Home » Archives for February 2013

How much?

09:00
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Now, perhaps we're missing a trick here, but when the latest press release hit our inbox promoting a new type of ball-joint splitter, our eyes lit up and we read on, thinking that, although the current splitters do the job, it's always nice to have a bit of choice isn't it?

 Well, that was until we saw the price. So much so, that we had to make enquiries to ensure it wasn't a typo and that other news vendors would be publicising the wrong price.

 But alas, it was us. The price was right, but in our mind, it was very very wrong. We know, we're dragging it out a bit, but bear with us.

 So, a typical ball-joint splitter from a typical Mini parts vendor would cost what? About £20-£25? In our mind that still seems a bit steep of a bit of shaped metal with a bolt through it, so you can imagine our horror when the aforementioned ball-joint splitter was priced at....  £106.68.

 Is it us? Or is that just a tad steep? Now there maybe some fancy gubbins hidden away that we don't comprehend, but here's the press release and you can decide for yourself and then choose whether to berate us or not.
"This extra heavy duty ball joint separator (Laser Tools’ part no: 5553) is designed to split the most stubborn joint taper with ease.



There is no hammer, no impact, just steady and impressive power, a torque of just 40Nm applied results in a full 8 ton pressure on the jaws.



The fork body is manufactured from high-tensile SCM 440 alloy steel for terrific strength and durability.



This professional tool is available now at a typical price of £106.68 but remember to check your local Laser Tools supplier for the best prices and special offers.


More details from www.lasertools.co.uk"
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MINI JCW Paceman is here

23:37
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The MINI John Cooper Works Paceman combines mouthwatering sporting flair and inimitable style to usher in a new dimension in driving fun. The seventh top-class athlete in the John Cooper Works range blends the overall concept of the first Sports Activity Coupé in its class with powertrain and chassis technology developed on the back of extensive motor sport expertise and the standard presence of ALL4 all-wheel drive. The driver and passengers can lap up the resultant sensation of race competition and the interior’s characteristic sports car ambience from four individual seats.

A new addition to the compact segment: a Sports Activity Coupé with a racing flavour
The MINI John Cooper Works Paceman takes to the stage as the stand-out sporting tool in a new category of car. The new model sees the compact Sports Activity Coupé concept wrapped up in an extra layer of muscular proportions and dynamically stretched lines.

The performance-maxing character of the MINI John Cooper Works Paceman is further emphasised by an aerodynamic kit, which features as standard alongside lowered sports suspension and 18-inch light-alloy wheels. The selection of exterior paint finishes includes Chili Red, which can also be specified – exclusively on the John Cooper Works model – as a contrast shade for the roof and exterior mirror caps, as well as for the Sport Stripes.

Engine and gearbox: top performance as standard, automatic transmission optional
The 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine powering the MINI John Cooper Works Paceman boasts a twin-scroll turbocharger, petrol direct injection and variable valve control based on the BMW Group’s VALVETRONIC technology. It develops output of 160 kW/218 hp and peak torque of 280 Newton metres (207 lb-ft), which can be increased to 300 Newton metres (221 lb-ft) for short periods between 2,100 and 4,500 rpm courtesy of the overboost function. The sports exhaust system provides this power delivery with a suitably stirring soundtrack.

The engine sends its power through a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, although a six-speed automatic is also available as an option. The MINI John Cooper Works Paceman sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.9 seconds – with either gearbox – on the way to a top speed of 226 km/h / 140 mph (manual) or 224 km/h / 139 mph (automatic). The engine’s inherent efficiency and extensive MINIMALISM technology ensure exceptionally low fuel consumption and emissions for this output class. The MINI John Cooper Works Paceman posts average fuel consumption of 7.4 litres per 100 kilometres / 38.2 mpg imp (automatic: 7.9 l/100 km / 35.8 mpg imp) and CO2 emissions of 172 grams (automatic: 184 grams) per kilometre in the EU test cycle.

