The Opel and the MINIs

The Argentine duo drives to victory at the end of a Mille Miglia that saw the two top ranking cars battle it out on the thousand miles (1600 km) of historic route that goes from Brescia to Rome and back. The Argentines, who had already come in first on the Rome leg, finally left their rivals in the dust after the last trial in Fiorano. In a battle without precedent, accompanied by an extraordinary welcome given by the public along the roads of Italy, car number 68, a 1933 Alfa Romeo 6C 1500 kept itself at the top of the classification - in the top two positions - for all of the three legs. Just behind it was the ten-time champion, Giuliano Canè. The entrepreneur from Bologna and his wife and partner in all of his races, Lucia Galliani, were on board a 1939 BMW 328 Mille Miglia Roadster. They took second place even though they had finished the first leg in the lead. Third place went to car number 61 driven by Moceri – Cavalleri, a 1933 Aston Martin Le Mans. Another one of the favorites did not make it this time: the winner of the last Mille Miglia, Giordano Mozzi of Mantua, who with his wife, Stefania Biacca, drove a splendid 1938 Lancia Astura, the only existing car of its model.  Source: http://www.1000miglia.eu/inglese/home.html

MINI United 2012 was held at the Paul Ricard Circuit at Le Castellet in the South of France from the 11th to the 13th May and we were there to see the fun. The MINI press release describes a record breaking success:

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.

The Event

So what was our experience of MINI United like? Well first and foremost we had a fun time and in brief our highlights were, a 5 lap drive around the track behind a pacy pace car, an on road test drive of the new MINI Coupe JCW by both myself and Lady Peanut, a test drive of the Countryman SD and  seeing the new MINI GP at first hand, which you can read about here.

However, it wasn't all good. The events were literally spread about all over the circuit which meant that there was a lot of walking in very hot conditions. If there were 30,000 people there, then at anyone time 26,000 of them were queuing for food at the one and only restaurant leaving the other 4,000 to try and make the place look full! Or more seriously, that would have been say 6,000, on the Friday and 12,000 on each of the Saturday and Sunday but with the way everything was so spread out it made it seem quite empty a lot of the time. It really needed compacting together to get a better atmosphere. I will qualify this though, by saying that this was only our experience and others might disagree. We stayed a long way from the track at Port Cogolin an hour and a half away at least and while the drive there and back on the Saturday going through the hills rather than through Toulon was simply epic, it did perhaps make us feel a bit detached from the event. Also, I am still only 6 weeks post major liver surgery, so by the time I had walked about the circuit all day, I was too tired to stay for the music each evening and I guess I missed out on the wonders of Iggy Pop, his Stooges and his other mates who went along for a sing song. But if I missed something sensational then in truth I'll get over it.

MINI worked hard on this festival and it was a great place to hold it but  while it had more people going than Silverstone in 2009 it lacked the atmosphere that Silverstone had. Silverstone was an R50/R53 MINI and Paul Ricard was an R56 MINI. Technically, few can argue with the view that the R56 is a better product than the R50/R53 but there is more to a car than technology; the original BMW MINI had soul, spirit, heart, The R56 is faster, safer, more refined but sometimes lacks that certain (yes I'll say it as we are discussing an event in France) je ne sais quoi. This is how I felt about MINI United 2012 - it lacked that intangible quality that was so evident at Silverstone in 2009. The British contingent was small too and this made a difference. At Silverstone it seemed that everyone we ever knew, who had a MINI was there but here there were very few people whom we knew. It made me realise what a World Car the MINI really is. I think we sometimes flatter ourselves in the UK that BMW MINI needs us and the British heritage, but now I'm not so sure.

The Test Drives.

First up we went out in the MINI Coupe JCW. I went for a spin first and then Peanut. The first point to make is that  you have no idea what it would be like in the UK as the roads  around the track are so smooth and pothole free, that it bears no relation to the UK driving experience. Nothing then unsettled the ride so the car felt smooth and refined when ambling about but beastly when required. Overtaking was effortless and the car inspired confidence and the end result was that it felt like a great balance between refinement and performance. I suspect the balance would be a tad different in the UK. We both loved it enough to give it some serious consideration.

Next up was the Countryman SD. I like the Countryman it feels like a great space to be inside and I like the match of this 2.0 litre BMW block with the Countryman. It felt plenty fast enough but this felt more rolly and wallowy than I remember the Countryman S being and to me it did not feel as quick. Yes it had that diesel torque thing that people go on about but it just did not feel to me as quick as a Countryman S. That's it; a great balance of performace and economy, which is perhaps the correct combination for a Countryman but don't kid yourself that you have an S beater - you haven't. We would have one quite happily, but we would not move Heaven and Earth to get one, it hasn't eaten into our soul so that we can't live without one.

