MINI: NOT NORMAL.

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The MINI John Cooper Works Countryman

For the first time, the passion for racing can be enjoyed in combination with four-wheel drive. The MINI John Cooper Works Countryman is equipped as standard with the ALL4 all-wheel-drive system and powered by a newly developed turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Together, its powertrain and chassis technology – developed on the back of extensive motor sport expertise – and the overall concept of the first MINI with five doors and four/five seats allow the hallmark characteristics of a John Cooper Works model to take the leap into another new segment.

New generation of engines, unbeatable output, automatic gearbox available as an option.

The latest-generation twin-scroll turbocharged engine features not only direct injection but also variable valve management based on the BMW Group’s VALVETRONIC technology. The version of the 1.6-liter four-cylinder fitted in the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman develops maximum output of 208 hp, and peak torque of 260nm is available between 1,850 and 5,600 rpm. The sports exhaust system ensures that this impressive power delivery is accompanied by the soundtrack it deserves.

Available as an alternative to the standard six-speed manual gearbox is an optional six-speed automatic. The MINI John Cooper Works Countryman requires just 7 seconds – in manual or automatic guise – to sprint from rest to 60 mph on its way to a maximum 127 mph (205 kp/h). However, the optimized efficiency of the engine keep fuel consumption and emissions impressively low given the performance available. Indeed, the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman records average fuel consumption of 7.4 liters per 100 kilometers (European data)

The first John Cooper Works model with all-wheel drive.

The MINI John Cooper Works Countryman is the first member of this ultra-sporting family to channel its engine’s extreme output onto the road surface through all four wheels. Its ALL4 all-wheel-drive system distributes drive seamlessly between the front and rear axle using an electromagnetic center differential. This means power is always sent to the wheels where it can be transferred most effectively into forward propulsion.

Standard equipment also includes 18-inch light-alloy wheels in Twin Spoke design, red brake callipers and sports suspension with firmly tuned springs and dampers, strengthened anti-roll bars and a 10-millimeter lower ride height. The DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system includes DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) mode, while the standard Sport Button tweaks the engine’s responses and vocal character, and adjusts the power assistance provided by the steering.

Unmistakable: four doors, large tailgate, standard-fitted aerodynamic kit, sports car ambience in the cockpit.

With four doors and a large tailgate, the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman is equipped to deal with anything life in the urban jungle – and beyond – can throw at it. And it does so in an inimitably sporty manner. The standard aerodynamic kit, for instance, gives the new John Cooper Works model eye-catching looks and optimizes the flow of air around its body. Customers can choose from a selection of seven exterior paint colors, while the contrast paint finish for the roof and exterior mirror caps is offered in a shade of red available exclusively for John Cooper Works models, as well as white and black.

Inside the car, the impressive practicality of the MINI Countryman concept is laced with sporting flourishes. The rear compartment offers a seat bench for three passengers or – as a no-cost option – two individual seats. The rear seats can slide fore and aft in a 60 : 40 split with the three-seat bench option or individually for the bucket seats; and their backrests can be adjusted for tilt or folded down. Folding the backrests increases boot capacity from 16.5 ft³ to a maximum 42.2 ft³. Bespoke sports seats, a sports steering wheel, Piano Black interior trim strips, an anthracite-colored roof liner and dark speedometer and tachometer dials all help to generate a sports car ambience.

Options available exclusively for the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman include 19-inch light-alloy wheels, sports seats with Lounge Leather trim in Carbon Black Championship Red, and interior trim strips and Sport Stripes in Chili Red. Air conditioning and the radio MINI Boost CD are both fitted as standard, but customers can also order their cars with all the comfort and individuality-enhancing options available for its MINI Countryman stablemates, as well as a full complement of MINI Connected features and bespoke John Cooper Works accessories.

Courtesy of MINI USA News

Thanks for this great review!

Pungomom
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Sep 24, 2012

I came in to look at the new X1 and over a period of a week reviewed and drove several different styles of BMW. I had purchased my 2004 Z4 new from this dealership years ago which I still love to drive and knew they would help me find the best car for my transition from a van. I was able to find almost exactly what I wanted but it ended up being in a used car instead. My husband is so pleased with my selection of a 2011 335d that he wants to be allowed to drive it also. I told him it was mine and I love it. Thanks Checkered Flag for another great BMW purchase!

