper SE to the extremely sporty John Cooper Works models – the new products from the MINI Lifestyle Collection will also be shown there. The MINI Vision Urbanaut and the URBAN-X initiative are also represented in the MINI Area with digital presentations.

The post MINI Urbanaut Debuting at the 2021 Munich IAA Mobility appeared first on MotoringFile.

Full crew this week and we jump right into Gabe’s first impression of the 2021 MINI Convertible. He spent 1,000 miles with it and thought it was a great car. Watch for his upcoming review at MotoringFile. Plus a whole bunch of other MINI stuff that we actually got to talk about. Sweet!

Don’t forget to check out MotoringStripes and Detroit Tuned. And, if you would be so kind to take a few minutes to fill out the survey, we would really, REALLY, appreciate it.

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The David Brown Remastered Classic Mini is a retro-modded Mini of the highest order. And now there’s a new version called the Oselli Edition that’s even further enhanced and track focused. Carfection took the car on track to see just how thoroughly remastered this car is.

But what doesremastered mean? Start with a classic Mini and then do a complete restoration down to the bare metal. From there add modern features and conveniences and finish them all off with all the craftsmanship you’d expect in a bespoke English car.

Yet they cost over £100,000 and that’s without any options. A recent test drive from Autocar featured at version with an MSRP of £130,000. How could a Mini possibly be this expensive? This is a car that takes 1400 hours to produce and is fill of the meticulous quality and exceptional materials. the process starts with a donor car sourced usually from the late 1980s/1990s Mini editions. Through a complex process of de-seaming, strengthening and e-coating, they future-proof the original frame to combat corrosion. New bodies are formed from original British Motor Heritage tooling, painted and fitted with fine detail touches. Case in point look at the wing mirrors, fuel filler cap, LED light fittings and central twin exhausts, which give the original engine (bored out to 1445cc a healthy 125 bhp.

David Brown Remastered Classic Mini – Full Specifications

The post David Brown Remastered Classic Mini – Track Review appeared first on MotoringFile.

The MINI John Cooper Works Team is returning to the hallowed grounds of Road America where the team has seen success for years. The MINI JCW Team will once again field cars in both the Touring Car (TC) and Touring Car A (TCA)  classes for the 2021 SRO TC America series. The #60 wide-body MINI JCW PRO competing in the TC class will be piloted by team veteran driver Derek Jones while fellow team member Clay Williams will pilot the #62 MINI JCW in the TCA class.

“We were able to do a lot of work on both cars over the long break since VIR and the team is well rested and ready to have a strong weekend,” said Luis Perocarpi, team owner, LAP Motorsports. “We are also very proud to once again have amazing support from the local dealers here in the region who have sent in MINI service technicians to keep the cars running in top performance condition all weekend.”

While both cars will be competitive it’ll be interesting to see how the new MINI JCW PRO wide-body race car takes to the ultra-fast 4.1 miles Road America circuit.

A Crew of MINI Service Technicians

The MINI JCW Team will have their usual fulltime race crew supported by four service technicians from MINI dealerships across the Central Region, including two technicians from MINI of Glencoe in Glencoe, IL, one technician from MINI of Orland Park in Orland Park, IL and one from International MINI in Milwaukee, WI.  These are the same technicians that repair customer MINIs and have proven time and again that their knowledge transfers to the racing world.

The Wide-Body MINI JCW PRO Race Car

The new MINI JCW PRO is a MINI John Cooper Works Hardtop that has been engineered and modified using both original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and components from across the MINI line up and aftermarket performance parts. While we particularly the wide stance and wing those modifications in particular were required to to meet the technical rules and regulations of the more competitive TC class. Also new is a revised tune which gives the B48 more boost allowing it to compete against the much higher horsepower cars like the BMW M2 and Civic SI.

Visually inspired by the third generation MINI John Cooper Works GP launched in 2020, the #60 MINI JCW PRO is a MINI John Cooper Works Hardtop that has been engineered and modified using both original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and components from across the MINI line up and aftermarket performance parts in order to meet the technical rules and regulations required to compete in the TC class. The GP-inspired visual cues presented on the #60 MINI JCW PRO, including the paint scheme and front grill and fender, also help to meet requirements of the series to differentiate the TC versus TCA race cars while on the track.

