MINI named car of the decade by Automobilwoche

Car of the Decade

MINI has been named car of the decade by Automobilewoche, a prestigious German Publication.

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We are extremely proud and would like to extend our thanks to our loyal customers.

Keep spreading the love and MINI obsession!

MINI Roadster & Coupe - The twins have been spotted!

MINI Roadster & Coupe

Courtesy of our friends at Motoringfile comes a photo of the twins filling up while driving around the Oxford. Expect new photos to pop-up in the coming weeks and the special launch group at Oxford begins to get their cars for the usual real world testing.

 

The Coupe will be officially revealed sometime this summer (we expect July) and will start production sometime in August. Look for them to make their way to dealers by late September. Also expect some changes to the JCW formula in time for the release.

The Roadster on the other hand will start production in February of 2012 and will make its way to dealers around March. MINI will likely offer Cooper, Cooper S and JCW models throughout the life of both cars. 

Which one will you choose?

MINI Clubman Hampton - 50th Anniversary Edition Launched

MINI Clubman Hampton

Amidst the huge success of the limited edition Mayfair and Camden models we are now glad to announce that it time for the MINI Clubman to wear the 50th Edition Badge.

Official Release: As a pioneer and one-off in the premium small car segment, MINI offers an options range unmatched in its variety to allow customers to configure their car exactly how they want it. Customers can choose from a large selection of exterior paint finishes, light-alloy wheels, upholstery variants, interior trim and Colour Lines, MINI-specific options such as mirror caps and graphics, and numerous other optional extras and accessories, to make every MINI a one-off creation designed in detail to reflect their own individual style. From spring 2011 MINI will open up another new avenue when it comes to the ultra-stylish customisation of the brand’s cars. The MINI Yours range of products will feature exclusive design options delivered from the factory for the exterior and interior of the current range of MINI models. Among the features of the MINI Yours range are unusual paint finishes, upholstery variants and interior colours, stylishly configured equipment packages and limited editions based on the now four model series in the MINI family. 

 

An exclusive variant of the MINI Clubman takes centre stage for the premiere of MINI Yours. The MINI Clubman Hampton special-edition model embodies the character of MINI Yours – underpinned by uncompromising premium quality and design cues typical of the brand – in a highly concentrated form. Its design features reference both the brand’s British heritage and the special edition’s unique designation, inspired by the southwest London suburb. At the same time, the first limited-edition variant of the MINI Clubman continues a tradition established by successful editions of earlier models. For example, the Park Lane, Seven, Checkmate and Sidewalk editions of the MINI offered customers particularly neat ways to satisfy their desire for exclusive configurations.

 

The MINI Clubman Hampton is painted in the Reef Blue metallic shade developed specially for this model. The roof and surrounds for the special edition’s rear doors are silver, as are the wheels and Colour Line. The exterior colours Pepper White, Midnight Black and Eclipse Grey can be specified as an option, while Black and Reef Blue are available as contrast colours for the roof and C-pillars. The light-alloy wheels in Twin Blade Spoke design can be ordered in silver or black with a dark red trim ring. The headlights come with black reflectors if the optional xenon units are specified. A logo on the B-pillar and “Hampton” lettering on the side indicator surrounds and radiator grille provide subtle references to the car’s exclusive status. The “MINI 50 Hampton” lettering on the door entry strips recalls the introduction five decades ago of an additional bodywork version of the classic MINI, which today ranks as the historic predecessor of the MINI Clubman.

The interior of the MINI Clubman Hampton also boasts a very distinctive style. An “H” on the seat tags, red edging and orange contrast stitching are the identifying features of the black Lounge Leather seats. The anthracite-coloured roof liner, the likewise anthracite dials of the rev counter and the speedometer on the Centre Speedo also contribute to the model’s special ambience. The Centre Speedo is bordered by a trim ring in matt dark red, like that on the wheels. The Chilli Pack is also included in the MINI Clubman Hampton, adding items such as a sports leather steering wheel, foglamps, automatic climate control, an on-board computer, a light package, a storage package and special velour floor mats in the style of the special-edition model.

Images & Article taken from Motoringfile.

MINI dishes the dust - Dakar 2011

The Monster Energy X-raid Team officially unveiled the exciting new Mini All4 Racing at its rollout in Trebur, near Frankfurt, on Friday.

X-raid's Mini All4 Racing will take part in the 33rd Personal Dakar Argentina-Chile from January 1st-16th, 2011. The new car has a power output of 315 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque and has impressed team driver Guerlain Chicherit from the outset.

"The first short test drive was exciting for me and the team and also quite promising," enthused Chicherit. "I'm really looking forward to the test in France next week now. With the powerful engine and unique handling characteristics of the Mini All4 Racing, we have a good chance in the 2011 Dakar." X-raid team director Sven Quandt is also delighted after the rollout of the new model: "Our team has succeeded, despite the very short development time. We have a vehicle off the ground, which will be competitive.