Keep up the great work BMW team!

VaWildcat
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Sep 24, 2012

Another outstanding experience at Checkered Flag BMW ! From test drive to financing the process was smooth and I was kept informed throughout. My salesperson was on top of each step and provided another happy buying experience. Thanks!

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Here at Checkered Flag BMW our professional technicians are trained and well versed in the art of keeping your BMW vehicle running like new. With years of experience and specialization in the BMW models, you can be sure that you will be satisfied with our excellent customer service and high quality car repairs.

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Keep these great reviews coming team!

mssupt
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Sep 19, 2012

I have purchase 4 vehicle and each experience was great,couldn't of ask for a fantastic team to work with! Just great people.The knowledge of what I wanted they went out there way to support me.

fossac
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Sep 19, 2012

I arrived at Checkered Flag BMW not knowing for sure what I wanted. Mr. Johnson helped me make a good decision. The sales manager was very helpful in correcting a minor fit and finish problem. Mr. Johnson also was very helpful in explaining the cars many features which seemed overwhelming. Overall I would rate my experience excellent. This is my second BMW and will not be my last.

ticocr
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Sep 18, 2012

over all good experience. The price they gave me for my old car was low, the price for the new car was fair. They helped me getting a better APR rate, staff was professional. I will refer colleagues to BMW in the future.

BMW at the 2012 Paris Motor Show

BMW Concept Active Tourer: more space for innovations.
The BMW Concept Active Tourer sees its premiere at the 2012 Paris Motor Show and offers an initial insight into further innovations for the premium compact segment. In this study BMW demonstrates groundbreaking solutions in terms of both the interior and the drive concept. The latter features a fresh combination of comfort and functionality with dynamic performance and style: a plug-hybrid drive ensures the very highest level of efficiency.

With an external length of 4,350 millimetres, sporty proportions and hallmark lines, the concept study brings characteristic BMW aesthetic appeal to yet another vehicle segment. A raised seating position, generous space for driver and passengers and the flexibly extendable luggage compartment are the defining aspects of the BMW Concept Active Tourer interior. It combines versatile functionality with excellent ride comfort, all within the high-quality ambience of a premium automobile. A special version of the BMW eDrive concept takes care of the dynamic facets which go to make up the character of this study. The system comprises a 3-cylinder petrol engine and a synchronous electric motor, generating a combined output of 140 kW/190 bhp and accelerating the BMW Concept Active Tourer from zero to 100 km/h in less than eight seconds. The vehicle has an average fuel consumption of less than 2.5 litres per 100 kilometres and a CO2 emissions level of under 60 grams per kilometre. The lithium-ion battery of this plug-in hybrid automobile can be charged at a conventional mains socket. Its capacity allows ranges of over 30 kilometres when operated on electric
power alone.

BMW 1 Series: world premiere for xDrive, new entry-level diesel model.
In Paris the intelligent all-wheel drive system xDrive sees its premiere in the BMW 1 Series. This system, which distributes drive torque variably between the front and rear axle, is now available for the compact model for the first time. Two models are presented for the market launch: the 120d xDrive and the BMW M 135i xDrive.

The new diesel entry-level model BMW 114d will also be presented at the 2012 Paris Motor Show: its 1.6-litre 4-cylinder engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology has an output of 70 kW/95 bhp, achieving an average fuel consumption of 4.1 to 4.3 litres per 100 kilometres (figures based on the EU test cycle, dependent on tyre format selected). This means that there are now five petrol engines and six diesel engines to choose from for the new 5-door BMW 1 Series and the new 3-door BMW 1 Series, combining hallmark brand driving pleasure with exemplary efficiency.

BMW i3 Concept: maximum sustainability down to the last detail.
The BMW i3 will herald a new era of automobile construction, not only due to its purely electric drive and a passenger cell made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic: its interior design is also consistently geared towards sustainability. The new version of the BMW i3 Concept presented at the 2012 Paris Motor Show clearly reflects this. For example, the eucalyptus
wood used for the instrument panel comes from a sustainable cultivation source in Europe and is treated exclusively with natural substances. The high-quality leather of the seats has a fine surface consistency achieved by processing tanning agents gained from olive leaves. What is more, parts of the instrument cluster and door trim are made of natural wool fabric.