ALL4 all-wheel drive delivers unbeatable poise, assurance and sporting ability
The MINI John Cooper Works Paceman sends its extreme engine power to the road through all four wheels. Its ALL4 all-wheel-drive system uses an electromagnetic centre differential to distribute drive seamlessly between the front and rear axles – and, in so doing, optimises traction, driving stability and agility through dynamically taken corners.

Chassis modifications to the MINI John Cooper Works Paceman include firmly tuned springs and dampers, strengthened anti-roll bars, a 10-millimetre lower ride height and a braking system with red callipers. The DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system comprises DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) mode, and the standard Sport Button allows the driver to tweak the engine’s responses and soundtrack, as well as the power assistance provided by the steering.

Interior with lounge-style surroundings and sports car ambience
The MINI John Cooper Works Paceman lays on four seats and 330 litres of boot capacity. The two rear seat backrests can be folded down individually, increasing the amount of load space to as much as 1,080 litres. These individual seats give the rear compartment a lounge-like ambience to go with the cockpit’s typically John Cooper Works sports car environment. Central features up front include bespoke sports seats, a sports steering wheel, interior trim strips in Piano Black, an anthracite-coloured roof liner and dark-coloured dials for the speedometer and rev counter.

Standard specification also features air conditioning and the MINI Boost CD radio, while the optional extras available for the regular MINI Paceman, MINI Connected technology, model-specific options and John Cooper Works accessories provide an extra boost to comfort and individuality.
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Sydney to London... in a Mini?

22:29
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Fancy something different?

Well, with 14 months to go, the organisers of The Sydney to London Classic Marathon Rally are pleased to announce that the first cargo plane - which will transport competitors' cars to Turkey from the end of the Australian leg - is now full.

With several people, who had previously expressed interest, recently confirming their intention to enter the event, together with several new enquiries, the organisers expect the second plane to become full before long.

In other breaking news, Hannu Mikkola and his son, Vesa, have joined the entry. Hannu competed on the 2000 London to Sydney Marathon with his other son, Juha, and returns to tackle the event in the opposite direction driving a Ford Escort RS1800.

Buy Back Deal: The organisers have put in place a buy-back deal for the Challenge Regularity Event, enabling entrants to fly into Sydney and pick up a BRAND NEW 4x4 vehicle, ready-prepared for the event. The vehicle can be purchased for AUS $36,000, and it would then be bought back for AUS $22,000 at the end of the event in London.

The Challenge Event is for any suitable passenger car, including 4x4 recreational vehicles, licensed for use on the public highway, with a crew of up to four people. Entrants will normally follow the same route as the Competition Event and will have regularity sections most days.

Entrants in both the Challenge and Competition Events can choose to do the whole route, or opt for either the Australian or European legs only.

Service vehicles are now permitted for the Classic Car Rally with "basic" and "premium" options available. "Basic" includes identification plates, service book, road books, daily bulletins and access to official car parks, but with no air or sea transport or hotels provided.

"Premium" Service includes all of Basic Service, plus hotels, and air and sea transport for a crew of two.

For more information, please see the event website at www.transworldhistoricrallying.com or contact Steve Weston steve@transworldhistoricrallying.com).
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Top Gear Grannymobile at Beaulieu

14:09
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Bringing with it a distinct smell of mothballs, another casualty from the new series of BBC Top Gear has been wheeled into Beaulieu for some rest and recuperation – turn up your hearing aids and dig out those walking sticks, the Grannymobile has arrived!

Mindful of Britain’s ever-growing pensioner population, Jeremy and Richard took it upon themselves to convert a Fiat Multipla into their idea of how a car for old people (such as co-presenter James May) should be, and it is that very vehicle which is now on show at Beaulieu.

The rather, erm, stunning bodywork is painted in the exact same colour as a hearing aid, the front bumper is greatly extended to accommodate all those little knocks and scrapes in the bingo hall car park, and the Fiat badges have been replaced with Rover ones to make the car more familiar and less, you know... foreign. The interior has also been thoughtfully re-designed with useful features such as a flask holder, a recalibrated large print speedometer and waterproof front seat covers to cater for those, ahem... little accidents. The rear seats have also been replaced with Shakletons easy chairs because they are, quote, “so easy to get in and out of, you know”.

