WORLD PREMIER :: BMW reveals i3 and i8

BMW finally revealed its i3 and i8 today in Frankfurt. These two cars will spearhead BMW's effort in building electric cars. While dubbed as Concept, they are destined for production starting 2013 with only minor changes to the cars unveiled today. The whole blogsphere has been buzzing with many haters, but I personally think these two very progressively styled cars look pretty darn sweet, especially the i8. I have been a big fan of it ever since I've witnessed the unveiling of Efficient Dynamics concept at 2009 Frankfurt Autoshow. Such a bold, progressively styled car designers want to build, but many times shutdown by the management. Also, what BMW is doing promoting its sub 'i' brand is simply brilliant. While other manufactures simply unveil electric cars and say they are 'green' 'going to the future', BMW does an excellent job laying down ground for the new philosophy for brand and shaping its "i" sub brand.

One thing to note is the turbocharged 1.5-Liter 3 cylinder engine going into i8. Producing 220hp, this probably is the engine that will power next generation MINI Cooper S models.

Full press after the jump

2011 MINI Countryman wins the latest J.D Power APEAL study

In J.D Powers latest customer survey – the Automotive Performance and Layout Study (APEAL) – assessing satisfaction levels among North American new car buyers, 2011 MINI Countryman has emerged as the winner of its respective segment. The study, now in its 15^th year, measures owner delight with the design, content, layout and performance of their new vehicles. APEAL is designed to complement the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study^SM (IQS), which focuses on problems experienced by owners during the first 90 days of ownership. APEAL measures how gratifying a new vehicle is to own and drive. 


The name, APEAL, which I think is brilliant(I am sure they had a killer brainstorm session for this), does say everything about this study. It basically measures how APPEALING the new car is to the owners! Thus as an owner of 2011 MINI Countryman, it's not a surprise to see Countryman as a winner ;)  Full Press release after the jump.

Why hasn't there been any post?

It's been nearly 10 days since my last post.. what happened! Well..for one, I was really really busy at work the whole last week. Worked 7 days straight on a few very important projects. My mind was very focused and didn't have much to spare on other important stuff including Countrymanmotoring.com (sorry MINI!) Two, I have given my beloved Countryman to my sister for the time being and I have been enjoying my faithful GTI with row-your-own transmission since. It provides me a good perspective being able to switch between the two and compare (I feel real comparison test is in order.. even though one's new and the other is 9 years old) But(!) that doesn't mean I am out of my Countryman! I have attended a focus group clinic with other Countryman owners, took Countryman to ACH for some rolling footages, and something else came up regarding my Countryman that I will share soon. So.. stay tuned! =)

Living with MINI :: Joy of Motoring

My friend Josh took this photo aboard Mazdaspeed3 as a passenger during the Ojai-Mariposa run couple weeks ago. Beautiful Day, Great Roads, Joyful moment with my MINI Countryman.

Carmageddon? What Carmageddon?

LA has been buzzing for weeks about the 'Carmageddon' - the traffic disaster predicted by the closure of one of the busiest stretch of already busy I-405. However, it is looking amazing good so far with virtually no traffic on the normally packed LA freeways. I had to drive from Burbank to Santa Monica this morning, and my Countryman enjoyed traffic free drive - it was actually even better than usual weekend with no shutdown. I guess citizens of LA got the message and staying local today! However, it ain't over yet..

**For those non-LA natives, the Red lined section of 405 between 101 and 10 is the closed section.

[ Source :: Sigalert | Metro ]

Mystery package from MINI has arrived! =)

The other day, I've received a mysterious package from MINI! What a pleasant surprise! (well.. I was actually waiting for something to arrive as that's what other owners were saying!) It was what seems like a black cotton back wrapped in vinyl with stencil style MINI Cooper S hardtop graphics throughout. There is definitely something inside the bag... What is it? Let the drum-roll begin!

MINI Countryman Effect

It is no secret that MINI Countryman brought on lots of controversy to the brand when it was introduced last year. Some MINI purists (They'd better drive Morris MINI, not R50 or any newer MINIs!) cried foul saying Countryman is no 'MINI' due to its.. well.. medium size. Critics also scorned the Countryman as a car that no longer carry the MINI characteristic with its aggressive and rugged stance with higher ground clearance and center of gravity, and 4 doors!! Well...while no one can argue about its bigger size (it's still 3.5 in shorter than Volkswagen Golf actually - 161.8in vs 165.4in) , many of us who've actually driven one and experience the car know that Countryman is undoubtedly and unmistakably a MINI with all DNA and traits that shape the BMW-built, modern MINI. Moreover, the new Countryman has fast become an essential member of MINI family, making up more than quarter of MINI's US monthly sales, and attracting tons of new customers around the world - making it possible for MINI to set new sales record for the brand, and it is not showing any sign of stopping.

