I'm NOT Waiting To Get A VentureOne...

[CelticFlyer]

So I'm gonna build my own! :LOL:

What do you guys think?

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee299/GrabberOrange/IMG_0102.jpg

It's just like the VentureOne. It's got three wheels and it LEANS!

Do you think Safeway will offer Roadside Assistance?

No, seriously folks. I'm ordering one of these Wednesday night:

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee299/GrabberOrange/my_mini_sig.jpg

2008 MINI Cooper
Oxygen Blue with White Top & Mirrors
6-speed Getrag Manual Transmission
Sport Package: Sport Suspension, Dynamic Stability Control, Sport Seats, 16" 5-Star Blaster Wheels with Performance Run-Flat Tires
NO Bonnet Stripes
Convenience Package: Comfort Access System (Keyless Start), Leather Sport Wheel with Multifunction, Comfort Bluetooth with USB/iPod Adapter, Universal Garage Door Opener, Auto Dimming Rear View Mirror, Rain Sensor and Auto Headlamps, Center Arm Rest
Front & Rear Fog Lamps
On-board Computer
6-speaker AM/FM CD Player
Cloth Checkered Carbon Black/Black Upholstery
Interior Silver Surface Fine White Silver
3-year/36K mile FREE Scheduled Maintenance
4-year Complete Roadside Assistance Coverage

This car is an ABSOLUTE PANIC to drive! I had a ball taking one out and stretching its legs on the highway. It was even fun navigating through traffic! It was hard leaving the dealership without the car, but I decided to order one to my liking as none at the dealer were equipped exactly to my liking. Should arrive by mid-September!

I'm stoked! ;)

[beeson]

Well, the Safeway cart will have more storage space, but it won't be as fun to drive :-) I've heard the Mini's were a blast to drive. Guess I better stay out of them.

[rogwild]

Nice choice CF! Since the Vv will have about the same length and height as the Mini, it should be a great 'trainer' for the V~1. Except for the fact that the V~1 will be a lot NARROWER, and the Mini does not 'TILT'; it should get you planning to 'travel light'.
Have fun, and post pictures when you get your new 'Mini trainer'.

[MHARVEYM]

Celtic......whats the sticker on that Bad boy!

[CelticFlyer]

I've heard the Mini's were a blast to drive.

OMG I was sold on the test drive alone! What fun. I'm going to have to watch my speed...and the one I'm getting isn't even turbocharged. :COP:


Nice choice CF! Since the Vv will have about the same length and height as the Mini, it should be a great 'trainer' for the V~1.

EXACTLY my thinking, Rog. In fact, you may recall the VV guys comparing the MINI's size with the V1, and it even appeared in an earlier "artist's rendering" of the V1. I'll regard the MINI as a simulator, but the V1's gonna be the real deal!


Celtic......whats the sticker on that Bad boy!

$22K out the door. They didn't budge on the price. Everyone out here is dying for cars with great MPGs. This one gets 28/37 city/highway. Sure as heck better than my old Mustang! ;)

[Bulldog]

I have a friend that has one, I drove it and it would astound you at how much power those things have. Hers has a turbo and it SCREAMS! She just got back from a trip to California and she got 45mpg on the highway!

[rogwild]

CF, just a Wild A$$ Guess; "Mellow Yellow"?=D

[Derwin]

That's pretty cool, CF. I was actually considering getting one back when they first came out. I even got their "mini" brochure and other paperwork on it. But then I found out about the CanAm Spyder, and it took over my heart! I decided to get the Spyder for fun, and then to just keep driving my 2001 Chevy Tracker for my car.

Anyway.....Good choice! Very nice vehicle.

Derwin

****I didn't realize they get 45mpg.....WOW!

[cpaddock]

Congratulations Celtic! See? The pure joy of driving is a powerful motivator! A Mini blew
past me the other day like they were having a medical emergency. The Mini was definately on my short list till this MX5 came into my life.
Curves Ahead!

[CelticFlyer]

I have a friend that has one, I drove it and it would astound you at how much power those things have. Hers has a turbo and it SCREAMS! She just got back from a trip to California and she got 45mpg on the highway!

I was amazed, frankly. And I had forgotten how much I enjoyed "rowing through the gears." It really makes you feel more involved in the driving experience.


CF, just a Wild A$$ Guess; "Mellow Yellow"?=D

Nope. Believe me, I considered it. I LOVE that color, and it doesn't cost anything extra because it's NOT a metallic color (all of the MINI's metallic paints cost $500 more!). Actually, the screen capture above is exactly the color I chose. It's called "Oxygen Blue" and it's a very nice, soothing shade of blue.