Once the modifications were completed, the pair took the car out for a test run in the countryside to see what the pensioners of Christchurch thought, stopping along the way for a game of bingo and a nice cup of tea. Having survived the ordeal... just... well, with a few slight alterations, courtesy of Jeremy’s over-exuberant slip road warning system, the vehicle is now having a nice rest in the World of Top Gear at Beaulieu and welcomes visitors between the hours of 10am and 5pm.

The Grannymobile joins a whole host of cars at Beaulieu created by the Top Gear presenters for some of their most ambitious challenges. Another recent addition is the P45 micro car, also from the latest series, driven by Jeremy on an eventful trip along a dual carriageway, and through the corridors of a shopping mall and the British Library.

The ‘Enormodrome’ recreates the feel of the Top Gear studio with regular features from the programme, including the Cool Wall and the Celebrity ‘Lap Times’ board, kept up to date in line with the show. Visitors can also watch behind-the-scenes footage of the Top Gear production zone and clips of some of the best Top Gear moments.

World of Top Gear can be seen as part of a visit to the whole Beaulieu attraction which also includes the National Motor Museum, BOND IN MOTION, Palace House and Beaulieu Abbey. 
Beaulieu is open every day, except Christmas Day, from 10am. For more information telephone 01590 612345 or visit www.beaulieu.co.uk
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Last chance for cheap IMM tickets

10:03
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It's only a few months away now, and for most Mini owners who are attending, preparations for the 2013 International Mini Meet will be well underway.

 But there's always a few laggers, those who decide at the last minute 'what the hell', before a mad rush to get ready. 

 Well, fortunately, those of you who haven't already got your tickets, you can still buy them at the cheaper rate of just €60, and that includes a commemorative t-shirt and gadget - both of which won't be available after March 1, 2013 - so if you're particularly keen on your Mini collectables or want the best deal.... now is the time to book.

 From March until May, the ticket price increases to €75 and after May 1, it goes up to €85 due to the cost of accomodating extra people and extra facilities.

 So, book early, save money, get a gift and t-shirt. It's a no-brainer really.

 Get your tickets here:
www.imm2013.eu
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Mini events from Classicshows.org

17:26
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Thank you for your support at our various events over the last year, and what a challenging year it was being the wettest summer for 100 years.  Having survived the rain, snow and even fog at our Mini event at Malvern in October, we are back again for our 28th year of trading and are looking forward to a much better summer in 2013.

Our season, as far as Minis are concerned, starts at the Three Counties Showground in Malvern on Sunday 14th April.  This show does move around the calendar a little mainly due to Easter also moving around and last year traders were in the Severn Hall with clubs and private entries outside on the grass.  We actually do prefer this format as all the cars get judged in the arena and visitors and participants get much better value from our commentator. However, in light of the bad weather in October last year, we have decided not to risk an outside element to the show in the Spring and have moved back into the Avon and Wye Halls in April so everything can be either inside the halls or outside on hardstanding.  We have also moved forward the Autumn event at Malvern from Sunday 20th October to Sunday 22nd September and this will be held inside the Severn Hall for traders and outside on grass for clubs and private entries.  As this is only one week after the large event at Stanford Hall, which is all outside, we should be OK with the weather, if it rains at least it will be warm rain!

The Autumn Mini show at Malvern started life with us at the end of November and has gradually moved further and further forward in the calendar until it will sit towards the end of September in 2013. We have therefore decided to plug the gap by starting a Christmas Mini event on Sunday 1st December at Donington Park, Derbs, which is next to East Midlands airport 2 miles from J23a/24 of the M1.  The exhibition hall at Donington is superbly appointed offering around 3,500sq m of exhibition space with hardstanding compounds at either end of the hall offering lots of Mini parking.  We organise a very successful Japanese motorcycle show twice a year at this venue and there is no reason why the Mini show should not be equally as successful.  

