Stewardess, salt flats, paratroopers, sushi, and Falconer. Those were the words used by MINI USA winner Mathew Foster when it came time to describe his perfect MINI commercial in 6 words or less. Big Matt was a contestant in MINI’s, “The Best Test Drive Ever” sweepstakes, whereby he’d get his dream test drive in the new 2012 MINI Coupe. Sure, sliding through the salt flats while a hot Asian chick feeds you sushi may be a little far fetched for some, but in Matthew’s mind, this was a totally feasible idea. I mean commercials are generally shot with a Hollywood director in the drivers seat anyway, so why not get all buck wild and go full force with the filming. Now while I wouldn’t count on you’re MINI experience being this wild, what I would say is go drive one, cause if it’s even 1/10th this fun you’d be a winner all around.

Source: Youtube.com

Holy negative camber, Batman...

If you’re going to shake down a new car, I can’t think of a better way than turning one into an endurance racer and running it for 24 hours on the Green Hell. Mini thought the same thing, so they rolled out two Mini JCW Coupes for last weekend’s 24 hour race on the Nürburgring. Their goals were modest and they weren’t racing to win; instead, they merely wanted both cars to finish the event, which is quite an achievement for a race car’s first outing. Both coupes ultimately finished, racking up nearly 3,500 miles over the race weekend.

On a separate note, what’s your take on the newest Mini’s looks? I’m not sure myself, since it just looks like a chopped and shortened Mini to me. Is it a fail or is it a win? Would you drive one?

Source: You Tube

Recently, I attended the Carlisle Import and Kit Nationals show at the Carlisle Fairgrounds in Pennsylvania. Held every May, this show features a vast array of meticulously maintained classic British, European and Japanese cars, exemplary examples of their more modern kin, as well as a beautiful collection of kit cars.  As far as sheer variety in makes, models and years, hands down, this show can’t be beat.

This has become something of an annual treat for me as I can think of few better ways to spend a weekend than by gazing at a gleaming sea of jaw-droppingly stunning automobiles, many of which I guarantee you won’t find at other shows. Plus, participation is open to anyone with an import or a kit car – all you have to do is register, make your car pretty and show up. It’s a great opportunity to display your cherished ride and meet other aficionados of your favorite marques.

I used to come down to show my Saab and hang out with the Saab contingent that makes it out every year. But even though I have a Subaru now, it’s just so much fun that I continue to make the trip to Carlisle (my WRX was parked over by the lone DeLorean, if you happened to be there). Volvo, BMW and Audi clubs also traditionally have a large showing so the weekend is packed with the cars you love, cars you haven’t seen before, your friends from the forums, barbeques – it’s a good time for everyone.  So, if you’re not too far out from Pennsylvania, I definitely recommend heading out there next May to check out the Carlisle Import and Kit Nationals. To tide you over, provided for your viewing pleasure are some of my favorite cars of the weekend. Enjoy!

Lancia Scorpion

Matte black Volvo V70R

Opel GT and Opel Kadett Coupe

Volvo P1800S

Saab 9-3 Viggens

Ferrari 360 Modena and 328GTS

Citroën 2CV and Smart Roadster Coupe

Gorgeous Audi Quattro

Fiat 124 Spider Abarth

Twin-charged Audi A1

Volvo S60Rs

Saab 99 Turbo

Badass Volvos: PV544 and 142

DKW Junior de Luxe - DKW/Dampf-Kraft-Wagen became one of the four companies that comprised the "Audi NSU Auto Union AG" (now known as Audi AG).

Triumph TR8 and TR6s

Saab 96 V4 convertible - must have been a custom job.

Bimmer Beauties

Datsun 280ZX 10th Anniversary Edition

Citroën H Van and DS

Audi A7

Honda Z600 / 600 Coupe

Saab Sonetts

Datsun SPL311 Roadster

Opel GT

Not long ago Kurt brought you guys a piece on Mini’s new Rocketman concept, a car that, believe it or not is actually smaller then a base model Mini. The goal of the Rocketman is to provide consumers with an efficient little compact that utilizes the best that modern technology has to offer. The chassis for instance is made of carbon fiber (a first for Mini) and they actually use paper – that’s right paper – in the interior to stress the point of sustainability. Recently Mini has also been stressing themselves as a premium brand, and while that may be true (kinda), that doesn’t change the fact that their cars are no bigger than a size 15 roller skate. Listen, in the end the Rocketman concept is an interesting conversation piece. It’s cute, employs some cool materials and features, and even though we’ve yet to hear what will power this thing, it’s sure to be efficient as well. Below is a video of Anders Warming, Head of MINI Design discussing the ideas behind the new Rocketman concept.

