MINI United 2012. A genuinely fan-tastic event. 30,000 enthusiasts answer the call to party at the MINI Community’s biggest catch-up yet in France.

For the worldwide MINI Community there was only one place to be from 11 – 13 May: MINI United 2012 in Le Castellet, France. Last weekend’s event once again pulled in MINI fans from around the world, and the MINI faithful from almost 50 countries were greeted by a unique combination of live music and car-fuelled action at the Circuit Paul Ricard. The erstwhile host of Formula One grands prix proved to be the ideal venue for races in the MINI Trophy and MINI Rushour race series, and the assembled masses were also treated to a high-class line-up of live music acts and an array of fun sporting activities. Indeed, the MINI brand was there to be experienced in all its glory with a programme that also included stunt shows, test drives with the latest MINI models and Track Drives, which allowed MINI drivers to hustle their own cars around the legendary circuit in the tyre tracks of a professional racing driver. A particular highlight of the weekend was an exclusive preview of the new MINI John Cooper Works GP.


Iggy Pop and Gossip rocked the stage.

Motor sport buffs and design aficionados were joined at the largest get-together of the MINI Community by enthusiastic followers of the international music scene. Which was no surprise given that some of the world’s hottest stars were on the bill. On Friday, for example, rock legend Iggy Pop had the stage buzzing to the sounds of his band Iggy and the Stooges, before Paris-based house DJ Martin Solveig whipped the crowd into a dancing throng with his infectious club repertoire. That was followed on Saturday by a line-up including the punchy punk-pop of Grammy award-nominated duo The Ting Tings. And a sensational set from Gossip reminded us why front woman-cum-fashion icon Beth Ditto has been anointed the “Coolest Woman on the Planet”.


Record numbers set up a feast of the spectacular.

Records were being broken as well as played in Le Castellet, as the number of enthusiasts from around the world attending the previous MINI United at Silverstone, Great Britain (25,000) was bettered once again this year. 30,000 fans took over the Circuit Paul Ricard during the three days. The majority did the honourable thing by turning up in their own MINI, some even driving 6,490 km (4,032 miles) from the outer reaches of Russia to France. There, they mingled with fellow MINI devotees from the USA, Japan and Canada, who had also etched the event into their calendars. This unique gathering of MINI models ensured that the MINI Club Area, in which 24 MINI clubs from around the world were represented, the already legendary stage for ultra-spectacularly styled cars a.k.a. Beauty Parking, and a line-up of the full MINI product family were an even greater attraction than ever for the MINI fans.

Big on performance, small in number: The MINI John Cooper Works GP. Fastest MINI ever built – Best lap of the Nürburgring-Nordschleife: 8 min. 23 sec. – Extensive use of motor sport technology – Racing feeling transferred to the road – Preview at the MINI United festival – Production limited to 2,000 cars.


Only once has there been anything like it, but even that wasn’t as quick. With the MINI John Cooper Works GP, the British premium brand has come up with another car of exceptional talent designed to deliver extreme performance on both the race track and the road. The sportiest road-registered MINI ever made will go on sale later this year in a limited run of 2,000 cars. It is currently completing a programme of testing in preparation for series production, part of which has involved setting an impressive fastest lap of the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife circuit. The MINI John Cooper Works GP lapped the erstwhile Grand Prix course in 8 min. 23 sec. In so doing, the new model has put clear asphalt between itself and numerous sports cars from loftier perches – and beaten the lap time set by its predecessor, the MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP Kit, by almost 19 seconds.


Underpinning the performance characteristics of the MINI John Cooper Works GP is exclusive powertrain, chassis and aerodynamics technology inspired directly by motor sport. Its twin-scroll turbo engine generates outstanding torque, displays remarkable elasticity and demonstrates a healthy appetite for revs. Specially developed, adjustable race suspension channels this superlative output into spectacular yet precisely controllable handling.


As well as being undeniably imposing visually, the design of the body also gives the MINI John Cooper Works GP ideal aerodynamic balance in extreme driving situations – a key element in delivering that handling flair. Large front and rear aprons, striking side skirts and a bespoke roof spoiler are complemented by a newly developed rear diffuser which optimises airflow around the underbody. The interior of the MINI John Cooper Works GP also contributes to the car’s inspirational racing feeling; with the rear seats removed, it focuses unashamedly on the needs of the driver and co-driver.