BMW C evolution: prototype of an e-scooter to meet the highest demands in terms of agility and range.
BMW Motorrad is likewise responding to the challenges facing future urban mobility by putting forward innovative vehicle concepts. A prototype - also incorporating the aspect of electromobility - is presented at the 2012 Paris Motor Show 2012. In the BMW C evolution, an electric drive produces riding performance figures at the level of a maxi scooter with a conventional combustion engine. With a continuous output of 11 kW and a peak output of 35 kW, the liquid-cooled electric motor provides the perfect conditions for supreme riding pleasure in this vehicle segment. What is more, the compact battery allows a range of over 100 kilometres and can be recharged either at a household power socket or at a public charging station. This means that although primarily designed for use in daily commuter traffic, the BMW C evolution is well equipped to go beyond the boundaries of urban mobility.

In developing the drive technology for this near-production prototype, BMW Motorrad benefits from the sound expertise of the BMW Group in the field of electromobility.

The new BMW 7 Series: more ride comfort, more efficiency, more innovations.
Trade fair highlights include the European premiere of the new BMW 7 Series. The flagship of the BMW model range is presented with a selectively modified exterior and interior design. The most striking new visual feature is the optional full LED headlights on each side of the BMW radiator grille, which has also been discreetly revised. In the interior, the travelling experience is further enhanced with the use of new materials and additionally optimised acoustic comfort. The multifunctional instrument display, the three-dimensional graphics of the Control Display and the Bang & Olufsen high-end surround sound system are some of the other features which provide intensified driving pleasure.

The luxury sedan also sees significant advances in terms of drive technology. All models are now fitted with an 8-speed automatic transmission as standard, and the fuel consumption and exhaust emissions of the new BMW 7 Series have been reduced by up to 25 percent, depending on the engine variant. The automatic engine start/stop function, brake energy regeneration and the second generation of the driving experience switch with ECO PRO mode and coasting function are all features which offer additional savings potential. A carefully optimised wheel suspension and the electromechanical steering for all models with rear-wheel drive raise ride comfort to a new level. The self-levelling air suspension on the rear axle is now also a standard feature in all models.

The most spectacular new feature in terms of engines is the world's most powerful in-line 6-cylinder diesel engine that drives the new BMW 750d xDrive. Fitted with triple turbocharging, the power unit generates a maximum output of 280 kW/381 bhp, accelerating the luxury sedan from standing to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds.

New BMW 3 Series: exemplary efficiency featuring new diversity.
The efficiency of the new, successfully launched BMW 3 Series Sedan is underscored yet again with a further expanded engine portfolio. The role of entry-level model among the petrol engine variants is now taken up by the new BMW 316i Sedan. This model is powered by a 1.6-litre variant of the new generation of 4-cylinder engines with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology, generating an output of 100 kW/136 bhp and putting a maximum torque of 220 Newton metres on stream. The new BMW 316i Sedan is fitted as standard with a 6-speed manual transmission and optionally with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

In addition, BMW takes the opportunity of the Paris trade fair to present the first model powered by a petrol engine which is geared particularly consistently towards efficiency. The BMW 320i EfficientDynamics Edition Sedan not only has the same fuel-saving technology as all the other models but also additional aerodynamics features and a specific engine set-up and gear ratios. In this model variant, the 2.0 litre engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology achieves a peak output of 125 kW/170 bhp. The BMW 320i EfficientDynamics Edition Sedan accelerates in 7.6 seconds from zero to 100 km/h, combining its athletic spirit with an average fuel consumption rate as measured on the EU test cycle of 5.3 litres per 100 kilometres. This makes it the most economical petrol engine model within the current BMW range.

Courtesy of BMW News

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Congrats Tommie on this 5-star review!

Jamal O
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Sep 16, 2012

Tommie was the best salesman that I've ever had. He was friendly. He never pressured me. He had all of the information and answered every question that I had. If I came to Checkered Flag for another Mini - I would want him for my salesman. They only thing that he didn't do was pay for my Mini - that would have really been amazing. Thanks!

THE MINI PACEMAN

The MINI Paceman. At a glance.