The Race

The MINI John Cooper Works team is looking to build on the momentum from the start of the season after taking three podiums at Sonoma Raceway in pursuit of the team’s third Manufacturer’s Championship in a row in the series. The MINI JCW Team also won Manufacturer’s Championship in 2018 in the final season of the Street Tuner class of the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge Series, where the team finished ahead of BMW, Porsche and Mazda.

Both races will be streamed live at YouTube.com/GTWorld. In addition, the MINI John Cooper Works Team will provide live updates on practice, qualifying and race sessions in addition to timing and scoring across the team’s social media channels including Facebook and Instagram.

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We get lots of future product related questions in the MF email but there’s been one that has been overwhelmingly popular lately. Will there be an electric MINI Countryman? It’s a great question of course. This is MINI’s most popular model in most markets and represents a significant segment for the brand. So it’s perhaps unsurprising that MINI is indeed planning an electric MINI Countryman. And not just one.

The next generation MINI Countryman range will debut likely in late 2022 as a 2023 model. From our sources the plan has been to release petrol models and identical electric models almost simultaneously.

Ultimately we expect 3-4 mild-hybrid petrol models plus a plug-in hybrid. Similarly the electric MINI Countryman will likely have at least two models that span the normal Cooper and Cooper S trims and perhaps even something JCW related.

Cost and range are very much TBD but given what we know about the current iX3 and BMW’s stated strategy we’d expect an EPA range of over 200 miles.

The Electric MINI Countryman – Revolution, Not Evolution

We’ll leave you with this little nugget. While MINI will be very cautious with the exterior redesign of the next generation hatch, the plan is to be much more revolutionary with the Countryman. And that’s not to mention the larger crossover coming. Oh did we mention that’ll be available as an electric too? The next few years should be interesting.

Have any other questions? As always shoot us a note via the contact form.

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OFFICIAL RELEASE

MINI announces the paw-fect partnership with Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, on a mission to help dogs travel happier across the nation and become the first officially dog-friendly car retailer by 2022. 

With 12.5 million dogs in the UK, one in three households now include a dog[1], meaning man’s faithful friend has never been more prevalent in our lives, or our communities.

David George, Director of MINI UK says, “Born from our entire team’s passion for dogs, we are so excited to be partnering with Dogs Trust, an organisation that is very close to my heart after we adopted our Lurcher, Harry from them three years ago. 

“With more dogs in families now than ever before, we want to help make sure they travel safely and enjoy the ride. It’s just as important to us that our four-legged customers love being in a MINI as much as the drivers do and we have had a lot of fun letting dogs of all shapes and sizes put our cars through the ultimate tail-wagging tests. As our partnership continues we are really looking forward to working with Dogs Trust to help us support our MINI and dog-loving customers across the car buying and ownership journey, as we strive to become the UK’s first officially dog-friendly car retailer.”

Whilst all MINI UK retailers will be welcoming dogs through the doors with important doggy equipment such as bowls and mats, MINI will also be working with Dogs Trust canine behaviour experts to educate consumers on best practice for happy dog car journeys. 

Dr Jenna Kiddie, Head of Canine Behaviour at Dogs Trust says, “As the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, we’re delighted to be part of MINI’s journey to becoming fully dog friendly.

“It’s really important that your car is right for the whole family, including your four-legged passenger, whose needs and safety requirements are slightly different to ours. It’s wonderful to see MINI, such an iconic automotive brand, considering the needs of dog owners, so they can make sure their beloved canine family members are safe and comfortable when on the road.”

A recent survey conducted among MINI UK customers showed that 9 in 10 dogs (91%) are happy riding in a MINI, rising to 95% for MINI Clubman owners[2], confirming every MINI model has features that make it ideal for dog owners.

Helping the dogs of the UK to travel happier, MINI stocks a range of dog travel products which includes a dog guard and rear compartment mat, everything MINI owners need to ensure their dog is safe, comfortable, and content in their vehicle.

