One thing I love about writing about car gadgets is that every time you think you’ve found the strangest thing ever, and no matter how much you SINCERELY mean that this (whatever this it is you’re writing about) is THE strangest thing ever, within a matter of days along will come something else to trump it.

You’re constantly surprised in this business, and in a way, that’s awesome.

So imagine my shock when I’m reading AskMen’s top ten useless car gadgets list (guys, come on–the Bose Media System doesn’t count as a useless gadget because you’d rather listen to ENGINE NOISE) and I come across a real shocker.

Apparently, curb feelers never went out of style, and they’ve gone digital.  Called the Park Distance Control, it basically helps you figure out when a space is too small to park your Mini in or if you can hack it, and once you can, gives you some help in getting in safely.  As we all remember from driver’s ed, parallel parking is an epic-scale pain in the tukhus.

I can’t imagine anyone, however, having this much trouble parking a Mini Cooper.  Now, some van or pickup or LeBehemoth-class SUV from GM might be a different call, but a Mini Cooper might well be the class of vehicle that LEAST needs parking help.  It’s like putting a second story on your pickup bed.

Tags: curb feelers, mini cooper, Park Distance Control, Parking, parking aid

To some, the above paint job would look like nothing more than a mess but to New York artist KR, it’s a work of art. Honestly though, this artistic style is what KR called Krink and Mini has let the artist perform said art style on one of their vehicles. The result? The KRINK MINI.

The KRINK MINI went on display in Hamberg last week and was met with positive reception which I don’t doubt because it looks damn cool.

When can you buy one of these? Most likely never.

via autoblog

Tags: artist, krink, Mini, paint job

Recent reports have surfaced that let us know MINI has finally selected a group of people to test drive and lease their MINI E all electric vehicle. The group is by no means big, only 40, but they do get off a bit better than us Americans by only having to pay around $640 while we are stuck paying $850.

MINI says MINI E lease shipments will be completed sometime before this holiday season with most of the vehicles being delivered to places like Oxford and London.

via autoexpress

Tags: all electric, lease, London, Mini E, oxford, UK

Apparently the New Zealand Mini Cooper market is the strongest on earth, because two new models have been announced specifically for that market.  Two limited edition MINI John Cooper Works World Championship 50 models will be made available for purchase.

Sure, it’s especially good news if you A. love tiny cars beyond all reason and rationality or B. loved the movie The Italian Job like no tomorrow and can’t wait to go pezzing aroudn in their tiny car.

It’ll be a bit of a wait, however, before you can get your hands on one of these, even if you ARE interested in owning one: they’re not intended to come out until April of 2010.

Tags: Cooper, john cooper, john cooper works world championship fifty, mini cooper, New Zealand

Recent reports have surfaced that BMW has a brand new 0 Series in the works based on the Mini platform. Seeing as the entire Mini lineup is, well, mini we’re going to guess that this new 0 Series will be a quite small one.

The need for such a series apparently came about by the demands of consumers looking for increasingly smaller vehicles. You know, the smaller the car, the better gas mileage? Yeah, that kind of thing. Further reports suggest that there will be several vehicles in the 0 Series lineup including a 3-door and 5-sdoor hatback along with some sort of convertible model.

As always, we’ll keep you posted.

via motoringfile

Tags: 0 series, BMW, Mini, platform, rumor

According to MotoringFile, MINI will be announcing in the following days that they will be bumping the sticker price of their cars starting next year. The price changes range from $300 to $400 in increases on current models.

A few other changes are also mentioned, including both exclusion and extension of certain colors for cars, and elimination of seat back memory position.

Read (MotoringFile)

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Those who fanc electric vehicles, MINIs and live in the UK will be happy to hear that BMW has begun accepting applications to lease one of 20 of their MINI Es.

What’s even better is BMW will be offering the £550 monthly lease for just £330 courtesy of a £25 million grant from the Technology Strategy Board. According to the press release, those who lease the car will be supplied with a 240V/32 amp charging unit that will make for a total charging time of just 4.5 hours. Additionally, BMW will supply a 13 amp socket adapter for those who request it.

The application to lease the above vehicle is located here.

Tags: all electric, application, BMW, lease, Mini E

It was recently made known that Mr. Bean will be making his first ‘live’ appearance at during the Goodwood Revival from September 18th-20th. He will be in attendance to help celebrate Mini’s 50th anniversary and do to so he will be driving his iconic pea green and black Mini around the Goodwood Motor Circuit while seated on the roof. According to the press release, this is a popular sketch from his TV comedy series.