Booking forms for trade and club space for Malvern and Donington are available by clicking on the link below and floorplans are available on our website www.classicshows.org

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MINI Roadster named ‘best open-top’ at What Car? Awards

22:14
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The MINI Cooper S Roadster has scooped the title of best open-top at the prestigious What Car? Car of the Year Awards 2013. Chas Hallett, editor of What Car? said: “MINIs are all about fun and the Roadster delivers it in spades – in fact we think it’s the most fun MINI yet. Drop the roof and the MINI Roadster feels like a modern-day version of classic British sports cars such as the MGB and Lotus Elan – only better.”

The award comes hot on the heels of MINI’s record breaking sales year in the UK, with the brand recording 51,234 vehicle registrations in 2012, the highest since the brand’s launch in 2001. The MINI Roadster was launched in the UK in April 2012 and the two seat soft-top has exceeded initial sales expectations. Built at MINI Plant Oxford, the MINI Roadster reincarnates the spirit of classic British roadsters by combining a high quality interior with class leading engines, delivering MINI’s hallmark agility and ‘go-kart’ handling.
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love:mini ISSUE 2.5 - OUT NOW

21:11
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Woohoo, it's finally here, the next issue of love:mini.

 We've labelled it issue 2.5 because it's only a half issue really - it's a catch up of stuff we should have published ages ago, but nevertheless, it's all top quality stuff and an interesting read, even if some of it is obsolete or irrelevant now.

 So what are you waiting for? Head over to the website and download it and tell your friends and remember to follow us on Twitter and Facebook and our Blog, which is where all the news will be posted first!
THE FUTURE
The future is bright, but it's not orange. 

 Whilst we've rushed out this 'filler' issue to let you all know that we're back in business and appealing for you input, we're now focussing on a sleeker magazine and brand that will offer you a range of resourceful information, news and reviews.

 So it's essential you sign up to follow our blog and put your name down on the mailing list on the website so we can let you know of any future releases.
YOUR HELP
As always, we rely on your input of articles, pictures and event reports to keep other Mini fans entertained and informed. We produce this free magazine for the love of the car and to help other enthusiasts like you. So.... share your knowledge, get into the spirit of Mini and get in touch.
NEW ISSUE OUT NOW
www.love-mini.co.uk
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MINI in first ever car backflip!

13:30
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A MINI can do more. It can win the Dakar Rally twice in a row. It can conquer more than 100 markets worldwide. But what about defying the laws of gravity and showing snowboarders how to nail the perfect backflip? Extreme sportsman, freestyle skier and rally driver Guerlain Chicherit rocked up at the winter sports resort of Tignes in his native France to prove it can do that as well. Chicherit pulled off the first such manoeuvre ever performed in a car using a static ramp, the driver and his MINI coming back down to earth – or, more specifically, a bed of fresh powder snow – unscathed after a perfectly executed backflip on a special prepared track. 



The successful airbound stunt crowns an already impressive career in extreme sports for Chicherit. The 34-year-old is equally in his element on snow as he is behind the wheel of a rally car. Four times a freestyle skiing world champion, he has also won the French rally championship on two occasions. The Frenchman is also a veteran of the X-raid Team (which wrapped up back-to-back Dakar Rally titles in January 2013 with the MINI ALL4 Racing), having made his debut for the German outfit back in 2006. In 2011 Chicherit was in the driver’s seat as the MINI ALL4 Racing turned its first wheels in South America for the world’s toughest rally.

