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!)

Chauffer-driven Clubmans Launch in Dubai

[Ed. note: I've been suggesting this for months!]

From: www.ameinfo.com:

"Jumeirah Emirates Towers recognises that 'time' is the new luxury for the business traveller and the MINIs are an ideal, flexible and compact solution for this premium service, avoiding precious time wasted on finding taxis or parking spaces...

Photo courtesy www.minijet.me

As a hotel guest of Jumeirah Emirates Towers, take pleasure in a complimentary chauffeur driven transfer service in dynamic silver coloured MINI Cooper S Clubmans. The hotel offers this service 24 hours daily and includes DIFC drop offs and pick-ups on request. So sit back and relax while we take you places..."

Read the full story at: www.ameinfo.com


Related Links:

• www.ameinfo.com
• www.minijet.me
• www.jumeirahemiratestowers.com

Hamann Release MINI Cooper Performance Upgrades

Hamann known for taking high-end cars (mostly BMWs and Porches) and making them even more high end with performance and visual enhancements has been giving the "new" MINI the Hamann treatment since their re-introduction in 2007.

In early 2007, Hamann,was quick to produce an aerodynamics styling kit for the new second generation R56 Mini, but took over a year and a half to complete the program with engine performance upgrades mainly consisting of reprogrammed ECUs.

Nonetheless, the Bosch Motrotnic ignition control unit has be remapped, and the 1.6-liter turbo engine in the Cooper S, which normally produces 175 hp / 128 kW, has been increased to 204 hp/ 150 kW at 5,500 r.p.m. and torque of 300 Nm at 1,600 – 5,000 rpm.

However, Hamann offers an even more powerful kit for the Cooper S. Called SPORTKIT CS 230, it adds on top of the ECU upgrade with an improved intercooler and sport muffler making 230hp / 169 kW at 6,050 r.p.m. and 330 Nm torque at 3,860 r.p.m. As a result, top speed increases to 238 km/h and 0-100 km/h increase by at least 0.5 seconds.

For the Cooper D which normally has 110 hp, it now makes 26hp / 20 kW more for a total of 136 hp / 100 kW at 4,000 r.p.m. and a maximum torque of a huge 300 Nm at 1,750 – 2,000 r.p.m.

As seen on Germancarzone.com

MINImus Omnibus: News at a Glance

It's been kinda dead the last few days on Bushfinger MINI- certainly not due to a lack of MINI related news, but moreso a combination of 1) yours truly relocating to new abode (i forgot how much moving sucks), 2) a deluge of over-recycled news (mostly old news to MINIacs), and 3) quite frankly, all the other "big" MINI news, seems to be a tad bit over-covered lately.

photo found on motoringunderground.com

Here are a few recent bits I find somewhat interesting that may or may not already be posted on 100 other blogs:

LA Times writes: "American drivers should consider themselves lucky -- try $9.85 a gallon in Oslo."
[at latimes.com]

MINI among Mercedes-Benz E320 and Tesla Roadster in "Fuel-Efficient Cars You Actually Want to Drive"
"With the current economic downturn, increasingly high fuel prices and a growing concern for the environment, many of today's drivers are embracing fuel efficient or 'green vehicles. We want to educate consumers on the few vehicles that are not only Earth-friendly, but also stylish and exhilarating to drive."..."
[at emercedesbenz.com]

More Clubman Reviews?? nah- I'll skip it.
[If you must, here are about 1,150,000 at Google.com]

Truck overturns, Mini-Cooper stays on its wheels after collision
Santa Paula Police are investigating a two-vehicle collision that left a truck overturned - but a Mini-Cooper on its wheels - Friday evening, blocking a busy intersection..."
[at santapaulatimes.com]

Clubmans Make Moms Hot
"The mom-reviewers here at MotherProof.com have recommendations for (mostly) functional family cars that can make you look and feel as hot as the summer sun..."
[at motherproof.com]


"Clubmans Post Up!"
MotoringUnderground.com unwittingly collects the coolest Clubman photos on the web...
[at motoringunderground.com]

LifeBall MINI Auction Closes at 45,000 EUR

When the eBay auction closed on June 15th, some lucky Austrian fella (or fraulein) became the proud owner of the one-of-a-kind Life Ball MINI 2008 by Agent Provocateur.