Concentrated motor sport expertise – faithfully embodied at MINI by its John Cooper Works sub-brand – is the not-so-secret ingredient in the MINI John Cooper Works GP recipe. The “GP” tag on the model title tells you exactly where the extreme sports edition of the compact MINI most tellingly reveals its potential. The GP’s chassis configuration, the effectiveness of its race-spec braking system, the grip offered by its likewise bespoke racing tyres, and its aerodynamic properties have been honed into a high-performance whole on the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife circuit, erstwhile venue for Formula One races and lauded as the world’s most challenging race track. The noteworthy lap time set by the MINI John Cooper Works GP is the product of this extensive testing programme.


The unadulterated transfer of motor sport expertise into the everyday driving environment has history at MINI; it was this approach that made the MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP Kit the epitome of extreme driving fun in a small car when it was unveiled in 2006. Specific output of 100 kW/136 hp per litre of displacement and similarly impressive reserves of racing technology have secured its status as a sought-after collector’s item today.


The MINI John Cooper Works GP follows eagerly in the tyre tracks of its predecessor – and with an even greater spring in its step. It will be in similarly short supply; the world will have to make do with just 2,000 examples. Hosting the preview of the new model is another grand prix race track with history etched into every corner. The MINI John Cooper Works GP was unveiled publicly for the first time at Le Castellet in France, venue for the MINI United festival on 11 – 13 May 2012.

Labels: John Cooper Works, MINI United festival

A glowing report on our Vines of Guildford Bodyshop http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Drives/Search-Results/Long-term-tests/Mini-Coupe-Cooper-SD-2012-long-term-test-review/

MINI supports the Life Ball in Vienna for the 12th time. Proceeds so far from the one-off Life Ball MINI models amount to more than a half a million euros.

Since its market launch in 2001, MINI has been a partner of the Life Ball. During this period, eleven unique vehicles have been specially designed for the event by a wide range of internationally renowned celebrities. For the 20th anniversary of the Life Ball, MINI continues its tradition of donating a vehicle that has been creatively adapted by an international celebrity, the proceeds of which go to projects combating HIV and AIDS. The auctioning of these one-off MINI models over the last years has generated proceeds of more than 500,000 euros for the charitable cause.
In previous years these Life Ball MINI models have been created by international fashion designers, including Joseph Corré for Agent Provocateur, Donatella Versace, Renzo Rosso for Diesel and Missoni, as well as decision-makers from the fashion scene such as Mario Testino and The Blonds for Katy Perry. This year the ranks of Life Ball MINI designers are joined by Franca Sozzani, chief editor of Italian VOGUE and UN Goodwill Ambassador for Fashion 4 Development.  “I thought at MINI as a beautiful woman who put a scarf on her head when she drives a Roadster.” – This is how Sozzani describes the inspiration behind her design sketch for the MINI Roadster.

The combination of floral motifs and mannequins with trendy Deepest Purple matt paintwork lends the MINI Roadster a thoroughly unmistakable look. The highlight of this year's Life Ball MINI is the floral design on the roof of the MINI Roadster. Steel-coloured accents on the exterior mirrors and alloy wheels, along with typical MINI rally stripes, elegantly round off this unusual colour concept. The interior, meanwhile, boasts high-grade materials and a sophisticated seat design.
“In Franca Sozzani we have found an experienced fashion expert who devotes her artistic prowess primarily to colour. We are now thrilled to be able to bring this joint project to fruition”, says Anders Warming, Head of MINI Design.
The one-off MINI will be auctioned in the Hall of Ceremonies at Vienna’s Hofburg palace as part of the AIDS Solidarity Gala on Saturday 19starting at 5pm.
A further highlight of the Life Ball 2012 will be the fashion show presented by MINI and staged by VOGUE Italy. To mark the event’s 20th anniversary, creations by former Life Ball designers will be on display alongside legendary looks.

The social commitment of the BMW Group.

Worldwide measures to combat HIV/AIDS are one of the main elements of the corporate and social policy pursued by the BMW Group. The company’s involvement in South Africa is particularly wide-ranging, covering a comprehensive workplace programme for employees and their families, plus a number of different projects in the local communities and further afield. The carmaker is also committed to fighting this pandemic in other affected countries, such as Thailand or China. Membership of the Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS (GBC) underlines its long-term commitment at its various locations.

