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.

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

Random MINI Babe [photo]

Random MINI Babe *NSFW!!* NSFW!!* [photo]

From time to time I like to push the envelope a little.  Today's RMB will either:
  a) get me lots of hits
  b) get my site banned
  c) lose subscribers
  d) gain subscribers
  or
  e) all of the above

Note- this is the third time I'm mentioning that this image NSFW.  (in other words, a random naked MINI Babe. And Soap. And a MINI. Enjoy.)  (not your style? Try this.

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NOT

SAFE

FOR

WORK

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You're welcome. :)

Random MINI Babe [photo]

Shameless Plug: MiniMotoringGraphics.com

When I got the email today from today's honored guest, little did he know that I am already keenly aware of the products and services they provide to the MINI community. Namely, custom graphics! If you didn't already know, MINI Motoring Graphics is the company of choice used by several U.S. MINI dealers including some of MINIUSA's previous special promotions.


You can upload your own images to their website, tweak them here and there, and they'll make vinyl graphics for you to put on your MINI- talk about the ultimate in you-i-fi-cation!

MINI Motoring Graphics have been providing custom graphics for every year and model of MINI since 2002. But don't listen to me- here's the email from Robert:

Good Morning,

I work at minimotoringgraphics.com and I stumbled across your MINI blog and have just been out and about trying to touch base with MINI owners and lovers and enthusiasts and people in community regarding what we do and who we are. We are the only offical parter for MINI USA and run their Graphics program. I don't know if you've ever seen the website or heard of us. We've been around for about two years and we just relaunched the website a few weeks ago. It's amazing how far we've come but we still have a long way to go and I'm leading the charge with trying to spread the word, word of mouth, on the internet ect. All the dealerships can order from us and I am working hard to get the clubs and website owners to work with us as well so we can get the MINI ONLINE community some really sweet discounts.

I car pool to work every morning and when i see a MINI I see so much potential and want to help get people an amazing product to dress up their MINI. New technology that we have invented to allow people full personalization of their MINI. It's never been possible before to do what we are doing and MINI is the only car that currently has this kind of technology we have made.

Check out their website and see what options are available for your MINI at minimotoringgraphics.com . If you tell 'em I sent you, I get a free hat!*


Related Links:
minimotoringgraphics.com
MINIUSA.com


*Totally made up the part about the hat. I get nothing for this.

Random MINI Babe [photo]