Image: BMW Group

I like Mini Coopers well enough, but all their cars look alike to me. Even with a gun to my head, I’d be hard-pressed to tell the difference between a Countryman, a Clubman, a Piltdown Man or even their latest concept, dubbed the Rocketman. I get the whole iconic-brand-identity thing, but isn’t it time you branched out on the exterior styling of a new model? The Rocketman is a kinder, gentler but visually similar Mini; unlike recent models, it isn’t supersized. In fact, the Rocketman is shorter dimensionally than a base model Cooper. It’s designed to be uber-fuel-efficient, so the spaceframe chassis is made of carbon fiber instead of steel. Power comes from something, but Mini isn’t telling us exactly what; instead, they’re highlighting the concept’s fuel efficiency, which they claim is three liters per 100 kilometers based on the EU standard. Doing that math, that works out to be .79 gallons per 62.14 miles, or 78.66 miles per gallon.

Image: BMW Group

Image: BMW Group

Maybe the most unconventional thing about the new Mini is its doors. Instead of swinging outward on conventional hinges, they articulate and take the door sills with them. This opens up the interior to make passenger or cargo loading a breeze, while reducing the car’s width with the doors opened. The interior is meant for three, but a fourth passenger can sit behind the driver as long as comfort isn’t a big priority. When not in use, the seat behind the driver converts to provide additional storage, and (small) luggage can be carried in a slide out tray at the rear bumper to increase interior room. The roof is panoramic glass, which gives the open air feel of a convertible with the downside of premature aging and skin cancer.

Image: BMW Group

Image: BMW Group

There’s no word on if or when Mini will use the Rocketman as anything other than a design study, but I’d expect to see some of the concepts features make their way into future production cars. Stay tuned for updates after Geneva kicks off.

Source: Mini

I’m commonly asked which cars women find the least attractive for men to drive. Honestly, this is a tough one, as the truth is that there are many cars out there that no man should ever step in to. To narrow them down I decided to choose the top five cars of the decade that make me cringe. My first thought was the PT Cruiser from Chrysler. I’m still trying to figure out the reason as to why that car was ever made, as it’s one of the most disappointing automobiles I’ve ever seen. Nothing about it makes me want to touch it. Think of it like that person you have to sit next to with bad body oder in a crowded room that you’re repulsed by. For just under 20k I’m surprised that Chrysler even had the audacity to regularly rotate them onto their homepage before they went out of production last year. There is no way on this green earth that a woman will find a man more attractive regardless of how much he modifies it. A quick note to PT Cruiser owners; please stand AWAY from your car if you want to pick up on a girl and certainly don’t bother to valet.


Photo Credit: VW

Another obvious and notable choice is the VW Beetle. I’m not referring to the older versions known best as a surfer staple, but the ones produced from 1998 to present day and designed by J. Mays and Freeman Thomas. There is no reason for a man to drive this car unless he is part of the glee club. Any car that comes standard with a vase to put fresh flowers inside should tell a man that it is not a suitable choice. Let’s face it, the Beetle was meant as a car for fathers to give to their daughters as a safe upgrade to the Barbie Dream Car that she had when she was five.

Unless you’re below the maximum height requirement of 5’8″, the Mazda Miata is not for you. I am compelled to add this to the list because nine times out of ten when I see this car on the road it’s always being driven by a guy who is about 6’2” and too tall to drive it. Here’s a tip; when your head goes OVER the windshield, that is not attractive. When I see a big guy driving this car two things come to mind. First, he is the type of guy that doesn’t feel the need to spread his legs and the small cramped Miata doesn’t bother him in the least. Secondly he’d rather be sitting in a Ferrari F430 but can’t afford one. The next option down the line would be a Corvette and further down the list is the Mazda Miata (usually in red).

Photo Credit: AutoGuide

For the money you can buy a new Ford Mustang if you really want a convertible; or get a used Nissan 350Z or 3-series BMW, both of which will definitely get you more looks than a Miata. Oh, and a note to all you 3-series haters let me explain this clearly. Unfortunately most girls do not know the difference between a 1, 3 , 5 or 7-series. It is a BMW and that’s all they see. A 3-series Bimmer is like a Coach handbag; it’s not premium like Chanel but that doesn’t matter because it’s still a reputable and respected name.

