Sainz and Cruz Win Dakar Rally for MINI, Again

 Noticias  Comments Off on Sainz and Cruz Win Dakar Rally for MINI, Again
Jan 182020
 

Latino Traffic Report has learned that Carlos Sainz and his co-driver Lucas Cruz have won the Rally Dakar for the third time, presenting MINI with its fifth overall victory at the iconic endurance rally. The Spanish pair, in the MINI John Cooper Works Buggy, finished 6:21 minutes ahead of last year’s winner Nasser Al-Attiyah after roughly 7,500 kilometres through Saudi Arabia, which was hosting the Dakar for the first time.

Dakar Rally, Saudi Arabia, MINI JCW Buggy, Carlos Sainz.

“I am very, very happy,” said Cruz. “So much hard work, physical training and test work with the team has gone into getting this result. The race was fantastic for us drivers, but you had to work very hard, right from day one. It is hard to imagine, but it was a full-throttle rally from the word go. Right now, I just want to enjoy the success.”

Dakar record winner Stéphane Peterhansel and his co-driver Paulo Fiuza finished third, 9:58 minutes behind Sainz and Cruz, to round off an impressive performance from the two MINI JCW Buggies.

Seven of the nine MINI crews that started the rally reached the finish in Al-Quiddia, four of them in the top ten, including the team from Argentina, Orlando Terranova and Bernardo ‘Ronnie’ Graue, who finished in the top three on three days on their way to sixth place overall in the four-wheel drive MINI JCW Rally.

Sainz and Cruz claimed their first stage win on the third leg. That victory took them to the top of the overall standings—a position they held right through to the finish.

#MINI Motorsport #Dakar Rally

Fiat 500L vs. MINI Countryman

 Fiat, MINI, Reviews  Comments Off on Fiat 500L vs. MINI Countryman
Jun 122019
 
Fiat 500L
MINI Cooper Countryman

Known for fuel economy and affordability, compact cars do have one disadvantage, versatility. Their size can limit cargo room and comfortable seating for passengers. Fiat and MINI took this into consideration and decided to stretch their subcompacts, the 500 and Cooper, creating the MINI Cooper Countryman and Fiat 500L. Latino Traffic Report recently test drove both of these competitors, specifically the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 (plug-in hybrid) and the Fiat 500L Trekking. Here’s how they compared.

Countryman cargo room
500L cargo room

For starters, they may not seem to be competitors, one is a hybrid, the other is not, but they certainly appear to be and both were created to navigate an urban setting with ease. On these models, designers took the cartoonish looks of their smaller siblings, i.e. rounded headlamps, squat stances, and smiling grilles, and elongated them, stretching the headlamps to an elliptical shape and rooflines to wagon-like silhouettes.  

The extra room from their extended designs naturally converted into more cargo space, specifically 47.9 cu.ft. with the rear seats folded flat, and seating for five on the Countryman. A split rear door added convenience for loading and unloading cargo, i.e. groceries.

Introduced in 2015 for the 2016 model year, the 500L offered 42 percent more interior space than the 500 and 68 cu.ft. of cargo room with the rear seat folded flat (it did slam down so watch those fingernails) as well as seating for five.

First introduced in 2010, the 2011 Countryman (left) was considered an upscale model. For 2019, MINI added a panoramic sunroof, leatherette upholstery, keyless entry, and a rearview camera with rear parking sensors as standard features.

Similarly, the 500L included a rear backup camera and parking sensor, available ambient lighting as well as a leather steering wheel. For 2019, a universal garage door opener is now standard on Fiat 500L Trekking (left) and Lounge models. What set it apart, however, was the available Beats premium audio system that was included on the test model.

Both came with AppleCar Play  (the 500L also had Android Auto compatibility) to enable use of features like Google Maps via the seven-inch touchscreen on the 500L and 6.5-inch touchscreen on the Countryman. The test model Countryman also included heated front seats.

All 500Ls are powered by a 1.4-liter turbo four-cylinder engine a 160-horsepower with 184 ft.–lb. of torque matched to a six-speed automatic transmission.

As a hybrid, the test model Countryman was powered by a three-cylinder twin turbo engine with 134 horsepower and an electric motor that added 87 more horses, a hybrid all-wheel-drive system with 221 horsepower and a lithium ion battery pack.  These were matched to a six speed automatic transmission. 

500L IP

One would expect the 500L to be outmatched by the hybrid Countryman on fuel economy but not so. While the Countryman offered an electric range of twelve miles and an estimated electric miles per gallon (mpg) of 65, the estimated combined fuel economy using gasoline was 27 mpg. For the 500L, the estimated average fuel economy was 25 mpg. On the test drive, however, the Countryman did excel, averaging 30 mpg to the 500L’s average of 24 mpg. It was difficult, however, to track the electric range on the display (below).

Countryman IP

Regarding safety features, neither included a blind spot monitor but the 500L did have a blind spot side view mirror on the driver’s side.

Pricing for the 2019 MINI Countryman and Fiat 500L starts at $26,900 and $21,064 respectively. The as-tested prices were $40,000 and $25,460, respectively.

Sí: The added cargo room and seating capacity on these models is a definite plus, though the 500L has the advantage, not just in cargo room but value.

No: It’s always a pleasure to drive without using gas but the Countryman’s electric range is fairly limited and at its price point, a blind spot monitor should be included. The 500L has a limited fuel economy despite its size.

MINI Announces #DrivingHope Partner

 Noticias  Comments Off on MINI Announces #DrivingHope Partner
May 072018
 

Latino Traffic Report has learned that MINI USA will partner with Sing for Hope, a nonprofit arts organization co-founded by Camille Zamora and Monica Yunus, in #DrivingHope, a partnership motivated by both organizations’ passion for bringing creativity to  communities in need, including under-resourced schools, hospitals, hospices, veterans’ centers, refugee sites, transit hubs, and disability networks.