So that's a MINI GP and a MINI Coupe JCW for us then. Thank you very much! Now we have sorted out what we want, the only thing stopping us is the small matter of... (can I use such a vulgar swear word in cyberspace? I can - ok I'll say it) MONEY!

Driving The Track

Two options. Behind a pace car, or not behind a pace car. One was fast, the other was very, very fast. We did the track behind the pace car. I loved it. I pretended I was Stirling Moss for ten minutes, made extra car noises with my mouth, as I accelerated out of the bends and was a thoroughly happy big kid throughout!

To conclude. A great event but it could have been so, so much better.

Click on any photo for a slideshow.

We were at MINI United for the launch of the new MINI GP, which arguably was the icing on top of the big fat MINI United cake. I wont  give you any in depth details on the car,  as what details there are are all over the internet anyway, instead I want to say a little on my personal impressions of the car and its launch.

I have seen this launch described elsewhere as a soft launch with the main launch to follow at the Paris Motor Show later in the year. This is because the only details we know of the car are that it is 19 seconds faster than the original GP around the Nurburgring and that on the outside it will look like the car above! I think calling this a "soft" launch is a kind way of saying "going off at half cock." I say this because being there for this launch we felt frankly cheated. All the windows were tinted so that you could not see inside, so clearly, the interior is not ready yet, no figures are available for the car so you can bet that even the engine has work to be done on it yet and basically, we felt that the car was only there to boost the importance of the MINI United festival. Also the car was hidden away in a dark corner of Paddock 11 where if you blinked you would miss it.

The MINI GP launch then was to our eyes a bit of a damp squib. But what about the car?

Well, there is nothing not to like about the car as such, but we couldn't help but feel underwhelmed. the plus points are bits we don't really understand such as improved suspension and underneath tray leading to a rear diffuser, a more efficient rear spoiler, better brakes etc. etc. However, what we do understand is looks. We admit it, we are old school all fur coat and no knickers kinda people - if it looks good then that is the battle almost won for us. This GP looks good in the way that all R56 MINIs look good but it also looks like you could very easily make your own look alike GP. There is no unique body kit like we had with the original GP, so the car compensates with a brasher decal finish with more red bits than the original, so we ended up looking at it and thinking that in some ways it is trying too hard and in other ways it is not trying hard enough. However, I/we qualify all this by reiterating that this is just our own personal and unprofessional view and a drive of the car might well make us think it is the best thing since... er the first GP! Somehow though I doubt that.

The original GP and the new GP were side by side in their gloomy lair and both me and Lady Peanut kept looking at the original more and more, then we were discussing the original, " oh look Darling see how it juxtaposes the bold and the brash with its cuteness" and other such nonsense that I am so good at coming out with at these times.

So the launch of the new GP then has brought us closer than ever to buying an original GP. I don't think it is part of BMW's plan but yep the new GP is so good it has almost certainly guaranteed that we will have an original GP in our lives...

Click any photo for a photo slideshow

“Whatever happened to style? Where has the glamour gone? Wasn’t too long ago. America had it. Looking and feeling like a million bucks.

“It was practically a birth rite. We didn’t race from A to B. We cruised. Going for a drive was a big deal. And when we arrived . . we arrived in style.”

This ad was first aired at the 2011 Golden Globes Awards and is one of the most stylish adverts that I have seen in ages but is there an irony here? I mean are the new Chrysler's really synonymous with style and glamour? They are on the right track with adverts such as this but I doubt that the showrooms can live up to the expectation created by this ad. That said, you can chauffeur me to a premiere in a 300C anytime!

Motoring File have confirmed that MINI is to introduce the JCW GP in Coupe form. This is what they report.

While MINI is putting the finishing touches on the R56 based GP set to be released at MINI United this May, we’ve now confirmed that there are plans for a second Coupe based GP the following year. We’ve known about the existence of the Coupe GP for some time but until today, there was no visual confirmation. Car and Driver has just published spy photos which not only confirm the car but also show that it’s being developed alongside the R56 version to be released later this year.

Our expectation (based on sources and a solid hunch) is that the Coupe GP will be released sometime during the 2013 calendar year and will feature the same up-rated engine and JCW suspension found on the R56 version. Differences? We could see the Coupe feature the fixed wing from the JCW accessories which may allow the car to lose a few additional pounds.

We expect the Coupe to be revealed late this year or early next. In the meantime watch for our coverage of the R56 GP unveiling at MINI United May 11th.

Here at Beastie Folly we feel that this is good news and a necessary step for the MINI Coupe. The Coupe makes compromises over the standard R56 shape, specifically 2 seats not 4 and marmite looks and surely anyone buying into the Coupe marketing would  accept these compromises for the extra speed and improved handling that they gain. In one stroke the R56 based JCW GP makes the Coupe seem somewhat pointless, if it is not to be the fastest production MINI you can buy. This news will put the MINI Coupe back where it needs to be (as the fastest ever production MINI that you can buy) and I feel that the Coupe needs that credential to make it a credible offering in the MINI line up. We will be at MINI United for the R56 GP unveiling and will hope to hear more about the Coupe version.