That's pretty cool, CF. Anyway.....Good choice! Very nice vehicle.

Thanks for the nod, Derwin. Yeah, I think I'm gonna be very happy with this. Heck, I might even keep it after the VentureOne comes out! Maybe my partner will take it over. We built it together, so I know he likes what I'm getting!


Congratulations Celtic! See? The pure joy of driving is a powerful motivator!

Thanks, and I couldn't agree more. Getting there is MORE than half the fun, if you ask me. ;)

(In case you guys haven't noticed...I finally figured out how to quote multiples! =D

[Derwin]

(In case you guys haven't noticed...I finally figured out how to quote multiples! =D

Heck, I haven't even figured out how to do that yet! ;)

Derwin

[Miracleman89]

I was amazed, frankly. And I had forgotten how much I enjoyed "rowing through the gears." It really makes you feel more involved in the driving experience.


Man, Bro, I couldn't agree with you more!!!! I miss my old 5 speed! I have even considered changing the tranny in my MR2 project car over to a 5 speed but to do it would take a ton of work!

PS. What kind of mileage are you able to get out of the shopping cart?:LOL:

[CelticFlyer]

The shopping cart gets UNLIMITED mileage! :p

Oh btw, I changed my order. I ordered a Chili Pepper Red MINI with a few more bells & whistles than I originally intended. Here's what my car will look like:

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee299/GrabberOrange/my_mini-1.jpg

I threw in the Cold Weather Package, some chrome goodies, interior color dress-up items, and a couple of totally non-essential upgrades. I especially like the dual power-folding heated mirrors!

I just placed the order, so it won't be here until October. It's gotta be assembled in Oxford, England and shipped on a slow boat to SoCal...

[Miracleman89]

If gas prices keep going up, I would say go with the shopping cart!:LOL::cry:

[CelticFlyer]

Got that right, dude. ;)

Resale factored highly in my car choice. I did a ton of research and it seems the MINI really shines in the aftermarket. I'm still reeling from my test drive. I can't imagine how it's going to be driving that puppy every day.

As I mentioned earlier, I got a few more options than I originally, well, opted for. This brought the price up another grand, but I can still live with it. Here's a breakdown of the build:

2008 MINI Cooper

Base MSRP* $18,050
Destination & Handling $650

PAINT
Chili Red Body Color $0
White Roof/Mirrors $0
Chrome Line Exterior $250
Chrome Mirror Caps INC

PACKAGE
Cold Weather Package $500
Heated Powerfold Mirrors & Washer Jets
Heated Front Seats

Sport Package $1,500
Sport Suspension
Dynamic Stability Control
Sport Seats
16" 5-Star Blaster (Perf. Run Flats)
No Bonnet Stripes

Convenience Package $1,500
Comfort Access System
Leather Sport Wheel w/Multifunction
Comfort Bluetooth with USB/iPod Adapter
Universal Garage Door Opener
Auto Dimming Rear View Mirror
Rain Sensor and Auto Headlamps
Center Arm Rest

PERFORMANCE
Front Fog Lamps $250
Rear Fog Lamp $100
6-Speed Getrag Manual STD

COCKPIT
On-Board Computer STD
6-spkr AM/FM CD Player STD
Cloth: Checkered Carbon Black/Black $0
Interior Surface Fine White Silver STD
Rooster Red Color Line $250

TOTAL MSRP AS CONFIGURED* $23,050

Side Scuttle - Union Jack (installation not incl.) $166

TOTAL ACCESSORIES ** $166
TOTAL MSRP AS CONFIGURED* $23,050

TOTAL COMBINED $23,216

The car is built in Oxford, England and shipped overseas to SoCal, I believe, then transported via rail or carrier to it's final destination. I expect to take delivery some time in October. I'm gonna be on pins and needles until then!

I'm sure it's going to be worth the wait. =D

[RAN]

In a couple of years, when motors and batteries have reached the volume levels to make them affordable, you can even convert it to all-electric :-)

[cpaddock]

Wonder if V1 will have a "build your own V1" feature in their web site....nothing like the options package to activate the three most expensive words in the english language.....
"Might as well...."
Curves Ahead!

