The smartest thing to come out of Oxford

Posted on by Ian C.

So says MINI UK, anyway, in this nice press kit I got recently; inside, the press kit offers information and photos of the full MINI range (including the new JCW model) – in CD, USB stick and glossy print formats! I’m particularly pleased with the (2GB) “MINI” logo’ed memory stick, and also with the set of “spreadable” printed pictures which pull out of a slot in the press kit, and spread out fan-like in a pleasingly high quality way 🙂

In addition to the photos, there’s a chunk of press release text including MINIMALISM:
… with the launch of a second-generation new MINI Hatch, and more recently the launch of the new MINI Clubman, along came a raft of new engines incorporating technologies that ensure low CO2 emissions and fuel consumption are added to the reasons for owning a MINI. Based on BMW’s EfficientDynamics systems, these technologies are branded MINIMALISM for MINI …
Brake Energy Regeneration
Auto Start-Stop Function
Switch Point Display
(all of course still not available in USA!)

Oh – there’s also a 450MB+ Quicktime video of the new JCW, quite astounding in it’s level of dullness, particularly when compared to the GP promo video which pretty well sealed the deal on my purchase of a GP back in early 2006!

[and just in case you didn’t realize … the title is a play on Oxford University – and I don’t think MINI beats, for example, Stephen Hawking!]

There she is!

Posted on by Ian C.

Flew south late last night, for a spot of warmer weather … and maybe a bit of GP driving 😉
She’s been waiting patiently for six weeks!

GPMINI garaged in Florida

(I just won’t mention the fact that her keys didn’t fly down with us!)

UPDATE:
Now, thanks to Pat, the US Post Office, and Brian, I have GPMINI’s key and just enjoyed an hours drive to nowhere 🙂

GPMINI in Florida

Be “GOOD” over thanksgiving

Posted on by Ian C.

I picked up this curious little booklet at MINI of Peabody last week, when getting my tire replaced:

I haven’t seen this mentioned elsewhere, although it’s clearly related to the carfunfootprint stuff from earlier in the year. Oddly, there seems to be no mention at all of MINI on the GOOD.is website, so I guess the little booklet is just a free advert for “GOOD”, as well of course as promo material for MINI.