The MINI Backflip show event in Tignes gave Chicherit the chance to bring together every facet of his passion for extreme sports. Tignes is one of France’s best-known winter sports locations and provided the venue for the freestyle skiing competitions in the 1992 Winter Olympic Games.
The backflip had previously been attempted by other drivers. But Chicherit has now become not only the first automotively-propelled artist to execute a perfect landing, he also did it “unassisted” – in other words, without the aid of a special ramp with moving elements to boost the car’s rotational movement. For his take-off, Chicherit used a static ramp that fits the same template as a quarterpipe on a freestyle course. With the ideal ramp breakover angle in place, Chicherit needed only two other things to record a successful attempt: an extremely light touch with the accelerator and a MINI with a suitably buoyant spring in its step.
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Product news - Feb '13

00:06
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Hawk Performance Ceramic Brake Pads for BMW Mini R53
Cambridge Motorsports Parts - distributors of Hawk Brake products - can now offer Hawk Performance Ceramic brake pads for the BMW Mini R53 Cooper/S 02-06.

The performance ceramic compound offers better than OE performance with very low dust and low noise as a principle feature. They work well directly from cold and are virtually noise-free in operation.

The pads can be ordered as part number HB444Z.685 at £84.67 + VAT
(Hawk pads for all other Mini applications are also available)

For more details of the full range of Hawk Brake Pads telephone 01462 684300 or visit the
Cambridge Motorsport Parts website... www.cambridgemotorsport.com


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M-Style Evo Aerodynamic bodykit for Mini R56 & R57 
2013 is off to an exciting start with the introduction of the Evo Aerodynamic Bodykit for R56 & R57 Minis from M-Style.

The bodykit consists of front bumper kit complete with LED daytime running lights, side skirts with double air vents and a rear bumper kit complete with diffuser.

Also included is a new front grille, tailgate spoiler (for R56), fitting kit and bumper trims. The bodykit is available for Mini One, Cooper & Diesel and also for Cooper ‘S’.

The parts are made from flexible ABS plastic and with a fitment as good as the original Mini parts this bodykit is by far the best aftermarket bodykit available. Price is £1049 supplied and £1495 fully fitted/painted. Prices include VAT.

You can order the parts direct from the M-Style website - www.mstyle.co.uk.

As ever, full fitting facilities are available at M-Style’s workshops in Romford, Essex, close to the M25.

For further details visit the M-Style website:
www.mstyle.co.uk or call 0208 5989115
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 Mini Spares now sole distributor of 10” and 12” genuine Minilite wheels
 Mini Spares are now the only company still distributing genuine Minilite wheels in 10” and 12” sizes and are part owners of the brand name.

The original Tech Del Minilites were made famous by the Special Tuning Works Department and over the years MInilites have been hailed as one of the great products of the British classic car industry, finding their way onto classic and sports cars of almost every make. Originally they were were made out of lightweight magnesium alloy, hence name Minilite, however they later changed to the aluminium alloy that is still used today.

Their timeless appeal and the fact that they are probably the easiest wheels on the market to clean and care for have made them a worldwide (and often imitated) brand.

The 10” and 12” Minilites are suitable for all classic Minis plus kit cars, other classic marques and even small trailers.

Mini Spares currently have Minilite wheels on special offer with prices starting at £81.90 incl. VAT (£68.25 without VAT for non EU customers) and can supply them in a number of sizes, offsets and in a choice of colours. Mini Spares can also supply tyres to suit.

For more details contact Mini Spares on
+44 1707 607700 or visit their website: www.minispares.com
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Viper’s Universal Alloy Tanks
Viper has added these useful small alloy tanks to its range of aluminium fabrications.

The tanks are available in anodised black or polished natural aluminium and come with mounting brackets and six outlet/inlet -8 ORB female ports. Unused ports can be blocked off with Viper blanking caps (sold separately).

These tanks can be used in a number of applications such as reservoir tanks, breather tanks, fuel surge tanks (swirl pot) etc.. and are ideal for the racer and kit car builder alike.

Vipers Universal Fabricated Alloy tanks are of superb build quality, robotically TIG welded and come in three sizes...
1.4 Litre - 127x127x100mm - £79.00 incl. VAT
2.2 Litre - 127x127x155mm - £84.00 incl. VAT
3.1 Litre - 127x127x210mm - £88.99 incl. VAT.

