Cool Car Guy - “Cool Car Shot†- 2008 Mini Cooper Clubman Concept
Hey Cool Car Fans,
Earlier today on The Cool Car Guy Show I mentioned that the new 2008 Mini Clubman is coming out soon and that I would locate a photo to post online for people to check it out.
Here are two photos that I found of the concept car that I thought were pretty cool looking. The actual vehicle is being marketed on the Mini.com website with a very cool flash video being presented on the Germany site for Mini. Just go to Mini.com and click on the link to the German website to watch the flash presentation.
The Mini Clubman will hit the streets in Europe this November. There are some cool new features on this “stretched” Mini model that I was telling our listeners about earlier today. I’m bringing a Mini Cooper S down to the studio tomorrow for Bill to take for a test drive and possibly get as a commuter car alternative to his Honda Pilot.
The Mini Clubman is not available in the U.S. until next year, but it’s a new5-door Mini Cooper that is longer, offers more leg room, and incorporates a suicide door on one side of the vehicle. This is a rear-hinged door on the right side of the car that swings open in the opposing direction relative to the main passenger door increasing access to the rear seating area while providing a very sporty look and feel.
I think the unique rear-end design of split-rear doors not only gives the vehicle more functionality with easier access to the back, but definitely adds some additional character to this already cool looking little car. The interior looks retro and stylish like the current Mini Coopers. And from what I’ve read this Mini model will also have options in the engine compartment with the turbo-charged engines being available and sport-tuned suspension to go along with the increase in performance.
Finally, there should also be some energy saving features built into the Mini Clubman as well that should come from the parent company BMW that we will have to wait to see if they show up in the U.S. models. Of course, we won’t know for sure until it’s debut in the U.S. next year, but I’m sure I’ll be getting calls for this vehicle as soon as it hits our shores.
What do you think?
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My brother-in-law Bruce Smith of Shakopee, Minnesota sent me photos of his wife’s 2007 Mini Cooper S and his 2006 Grand Touring Miata MX-5. These are really fun little sports cars that are a blast to drive. I’ve driven a number of very cool Mini Coopers and I’ve owned three Mazda Miata’s over the years.
The MX-5 Miata is Mazda’s two-seat, rear-wheel-drive convertible sports car that was completely redesigned for the 2006 model year. The 06′ Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a 170-horsepower DOHC 2.0-liter engine, that comes with a 5-speed or 6-speed manual transmission standard. The 6-speed automatic was optional, with a horsepower reduction down to 166 horsepower, but I don’t know who would want an automatic in this vehicle. In 2006 they made the MX-5 Miata a little larger to provide more interior room and the convertible top now includes a glass rear window and a hardtop also was available, both were something I could have used with my former Miata’s. 
Their other little sports car in their arsenal is the 2007 Mini Cooper S. These little guys are a hoot to drive as well and a great value at just $21,200 for the Base Retail price, plus options. The 2007 MINI Cooper has also been completely redesigned from the ground up. It has a little longer body than previous years, but still keeps the cool factor. The exterior has a new hexagon radiator grille, which you can see in this photo. There are also direction indicator lights fully integrated in the headlights and plenty of chrome to go around. The Cooper S has a sportier suspension set-up and its engine compartment lid curves up about 0.8 inches more than the standard model to make room for the fast and fun turbocharged engine.
As I mentioned, the 2007 Cooper S has a brand-new 172-horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter engine that produces 177 lb-ft of torque. Another cool new feature is the special Overboost function in the Cooper S that can increase torque to 192 lb-ft for a short time. Both engines are paired to a standard 6 speed manual transmission with an optional 6 speed automatic. Hopefully, they went with the 6 speed manual for the fun factor. 
Another new feature on the 2007 is the BMW start/stop button ignition that replaces the conventional key. There is also new ambient illumination and a larger center speedometer has been enhanced for a new range of functions including the display of controls for the navigation entertainment system. The Cooper S is equipped with 16-inch tires for more road hugging and better handling. The warranty on the Mini is similar to the Miata at 4 years, 50,000 miles and it gets around 36MPG on the highway.
Auto Agent - John Boyd “The Cool Car Guyâ€
A client and friend of mine Matt Abbott fired me off a photo of his new 1949 3/4 Chevy pickup that he got this past week, along with a photo of the 350 engine. Matt said the following…
“I wanted to introduce you all to Daisy, or Bess. Not sure yet. 1949 Chevy 3/4 w/ 350 engine and a 350 transmission. She is a good start to a rod & will be low and loud shortly. Here she be…”