[Derwin]

RAN, I THINK YOU ARE SOME KIND OF WIZARD! LOOK AT THIS:


<!-- ============== START STORY BODY ================= -->
<!-- START SPONSOR AREA --><SCRIPT> OAS_AD('SponsorLogo'); </SCRIPT>http://ads.forbes.com/RealMedia/ads/adstream_lx.ads/forbesautos.com/news/headlines/2008/july/fadc_bmw_announces_electric_mini_tests.html/105727435/SponsorLogo/default/empty.gif/34636530303662303438376666343030?partner=yahoofp (http://ads.forbes.com/RealMedia/ads/click_lx.ads/forbesautos.com/news/headlines/2008/july/fadc_bmw_announces_electric_mini_tests.html/105727435/SponsorLogo/default/empty.gif/34636530303662303438376666343030?partner=yahoofp) Will Mini Go Electric?

BMW intends to use its Mini brand as a test bed for electric drivetrains.

<!-- Published on 2008-07-11
-->by HANNAH ELLIOTT, ForbesAutos.com

http://images.forbesautos.com/images/site/spacer.gif
<!-- FLOATING RIGHT NAVIGATION --><!--END CONTAINER--><!--start of Big Image (Horizontal 320x240)-->http://nmxs-images.forbesautos.com/streamer/2008/mini/cooper/all/s2?wid=320 (http://www.forbesautos.com/gallery/2008/mini/cooper/?slide=14&play=t?partner=mml)
BMW is testing electric powertrains in its Mini models.

+ see more Mini photos (http://www.forbesautos.com/gallery/2008/mini/cooper/?partner=mml) | read a Mini Cooper review > (http://www.forbesautos.com/showmodel/2008/mini/cooper/?partner=mml)


<!--end of Big Image (Horizontal)-->BMW (http://www.forbesautos.com/showroom/bmw?partner=mml) has announced plans to begin testing electric powertrains in its Mini (http://www.forbesautos.com/showroom/mini?partner=mml) brand vehicles.
Several hundred Minis are currently being built at the company factory in Oxford, England, and will then be shipped to Munich, Germany, to receive electric powertrains, according to a statement from BMW Group.
BMW will use electrically driven Mini test vehicles to refine alternative-fuel technology and assess its future potential for mass production, the statement said. BMW representatives did not respond to requests for comment.

Automotive News Europe reported that 490 of the Minis will be leased in California and 10 will be used as show cars.




Jennifer Watts, a spokesperson for the Washington-based Electric Drive Transportation Association, said that although she had no prior knowledge about the impending announcement from BMW (http://www.forbesautos.com/showroom/bmw?partner=mml), it wasn’t totally unexpected.

“They were sort of going under the radar, but it’s not a huge surprise,” Watts said. Depending on how the field tests go, the electric Mini could be an important step for electric cars in general, she added.

Research Mini Vehicles:

<LI class=related_list_links>Mini Cooper (http://www.forbesautos.com/showmodel/2008/mini/cooper/?partner=mml) <LI class=related_list_links>Mini Cooper S (http://www.forbesautos.com/showmodel/2008/mini/cooper_s/?partner=mml) <LI class=related_list_links>Mini Cooper Convertible (http://www.forbesautos.com/showmodel/2008/mini/cooper_convertible/?partner=mml) <LI class=related_list_links>Mini Cooper S Convertible (http://www.forbesautos.com/showmodel/2008/mini/cooper_s_convertible/?partner=mml) <LI class=related_list_links>Mini Cooper S Clubman (http://www.forbesautos.com/showmodel/2008/mini/cooper_s_clubman/?partner=mml) <LI class=related_list_links>Mini John Cooper Works (http://www.forbesautos.com/showmodel/2009/mini/john_cooper_works/?partner=mml)
Mini John Cooper Works Clubman (http://www.forbesautos.com/showmodel/2009/mini/john_cooper_works_clubman/?partner=mml)


<!--end of Related Links-->“We hope the tests go well,” Watts said. “The more players in the game, the better. It helps bring the cost down, and it helps make electric vehicles accessible, so we’re glad to hear the news.”

BMW's announcement comes relatively late, compared to other manufacturers. Ford (http://www.forbesautos.com/showroom/ford?partner=mml), General Motors, Honda (http://www.forbesautos.com/showroom/honda?partner=mml), Mercedes-Benz (http://www.forbesautos.com/showroom/mercedes-benz?partner=mml), Mitsubishi (http://www.forbesautos.com/showroom/mitsubishi?partner=mml), Nissan (http://www.forbesautos.com/showroom/nissan?partner=mml), Peugeot-Citroen, Renault, Subaru (http://www.forbesautos.com/showroom/subaru?partner=mml), Toyota (http://www.forbesautos.com/showroom/toyota?partner=mml) and Volkswagen (http://www.forbesautos.com/showroom/volkswagen?partner=mml), among others, have already announced plans to develop and test electric vehicles.