Closing at 45,000 Euros (equiv. $69,700 USD), that's a pretty good deal for a custom MINI Cooper Clubman! In addition to the hand-stitched leather interior, custom graphics and paint and of course, bragging rights- proceeds from this auction go toward international AIDS charities, which is a pretty cool statement right there!

The winning bidder will also receive two VIP tickets, including overnight accommodation, for the MINI Challenge Finale on 27 September 2008 at the Salzburgring race track.

Not a bad deal for 70 grand! I would certainly take it over a 7-Series any day!


Related Links:

• LifeBall MINI
• LifeBall.org
• Agent Provocateur

Video Friday: 2008 JCW Cooper vs. JCW Clubman

Cars.com asks, "Which MINI is best for Suburban Dads?"

Cars.com's Patrick Olsen compares the 2008 Mini Cooper S, Cooper Clubman and Cooper S Clubman to see which one is the best for a suburban dad.

Related Links:

• Cars.com
• MINIUSA.com

Life Ball 2008 MINI [Video]

Yep, again with the Agent Provocateur MINI... but, it's so hot! Or is it the women?





Here's some heartwarming text to offset any NSFW guilt you may be experiencing:

The Life Ball MINI is traditionally designed by the fashion designer to whom the fashion show at the opening event is dedicated - in 2008 this was the English lingerie label Agent Provocateur. The starting point chosen for the exclusive one-off design was the new MINI Clubman. Agent Provocateur, founded by Serena Rees and her husband Joseph Corre, son of fashion doyenne Vivienne Westwood, is known for its wicked, burlesque collections - and this year’s Life Ball MINIM was designed accordingly.

Exterior/interior:
"We really enjoyed giving the MINI Clubman our unique brand look. The new shape of the MINI is so reminiscent of the old Mini police car that we immediately came up with the idea of giving the interior a makeover in the Agent Provocateur style, so that you’d actually want to be arrested. The classic exterior has been pepped up a little, using the Agent Provocateur signature colours of Pink and Black and finished off with a pink flashing light. Inside there is a truly seductive prison cell which is fitted out with leather loops as manacles that are attached directly to the walls, as well as mirrored windows and metallic prison bars.

"Always under the assumption that the long arm of the law requires plenty of space when questioning a prisoner, we fitted our Agent Provocateur police MINI Van with couch seats in the back and leg restraints for forensic examinations. The quilted leather seats and tailor-made compartments for notebook and pen, the Agent Provocateur MINI police car is the perfect vehicle for finding a criminal’s hidden treasures, don’t you think?" says Joseph Corre, founder of lingerie label Agent Provocateur.

The designer MINI 2008 made its debut in front of 40,000 spectators at this year’s Life Ball in Vienna’s town hall square. Escorted by four models, with Joseph Corre at the wheel and Sophie Ellis Bextor as the front-seat passenger, the Life Ball MINI 2008 opened the fantastic show on Vienna’s town hall square.
[source: lifeball.org]




Related Links:

• www.agentprovocateur.com
• www.lifeball.org
• eBay.at

Agent Provocateur's hot hot Clubman!

The Agent Provocateur MINI Clubman. Not a totally new topic, and maybe even a bit over-covered (and under-dressed), but hey- still tres chic in my opinion... (click photos for larger view)

(Photos courtesy Jalopnik.com and LifeBall.org)

"The Agent Provocateur Clubman was built as the Life Ball 2008 MINI. As in the years before MINI chose a trendy designer to create a unique MINI to be auctioned off on eBay to raise funds for Europe's largest AIDS charity from the 5th of June. The auction ends on Sunday 15th June at www.ebay.at."

Visit the any of the 200+ articles for a thorough review, and even more racy photos...

Related links:

• AgentProvocateur.com
• LifeBall.org

AC Schnitzer's 226-hp MINI Cooper Clubman S

AC Schnitzer does have a pretty good reputation at tuning MINIs. So I don't know why I didn't think I was going to be as excited about AC Schnitzer's tuned MINI Cooper Clubman S as I was.

Some specs:

• 226-hp
• 17 or 18-inch alloy wheels
• spoiler treatments
• diesel option(s)

And it looks, oh so sweet!

photos borrowed from egmcartech.com

The price? Well, if you have to ask... (€ 39.035)

Read the full story at egmcartech.com

Lowered MINI Clubman (Clubmans?)