The tanks are ideal for use with Viper’s own adaptors & hose end fittings as well as other popular branded hose end fittings.

Order directly from the Viper performance website.
For more details, telephone 0845 0953 423 visit www.viper-performance.co.uk
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DSN Classics RetroSport Gearknob

09:00
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The latest design from DSN Classic's RetroSport range is this beautifully-crafted gearknob.

Created with a 'revolutionary' mushroom-shaped design, it offers superior grip when sat snuggly in the palm of your hand.

As always there is a selection of colours and finishes. If you choose to have the gear pattern engraving, then you can choose from a polished or anodised silver finish.

Without the gear pattern engraving it is available polished, or in anodised silver or black.

The cup washers can also be colour-coded in either silver, black, red or blue and sleeve nut comes supplied to lock the gearknob firmly in place.

It's available now for £25.

To order, or for more information, call or visit the website:
01953 455551
www.dsnclassics.co.uk
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MINI Holland Street

20:00
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MINI has introduced the MINI Holland Street: a super complete MINI for the 'Dutch' market.
The MINI Holland Street is available as a MINI One (D), MINI One (D) Clubman and the MINI One (D) and Cooper (D) Countryman. The Holland Street is outfitted with navigation, air conditioning, sports seats with fabric / leather upholstery, leather-covered multifunction sports steering wheel, MINI Connected, Cruise Control, Chrome Line interior and exterior, 16-inch alloy wheels 6-Star Twin Spoke (Countryman 17-inches) white lights and chromed mirror. The MINI Holland Street is identified by a Holland Street Badge on the b-pillars of the car.
The Holland Street package for the MINI and MINI Clubman Hatchback available for €2,300, thus you'll have a MINI Holland Street from €20,995. It also includes the MINI and MINI Clubman Holland Street in the 20% adjustment category. A MINI Holland Street package on the MINI Countryman is available for €2,800, thus you can drive a MINI Countryman Holland Street for €28,295.

The Dutch flag is not standard on Holland Street but optional for an additional fee to obtain from the MINI dealer.

MINI Brick Lane Pack
MINI also introduces the Brick Lane package. An exterior package to make the MINI One Hatchback (D) even more striking. The MINI Brick Lane is a striking MINI with striking details, so the Brick Lane brightly coloured mirror, its bonnet and stripes, coloured side scuttles and a striking coloured badge on the front. Brick Lane is a street in London where neon, 'curry houses' and colourful graffiti predominate, an appropriate name for this colourful MINI. The Brick Lane package is available for €500. This package is also after sales order.
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East Coast Mini Club Easter Run

17:00
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On April 1 - Easter Monday - East Coast Mini Club will be holding their annual Mini run and Mini Auction raising money for local charity - EACH (www.each.org.uk).

This year over 100 Minis are expected to take part (Both New Mini and Classic Mini’s are welcome), and these will assemble in the car park at Ramb Meadow ready for the off at 10.00am. The run will proceed through some of Suffolk's most attractive countryside along country lanes and through picturesque villages such as Lavenham on route to the half-way point and comfort break at Stoneham Barns. The final leg of the journey will lead the Minis to the final destination of Southwold, where they will assemble on the green for the visiting public to enjoy.

During the afternoon an auction will take place of all things Mini, from spare parts, collectables and items of interest, including the chance to drive a Mini Challenge race car Cooper Class car on the race track direct from the UK Mini Challenge race series.

Cars will be on display for the afternoon and enthusiastic owners will be around to inform visitors about the car’s on show, the history of the
Mini from 1959 up to present day. Models from most the classic range to the most recent up-to-date Mini Cooper GP 2 will be on display, a great
Opportunity to see the “Mini through the years" in one place.

The event is supported in 2013 by sponsors SCALEXTRIC & CARRS MINI of Bury St Edmunds, not to mention Total Track Mini Challenge Race Series.