Aaron Bragman, a research analyst for Global Insight in Detroit, said he expects the Mini electric cars to be used mostly to test the market in California.

“Frankly, I think it’s going to be wildly popular,” Bragman said, noting that the gas-fueled Mini Cooper (http://www.forbesautos.com/showmodel/2008/mini/cooper/?partner=mml) has virtually sold out in California and elsewhere. “The market is just there.… There are people desperate to get these vehicles.”

Bragman said he would expect an electric Mini to command a roughly $10,000 premium over the standard Minis now available. The “assurance and guarantee” of buying a BMW-made electric car, as opposed to an electric car from an obscure manufacturer or developed as an after-market electric vehicle without a warranty, will be a big draw for would-be owners, he said.

<!--start of additional Images (240x160) -->
http://nmxs-images.forbesautos.com/streamer//2008/mini/cooper_s_clubman/all//s4?wid=240 (http://www.forbesautos.com/gallery/2008/mini/cooper_s_clubman/?slide=15&play=t?partner=mml)
2008 Mini Cooper S Clubman

+ enlarge image (http://www.forbesautos.com/gallery/2008/mini/cooper_s_clubman/?slide=15&play=t?partner=mml) | view gallery > (http://www.forbesautos.com/gallery/2008/mini/cooper_s_clubman/?partner=mml)


<!--end of additional Images-->Watts said BMW's brand caché certainly won’t hurt sales, either, even if it doesn’t necessarily aid them.

“It is a well-known car,” Watts said. “So far, this has had a good impact. So if BMW joins the game too, that’s great.”

BMW relaunched the Mini brand in 2001. Models have been available in the United States since 2002. The Cooper (http://www.forbesautos.com/showmodel/2008/mini/cooper/?partner=mml) is now in its second generation; the Cooper Convertible (http://www.forbesautos.com/showmodel/2008/mini/cooper_convertible/?partner=mml) is expected to be redesigned soon. An extended Cooper Clubman (http://www.forbesautos.com/showmodel/2008/mini/cooper_s_clubman/?partner=mml) version debuted this year, and the high-performance John Cooper Works (http://www.forbesautos.com/showmodel/2009/mini/john_cooper_works/?partner=mml) models follow for 2009.
The Mini brand dates back decades, when it was owned by the British Motor Corporation and popularized in the 1960s and ’70s.

Further details about the possibility of an electric-powered Mini and its marketing will be released by the end of the year, according to BMW press statements.

[Miracleman89]

Watch the extras from the movie The Italian Job They made three minis into fully electric models for the scene in the subway!

[RAN]

Derwin, here's one better! From worldcarfans.com (http://www.worldcarfans.com/2060724.006/pml-builds-640hp-electric-mini)

PML Builds 640hp Electric MINI

0-60mph in 4.5 seconds.

http://img.worldcarfans.com/US/2006/7/24/2060724.006/2060724.006.1M.jpg


July 24, 2006 7:46 PM by
Filed Under: MINI (http://www.worldcarfans.com/category/mini)
Page 1 / 2: Next Page (http://www.worldcarfans.com/2060724.006/page2/pml-builds-640hp-electric-mini)<!-- google_ad_section_end(weight=ignore) -->
<script type="text/javascript">GA_googleFillSlot("Article_Top");</script>
<!-- google_ad_section_start -->Press Release

Surely it can't be an Electric Mini?!

While all the world's most famous motoring names look on, a British company, PML, has chosen the UK's most prestigious motor show as the venue to strip away all the misconceptions surrounding electric/hybrid vehicles and to showcase a truly awesome car. Featuring four revolutionary electric wheels, the standard BMW Mini One you can see on Stand 270 is predicted to have a top speed approaching 150mph and to out-accelerate a Porsche 911 Carrera from 0-60mph. Brake horsepower is a stunning 160bhp per wheel - 640bhp in total.
The car, dubbed the Mini QED, has been designed to run for four hours of combined urban/extra urban driving, powered only by a battery and bank of ultra capacitors. For longer journeys at higher speeds, a small conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) is used to re-charge the battery. In this hybrid mode, fuel economies of up to 80mpg can be achieved.
Explains Martin Boughtwood, PML's MD: "Until now, most electric vehicles have been little more than souped-up milk floats, limited by range and speed, with compromised performance. For those with a green conscience who also value an enhanced motoring experience, there is still something missing.
"Working in partnership with our customer, Synergy Innovations, we set out to demonstrate what our electric wheel technology is capable of. We simply took a standard BMW Mini One, discarded the engine, the disc brakes, the wheels, and the gearbox. These components were replaced by four of our electric wheels, a lithium polymer battery, a large ultra capacitor, a very small ICE with generator (so small it almost fits alongside the spare wheel), an energy management system and a sexy in-car display module."
The benefits of PML in-wheel drive technology are;