• MINI presents the world's first Sports Activity Coupé in the premium small and compact vehicle segment; MINI Paceman is the seventh model in the brand family and offers an innovative combination of sporty, extrovert design, hallmark MINI driving fun and an exclusive interior ambience; unique, yet typically MINI, vehicle concept opens up new target groups for the brand's inimitable style; two doors, large tailgate, lounge concept with two individual seats in the rear.
• Expressive, emotionally powerful body design with prominent horizontal lines and powerfully curved surfaces; dynamic proportions in hallmark MINI design language create superbly sporting impression; sporty and elegant appearance and powerful stature of the MINI Paceman symbolise the innovative combination of go-kart feeling on the road and enhanced versatility through optional all-wheel drive.
• Upright front end exudes power and presence; hexagonal radiator grille with broad chrome surround, black bordering on the lower edge of the body and other typically MINI design elements with an individual touch; coupé-style stretched side profile with long doors, dynamically downward-sloping roofline and greenhouse tapering towards the rear; muscular flared wheel arches; distinctive helmet roof form adapted to the car's coupé lines with integrated rear spoiler; roof can be specified in body colour, white or black; sloping rear window; rear lights in horizontal arrangement for the first time on a MINI.
• Bespoke interior design creates typically MINI impression; powerfully formed, horizontally structured instrument panel with newly designed surrounds for the air vents; large circular Centre Speedo, also with new surround in black and decorative inner rings in high-gloss black or chrome; surrounds for the central control panel in a contrasting colour; window buttons arranged in the door panel trim; three-dimensional door ellipses reaching into the rear compartment (illumination optional).
• Full-size individual seats in the rear offer high levels of comfort and lateral support, plus generous shoulder room and headroom; legroom optimised through cut-outs in the front seat backrests; integrated armrests in the rear side panel trim; two-section version of the MINI Centre Rail storage and attachment system comes as standard, full-length variant available as an option; variable use of space possible through individually folding rear seat backrests; load capacity: 330 – 1,080 litres.
• Particularly powerful engines and standard lowered sports suspension accentuate the trademark MINI go-kart feeling; regular suspension and ride height are available as a no-cost option; two petrol and two diesel engines offered from launch with an output spread from 82 kW/112 hp to 135 kW/184 hp; MINI John Cooper Works Paceman version is in the pipeline; all variants come with a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic as an option; MINI ALL4 all-wheel-drive system available for the MINI Cooper S Paceman, MINI Cooper SD Paceman and MINI Cooper D Paceman; outstanding efficiency thanks to state-of-the-art powertrain technology and extensive MINIMALISM technology fitted as standard; Sport Button available as an option.
• Sophisticated chassis technology featuring MacPherson spring struts and forged cross members at the front axle, a multi-link rear axle and Electric Power Steering with Servotronic function; Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) as standard, Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) including Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC) optional (standard on the MINI Cooper S Paceman, MINI Cooper SD Paceman and MINI Cooper D Paceman ALL4); 16-inch light-alloy wheels as standard (MINI Cooper S Paceman and MINI Cooper SD Paceman: 17-inch); 18-inch or 19-inch light-alloy wheels available as an option.
• Outstanding occupant protection provided by crash-optimised body structure and extensive range of safety equipment; front and side airbags, side curtain airbags, three-point inertia-reel seat belts on all seats, belt tensioners and belt force limiters at the front, ISOFIX child seat attachments in the rear and a run-flat indicator fitted as standard.
• Array of standard equipment includes air conditioning, sports seats for driver and front passenger, Centre Rail and radio MINI CD; high-quality items of optional equipment and wide variety of individualisation options in typical MINI style; selection includes xenon Adaptive Headlights, rain sensor, Park Distance Control, Comfort Access, electrically operated glass roof and trailer coupling; large choice of exterior paint finishes, bonnet stripes, upholstery variants, interior surfaces and Colour Lines; MINI navigation system, harman/kardon hi-fi loudspeaker system and unique in-car infotainment functions available via MINI Connected.
• Engine variants:

  MINI Cooper S Paceman: Four-cylinder petrol engine with twin-scroll turbocharger, direct injection and fully variable valve management based on the BMW Group's VALVETRONIC technology. Displacement: 1,598 cc, output: 135 kW/184 hp at 5,500 rpm, max. torque: 240 Nm / 177 lb-ft at 1,600 – 5,000 rpm (260 Nm / 192 lb-ft with overboost). Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h / 62 mph: 7.5 seconds (automatic: 7.8 seconds), top speed: 217 km/h (212 km/h) / 135 mph (132 mph). Average fuel consumption according to EU: 6.1 litres (7.1 litres) per 100 kilometres / 46.3 mpg (39.8 mpg), CO2 emissions: 143 g/km (166 g/km). MINI Cooper Paceman: Four-cylinder petrol engine with fully variable valve management based on the BMW Group's VALVETRONIC technology. Displacement: 1,598 cc, output: 90 kW/122 hp at 6,000 rpm, max. torque: 160 Nm / 118 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm. Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h / 62 mph: 10.4 seconds (automatic: 11.5 seconds), top speed: 192 km/h (184 km/h) / 119 mph (114 mph). Average fuel consumption according to EU: 6.0 litres (7.2 litres) per 100 kilometres / 47.1 mpg (39.2 mpg), CO2 emissions: 140 g/km (168 g/km). MINI Cooper SD Paceman: Four-cylinder turbodiesel with aluminium crankcase, common-rail injection and variable turbine geometry. Displacement: 1,995 cc, output: 105 kW/143 hp at 4,000 rpm, max. torque: 305 Nm / 225 lb-ft at 1,750 – 2 700 rpm. Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h / 62 mph: 9.2 seconds (automatic: 9.4 seconds), top speed: 200 km/h (197 km/h) / 124 mph (122 mph). Average fuel consumption according to EU: 4.6 litres (5.7 litres) per 100 kilometres / 61.4 mpg (49.6 mpg), CO2 emissions: 122 g/km (150 g/km). MINI Cooper D Paceman: Four-cylinder turbodiesel with aluminium crankcase, common-rail injection and variable turbine geometry. Displacement: 1,598 cc (MINI Cooper D Paceman with automatic gearbox: 1,995 cc), output: 82 kW/112 hp at 4,000 rpm, max. torque: 270 Nm / 199 lb-ft at 1,750 – 2,250 rpm. Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h / 62 mph: 10.8 seconds (automatic: 11.2 seconds), top speed: 187 km/h (182 km/h) / 116 mph (113 mph). Average fuel consumption according to EU: 4.4 litres (5.6 litres) per 100 kilometres / 64.2 mpg (50.4 mpg), CO2 emissions: 115 g/km (149 g/km).

• Exterior dimensions:
  Length: 4,109 millimetres (MINI Cooper S Paceman,
  MINI Cooper SD Paceman: 4,115 millimetres)
  Width: 1,786 millimetres
  Height: 1,518 millimetres (MINI Cooper S Paceman,
  MINI Cooper SD Paceman: 1,522 millimetres)
  Wheelbase: 2 596 millimetres

Cutting a swathe through the urban jungle: The MINI Paceman.

The MINI brand is once again combining the expansion of its model range with a foray into a new vehicle class. Indeed, the MINI Paceman is the first Sports Activity Coupé in the premium small and compact segment. Its powerful, dynamically stretched coupé lines and hallmark MINI go-kart feeling team up with the exclusive ambience of its variable-usage interior to make the MINI Paceman a pioneer in the urban environment. Sporting prowess and versatility also define the driving characteristics of the MINI Paceman. Four powerful engine variants will be available from launch, and the standard specification of the MINI Paceman will also include lowered sports suspension. This is the second model (after the MINI Countryman), moreover, to offer the option of channelling its engine power to the road through all four wheels.

The seventh model in the MINI family has a character all of its own, while displaying clear ties to the innovative and inimitable style of the British premium brand. Its innovative vehicle concept takes its cues from the needs of modern target groups, who appreciate its confident appearance as much as the infectious driving fun on offer at the wheel. With its two doors and large tailgate, plus two full-size individual rear seats, the MINI Paceman complements the elegant sportiness of its proportions with a new rendering of the familiar MINI interior. The slightly raised seating position in the front of the car provides the driver and front passenger with an excellent view over the road, while the rear passengers enjoy generous levels of space, outstanding lateral support and exceptional comfort in a lounge-style ambience. Folding down the rear seats expands the load capacity of the MINI Paceman from 330 to a maximum 1,080 litres.