"The Mini All4 Racing offers exceptional handling, greater ease of service and, thanks to our cooperation with BMW Motoren GmbH on the engine side, we have increased engine performance and efficiency." After the somewhat unusual unveiling in snowy conditions.

The carbon-kevlar bodied Mini is powered by the same variable twin-turbodiesel engine that's fitted to the BMW X3 CC and it churns out in the region of 235kW and 710Nm. What's more, the engine is more powerful than the unit that got the 2010 X3 CCs to fourth and fifth places last January. 

According to X-raid, the Mini handles better than the BMW X3 CC as the overall length is shorter and it is lower. The team have also improved its centre of gravity by relocating various smaller components. 

The Mini benefits from larger air intakes, a one-piece bonnet and a revised and improved ventilation system using a front air intake and a roof intake. 

Downsides, according to the team, are that visibility inside the Mini is not on a par with the BMW X3 CC and entry and exit of the vehicle for the occupants is slightly more difficult. 

However, the Mini is more service friendly than the X3 CC, as all the body panels can be removed within minutes to give easier access to important mechanical components. The skin of the Mini, for example, can be changed within less than 30 minutes.

 

The Mini All4 Racing will undergo extensive testing in France on December 13th-14th. Chicherit and French co-driver Michel Périn will then give the new car its competitive debut on the Dakar Rally, starting on New Year's Day in Buenos Aires.

Technical Specifications

Maximum output: 315 hp
Torque approx.: 516 lb-ft
Displacement: 3000 cc / 183 cu in
Length: 172.3 in / 4377 mm
Width: 78.5 in / 1994 mm
Height: 77.4 in / 1966 mm
Fuel capacity approx.: 420 l

Images taken from Motoringfile, article taken from cardotcom & IOL.

MINI Countryman - More MINI to love

The launch of the MINI Countryman is only only weeks away and the excitement is growing for this all new, 5 seater. 5 door MINI. 

The biggest MINI yet. 

Compare the outline of the MINI Hatch to the new Countryman and it is impossible to not to be surprised.

The launch will be on the 3rd December 2010 in Cape Town. For more info on the Countryman please give one of our MINI Agents a call.

MINI gets busy living with Goldfish Live

Voted number one live act in South Africa with hits soaring for over 20 weeks in the Top Charts, Goldfish are jazzing it up all over South Africa.

The 14th November 2010 - A beautiful day in the Mother City with blue skies, children running wild and an excitement like no other was felt at the Grand Plaza, Century City. The crowd of well over 1000 people were blown away by the sound of Goldfish Live. 

A performance like no other. Goldfish wowed the crowd with spectacular music and a unique sound that surpasses the boundary of Jazz. People were jumping and singing along with some just dancing to the groove.

Auto Atlantic MINI decided to join in on the action with some of our MINI's tagging along for an even closer look. Seems as if MINI is just as Lulu about Goldfish as we all are. 

Well done Dom and Dave!

For more info take a look at the Goldfish Website.

 

 

 

 

 

MINI Fanatics & Auto Atlantic visit the Franschhoek Motor Museum

MINI Fanatics in conjunction with MINI Auto Atlantic hosted a Breakfast Run to the Franschhoek Motor Museum on the 7th of November 2010. 

The day started early with the sound of numerous MINI's rumbling into the city centre to meet at 09:00am at MINI Auto Atlantic. Coffee was on the brew and everyone's MINI's were shining with pride and excitement for the run ahead. 

We left the Dealership at 09:30am and headed along the N1 in a convoy of MINI. We arrived at the museum and whilst many got comfortable at the resturant and inside the museum itself, our MINI's enjoyed the magnificent views of Franschhoek. 

 

 

A few pictures of the beautiful cars inside the Museum.

Thank you to all the MINI Fanatics that joined us on Sunday. The next breakfast run will be in early January and we are open to suggestions. If you have a place you think would make a great stopping point then please let us know. 

See you next time!

MINI takes on the World Rally Championship 2011

PARIS — Almost lost in the hoopla around the Mini brand’s introduction of two oh-so-cute electric scooters at the Paris Motor Show on Thursday was the introduction of the hairy-chested, meat-eating Mini WRC Concept rally car.

 

The white-on-red (and black) WRC concept (with hundreds of sponsors decals) is sort of the answer to how far you can stretch the Mini concept, and still stay true to the marque’s iconic econobox styling. The WRC concept is based on the stretched Mini Countryman platform, and it is a real race car, intended to take on the likes of the Ford Fiesta RS in select World Rally Championship events next year. A full program is scheduled to begin in 2012. British champion Kris Meeke has been signed as a driver.

The Mini WRC has been prepared by rally masters, Prodrive, and features a performance enthusiast’s dream list of racing kit: A direct fuel-injection 1.6-liter Garrett turbocharged engine from BMW Motorsport, an Xtrac 6-speed sequential gearbox, AP Racing twin plate clutch, limited slip differentials for its full-time four-wheel-drive system, and Ohlins MacPherson strut suspension with three-way adjustable dampers. The engine’s horsepower output, for competitive reasons, is an unlisted number.

