Me want Minis!

Drive a MINI around the world

2011-06-23T14:27:00.000+08:00

On Google Maps, that is.

MINImaps is ...[a] multi-player driving experience by MINI France that allows you to join a virtual race around the world based on Google Maps while challenging your friends or complete strangers.

(Weird, though: the Minis appear larger than most cars on the map.)

[via Adverblog]

World's largest model airport

2011-05-10T15:56:00.002+08:00

(I'm sure there's a diecast Mini Cooper in there somewhere!)

The world’s largest model airport/railway, the Knuffingen Airport, has gone on display in Germany.

The incredible model is based on Hamburg Airport and features 40 planes and 90 vehicles that autonomously move around the airport.

It took seven years to build and cost a staggering $4.8 million.

...

There are approximately 40,000 lights, 15,000 figurines, 500 cars, 10,000 trees, 50 trains, 1000 wagons, 100 signals, 200 switches and 300 buildings.

MINI minified

2011-03-02T20:06:00.001+08:00

BMW unveiled the MINI Rocketman Concept, which is close to the dimensions of the classic 1959 Mini. WOW.

Passing the torch

2011-02-06T11:14:00.000+08:00

The Mini returns to Monte Carlo. And what better way to celebrate the moment than with a meet-up between the historic Mini Cooper S driven by Rauno Aaltonen (1967), and the latest Mini WRC, the Mini Cooper Countryman S. Also gracing the occasion was 1964 rally champion Paddy Hopkirk.

[/via Handbrakes & Hairspins, Jalopnik]

Look at that S(D) car go!

2011-02-04T14:16:00.001+08:00

Mini Cooper released a 2.0-L diesel engine model, the Mini Cooper SD, which is also available in the Mini Clubman line (pictured below).

Packing a 143-hp, 305-Nm workhorse, the Cooper SD goes for an average of 100 kilometers on 4.3 liters. While not a spectacular performance, CO₂ emission is trimmed down to 114g/km. Not as green as the electric Mini, but good for mother Earth, nevertheless.

This and more can be yours for prices starting at, oh, just about 24,650 €.

(Must work harder!)

[/via bigblogg.motoring (translated), BBC Top Gear]

Mini Cooper USB drive

2009-12-26T14:09:00.005+08:00

Cool: Mini Cooper USB drive.rotating wheels and flashing headlights. Not cool: US$55 for 2GB

[cooperusb.com /via ExtremeDeals]

My kids' Hot Wheels

2009-09-22T19:09:00.006+08:00

Diecast cars as a switch

2009-09-16T07:16:00.001+08:00

A non-Mini post again. Will post latest acquisitions soon, promise.

Someone tied conductive thread in the undercarriage of some diecast cars, which act as a switch when they crash into each other. My kids would love this.

Via Hack A Day.

Gaiman's got a Mini

2009-01-01T13:13:00.005+08:00

A Mini Clubman, that is.

Image from Motor Authority.

From Wikipedia:

The MINI Clubman is an estate car available in Cooper, Cooper S, and Cooper D variations. The Clubman models are identical up to the B-pillar to the hatchback models including the engines used and, although the car is longer, the suspension set-up at the back shares many of the same designs features. For example, the rear trailing arms are the same, as are the anti-roll bars. It is 9.5 in (241 mm) longer to accommodate more leg room and a larger boot. It has double doors as a boot instead of a pull-up hatch. It also features a "Club Door" on the right-hand side for passengers in the back.

Mini of the future

2008-10-21T00:38:00.002+08:00

Specifically, a Mini SUV — nothing new, just bigger and better.

A built-in rail with an attachable tray allows passengers to pass objects from the front seat to the rear. The best part of the car however is the Center Globe. The globe sits on the dashboard between the driver and passenger, functioning as a navigation, speedometer and entertainment console. While the driver is searching for directions on his/her side of the touch-sensitive globe, the passenger can surf the web. Instead of using a key to ignite the engine, the driver places a Keyball into the upper edge of the globe, which then rolls down to start the car.

Green Mini

2008-10-20T13:07:00.006+08:00

BMW is set to unveil a fleet of all-electric Mini Coopers at the Los Angeles Auto Show this November.

Called the "Mini E," the car will run on an automotive lithium-ion battery. It will be available as a limited edition of 500 for select private and corporate customers in California, New York and New Jersey.

RC Mini through USB

2008-10-18T11:45:00.002+08:00

Not really a diecast Mini, but still fun.

'Italian Job' trio from Scalextric

2008-10-16T12:06:00.002+08:00

Limited edition classic Minis from the movie, The Italian Job. From Scalextric, available for £95.00.

SQL injection

2008-05-18T12:19:00.002+08:00

Almost as funny as this.

Pending items

2008-04-07T17:51:00.012+08:00

Greenlight City Wheels Mini Cooper taxi, yellow - seal_23
Tomica, assorted - smacker
Johnny Lightning Import Heat, green - mustang
Jada Dub City Wave 18 - seal_23
Schuco Junior Line, 1:43, red - donskie
Matchbox Pre-Toy Fair 2005 Mini Cooper S - seal_23
Matchbox Best of British Mini Cooper S - seal_23
Matchbox Best of British Austin Mini Van - seal_23
Malibu International Reel Rides Mini Cooper, yellow, 1:64 - diecast_newbie
Malibu International Reel Rides Mini Cooper, blue, 1:87 - diecast_newbie
Malibu International Reel Rides Mini Cooper, red, 1:87 - diecast_newbie
Matchbox '65 Austin Mini Van, yellow - uscollectibles.ph
Ixo Morris Mini Van, red - Rollie F. Doinog
Matchbox Superfast '65 Austin Mini Van, violet - diecast_newbie

Parking

2008-01-04T22:20:00.001+08:00

Finding available space sure is tough. That's no problem with a Mini.

Via bspcn.com

Burago

2007-12-06T04:15:00.002+08:00

Burago, originally uploaded by iandexter.

Burago

2007-12-06T04:14:00.002+08:00

Burago, originally uploaded by iandexter.

Diecasts galore

2007-03-29T15:57:00.001+08:00

Follow the white rabbit

2007-02-15T10:24:00.003+08:00

Another innovative ad campaign, this time on the web. Banner ads that randomly visits interesting British sites on each click-through. The adventure starts here.

Via Cool Hunting.

Cool but creepy billboards

2007-02-15T10:14:00.001+08:00

An ingenious -- and a bit scary -- ad campaign by MINI USA. The talking billboards talk directly to motorists with unique personal messaged, using RFID.

The billboards generate customized content to owners carrying active RFID tags in real-time, using information provided by the owners. Messages will be spelled out in lights on billboards in New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Miami locations.

Via Cool Hunting.

Turn me on!

2007-02-14T00:22:00.001+08:00

This one's a light switch.

Cararama

2007-01-08T22:55:00.003+08:00

Bought from United Toys, NE Pacific Mall, Cabanatuan City.

Cararama

2006-11-21T00:14:00.000+08:00

British flag Mini. 1:43. Found in United Toys, NE Pacific Mall, Cabanatuan City. Finally: a decent toy store in the province!

Johnny Lightning

2006-11-21T00:12:00.000+08:00

Mini Cooper S. 1:64. From McBeeper21: JL's first New Mini casting.