The petrol engines available for the MINI Cooper Paceman and MINI Cooper S Paceman and the diesel units in the MINI Cooper D Paceman and MINI Cooper SD Paceman cover an output spread from 82 kW/112 hp to 135 kW/184 hp. All the powerplants link up as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, although a six-speed automatic is available as an option. The MINI ALL4 all-wheel-drive system is offered for the MINI Cooper S Paceman, MINI Cooper SD Paceman and MINI Cooper D Paceman. Plans are in place to add a MINI John Cooper Works Paceman variant to the range in due course.

Design: powerful stature, sporty and elegant coupé lines.
The innovative concept of a compact Sports Activity Coupé is expressed in a body design that combines dynamically stretched proportions with a muscular stance. This authentic embodiment of the MINI Paceman's multifaceted driving properties is achieved within the template of the established MINI design language. Its inspirational sporting credentials are immediately clear, as is the potential for broadening its range of use with the addition of ALL4 permanent all-wheel drive.

Traditional MINI design cues, such as the black bordering on the lower edge of the body, the side indicator surround on the diagonal link between the A-pillar and front wheel arch, and the clear three-level split of body, passenger compartment and roof, point – in a distinctive Paceman way – to their MINI family ties. The front end, for example, exudes power and presence thanks to its large, distinctively shaped headlights, strikingly sculptured bonnet and upright hexagonal radiator grille, which is framed on the MINI Paceman by a particularly broad chrome surround.

The fresh and individual character of the MINI Paceman comes across most prominently when the car is viewed from the side. Dynamically sweeping lines and powerfully curved surfaces imbue the car's appearance with sporting elegance. The coupé-style roof, swooping downwards towards the rear, sits almost seamlessly atop the passenger compartment. Its distinctive "helmet" contours fit neatly into the coupé mould, the roofline flowing into the standard rear spoiler. The steadily rising shoulderline and gently downward-sloping roofline create side window surfaces that taper towards the rear, emphasising the wedge shape of the silhouette particularly clearly. The long doors each have a high character line, which connects the front and rear wheel arches and gives the body a lower-slung appearance. The extremely muscular rear wheel arches underline the MINI Paceman's sporting credentials, including its ability to send a portion of its engine power through the rear wheels.

The most eye-catching new feature of the rear end are the rear lights which, in a first for MINI, display a horizontal design. As with the slim and sloping coupé-style rear window, the chrome strip below it and the horizontal creases on the tailgate and rear apron, the form of the lights further accentuates the car's width. The concentric segmentation of the light sources in the rear lights is very much in keeping with brand tradition. The same can be said of the rear as a whole, which increases in width as it heads towards the road, drawing attention to the car's powerful stance. The MINI Paceman is the first member of the brand's line-up to be identified by a rear nameplate. Eight exterior paint shades are available for the MINI Paceman, including the new Brilliant Copper, Blazing Red and – exclusively for the MINI Paceman – Starlight Blue variants. The roof and exterior mirror caps can be painted in body colour, white or black.

Courtesy of MINI USA News

Taking Flight at Red Bull Ring

Today we remember those we lost on 9/11/01

MINI Fun Fact of the Day!

All four Beatles owned Minis, the most famous being George Harrison's psychedelic version which appeared in the 1967 film the Magical Mystery Tour (and has been remade in the new model of Mini - see photo below). Built by Harold Radford Ltd in 1965, Austin Cooper S LGF 965D was originally black but was painted in psychedelic colours in 1967 using ideas from an art book. George Harrison also had a wall of his house painted in the same style, much to the annoyance of his neighbours. It was in that mini that Goerge, John, Cynthia Lennon and Patti Boyd apparently had their first LSD trip after leaving the home of a freind who had slipped it into their cups of tea. George recalled driving very slowely because they didn't know what was happening to them. After Magical Mystery Tour, the car was given to Eric Clapton, but George got it back in the 1970's, lovingly maintained it and showed it at Goodwood as recently as 1998, three years before his death.