It is adaptable to other vehicle chassis
It eliminates the need for gearing and mechanical drive train
It allows more space inside the car

The vehicle has three driver-selectable modes of operation:


Eco mode for town/city frequent start-stop driving;
Normal mode for daily commuting and ICE- equivalent operation, and
Sport mode for super car performance.

Other notable features include:


No (mechanical) brakes means returned energy!

All braking is performed by the wheel motors acting as very efficient electrical generators which return almost all of the energy back to the battery system. The beauty of this dual-circuit, ultra safe system is that your green conscience can be quite content even when accelerating hard, since you are assured of collecting most of the expended energy when it is time to slow down rapidly.
ABS as standard - even when accelerating

Because the wheels are high performance motors, ABS comes as a standard function built into each wheel's software. Now anti-skid can also be applied to acceleration since the motor can smoothly control torque delivery to/from the road in both cases. Flooring the brake or accelerator hard merely results in controlled maximum torque, giving the shortest possible stopping or acceleration time.
Clever wheels

The technology eliminates the need for crude differential gears to share power between left and right sides. The wheels are in constant communication with each other deciding 1000 times each second how much torque share is optimum for the current driving conditions. Should one wheel detect a slippery surface and take appropriate anti-skid actions, the other wheels are aware of this instantly and adopt an appropriate compensating strategy to keep the vehicle as stable as possible.
640 brake horsepower - for life!

Each wheel develops 160bhp - 640bhp in total. The original Mini One develops less than 100bhp with an engine that weighs nearly double the weight of the four electric wheels! Apart from wheel bearings there are no wearing parts in the electric wheels; this means the horsepower stays for the life of the vehicle - and beyond.
Simple, safe, versatile charging

As the battery level reduces, the rear mounted ICE/generator starts to automatically top up the battery. So when you arrive at your destination you can simply park the vehicle knowing that when you return the battery will be replenished. Alternatively you can take advantage of lower cost mains electricity and plug in to recharge. So you never need to worry about battery capacity or how to recharge. During operation, as the battery level falls the generator cuts in, enabling an average speed of 60 - 70mph to be sustained with no further battery depletion.
Super capacitor - super acceleration

Capacitors are used to store electrical energy. The difference between batteries and capacitors is that capacitors can release/absorb their energy 10 times faster than a battery. For acceleration or power boost at higher speeds the capacitor enables nitro-like performance, more than doubling the power from the battery during these events. Very efficient energy recovery means almost nothing is wasted during stop/start city travel.
Energy flow management

A significant key to super performance is optimum energy management which continuously decides where the energy flow should be - battery, super capacitor, generator or wheels. By clever optimisation of the flows, best use can be made of available reserves, enabling a fun driving experience whilst protecting the planet.
Small engine and generator

The small ICE weighs a mere 15kg (less than 1/10th of the original Mini One engine) and delivers peak power of 20kW and continuous power of 15kW. A high efficiency electrical generator is fitted to the engine to provide power when the battery depletion level demands. The key point is that the engine is run at a continuous speed and load - which results in optimum efficiency fuel conversion. After delivering the energy to the battery system the mileage equivalent translates to between 65 and 80mpg!
In-car display

With all this advanced technology the driver needs to have clear and complete information presented. The in-car display module uses the latest touch screen technology with intuitive display and scroll options. Selectable driving modes allow economy mode to sport boost mode at a touch. Displaying available mileage allocated by battery and fuel along with boost status, the display gives comprehensive information. As well as standard speed, diagnostic and status functions, the display is GPRS enabled allowing future options of:


Remote diagnosis of any fault
Auto tracking of speed limits (optional!)
Auto management of generator to prevent inner city operation
History storage and system configuration interface

QED: What Next?