Timothy Cain of GoodCarBadCar.net, an Auto Review, Analysis, Stats And Opinion blog that I frequent, wrote an interesting article on MINI Countryman's impact on the MINI line up. Head over to GoodCarBadCar.net to read more.

Living with MINI :: Photo Fun at Americana

click to enlarge

Every drive is an opportunity to capture the moment... 2011 MINI Cooper S Countryman Surf Blue photo fun time at Americana, Glendale, CA 

Living with MINI :: MINI Connected | Vehicle Info

One of the menu in MINI Connected is Vehicle Info. It provides Onboard info, Trip computer, and Vehicle status. Onboard info lists travel range with current fuel level, average fuel consumption (MPG), and average speed. Trip computer lists departure time, trip duration, distance traveled, fuel consumption (MPG) and average speed for the trip. Vehicles status gives you visual notification of engine oil level, front and rear brake pads, front and rear tire pressure status, vehicle check (engine check?) and brake fluid level. Trip information can also be found in trip computer in tachometer information screen. (you must like orange color!).

All quite nifty stuff, but I do wish they provide more! Perhaps turbo boost gauge, engine oil temperature info and others. and I am quite not happy about MINIMALISM analyser and Mission Control is only available with expensive cradle $130 bucks or something like that - I am on the fence whether to get it or not. 

Screen captures after the jump.

Living with MINI :: My Surf Blue Countryman update

So I haven't posted much about my Countryman lately. To provide a little update, it now has slightly over 2,000 miles, and everything has been very good so far. I am just loving its funky good looks, especially Surf Blue exterior combined with Black roof and 18 inch anthracite Turbo Fan wheels, its punch 1.6-liter turbo 4pot engine, and well.. so many other things! Any problem? There are some squeaks developing! Arghhh.. It's almost a sound of Countryman's metal body twitching. Also, either the engine gets pretty hot or the cooling system needs extra work! Lot of times, the cooling fan needs to be on after engine shutoff and it's quite loud. Auxiliary pump is always on as well (after engine shutoff). Speaking of a fan, I am not a fan of Countryman's sunvisor either.

One thing for sure though.. I smile every time I get behind the wheels of my Countryman!

2012 MINI Countryman JCW (or 2013)

There is one trim missing from currently line-up of Countryman: the JCW model with higher output 1.6-liter turbo mill. While the rest of range, Hardtop, Clubman, Convertible, and even the new Coupe model enjoy the JCW trim, it hasn't migrated onto Countryman just yet. As speculated, however, that is all about the change with Countryman JCW, which was caught testing at the ring. (as mentioned before, I am also quite fond of Black/While Roof/Chrome mirros/19" JCW wheel combo!)

According to Autoblog and other sources, the Countryman JCW will boast more power (yey~ more turbo boost!) than other JCW models, with 1.6-liter 4 pot turbo cranking out 220-230hp (currently JCW models have 208hp) powering all 4 wheels (ALL4) along with a new spoiler kit, complete with front aero work, side sills and a redesigned rear bumper with an integrated diffuser.

It surely will be quite pricey when it launches - probably starting around 33-34k - and even more expensive when configured with long list of available options, easily topping 40k. Would it be a desirable car? Yes I think so. Would I want one? Definitely. but for over 40k? That I will have to see, especially with excellent Golf R20 coming to stateside very soon.

[ Source :: Autoblog ]

MINI Countryman "Stacked" New York, NY by Justin Carrasquillo

Remember the encore of SUV stunt MINI pulled off last year during the introduction of MINI Countryman with classic Morris MINI sitting on top of MINI Countryman? Here, we have couple beautifully captured images of the campaign by photographer Justin Carrasquillo (Agency: Butler, Shine, Stern & Partner Client: MINI USA) 

MINI sales figures June 2011

MINI USA reported sales of 5,228 automobiles in June, a new record for the month.  The June 2011 sales are an increase of 26% over the 4,149 sold in June, 2010. Year-to-date MINI sales in the US are up 42.3% on the volume of 29,816 compared to 20,953 in the first six month of 2010. More details after the jump.