John Lennon brought his wife Cynthia a Mini in 1964 but because he didn't pass his driving test until 1965, he waited until then before getting a black Radford-built Austin Cooper S (LGF 696D). The following year he told a journalist: "I decided I'd been a bit extravagant and brought too many cars, so I put the Ferarri and the Mini up for sale. Then one of the accountants said I was all right, so I got the cars back". On August 28 1967, Lennon arrived at Apple Studios in his Radford Mini after hearing of the death of the Beatles manager Brian Epstein.

In 1965, Paul McCartney aqcuired a sage green Radford Mini Cooper S (GGJ 382C), which boasted rear lights from the Aston Martin factory, black leather interior, inside map lighting and a sunroof. He drovethe Mini to Primrose Hill, North London, in early 1967 and saw a strange man walking about. This was the inspiration for his song "The Fool on the Hill". The car now resides in a museum in Florida.

Ringo Starr owned Radford Austin Mini Cooper S (LLO 836D). The Beatles' manager Brian Epstein brought it originally in 1966 and the next owner shown in the logbook in Richard Starkey, who took possession of it on June 15, 1967. Epstein had an arrangement with dealer Terry Doran to get cars for the Beatles at trade prices. Doran is the 'man from the motor trade' referred to in "She's Leaving Home" on the Sergeant Pepper album.

Courtesy of Johncooperworks.net

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Baltimore Sports Car Challenge

Woodcliff Lake, N.J. – September 1, 2012… BMW Team RLL experienced a disappointing day at the Baltimore Sports Car Challenge after a controversial call by the race steward took the lead of the race away from the No. 55 M3 GT on lap 21 with a one minute penalty for avoidable contact. Ultimately finishing in eighth place, the call ended what could have been a great day for Bill Auberlen and Jörg Müller.

The No. 56 M3 GT of Joey Hand and Dirk Müller finished fourth after starting from the rear of the field. The move was required after the team elected to change to a new set of Dunlop tires for the race. Hand started the car and by lap 15 had moved up to sixth. Pitting from fourth on lap 26 he handed off to Müller. Müller challenged for third a number of times but was unable to make it stick, finishing fourth at the checkered flag.

The first 20 laps of Jörg Muller’s race was outstanding. He started the No. 55 M3 GT on the outside of the front row and made it through a first turn of spinning prototype class cars with only minor damage. He moved to second as the race went back to green and on lap nine he took the lead with a quick thinking inside move in turn one after the leader was held up. Twelve laps later he was forced to the pits to serve the penalty that was determined to occur in the front straight chicane.

Auberlen entered the car on lap 24, returning at the rear of the field. He pitted once more from the tenth spot during the next caution period for softer tires. He made up two more positions to take the checkered flag in eighth.

This race is only the second time this season where at least one of the team cars did not finish on the podium. Now with two wins and four additional podium finishes in the first eight races of the season, BMW continues to stand second in the GT Class Manufacturer points. Dirk Müller holds onto the third spot in Driver points. Hand stands fourth. Bill Auberlen and Jörg Müller drop to seventh.

“It's very disappointing for Jörg and Bill,” said Team Principal Bobby Rahal. “Jörg didn't touch the car that crashed. Frankly it was close and someone is looking for any kind of infraction. We paid the price. It's just a shame because we were leading the race pretty handily and ahead of the car that ended up winning the race. The No. 56 car had a good strong race. It's clear that the Ferrari is faster than us on the long straights, so we couldn't pass it there. It is the same with the Corvettes. We try and make it up in the corners, but there are just not enough of them. We scored points, but we were certainly hurt in the championship.”

Round 9 of the 2012 American Le Mans Series will be held at Virginia International Raceway, in Danville, Virginia, on September 15. The four-hour race will take the green flag at 2:30 p.m. ET with live streaming coverage available on ESPN3.com starting at 2:15 p.m. ET. ESPN2 will broadcast the race at 5:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, Sept 16th.

The Series’ website offers additional content such as live in-car cameras, and timing and scoring for all users around the world. Viewers outside the U.S. can watch all ALMS races live on ALMS.com.

Courtesy of BMW USA News

Thanks Dan for this great review!

Dan V
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Sep 03, 2012

John Cantwell did an excellent job showing the cars. I arrived about 30 minutes before closing but never felt rushed. Thanks for a great shopping experience!