Having developed it's high performance in-wheel drive systems, PML worked in partnership with Synergy Innovations to demonstrate, once and for all, that environmentally-friendly Electric/Hybrid vehicles can maintain or even surpass the performance of cars powered by conventional internal combustion engines.
Furthermore, Martin Boughtwood predicts that developments in battery and ultra capacitor technology in the near future will eliminate the need for any charging ICE and generator. Although PML's Electric/Hybrid Mini will not be generally commercially available, the company is interested in discussing possible one-off orders and collaborations.
Who is PML?

PML (http://www.pmlflightlink.com/) (originally Printed Motors Limited) invented and patented the printed armature motor some 40 years ago. The printed armature motor was the first "pancake" format motor and led the world in compact high performance brushed motors. In the last 4 years, under private ownership, PML has concentrated on the pancake format brushless electric traction "wheel motor" and wind turbine generators. This year marks the launch of several new products pushing forward direct (gearless) motor drive systems. Synergy Innovations was set up to research and develop alternative approaches to use of the planet's resources and has partnered with PML over the last 8 months to help turn the vision of the electric Mini QED into reality.
The Mini project was undertaken to demonstrate the super high performance now possible from PML Hi - Pa drive and QED technology. With very high efficiency, light weight and extreme levels of reliability, PML wheel drive systems are suited to harsh environments needing high levels of safety.
Set to take off in a big way, PML is a British company investing heavily in R&D to take advantage of the benefits of super efficient lightweight wheel motor drive systems in a global economic climate looking for major changes in transport efficiency improvements.

<!-- google_ad_section_end -->Page 1 / 2:Next Page (http://www.worldcarfans.com/2060724.006/page2/pml-builds-640hp-electric-mini)
Source: Text & Photos courtesy PML FlightLink Ltd.

PML FlightLink is the company that builds the in-wheel motors for the British Lightning GT EV, and I believe it was the company that Ian was looking at getting his motors for the V-1 from.

[Derwin]

Wow. That is incredible! I didn't read through the entire article..... Are these available NOW? How much? Why isn't this major news? Has it been verified that Ian is using the same company for the motors? Boy.....so many questions!

This is really cool.

Derwin

[CelticFlyer]

0-60mph in 4.5 seconds.

http://img.worldcarfans.com/US/2006/7/24/2060724.006/2060724.006.1M.jpg

Does it come with a pair of neckbrackes? Yikes, that's quick! =D

Great articles, guys. That would be pretty sweet to convert the MINI to an EV!

[RAN]

Does it come with a pair of neckbrackes? Yikes, that's quick! =D

The PML website link is in the article. Those are the Big Mother motors. You could step down to @425 hp, or further to @212 hp (which in a Mini should still be decent). I would assume that, using the same battery/ultracap packs with the smaller motors would yield even better range. It's also refreshing to see a company that simply gives real ICE mileage instead of trying to BS people by including the battery range to come up with a ridiculously large (and false) number.

Sadly, PML isn't building these for sale (and notice that this article was written two years ago), but I'm sure they would give you all the info you need to have one built if you buy their motors.

Derwin, Ian decided months ago not to go with the in-wheel motors. He felt that their reliability hadn't been proven enough yet. It seems like they've been around long enough by now that any flagrant design flaws would've shown up, but I'm unaware of any company other than Lightning that's using them, and I don't think they've gone into production yet. Besides, the Lightning's price will probably make the Tesla look like a bargain lol.

[Miracleman89]

Ran I remember reading that article before. Good find!

[meckman1]

The shopping cart gets UNLIMITED mileage! :p

Ohttp://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee299/GrabberOrange/my_mini-1.jpg

I threw in the Cold Weather Package, some chrome goodies, interior color dress-up items, and a couple of totally non-essential upgrades. I especially like the dual power-folding heated mirrors!

I just placed the order, so it won't be here until October. It's gotta be assembled in Oxford, England and shipped on a slow boat to SoCal...

Dude you live in cali. How cold can it possibly be?:LOL:

[Baja_Traveler]

Well - the heated seats are nice after a day of skiing up in Tahoe...

[Miracleman89]

Heated seats are great in Illinois in the winter!!!!! God I am so glad to be in Arizona!!! I remember going out to my car and starting it up. Then going back into my house for about 20 to 30 minutes letting the car warm up. Then going back out and scraping the windows for another ten minutes because of all the ice from the rain the previous night! Then driving to work only to repeat this process when I got off work!