So, whether your family includes a Miniature Dachshund or a Doberman, MINI can ensure life is as bright from the boot as it is from behind the wheel! The generous boot space of the MINI Countryman, the convenient split rear doors of the MINI Clubman, ease of access, smooth handling, high quality interiors and the new dog pack, mean that every pooch can be matched with its perfect MINI partner.

Watch the film here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNb0l4rcf6E 

Visit the new MINI Dogs Hub to find out more: https://www.mini.co.uk/en_GB/home/mini-dogs-hub.html

To sniff out your local showroom and find out more about the MINI UK and Dogs Trust partnership, please visit www.mini.co.uk. 

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OFFICIAL RELEASE

MINI UK has revealed the UK’s top ten wildest beauty locations, helping MINI Countryman owners beat the busiest spots for an off the beaten track adventure this summer.

From waterways to peaks and underground caves, over 100 nature-based locations across Britain were identified and judged against two sets of criteria to measure both popularity[1] and wildness[2]. The average of these scores then determined the best, undiscovered and wild hidden gems of 2021. 

Taking the number one spot is Uyea in Shetland, Scotland, an uninhabited island which lies off the Northmavine peninsula and is only accessible at low tide.  There are several natural arches along its rocky coastline and challenging rock climbs, making it the perfect destination for the avid adventurer.

Here are the top ten ranked ‘wild wonder’ destinations;

The MINI Countryman SUV is the ideal companion for a wild, go-anywhere adventure, offering the perfect balance of space and versatility. It has plenty of room on the inside to pack everything owners need to explore the great outdoors, plus the roof rack means bringing along bikes, surfboards or extra luggage is made easy.  

The post MINI Names Top Ten Most Wild Locations in the UK appeared first on MotoringFile.

his week catching up with Chad finally, talk about the Paul Smith MINI and Todd has the scoop on HK availability in upcoming deliveries and an interview with our buddy Pat McKenna that was done by Kurt Hieden at MINIs on Top! Oh, and Gabe is a jerk (his words!)!

2 things. #1, we want to see your #whiteroofradio! Show us your stickers or show us WRR on your playback device. Take to Twitter or Instagram, tag us and use the #whiteroofradio hashtag! #2, listen to the end of the show. Then, if you have a minute, send us a note, we want to hear from you. Good or bad. We want to hear it!

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The MINI Strip is a one-off concept created in conjunction with famed British Designer Paul Smith. While that may sound like a vanity project the sources tell us it’s far from that. Like any concept, there are many hints of design ideas and aesthetic choices that will heavily influence the next generation of MINIs – especially inside the car.

What the MINI Strip Tells Us About the Interior of the Next MINI

The MINI Strip’s shocking approach to design is led by the desire to be as minimal and sustainable as possible. Gone are the foams and plastics and in their place organic recycled materials that bring never before seen texture and warmth to an interior. And there’s simplification as well with a dramatically simplified components designed with manufacturing processes intended to produce less waste. All of these concepts are destined for the next generation MINI range to debut in 2023.

While the MINI Strip takes these concepts to extremes (there’s no infotainment screen for example), there is plenty here that directly point to the future of the brand. The elimination of leather, plastic and polyurethane foam is expected across the new MINI range as is a simplified design intended to reduce parts.

As much as anything it will be the shift in materials that will define this new approach to design. Where the ahead of its time BMW i3 brought plant-based dashboards, sustainably sourced wood and recycled plastic but still tried to adhere to typical automotive design patterns, the next generation MINI will go further. Door pulls from nylon cords? Perhaps. But more certain will be the liberal usage of recycled organic materials that look less like the dashboards and door cards we know and something entirely different.

And where the current MINI uses a design language full of swoops and curves, look for much simpler shapes and components in an effort to reduce waste in the production process.

The hints of this directional change have been there for some time. But there’s no better place to see it then in our recent conversation of MINI head of Design Oliver Heilmer. There he clearly lays out the thinking behind this shift and what he sees as the future of the brand.

For those worried about that overhang don’t be. It will be getting smaller. But more on that later.

We’ll leave you with a couple of his more telling statements…

MotoringFile: Where do you see inspiration in reducing elements and simplification?