It has enough auxiliary lighting to light an airport runway, and enough aerodynamic tricks scattered throughout the body to be cleared itself for take-off.

The cockpit is pure business, with full roll cage, twin racing buckets, minimalist gauge clusters and no sign of the stock upholstery and dash – except for the signature center-mounted speedo.

 

 

The one downside about this exciting new concept is that it will not be made available to the public. 

 It’s for your own good.

MINI Auto Atlantic launches 4 new Red Bull Cars

MINI Auto Atlantic are proud to announce that in conjunction with Red Bull we will be launching four brand new Red Bull MINI's onto the streets of Cape Town.

The new cars come with MINI's automatic gearbox and aftermarket refrigerators in the back to keep the Bull's cool. A new sunroof compliments the overall design of the MINI and we are sure that the Red Bull ladies are very keen to drive the new cars. 

Red Bull - Giving our MINI's wings.

 

Boo! Happy Halloween from MINI Auto Atlantic.

The team at MINI Auto Atlantic would like to wish all our customers a horrible Halloween for 2010. 

For those who missed it - Our MINI's joined in on the Halloween spirit!

 

MINI Auto Atlantic goes racing!

 Killarney National Race Day (2nd October 2010)

Smoke, rubber and the smell of burnt fuel are never amiss at Killarney Race Course in Cape Town, South Africa.

On the 2nd of October 2010 Killarney hosted the National Wesbank Racing Series. Amongst the scent of boerewors rolls, burgers and slap chips was an overwhelming sense of excitement and euphoria at Killarney as the first V8 Wesbanks roared onto the track leaving only flames and the sound of 10 trains colliding in their wake.

An avid car enthusiast I found myself surrounded by everything from the smallest Daihatsu to the fastest of Porsche's. I was in absolute heaven whilst trying to contain myself and my desire to kiss every car in sight. There was however one car that I simply could not ignore.

My MINI Clubman S.

Having collected the vehicle on Friday from Auto Atlantic I became completely overwhelmed by the pure drivability of this fantastic car. Sitting in the latest Ferrari I couldn’t help but be drawn back to the utter nuttiness of the Clubman S. With its club doors, 1.6 litre turbocharged engine and controversial looks I found the Clubman S to be a much unappreciated car given its tough battle in the world of hot hatch mayhem.

Even more surprising was the reaction of the spectators at Killarney whilst our ladies handed out posters, stickers and booklets while many came over to marvel at the Clubman and praise it. I found it refreshing to see that although not considered by many as a “real MINI” the Clubman S was able to easily draw a crowd and further shock the crowds with ludicrous performance figures and quirky styling cues.

Nothing however could distract the 4000 odd people in the crowd from the racing on track. The boys in the Polo Cup gave us a thrilling race with a couple of Polo's ending up bricked into a wall or visiting Hi Q on the first corner. This trend continued further with the Liqui Moly Corvettes who swiftly took the lead in the first V8 Wesbank Race after expelling a few Mustangs’ shortly after the back straight.

Further lunacy was administered by the “Rasta” in his Ford Cortina educating the crowd on the art of losing traction in the drift series. This was followed shortly by even more drifting, smoke and engines on the brink of their limits. Our two fabulous “Promo Girls” thoroughly enjoyed the racing, hunting down MINI's at the track, taking photos as well as making themselves seen in their MINI shirts and caps.

The superbikes gave us a show full of adrenaline, speed and amazing technique with some riders losing against gravity. Amongst the cars on the track was a selection of exotic’s ranging from the new Mercedes Benz SLS, a remake of the legendary Gullwing. Classic Dart’s as well as even older kit cars all joined in on the madness on course while even more dreams were made in the Pit Lane where youngsters enjoyed being up close to the fastest BMW’s, Ford’s and even faster drivers.

Further jaws were dropped as the Clubman S visited the various club stands entertaining the members of the Audi, GTI, Porsche and even the Jaguar stands shortly before roaring off in a whirl of dust and pride.

The fantastic thing about the Clubman S is that anyone can drive it. This car inspires you with confidence to push your driving skills safely to the limit whilst also transporting a small bed, dog and fish tank in the boot. The Clubman S is a well-balanced thoroughbred that is worthy of being called a MINI. Further enjoyment was found at Auto Atlantic where the sales team is more than willing to go the extra mile to make your MINI experience one that you will keep you coming back with their unsurpassed product knowledge, service and exquisite showroom.

Thank you to Auto Atlantic for providing the MINI Clubman S and for making a brilliant day at Killarney even more sensational for me. For those who missed out – Make sure you are there next year!

For more information on the MINI Clubman S please contact Auto Atlantic on 021 402 7700.

A warm welcome from the team at MINI Auto Atlantic

Welcome to our blog. Here you will find the latest updates on our cars, staff and specials. To learn more about Auto Atlantic please take a look at our website and "About Us" page.