[miraclewoman89]

Heated seats are great in Illinois in the winter!!!!! God I am so glad to be in Arizona!!! I remember going out to my car and starting it up. Then going back into my house for about 20 to 30 minutes letting the car warm up. Then going back out and scraping the windows for another ten minutes because of all the ice from the rain the previous night! Then driving to work only to repeat this process when I got off work!




I want an air-cooled steering wheel so when I get in the car after it sits in the sun all day, I don't burn my hands. And, no, the cheap fuzzy wheel cover is not an option!

[Miracleman89]

I want an air-cooled steering wheel so when I get in the car after it sits in the sun all day, I don't burn my hands. And, no, the cheap fuzzy wheel cover is not an option!


How about a liquid cooled steering wheel? I personally think you may be on to something!

[CelticFlyer]

Dude you live in cali. How cold can it possibly be?:LOL:

You're absolutely correct! It's hardly EVER cold here, at least in the valley. Sacramento's idea of winter is a couple of months of rain, then it's back to mild weather and sunshine. However, the heated seats DO feel nice on my lower back when it's gotten strained! I know it's very silly to order the package, but separately, the items cost more and I'm a sucker for gizmos. I just LOVED seeing those power mirrors fold up on their own! LOL


Well - the heated seats are nice after a day of skiing up in Tahoe...

That's ANOTHER excuse to go to Tahoe. Honestly, that region is just breathtaking and to make matters worse, I'm constantly printing materials that showcase it's beauty. I want to go just based on the photos I've seen. Sadly, I've only been there once since moving here three years ago! Go figure...


Heated seats are great in Illinois in the winter!

I felt the same about the ones in my Audi A4 a few years back. Even if the air in the car is cold, the seats make you feel better more quickly. thu:mbs:up:22

The test drive really sold me. One of the things I noticed was how fast I felt I was going, and that little guy got up to speed surprisingly quickly. Perhaps the sense of speed is enhanced by the driver's POV of the road; you're a lot closer to the pavement!

This last pic is for Derwin. Who say's you need a gas-sucking behemoth to haul a camper?

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee299/GrabberOrange/MINIHauler.jpg

* Everyone! Alright, so this photo's a phony. It would appear even MINI owners can't argue with that! They've got a sense of humor about it, though. j:o"k'e)

I scanned that pic from the recent issue of MC2 The MINI Magazine, yeah...I'm thinking of subscribing already. I've got it bad. Once you fall for a MINI, everything else just seems like overkill!

[Miracleman89]

You know at the rate the V1 project is moving, on my limited budget I might be able to have my MR2 fully restored to mint condition! r:o:f:l:2:2:1 :cry:

[rogwild]

AND,.........converted to a Hybrid or EV model!

[CelticFlyer]

Or ion-propulsion enabled. =D

You know, MM your avatar reminds me of those little kiddie rides outside department stores. "Hey mista, how many quarters does that ride take?"

:LOL: I love it!

[Miracleman89]

Or ion-propulsion enabled. =D

You know, MM your avatar reminds me of those little kiddie rides outside department stores. "Hey mista, how many quarters does that ride take?"

:LOL: I love it!

Well bro they are saying around 80,000 to 100,000 quarters!!! lol

[cpaddock]

Electric MINI coming to US in 2009! Autobloggreen.

[cpaddock]

And this just in at Autbloggreen: The "Lightning GT" electric supercar. Order yours today
for 120,000 lbs. That's $200,000 or so.....but it is a work of art. It has in-wheel motors.
The British answer to the Tesla. Derwin's "why don't they ever produce those awsome
concept cars?"

[CelticFlyer]

Electric really is the way to go. Talk about sticking it to the oil companies! hy:per1)

I've got to bookmark that Autoblogreen. I'm outta the loop.

[esuorc2]

Looks like the electric Mini is going to be out in 2009!!!! dr:ive1)

http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/22/electric-mini-hitting-us-streets-in-summer-2009/

[CelticFlyer]

Looks like the electric Mini is going to be out in 2009!!!! dr:ive1)

http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/22/electric-mini-hitting-us-streets-in-summer-2009/

Did I buy too early? Ahh, no worries, the MINI sits at the top of the list for resale vehicles; they hold their value well. If an electric MINI became a viable alternative, I would certainly sieze it. =y:

[cpaddock]

Just expect to pay an extra $5,000 or so for the electric version....

[RAN]

I believe the electric BMW Minis are only going to be leased to 500 lucky, uh, probably celebrities and corporate bigwigs (and maybe Ed Begley Jr :-).

It'll cost alot more than $5000 to build the PML Flightlink version, but you've essentially got a small supercar if you opt for the 4x160hp motors. They do make a couple of smaller output motors to choose from.