The MINI Cooper Clubman is officially alive and roaming the streets of the US, and photos of Clubmans (Clubmans?) are finally beginning to surface. Here are a few of the first photos of lowered Clubbies floating around the internet. (click photos for larger versions):

This one- according to the (poster/owner) "xBoXlOvEr", is running H&R Springs and 215/35/18 G-Force BF Goodrich tyres. Which is how you spell tires in Madrid.

Credit/props go to Rally of stancedesigns.com for the best photoshop of a Clubman I've seen to date! Slammed and shaved, MINI designers and aftermarket tuners, take note!

The John Cooper Works JCW Clubman. Suspension courtesy of John Cooper Works:



AC Schnitzer's drop, as discussed here.


Got pics of lowered Clubman(s)? Send me a link and I'll post 'em here, so watch this thread for more photos of lowered Clubmen! (aaargh- Who chose that name anyway?!?!)

MINI CLUBMANia hits the U.S.!

With the official U.S. release of the MINI Clubman only days away, the hype machine is now in full force! Spy photos, leaked press releases, you know the drill. Commercials for the MINI Clubman have even started to surface in US television. Fortunately, we have the power of Internet to get a jump on things. I mean, who could resist a visit to the local MINI dealer after a spot like this... :)




"Club what?" You say? Get up to speed with Motoringfile.com's FULL COVERAGE of all things Clubman (my words, not theirs).

Click this link for more mania inducing videos!

BMW 1-series, or a MINI?

While the MINI universe all abuzz about the 2008 MINI Clubman, BMW managed to sneak in a 1-series coupe/hatch into production for the US Market for 2008 as well.

image borrowed from autospies.com

It's getting nice ink on Motoringfile.com and other websites but I thought I'd give my personal take on what will be the "entry-level BMW", replacing the MINI, which only BMW owners consider an entry into the BMW brand. (That's my opinion, anyway.)

I don't necessarily like or dislike BMWs. They look nice. I hear they drive well but I've never been in one. I'd likely drive one if it were given to me for free. Alas, BMWs are the opposite of free. Current speculation is that a reasonably spec'd 1-series will come in somewhere near $40,000. Forty grand people! You know what I could do with forty grand? I'll tell you what:

A friend of mine has ordered his 2007 (R56) MINI Cooper S. It's got basically everything you can put on a MINI. (before aftermarket mods, that is). That's a whopping $38k. So, which would you rather have? An entry-level, no frills BMW, or a topped out MINI? I know what I'd take! :)

What car would you get with $40,000?

The BMW 1-series on:

• motoringfile.com
• autospies.com
• jalopnik.com
• bmwusa.com

New MINI Clubman?! Caught on tape!

As mentioned previously on BUSHFINGERMINI, I'm not personally a big fan of the upcoming MINI Clubman. I'm sure it'll do well though. Regardless, today I found this footage of the new MINI model, "caught on tape" on the streets of Geneva (shortly after the official announcement at the Geneva Auto Convention.

Pretty rougish. "Guerrilla" if you will. Unpolished. In fact a bit too unpolished for such excellent shots from all camera angles. Hmmm... Viral-esque perhaps? Is that even a word? Anyway, it ist he first video of the Clubman I've seen so far. So here's the clip! :B:

MINI Clubman Revealed? Eh...

With the typical misleading headline, the upcoming extended-wheelbase MINI "Clubman" is no surprise to the MINI enthusiast community. I mean, motoringfile has been discussing this in ungodly detail for over two years.

Add to that, "concept" models appearing at just about every auto show, and body-clad photos of test mules floating around for months, what's the news?

Aside from more recent, less-clad, and better quality photos now available at autoexpress.co.uk, once again I have to say, "eh?" Frankly I'm not diggin' it. Sure the third-door al a Saturn and split rear barn doors are kinda neat and allow for a lot of neat jokes. But aside from that, I'm personally not impressed. Could it be the "Volvo wagon with a Cooper front" profile, or is it simply that an extended-wheelbase MINI isn't, well, "mini"?

I'm sure MINI will sell thousands to soccer moms and Double-bass players though. What's next? an all-wheel-drive MINI? (blek!)

images borrowed from autoexpress.co.uk