If you live in the UK and are able to attend this event make sure you do because I mean come on, who doesn’t love Mr. Bean?

via Press

Tags: anniversary, goodwood revival, Mini, mr bean

What you see above is a concept sketch for a MINI roadster model entitled the MINI Speedster. As you can see, it has all of the iconic MINI features in addition to a convertible top. A physical version of the sketch is said to make its debut at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show which is right around the corner.

In terms of a release date, WorldCarFans have learned from an official that both the MINI Speedster and a MINI Coupe will enter into production for the 2011 model year and will be available everyone MINIs are currently offered.

Tags: frankfurt motor show, Mini, roadster, speedster

Allstate has today announced the release of their Mini Roadside Service iPhone app that is set to go up against road side service providers such as GM’s OnStar.

This app will apparently give users the ability to quickly access service if they so encounter problems such as a dead battery, flat tire, running out of gas or any other automobile complications. Autopia says that non Mini owners can get down on the deal as well as Allstate has a similar program for sale at $119.95.

While the app isn’t as convenient as being built right into the car, like OnStar is, this will definitely give those a chance without GM vehicles to get down on some hassle free roadside assistance.

Tags: allstate, app, app store, Insurance, iPhone, mini roadside service, OnStar, roadside assistance

Mini has thought up a creative incentive to get buyers focused on their vehicles after utilizing the Cash for Clunkers program.

As you can see, if you buy a Mini with Cash for Clunkers credit you will be given a bumper sticker that says “My other car was demolished by the government.” Creative? Yes. Would I put it on my car? Probably not.

KickingTires reports that the cheapest Mini gets 28MPG in the city and 37 on the highway which means you’ll get the full $4,500 from Cash for Clunkers. I mean, you could probably sell the bumper sticker on eBay for a couple bucks in the future but will it really rake in more buyers?

Tags: Cash for Clunkers, economy, Incentive, Mini, promotion, recession

If you live in the UK and have been dying to get your hands on one of those stylish little MINI’s but haven’t been able to justify the price point, you’re in luck. Mini has recently announced that they have launched the MINI First, a 2-door hatchback that will appear to consumers on a budget.

This car will feature a 1.4 liter 75HP 4 cylinder engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. Of course, it’s not the fastest car on the market with a 0-60MPH of 13.2 seconds but its estimated 53.3 MPG is sure to make up for that.

The car will start at about $17.950 and feature regenerative braking, variable valve timing, and auto start-stop. Unfortunately Mini has no plans at this time to bring to car to the states.

via Autoblog

Tags: 4 cylinder, low budget, mini first, regenerative braking, start-stop, variable valve timing

German tuner Arden has turned its focus on the MINI Cooper, with the release of a special edition model called Equipe. The Arden MINI will be produced in a limited run of only 40 units that sport both mechanical and styling upgrades. On the exterior, a handmade stainless steel and chrome grille embellishes the front and rear-end while the new chrome tailpipes and the 18-inch lightweight (6.9kg or 15.2 lbs) Arden Gram aluminum wheels finish off the styling changes. 

Inside, the dashboard, seats, steering wheel and doors are wrapped in two-tone leather. Other finishing touches include custom made foot pedals and special floor mats. This Arden Mini also receives engine upgrades including an additional 40hp as well as sport suspension and high-performance 6-piston brakes at the front axle. Arden has not released pricing details yet.

Tags: Arden, Cooper, Equipe, German tuner, Mini

While other automakers are feeling the heat from the jumbled economy, BMW and MINI aren’t feeling the same — The automakers have recently annouced via a press statement that they will be adding 17 new U.S. dealerships expanding the overall network to 100 total.

The increase in dealerships is due to a spike in MINI sales which they hope to increase by expanding their United States’ presence.

The first dealership will open in Birmingham, Alaabama while all of the other dealerships are listed in the press release after the break.

continue reading "MINI dealerships to increase by 20%"

Tags: dealership, Mini, network, Sales, spike

The Beatles’ manager Brian Epstein gave each of the Fab Four a Mini Cooper S as a gift back in 1966. Lead guitarist George had his car painted with psychedelic images such as Sanskrit mantras and yantras. In 1967 this famed Mini starred in The Beatles’ film Magical Mystery Tour. To coincide with its latest anniversary, MINI is dedicating a modern-day interpretation of George’s car to the man himself.

The MINI has been fashioned according to the wishes of Olivia Harrison and rekindles the look of George’s original. “George was a huge MINI fan and he would have enjoyed creating this new version. The fact that MINI’s anniversary celebrations will also benefit our Foundation has made it an enjoyable as well as meaningful collaboration.” says Olivia Harrison.

Tags: anniversary, George Harrison, Mini, Mini Cooper S, The Beatles