[MVRacing]

Well, my wife just totaled her 2003 VW Passat that averaged about 27 MPG ... she's fine.
So, shopping for a Toyota Prius. Can't decide if I should do a 2006 and get the A123 battery pack, or go for a new one. Sure wish they made the plug in now.

[Miracleman89]

Well MVR, if it were me, I would buy something used with good fuel economy. Something that I found selling for below blue book with a good resale value. Then wait it out! Over the next few years we are going to see some amazing advancements in automotive propulsion and fuel economy. Either that or take out a two year lease on something!

[CelticFlyer]

Dude! Sorry to hear that. That's just terrible. I hope your wife is okay.

The Prius is definitely worthy of consideration. Do you have time to weigh your options? It may sound funny, but having a clean slate can help you focus on "what's next?"

[RAN]

MVR sorry to hear about the car. Glad to hear your wife's OK!!

[MVRacing]

Hi all,
Yes, she is fine, thanks. Yes, we have a bit of time to consider options.

[IanBruce]

Hi Celtic. You may be interested to know than when we were doing color explorations for the V1, I'd selected one of the colors based on your avatar. It came out to something like a Pantone 109. It's on the short list.

[Miracleman89]

That is cool! I like celtic's avatar color! If I am not mistaken MW89 likes it as well!

[waboom]

See Celtic - your great taste is admired everywhere.

[CelticFlyer]

Hi Celtic. You may be interested to know than when we were doing color explorations for the V1, I'd selected one of the colors based on your avatar. It came out to something like a Pantone 109. It's on the short list.

Cool beans! I like it for several reasons. Most importantly, it's a SAFE color. Easily visible, and very striking. I also happen to think exotic vehicles make a real splash with the public when they debut in that shade.

Ah! Finally someone else uses the Pantone guides. It's in my library because I'm in printing. You wouldn't believe how many eyebrows get raised when I start talking about "PMS guides!" :LOL:

Here are my other color "renderings"...

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee299/GrabberOrange/V1ColorChart.jpg

[Derwin]

CF...Man....Very Cool! I'll take one of each! Again....Nice job.

Derwin

[TazmanianKoala]

CF, Can I order the sandstone colored one?
That really is a nice color.

[CelticFlyer]

I'm glad you guys like them. I lifted many of these hues right from the palette of colors suggested on the Fly The Road website. They didn't render exactly as I had planned, however, when I converted them from a CMYK colorspace to a web colorspace. But you get the gist.

Naturally, I couldn't help throwing in a couple of my own favorites. =D

[Miracleman89]

Well, Now I can't decide between sandstone, white or silver. I like the other colors but those are the ones I would narrow it down to! Man it is still a tough choice with just those three!

[CelticFlyer]

I know exactly what you mean. Color is a tough topic. It's something that you've got to decide on, then live with!

I shared a full-size poster of this color chart with a buddy of mine back east and he said he thought the black one was especially "sinister" looking. Very stealthy, even "alienesque." Funny how colors can convey so much.

My choice of Grabber Orange for my 2007 Mustang was inspired a lot by my affinity for the wide range of bright, cheerful and robust colors (some say tacky and I'd have to agree to a point) Mopar offered in the late sixties and early seventies.

Grabber Orange was a color Ford actually introduced in 1970 and it appeared on Mustangs, but I think it also appeared on some Mavericks and Cyclones as well. More than a knee-jerk reaction to the predominance of bland shades of gray and silver colored cars on our highways, it was a celebration of our desire to let color make as bold a statement as our choice of wheels.

[MVRacing]

Celtic,
Very nice work! I like so many of the colors it's going to be a hard to choose.

[RAN]

Especially until we can see them in the flesh! I don't know how I could possibly choose a color without seeing them on V-1's in front of me.

[CelticFlyer]

There's nothing like seeing any color in person. And it wouldn't be wise to commit to a color based on a drawing. Especially one by me!

However, you can get a rough idea of what the V1 may look like within a specific color range.

[danbucks]

Without clear coats/metallic coats/etc., it is hard to guage.
I mean, simple "flat" colors are, so, like, 9 years ago!
:)

[Miracleman89]

I would love to see the colors in a metallic version myself! I think that would make it easier to decide as well!

[MVRacing]

Especially until we can see them in the flesh! I don't know how I could possibly choose a color without seeing them on V-1's in front of me.

I'm with you buddy v:i:c:t;o;ry1)