Monday, May 24, 2010

The MINI Got New Shoes Today...

I've been driving on Pirelli's for almost 4 years and never felt unsafe in my H-rated Pirelli P6s,  even at V-rated speeds (shhh!).  But when it came time to get a new set of tires, Yokohama's W-rated S-Drive's happened to be on sale.  Go figure.  (actually, they were out of stock on my first choice of Kumho Eksta ASTs, which is probably a good thing).  I look forward to putting "the Yoks" to the test, but that-  as well as actual photos of them on my car- may not be for awhile.   :(


 
The S.drive ("Sport drive") radial is Yokohama's Ultra High Performance Summer tire developed for the drivers of sports cars, sporty coupes and performance sedans. The S.drive radial is designed to use Yokohama's technological advancements to deliver extraordinary grip and handling on both wet and dry roads...

NOTE: If you've ever wondered how the "Speed Ratings" on tires translate into MPH, kaltires.com has a handy chart or you can geek out with TireRack.com's more than you ever wanted to know write-up on the history of tire ratings.

Wednesday, May 05, 2010

My 2010 MINI John Cooper Works Clubman

This morning I was speculating an estimated payment for my next dream car. The best way to get a reasonable idea? Spec out my *other* dream car!






My 2010 MINI John Cooper Works Clubman

Base MSRP* $31,000
Destination & Handling $700
PAINT IT

Black Roof/Mirrors $0

Black Rear C-Pillar Trim INC

Black Bonnet Stripes $100

White Turn Signals $100

Hot Chocolate Body Color $500
PACKAGES

Cold Weather Package $500

        Heated Front Seats

        Heated Powerfold Mirrors & Washer Jets

Premium Package $1,750

        harman/kardon Sound System

        Dual Pane Panoramic Sunroof

        Automatic AC

Convenience Package $1,500

        Rain Sensor and Auto Headlamps

        Comfort Access System

        Universal Garage Door Opener

        Auto Dimming Rear View Mirror

        Comfort Bluetooth w/USB/iPod Adapter
PERFORMANCE

Dynamic Stability Control STD

Front Fog Lamps STD

6-Speed Getrag Manual STD

Rear Fog Lamp $100

Dynamic Traction Control STD

17" Challenge Spoke (Performance) STD
COCKPIT

Sport Seats STD

On-Board Computer STD

Anthracite Headliner STD

Cloth: Checkered Carbon Black/Black STD

Interior Surface Piano Black STD

Computer Nav. System $2,000

Leather Sport Wheel w/Multifunction STD

Interior Color: Carbon Black STD
TOTAL MSRP AS CONFIGURED* $38,250
JOHN COOPER WORKS ACCESSORIES**

JCW Gear Shift Indicator (installation not incl.) $313

JCW Aero Kit Cooper S (installation not incl.) $1,895

JCW Sport Gauge (installation not incl.) $510
GENUINE MOTORING ACCESSORIES**

Illuminated Split Door Sill - Checkered Flag (installation not incl.) $379

Driving Lamps Black (installation not incl.) $534

Alarm System (installation not incl.) $228

Mud Flaps front and rear axle (installation not incl.) $114

Invisishield: Bonnet Kit (installation not incl.) $142

Invisishield: Bumper Kit (installation not incl.) $135

Black Rubber Floor Mat (front) (installation not incl.) $60

Black Rubber Floor Mat (back) (installation not incl.) $35
TOTAL ACCESSORIES ** $4,345
TOTAL MSRP AS CONFIGURED* $38,250
TOTAL COMBINED $42,595
The Build Your Own MINI experience is in ongoing development and expansion. Actual prices and available options are subject to change and may vary from the Summary listing. Please contact us with any questions. We welcome your comments.
*Total MSRP excludes all taxes, title/documentary fees, registration, tags, MINI preparation charges, MINI Dealer installed options, insurance, certificate of compliance or non-compliance fees, and finance charges. Prices may vary by MINI Dealership.
**All prices are suggested retail prices and are subject to change. Actual prices may vary and depend upon MINI Dealer. Prices do not include installation or painting, if required. Prices exclude taxes and/or shipping and handling charges. Check with your authorized MINI Dealer for complete accuracy of information and availability.
All the illustrations and specifications contained in this web site are based on the latest product information available at the time of posting. MINI, a division of BMW of North America, LLC. reserves the right to make changes at any time, without notice, in colors, materials, and equipment.


That's only $615 a month, with a $10,000 down payment!  (As if!)

MINI Roadster/Coupé - Only $2,200 a month!*

Today's MotoringFile article implies that the Roadster and Coupe should be available sometime in 2011.  I anticipate one to teeter on the $41k mark the way I would want it equipped.  Since I definitely intend to purchase one,  if I wanted to pay cash in full, I'll have to sock away about $2,200 a month starting now!


For the sake of math, I spec'd out a topped out 2010 JCW Clubman at $42,595.  To get a payment in a reasonable amount of around $600, I'm looking at a $10,000 down payment!  That's only around $500 a month I'll need to shove under the mattress, post haste!   EEK!!

Related Links:

MotoringFile.com
MINIUSA.com