Oliver Heilmer: Everything is getting more intense in terms of inspiration. I carry two phone with me and we all have so many devices. Yet you often feel like you need to calm down. Yes devices are becoming simpler (no button on an iPhone etc). But focusing on what’s important.. .this is a trend we see emerging. From one year to another it’s a wish of everyone. 

In the furniture industry we already see this concept happening. But it’s not to leave things out but focusing on the details that remain. 

We’re trying to reduce MINIs design exactly for that reason. The elements that are still there are important. And we need to pay much more attention on what matters in order to enhance what matters for the customer. It’s not a new idea. We’re always reflecting on the first Mini in 1959 and trying to analyze what the first Mini had and if that’s something we need to have in the future. 

We look at what’s is ornamental and what do we need to take out? There’s still a need for differentiation between models… but on the other hand looking into each of those characters, we need to try to reduce things as much possible. 

You see this in the LCI in the interior where we tried to reduce shut lines and eliminate small parts.  

It’s often the past that inspires us. We actually looked at the 8 track player recently. They are so simple! There’s so much love in those details. It’s not necessarily in design perspective but functional perspective. They just work. It’s exactly what we are trying to achieve.

MF: What is essential and non-negotiable in terms of MINI design?

OH: We’ve looked at everything. We’ve even looked at … do we need round headlights? What if we got rid of everything? We’re constantly working with engineering, marketing and even customers when we think about the future. Within that process we’re coming conclusions on what elements are non negotiable. And since MINI isn’t one car, it’s not always one answer. 

On the hatch there’s a lot of things I don’t want to touch because of how iconic it is. We’re adjusting those elements in the future but not eliminating them. In the Countryman there could be a different approach.

But it’s a process that starts with the 2021 refresh and something we’re working on now for the next generation MINI.

The post Influenced by the MINI Strip, The Next MINI Will Be Reimagined Inside Out appeared first on MotoringFile.

The long awaited Paul Smith MINI is here and it points to the brand’s much more sustainably focused future. While this is a one-off, the MINI Strip is interesting in context to the brand’s transformation over the years. Guided by the overarching theme of ‘Simplicity, Transparency, Sustainability’, the concept showcases inspirational ideas for a more sustainable method of automotive design.

The concept is rather straightforward in that it’s a MINI stripped down to its core. That means the only thing here are components deemed absolutely necessary. It’s a very different approach to design and one that points to the future of the brand.

OFFICIAL RELEASE

Munich/London. The MINI STRIP (co-)created by Paul Smith is celebrating its world premiere in London on 12 August 2021. This custom-made one-off car is a product of the collaboration between MINI and Paul Smith announced in November 2020, which has resulted in these two iconic British brands sharing creative thoughts on sustainable design for the past few months. The MINI STRIP shines the spotlight on an innovative approach to the issue of sustainability in automotive manufacturing.

As the name suggests, the process began by completely stripping down a three-door MINI Cooper SE and reducing it to its structural essence. Only those elements that the designer viewed as absolutely necessary were then defined, implemented and put in place – with sustainability taking a front seat.

“For me, the MINI STRIP shows in an impressive way that MINI and Paul Smith share the same bold way of thinking about the future in terms of innovation and design – and together we create more. Paul asked essential questions right at the start of the design process with his non-automotive and therefore fresh perspective. We are proud to have developed such a strong character statement together.“ explains Oliver Heilmer, Head of MINI Design.

An outside perspective provides an important source of inspiration.
MINI has always been receptive to views from beyond its universe; they help the brand to sharpen its view of itself and of how it approaches challenges. As a designer with a passion for bicycles, books and much more besides, Paul Smith asked questions that provided fresh new impetus to explore beyond the obvious. “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to rethink the iconic MINI,” he says. “I know and love the existing car, but by respecting the past and looking to the future we have created something very special. I feel very privileged that the MINI team have given me the confidence and freedom to think laterally about the approach to the design of the car. Together I think we have created something truly unique, by going back to basics, reducing things down and stripping the car.”