Mini Coopers are questionable. If you wear skinny jeans or bear any resemblance to Justin Bieber then this could work for you. If on the other hand you play aggressive sports, enjoy heavy metal or go out regularly with women, this car says nothing about your true personality.  This car is most ideal for a younger guy. Although fun loving is the Cooper’s personality, this car doesn’t tell me that you know what you’re doing and that you’re going to show me a night I’ll never forget. This car is like the friend who can never get out of the friend zone. Reason being is that every time I look at this car I want to hug it. It’s reminiscent to being a character in Disney’s Pixar animation film CARS. It’s SO CUTE and “cute” is not how you want to have a girl talk about your car.

Our last car is the Honda Insight, which was produced from 2000-2006. This car may be one of the most affordable hybrid cars manufactured but it is also one of the most disfigured and hideous cars made in the last decade. The rear fender skirts give me the wrong visual of a photograph that was mass emailed to me about 6 years ago. This car is all ass and the tires are too skinny to be carrying such a wide load. Nothing about this car screams sexy and it’s doubtful that any girl in her right mind would be attracted to it. If you want to go green at least show you have some taste and choose wisely.

This is Andreas Muller, he’s 39 and a resident of Saxony-Anhalt in Germany. He’s also the guy that is having his junk tattooed in ordered to win a free car. Muller won a radio contest where the grand prize was a brand new $32,000 Mini Cooper – there was however one little catch. You see in order to win the car Muller had to come up with the craziest Mini-related stunt, which he did and which is why you are seeing him here wincing in pain. His idea was simple, have MINI tattooed on his schmeckle during a live radio broadcast… once complete, he’d be given the keys to his new car.

According to Muller, “Once I’m sitting in the car, it won’t matter anymore. Then the pain will be gone and it’ll be alright,”

Now I would maybe do that for something really high end, but for a MINI? No thanks… I’d rather ride a bicycle.

Source: Jalopnik

If you’ve ever been in a Mini Cooper before then you know that they’re actually pretty spacious inside. In fact the front passenger compartment is so big that I have absolutely no problem squeezing my 6’4″ 245 lb body in there. Sure the back seats are a bit snug, but my guess is that you wouldn’t be using them to often anyway. That is unless you’re part of the Pilobolus Dance Company, a troupe that managed to get themselves into the Guinness Book of World Records by cramming an amazing 26 people into one. What’s even more amazing is that the car was not modified in anyway, shape or form and the participants had to stay in their for an agonizing 5-seconds with the doors shut. The dancers could be no taller then 5-feet and were required to be as flexible as possible. I have to say that this is something that I never would have thought possible, but I’ve got to hand it to them as they pulled it off in style. Bravo!

Source: EgmCarTech.com

Well, I suppose this is one way of bringing attention to your brand. Mini has decided to unleash their inner redneck by combining the high-flying sport of Monster Truckin’ with their now, not-so-itty-bitty Mini’s. I’ll be honest, Mini’s ad campaigns have been getting stranger and stranger. Sure they’re entertaining (to a point), but not so much that they make me want to go out and buy their products. Mini’s new lineup for 2011 includes the traditional Mini Cooper, Cooper Convertible, Clubman and now the Countryman. Sure they’re nice cars, but is this really the best way to go about showcasing them? Call me crazy, but I’d rather see sporty performance cars doing sporty performance things. C’mon Mini, get your shit together and show us what your cars can do and stop with the overblown theatrics. Check out the video inside.

Source: Youtube.com

One thing that I absolutely despise is finding out about newly released automobiles and then learning that they’re not coming to the United States. For example, we recently told you about a new diesel powered Mini that’s set to be unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show in March. It not only gets incredible fuel economy, but would be perfect for American consumers who are looking to do more with less. Then there is the case of Ford’s stellar 305-hp/325-lb-ft of torque turbocharged 2010 Ford Focus RS. This is a car that would likely set the hot-hatch import crowd on its ear and rack up all sorts of awards. Or what about the nut-ball sport pickup that resembles an old Chevrolet El Camino in the form of the Australian only, Holden Ute SS Redline. That sucker will not only satisfy your inner redneck, but it will do so above and beyond the 150 mph mark.

*Photo Credit: Motor Trend Magazine

Some say that the grass is always greener on the other side, and while I’d like to think it is, I suppose we really shouldn’t bitch. I mean in a day and age where we have 556 horsepower Cadillac’s and 412 hp sub-35K Mustang GT’s running around, maybe we should just be thankful for what we have. Who knows, maybe I’m jealous or maybe I just want to experience anything and everything automotive. All I know is that even though they’re not my cup of tea, I really want a 2010 Ford Focus RS sitting in my garage.