Timeline of the Life Ball MINI.

2012 – MINI designed by Franca Sozzani.
MINI Roadster by Franca Sozzani, chief editor of Italian VOGUE

2011 – MINI designed by DSQUARED².
MINI Hatch by Dean and Dan Caten

2010 – MINI designed by Diane von Furstenberg, Kenneth Cole and Francisco Costa von Calvin Klein Collection.
MINI Hatch by Diane von Furstenberg
MINI Cabrio by Kenneth Cole
MINI Countryman by Francisco Costa of Calvin Klein Collection

2009 – MINI designed by The Blonds.
MINI Cabrio by The Blonds for Katy Perry

2008 – MINI designed by Agent Provocateur.
MINI Clubman by Agent Provocateur / Joseph Corré

2007 – MINI designed by Testino.
MINI Hatch by star photographer Mario Testino

2006 – MINI designed by Diesel.
MINI Cabrio by Renzo Rosso

2005 – MINI designed by Versace.
MINI Cabrio by Donatella Versace

2004 – MINI designed by Ferré.
MINI Cabrio by Gianfranco Ferré

2003 – MINI designed by Missoni.
MINI Hatch by Angela Missoni

2002 – Charity MINI.
With autographs by German, Austrian and international celebrities
(incl. Elton John, No Angels, Heidi Klum, Emma Sjöberg, Mavie Hörbiger)

2001 – camouflaged MINI. (Presented before its market launch)

Thanks to everyone who got involved in this year's Horsham Piazza Run!

Labels: Horsham, MINI Event

MINI at the New York International Auto Show 2012.

Munich/New York. A fascinating retrospective and lots of promising future perspectives mark the appearance of the premium brand MINI at the New York International Auto Show (April 6th - 15th 2012). MINI was launched on the US automobile market ten years ago - the start of a rapid success story which led from the first premium small car to a family which has since grown to include six different models - now to be enriched with an additional member presented at the New York Auto Show itself. The tradition-steeped trade fair not only celebrates the brand's US anniversary but also sees the world premiere of the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman.

Prior to the New York International Auto Show, Dr. Kay Segler, Senior Vice President MINI Brand Management, also announced the world premiere of a limited-edition motorsport model at the MINI United Festival in May in Le Castellet, France. Visitors to the meeting of the worldwide MINI Community will get to see the MINI John Cooper Works GP there for the first time. With a particularly high-performance turbo engine, racing-oriented suspension technology and exclusive, aerodynamically optimized body components, the MINI John Cooper Works GP follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, which caused a stir back in 2005 as the most powerful and the fastest road-approved MINI at the time.

US premiere: the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman.

The MINI John Cooper Works Countryman lines up for the start as an extremely sporty version of the first five-door MINI with four or five seats. For the first time, MINI merges the racing passion of a John Cooper Works model with the all-wheel drive system ALL4. "This is a remarkable automobile in many ways: it is the biggest MINI with the most powerful engine, it is fitted with all-wheel drive and it is the first John Cooper Works model to feature automatic transmission," says Dr. Kay Segler.
The MINI John Cooper Works Countryman is powered by a newly developed 4-cylinder engine with Twin Scroll turbocharger, direct petrol injection and variable valve control. The 1.6 liter engine delivers 160 kW/218 bhp (208 hp in the USA) and generates a maximum torque of 280 Newton meters, which can be temporarily increased to 300 Newton meters using the overboost function. In combination with all-wheel drive, this makes for extreme driving fun over every terrain. The MINI John Cooper Works Countryman accelerates in 7.0 seconds from zero to 100 km/h. Its standard fittings include an aerodynamic kit, 18-inch light alloy wheel rims, a sports chassis including lowered suspension, a sports exhaust system with chrome tailpipe trim and exclusive design features for both exterior and interior.

Special model for the USA: MINI 10 Years Anniversary.

The second world premiere at the Auto Show in New York is dedicated to the tenth anniversary of MINI on the US automobile market. The MINI 10 Years Anniversary was designed especially for customers in the USA. Based on the MINI Cooper, the 121 hp 4-cylinder anniversary model expresses the pioneering spirit of the first premium small car as it set out to take the USA by storm. "As you would expect, it is available in three paint finishes: red, white and blue - the three colors which make up the national flag of the USA," says Dr. Kay Segler.