The design – the perfect imperfection.
The jointly-led process applied the principle of maximum reduction to produce a minimalist, high-class design with a fresh and unconventional appeal. Numerous clever touches endow the exterior of the three-door MINI Cooper SE with a totally unique aesthetic. Raw materials are a very deliberate part of the exterior design. This meant the body was left in its unfinished state with no coloured paint applied, but instead just a thin film of transparent paint to protect against corrosion. Grinding marks from the factory have been consciously left intact on the galvanised steel panels to clearly identify the car as a functional object and robust companion for everyday life. This intentionally rough-hewn effect was also dubbed “the perfect imperfection” by Paul Smith.

The design – the perfect imperfection.
The jointly-led process applied the principle of maximum reduction to produce a minimalist, high-class design with a fresh and unconventional appeal. Numerous clever touches endow the exterior of the three-door MINI Cooper SE with a totally unique aesthetic. Raw materials are a very deliberate part of the exterior design. This meant the body was left in its unfinished state with no coloured paint applied, but instead just a thin film of transparent paint to protect against corrosion. Grinding marks from the factory have been consciously left intact on the galvanised steel panels to clearly identify the car as a functional object and robust companion for everyday life. This intentionally rough-hewn effect was also dubbed “the perfect imperfection” by Paul Smith.

The unaffected expressiveness of the materials.
Sections of the familiar MINI black band are 3D-printed from recycled plastic and their basic material qualities have been left exposed, like the metal panels. Bicycle enthusiast Smith – who enjoys rolling up his sleeves occasionally and replacing or modifying individual parts of his road bikes himself – provided the inspiration for the visible screws in the add-on parts, which show how simple dismantling would be and how easily the vehicle could be reincorporated into the raw-material cycle at the end of its service life. The functional and distinctive front and rear apron inserts were likewise manufactured in a 3D printing process, which produced their striking texture.

The blanked-off radiator grille of the MINI STRIP and its wheel covers help to reduce drag in hallmark electric car fashion, thereby increasing its theoretical range. The grille trim and aerodynamic covers on the wheels are made from recycled Perspex, saving both weight and resources. Recycled Perspex was also used for the large panoramic roof that allows curious eyes to view the largely bare structure of the bodyshell inside.

A love of detail. 
MINI calls it a ‘twinkle in the eye’, Paul Smith a ‘classic with a twist’ – both refer to unexpected details such as high-contrast colour accents that are only revealed through the designers’ work at second or third glance, betraying their fondness for details. The same is true of the MINI STRIP: Opening the doors reveals the signature Paul Smith stripes in a vivid composition of five colours. The charging flap adds a splash of neon green when opened, while the engraved drawing of an electric plug on the flap is Paul Smith’s own work.

Radical reduction in the interior. 
The MINI STRIP holds true to the motto of ‘Simplicity and Transparency’ on the inside, too, courtesy of some radical stripping-back. All trim parts have been purposefully omitted (with the exception of the dashboard, topper pad and parcel shelf), turning the bodyshell into the dominant visual feature of the cabin. It has been coloured blue at the explicit request of Paul Smith, producing a particularly eye-catching effect. The exposed basic material and intense blue tone give the interior an aesthetic appeal all of its own; it is bare yet feels “dressed” at the same time.

Instead of the usual multi-part design, the dashboard consists solely of a large, semi-transparent section with a smoked-glass finish. Taking its cue from MINI design’s traditional use of circular elements, the geometry has been greatly simplified with a far more graphical interpretation. There is no classical centre instrument, leaving the driver’s smartphone to take centre stage instead. It is placed where the centre display would normally be, connects automatically to the car and, in so doing, becomes the media control centre. The only physical controls in the interior are located lower down in the centre stack, where the toggle switches for the power windows and the start/stop function can be found.

Innovative materials conserve resources.
Alongside the minimalist geometric design inside the MINI STRIP, the use of recycled, environment-friendly materials also underpins the car’s sustainability credentials. The interior is completely free of both leather and chrome, with seats upholstered in a knitted fabric. The completely mono-material design for the seat coverings means they are fully recyclable, including the piping, allowing material circularity to be maintained. The floor mats are made from recycled rubber. Their terrazzo-like pattern is a by-product of the recycling and manufacturing process and positively showcases the multi-coloured constituent elements enjoying a second life as part of this material.