Every penny raised will be donated to this year's charity of choice 'EACH' - East Anglia's Children's Hospices - a very worthy charity and one which needs much support to continue its important work.

As part of the Run, at the end of the event we hold our Mini-related Charity Auction, selling items kindly donated from businesses and
individuals, most items are Mini-related so always creates lots of interest.

For more information on the event or the charity visit:
www.eastcoastminiclub.co.uk
www.each.org.uk


 
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MINI seeks new UK apprentices

12:43
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BMW Group is looking for over 150 young people with a passion for the motor industry to take up apprenticeships available through its company and dealership schemes in 2013. The new recruits will join nearly 400 existing apprentices currently undergoing training across the company’s UK operations, and within its BMW and MINI dealer network.  

The business is looking for 45 new apprentices to take up places at its MINI UK production plants in August as they prepare for the next model generation. In addition, BMW and MINI dealerships are looking to recruit around 100 young people across the UK.

Skills Minister Matthew Hancock said: “It is great news that BMW are offering so many more exciting apprenticeships. Apprenticeships are the best way for young people to get the skills both they and their employer needs, while earning a salary, and this scheme demonstrates really well the opportunities that are out there.

“I encourage young people keen to get into the automotive industry to look into this great opportunity, and to other employers, of any size, to consider the benefits that an apprentice could bring to their company.”

MINI Plant Oxford has 32 places available and technical apprentices will attend Plant Oxford’s newly opened training school, featuring state-of-the-art classrooms, dedicated computer study areas and a fully-equipped workshop. Business and IT apprentices will attend Abingdon and Witney College in conjunction with Oxford Brookes University to help deliver the programme.

 With five apprenticeships available at the Plant Swindon pressings plant and a further eight at the Hams Hall engine plant near Birmingham, apprenticeships last between three and four years and cover a wide range of skills from human resources and business to electrical maintenance and engineering. The training leads to an NVQ level three qualification and some young people will have the opportunity to progress right through to degree level in the course of their career at MINI.

Frank Bachmann, Managing Director, MINI Plant Oxford and Swindon, said: “Investment in young people is a key part of our development strategy for the plants and it is vital that we attract the very best young talent to ensure the business has the right skills for the future. We are delighted to be able to offer young people the chance to join our modern apprenticeship scheme.”

Young people can apply for an apprenticeship through a new Facebook page, which can be found at www.facebook.com/BmwCareersUK. The closing date for applications is 1 March 2013.

For the 100 apprentices to be recruited to MINI and BMW dealerships, there are programmes in various disciplines ranging from Service Technician, Parts Advisor, Motorcycle Technician and Body Refinish/Paint.

All BMW and MINI apprentices complete the two-year Advanced Modern Apprenticeship at Level 3 and receive VRQ/VCQ qualifications from the Institute of the Motor Industry. Training is carried out at the BMW Group Academy UK, a purpose-built training centre opened in 2006 and located near Reading. In general the minimum entry criteria require between three and four GSCEs at grade C or above (or equivalent). 

Commenting on the 2013 intake, Tim Abbott, Managing Director of BMW Group UK, said: "Bringing new talent and fresh thinking  into our dealerships is vital to allow us to provide the best possible service for our customers and so I am delighted that we will welcome around 100 new apprentices to our award- winning scheme in the UK."
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WRC: RALLY SWEDEN DAY 4

12:52
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WRC

Jarkko Nikara, driving his John Deere-supported MINI John Cooper Works WRC, set three top ten stage times on the final day of Rally Sweden, as he continued to sweep the road for the following drivers. Indeed it would have been four top tens, but for stalling off the line on stage 21, which cost him around ten seconds.

Sweden is only the Finnish driver's second outing in a World Rally Car, following his amazing fifth place on his debut at Rally Spain in November. Nikara's poor road position over the weekend hampered his progress. It was initially a consequence of missing qualifying after a high speed accident during free practice, but then he lost 45 minutes in a snow bank on stage three, meaning he was set to sweep the road for the rest of the rally. The highlight of his weekend was his third place on stage 12.