In addition, MINI also presents three new vehicle characters at the New York International Auto Show based on the MINI and the MINI Convertible. Their exclusive design and equipment features give each of them a highly expressive and distinctive personality. The MINI Baker Street embodies the brand's youthful, innovative and trend-setting style. The qualities particularly featured in the MINI Bayswater are athletic flair and a special talent for agile handling. The third model is the MINI Convertible Highgate, which expresses exclusivity and a modern interpretation of British style.

Labels: New York International Auto Show 2012

New MINI Roadster Reveals Itself in Hollywood ‘Peepshow’

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – April 2, 2012… Enhancing its reputation as a fun-loving, cheeky, and often mischievous brand, MINI is revealing its new Roadster model in a racy, alluring way at a prime Los Angeles location.


Just a block away from the Kodak and Chinese Theatres, MINI promises ‘Live and Exotic Topless Thrills 24/7’ at the MINI Roadster Peepshow Spectacular.  MINI has taken over a corner store on Hollywood Blvd and masked all the windows for a 25-day long series of fleeting, revealing shows where passers-by are encouraged to take a “peep”.


Each show will be triggered whenever a passing spectator presses one of the ‘peep’ buttons on the display, rolling back a window blind and unveiling the MINI Roadster as it rotates slowly on a turntable, complete with a disco ball above, music and smoke. Adding authentic atmosphere to the MINI Roadster Peepshow Spectacular, colored neon lighting has been placed throughout the Peepshow to illuminate the Roadster even more.


Passers-by in this pedestrian-friendly area will be lured to the Roadster Peepshow by storefront signage with racy messages such as:  “Bada Bing, Bada Boom”, “Open 24 Hours” and the simple, tempting command to “Peep Here.”


“The new MINI Roadster is a devilishly fast, uncompromising two-seater soft-top with the soul of a sports car and the heart of a MINI,” comments Jim McDowell, Vice President MINI USA.  “Our Peepshow reveal in this prime Los Angeles location sets the scene perfectly for our latest model which delivers more fun than one person can handle with its exhilarating ride and unlimited headroom.”


The MINI Roadster Peepshow Spectacular is surrounded by hot nightlife spots including MyHouse, Teddy’s, Tropicana Bar, Mood LA, East Lounge, Supper Club, Roxbury and Rolling Stone LA.  For a free ‘peep’ at the new MINI Roadster, fans in the Los Angeles area should visit 7046 Hollywood Blvd @ N Sycamore Ave before April 22.

Labels: MINI Roadster

Labels: Taylans Project

We have a few of our staff and family members taking part in upcoming charities challenges, many of which are close to their hearts. In the words of Dr. Seuss - Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better.
Keith Hunt and Chris Lamport – Neuroblastoma Society.

Keith Hunt (Gatwick), Chris Lamport (Corporate) and a friend are attempting the ultimate triathlon, known as The Ironman Challenge. This involves the 26.22 mile marathon, 112 mile cycling and a swim of 2.4 miles, in support of registered charity The Neuroblastoma Society, whose slogan is ‘Fighting Childhood Cancer’. Keith lost his son to cancer at the age of 5 years but, had John survived, he would be celebrating his 21st birthday this year. Other events are also planned on the day including the dreaded skydive by Keith’s eldest daughter and some friends.

If you would like to help and support research into childhood cancer, please visit www.justgiving.co.uk then type ‘Keith and Caroline’ in the donation search box. For more information on the charity, please visit www.neuroblastoma.org.uk

Duncan Bell – Shaftsbury Young People

As always Duncan (Guildford Motorrad) will be running the London Marathon for his charity Shaftsbury Young People.

To support young people in care and in need to find their voice, to be healthy, to learn, develop and achieve and to gain an independent and positive place in society… Their mission statement tells all.

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/DuncanBell7

Sean Kelly (Redhill) :

I am sure at this time of year you have many requests for donations surrounding the London Marathon…!

My son is running again this year for Children with Cancer UK charity and has asked me to drum up some support for him, as you will see from the photo and bio he is a perfect physical specimen for the task in hand…

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AlfyFowler.

As they say at Tesco ‘every little helps’ so even a pound each would be gratefully received…

We wish all our Vines staff and family members the best of luck for their challenges and in their fundraising endeavours.