The dashboard topper pad, door shoulders and parcel shelf also display a highly simplified geometry and are made from recycled cork. The type of cork used here doesn’t contain any synthetic binding agents and is also fully recyclable. With its pleasing firmness combined with a soft feel, cork could provide a substitute for foamed plastics in future. Due to cork’s recyclability and its status as a renewable raw material that actually “fixes” carbon dioxide during its production, there is potential here for reducing greenhouse gases. Another positive side effect of knitted fabric and cork is that they are both open-pore materials that enhance interior acoustics.

Minimalist and functional – the details.
The steering wheel, which is also a focal point of the interior, has been reduced to the most essential functions. Its rim has been wrapped in handlebar tape in true road bike style. Three aluminium spokes connect the rim to the steering wheel’s impact absorber, whose mesh covering makes it possible to see the airbag behind. As on the outside of the car, there are visible screws here showing how easy it would be to dismantle the steering wheel at a later date and reuse the aluminium. A small fabric Paul Smith label in the one o’clock position is one of the pointers to the collaboration that can be found in the interior.

The door panels are made from the same mesh material that covers the airbag. The door structure can be clearly seen behind the mesh panels, which are held within a frame. The transparency of the knitted mesh changes according on the angle of view, adding a further dimension to the interior’s appearance. The pull handles in the door shoulders are made from wound climbing rope and, together with the matching seat belts, liven up the interior with their bright orange finish. Like the pull handles, the door openers in milled aluminium are housed in the cork door shoulders and provide a high-class finishing touch for the door area. As the eye wanders further up the door, it arrives at the exposed airbag unit in the roof pillar. This has the same effect as the visible cable routing in the interior, deliberately drawing attention to functions that are normally concealed during manufacture and employing them to aesthetically agreeable effect.

Sparking ideas for a more sustainable future.
Form follows function in all the ingenious details incorporated into the MINI STRIP. Simplicity, transparency and sustainability formed the central themes of the design process and shine through in every aspect of the car. This has enabled the MINI STRIP to translate MINI’s Creative Use of Space philosophy into a radical and fundamental redesign of a MINI – especially in the interior. As such, it can provide a catalyst for more sustainable use of resources in automotive design.

Paul Smith MINI – Gallery

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The waive is not dead. But there’s no question it’s not what it used to be in the MINI community. MINI USA wants to change that and is doing something rather bold about it. The brand has created a “WTF” (Wave to Friends) Day with effort to bring back the friendly wave tradition among MINI owners on the birthday of the brand. National MINI Wave to Friends (WTF) Day, which will join an already significant date in MINI’s history – August 26 – the birthday of MINI back in 1959. 

OFFICIAL RELEASE: MINI USA Announces WTF Day

Over the past few years, the MINI Wave has fallen out of common use, prompting many owners and even MINI headquarters to proclaim: “WTF!”

The new national holiday with its attention-grabbing acronym – which actually doesn’t mean what some may initially think – encourages MINI owners of any tenure to “be the waver” by gesturing to fellow MINI drivers on the road – not only on National MINI WTF Day but every day of the year going forward.  An age-old tradition in the MINI community, the friendly and welcoming “MINI Wave” has been a signature gesture among MINI owners that reinforced a sense of camaraderie that came with buying a MINI.

“We believe that MINI is the only car that comes standard with friends,” said Mike Peyton, Chief Motorer & Vice President, MINI of the Americas. “This initiative is designed to renew that friendly and welcoming spirit and show our MINI owners how many other MINI friends they have out on the road.”

The social and digital media campaign supporting National MINI WFT Day starts today, with the messaging to remain an important brand theme moving forward. The campaign was teased earlier this month on MINI USA’s social media handles by featuring actual social posts from owners showing their frustration with other owners not reciprocating the wave when waved upon.

“The wave is just another way of showing that while we’re all different, we’re even better together,” added Peyton. “MINI has always been a unique and iconic brand that welcomes and invites anyone and everyone into the community with a friendly wave and open arms.”

MINI WTF Day adds to a long list of community holidays and events, including MINI TAKES THE STATES, MINI Together and the new National Day of Motoring, that provide owners a nationwide, active and inclusive network for sharing their love for the drive and the MINI brand.

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