Looking to get better sound from your iPod® or another player in your car without installing a bunch of new gear? JBL's MS-2 car audio optimizer plugs into your vehicle's power port, then connects between your player and your receiver's auxiliary input. That's it! You'll get better bass, smoother midrange, and sparkling highs — all without changing your receiver or speakers. The MS-2 works for all systems, even those with aftermarket subs installed.

Once connected, simply hold down the "setup" button for a few seconds, and the MS-2 does the rest. Its high-precision digital signal processor takes over, measuring frequency response and calculating the location of your speakers. Then the MS-2 applies timing adjustments and optimizes the audio signal, effectively raising your soundstage to ear level. The sound is now tailored to your vehicle, and you can use the MS-2's bass, treble, and impact controls to fine-tune your sound as needed. The MS-2 remembers the last settings you used, so you won't have to set it up again until you switch vehicles — and the MS-2's simple installation makes it easy to take from car to car.

This product is currently at a reduced price in the UK of £99 and is now on our Wall of Want!

Features

Overview: The JBL ProCoustics MS-2 is a pocket-sized digital processor designed to enhance the listening experience of your portable compressed music through your car stereo system. Instead of connecting your iPod/iPhone or other portable player directly to your car audio system, you can connect it through the MS-2; and enjoy dramatically improved sonic clarity and stereo imaging. The MS-2 uses DSP (digital signal processing) equalization to optimize system performance for the acoustic characteristics of your speakers, electronics, and vehicle interior; and DSP time correction to ensure that all the sounds reach your ears simultaneously, creating a coherent, richly detailed soundscape. Small enough to fit in a shirt pocket and simple enough for even a novice to set up in seconds, the MS-2 will enhance the listening experience of your iPod/iPhone or other portable MP3 player through your car stereo system.

Simple Installation: The MS-2 works with all music players and all car audio systems that include a 1/8" (3.5mm) auxiliary input jack. Simply plug the power adapter into your vehicle's cigarette lighter, and connect the MS-2 between the source player and your car audio system.

One-Button Setup: The JBL MS-2 pocket digital processor couldn't be any easier to set up & use. Simply plug it in, hold it at eye level (approximately 6-8" from your face), and press the 'Setup' button. In about 5 minutes or less, you'll be enjoying your favorite music like never before.

Optimal Sound: The JBL MS-2 uses feedback from a built-in microphone to optimize the signal from your portable player for the best possible sound from your car audio system. It automatically improves tonal balance, increases bass impact & definition, and maximizes sonic clarity & stereo imaging; all with just a push of the 'Setup' button.

DSP Equalization: The MS-2 uses digital signal processing to improve tonal accuracy by automatically compensating for the sonic characteristics of your speakers, electronics, and vehicle interior.

DSP Time Correction: Time correction automatically ensures that the sounds from all speakers arrive at your ears simultaneously, dramatically improving clarity and imaging. For music to be accurately reproduces and seem as though it comes from musicians spread across the dashboard, instead of from only the speaker nearest you, the sound from the left and right speakers must arrive at your ears at exactly the same time. To achieve this, the MS-2 includes digital time correction.

Tone Controls: Individual Bass, Treble, & Impact controls let you fine-tune the sound to suit particular tracks and your personal preferences.

Bass: This function boosts the Bass (such as low-frequency sounds from bass guitar and bass drum). Two levels of bass boost are available. Treble: This function increases or decreases the level of the Treble (such as high frequency sounds from cymbals or female vocals).Impact: This function adds Midbass punch to the sound (such as the fullness of drums or the upper frequencies of a bass guitar). The impact setting may also effect the sound of male vocals. Bass Filter: The MS-2 has a special Bass filter that is designed to protect small speakers from damage that may be caused by reproducing too much bass.

Note: If your car audio system features speakers large enough to reproduce bass, you can get fuller bass response by disengaging the special Bass filter.

Defeat Switch: A defeat switch lets you compare system performance with & without the JBL MS-2.

USB Charging Port: The included vehicle cigarette lighter not only powers the JBL MS-2, but also includes a female USB (type-A) charging port to charge the battery of your connected portable digital audio player. USB charging cable not supplied.

Specifications

Maximum Audio Signal Input Voltage: 1.3V

MS-2 Power Supply Voltage Requirement: 10.5V-14.4V DC

MS-2 Power Connector Voltage Output: 6V DC @ 100mA

USB Charger Connector Voltage Output: 5V DC @ 500mA

Dimensions: 2.9375" (w) x 0.875" (h) x 5.25" (d)

Weight: 0.2 lbs