Dave Wilcock, Prodrive WRC Team principal said: "You have to say that Jarkko has driven his first full snow event in a WRC very well. Despite driving on loose snow at the front of the field, he has still been able to demonstrate his raw pace with some excellent splits, while showing maturity to complete all 22 stages. Only the excursion into a snow bank on stage three has cost him a top ten finish, which in a field of this strength, with so many full works drivers with so much testing under their belts would have been quite an achievement. I look forward to seeing him back in the car for Portugal and hopefully some further events. All he needs is time behind the wheel to really show his true potential."

Jarkko Nikara said: "When the roads were clear and icy the car was really fun to drive, but when there was loose snow on the surface it was much harder for me. I have definitely improved as the event has gone on and I am pleased with my speed and I have learnt the car more and more as I only had 70km of testing before the event. The other guys here have had a lot more time in their cars and they know these stages much better than me, so I am pleased with my performance. I am now looking forward to Portugal. I drove there in 2009 in group N and it is an event I like."

Nikara will compete for the Prodrive WRC Team at Rally Portugal in April and it is hoped to add further events including Finland.
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MINI Paceman video review

21:47
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Autoguide.com have picked up a new MINI Paceman and given an honest review of the car, asking "What the heck is it?".

 Watch it above and read the full article here - 
http://www.autoguide.com/manufacturer/mini/2013-mini-paceman-review-video-2423.html
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Protect from salt corrosion

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Road salt may be an essential part of the winter motoring diet for the nation's local authorities, but it’s far from healthy for your pride and joy, with the car's bodywork, wheels and trim all vulnerable to salt-fuelled corrosive attack - Mini owners know this especially well!

With the recent spate of snow in the past, and perhaps more to come, car care expert Armor All recommends that now's the time for a spot of long-lasting remedial treatment - removing salt residue with a thorough wash, and then protecting from future attack with its latest product, Shield.
Providing far greater and longer-lasting protection to paintwork than a conventional car wax, Armor All Shield is also a great deal more time and labour-saving.
A thorough application and light wipe of the product, following a wash, is all that's needed, with no need for buffing. Once applied, each wash reactivates the protective shield to maintain paintwork shine and protection for up to ten washes. So confident is Armor All of the product's superior performance that it offers a money-back guarantee.
Armor All Shield is available now from Halfords stores nationwide or online at www.halfords.com, and all good motoring accessory shops, with a recommended price of £18.99 for a long-lasting 500ml bottle.
Ask also for Armor All Heavy Duty Car Wash to remove all traces of salt and grime prior to applying Shield.
For further details of stockists and information on the comprehensive Armor All range, including the latest wheelcare equivalent, Shield for Wheels, visit www.armorall.eu, call the UK helpline on 0845 6021995 or e-mail ukhelpline@armoredautogroup.com.
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Mini t-shirts #1

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You can never own enough Mini t-shirts, and we all want to be seen in something exclusive or a bit different to everyone else. So when we came across a couple of t-shirts from a bespoke luggage supplier, we had an inkling that you lot probably hadn't seen them.

 So, if you've a spare £20 in your pocket (a bit steep for a t-shirt) and you've fallen in love with one of these three designs - including a rather funky three-stripe classic tee, then head on over to HillsAlive where you can order yours now.

 http://www.hillsalive.co.uk/index.php/virtuemart-accessories/t-shirts
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MINI sends apology for spam mail

22:09
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According to the Huffington Post:

Recently, a server glitch at Mini Cooper clogged the inboxes of some subscribers with hundreds of messages.

To apologize MINI sent the pictured "spam kit" and an accompanying letter that reads:

"Nothing says 'I'm sorry' quite like flowers and chocolate, so we've combined the two and enclosed a chocolate rose. But if you're allergic to flowers (or chocolate), we hope this duct tape will help fix things up. Or, if you're ever feeling annoyed again, you can de stress using this particularly squeezable can of spam."
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