Camille Zamora

Monica Yunus

Sing for Hope, the country’s largest recurring public arts project, mobilizes artists to bring the power of the arts to those who need it most. Each year, the Sing for Hope Pianos are designed by local artists, celebrities and casts of Broadway shows. MINI USA will join , the Sing for Hope Pianos, by creating a mobile #MINIPiano inside a MINI Countryman. From June 4-24, the 50 Sing for Hope Pianos will be located throughout the five boroughs and the #MINIPiano will act as a traveling piano, driving music directly to additional underserved communities.

“Sing for Hope and MINI USA both operate with creativity and innovation at their core, so the partnership is a natural fit,” said Zamora and Yunus. “Just as Sing for Hope works each day to bring hope to communities that need it most, MINI invests in organizations that drive our world forward and make it a better place. We are honored to be #DrivingHope together.”

Since 2006, Sing for Hope has partnered with over 250 nonprofit organizations, involved over 3,500 artists in creative volunteerism, and placed over 400 artist-created Sing for Hope Pianos in public spaces for everyone to play —a symbol and celebration of art for all.

The artists of the 2018 Sing for Hope Pianos are already creating at 28 Liberty in the 10,000 square-foot Fosun Sing for Hope Center, which has been generously donated by Fosun since 2016. After the June events, the pianos will be delivered to NYC schools, where in many cases, it will mark the first time a musical instrument is permanently placed in the building.

MINI aims to help bring more of what matters back to the students of NYC by partnering with Sing for Hope and elevating the Sing for Hope Pianos initiative. In addition to the 50 pianos across the five boroughs, the #MINIPiano will act as a roving fifty-first piano, #DrivingHope to locations throughout the city, by surprising and delighting New Yorkers with even more pop-up performances and musical opportunities. MINI is currently developing the custom modified MINI Countryman to create the #MINIPiano. Further details about the car’s design will be released at a later date.

“MINI USA is proud to support Sing for Hope and their mission to bring art and music to the streets of New York City through spontaneous musical moments that create a brighter urban life,” said Lee Nadler, regional marketing manager, MINI USA. “Design and creativity are at the heart of our iconic brand and we look forward to utilizing our #MINIPiano to demonstrate more of what matters to the community here in New York City.”

The 2018 Sing for Hope Pianos are made possible by the support of MINI USA, Fosun Group, 28 Liberty, and the Sing for Hope’s Founders’ Circle, including The Arnhold Foundation in loving memory of Sissy Arnhold, The Thea Petschek Iervolino Foundation, The Anna-Maria & Stephen Kellen Foundation, and Ann Ziff. Learn more at www.singforhope.org.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Car Review: MINI Cooper S Clubman

 MINI, Reviews  Comments Off on Car Review: MINI Cooper S Clubman
Dec 312016
 

In the auto industry, some cute things do come in small packages. The MINI Cooper, in particular, has taken cuteness to the bank. Still, roominess in any vehicle is also a virtue so when MINI decided to stretch the Cooper to create the Clubman (redesigned for 2016), the extra inches improved its versatility. I recently test-drove the MINI Cooper S Clubman for Latino Traffic Report and the added room, coupled with the S model’s sportiness, were a definite plus.

For the first time, the 2016 Cooper S Clubman offers an eight-speed Steptronic sports automatic transmission with paddle shifters—it’s also the first MINI to enter the premium compact segment. All Clubman’s, however, come standard with a six-speed manual transmission, including the test model, and that immediately put a smile on my face. Matched to a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder with 189 horses and 207 lb.­–ft. of torque, it scooted through Austin’s urban byways while achieving an average fuel economy of 29 miles per gallon (mpg)—it has a EPA estimated city/highway fuel economy of 22/32 mpg.

Sport, Mid, and Green driver select modes improved performance while adding a light show, switching modes changed the color display on the oversized circular display atop the center stack.

Inside, the test model immediately impressed me with its Burgundy leather seating, one of several new unusual tints exclusive to the Clubman. Not lacking in creature comforts, the Clubman comes with a leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, keyless ignition, dual zone air conditioning, and 60/40 split-folding rear seats that offer 47.9 cubic feet of storage when folded flat. The cargo area can also be accessed from behind with an optional foot-activated sensor to open the split rear tailgate hands free. The S trim level adds 17-inch forged alloy wheels, halogen fog lights, chrome-tipped dual exhaust outlets, the MINI Excitement Package with twelve-color ambient interior lighting and a projection of the MINI logo onto the ground from the exterior mirror on the driver’s side visible at night when the door is opened or closed.

While attractive, the standard MINI infotainment system with a 6.5-inch high-resolution display, was not as intuitive as it should be. So much so that I opted out of programming the presets.

All options on any MINI are available a la carte, as well as in bundled packages and the test model had several including the Premium Package ($1,800) that added the panoramic moonroof, and harman/kardon stereo system, and the Technology Package ($1,750) that added navigation, a rear view camera and a rear parking sensor. Separate options included heated front seats ($500), LED headlights ($1,000), and a one-year subscription to satellite radio ($300).

Pricing for the 2016 Clubman starts at $24,950. The as-tested pricing came to $36,600.

: Loads of fun, the MINI Clubman combines sporty performance with versatility.

No: The entertainment system was cumbersome and features like a rear view camera should be standard.

 

 

Sports Car Test Drive Extravaganza

 Features  Comments Off on Sports Car Test Drive Extravaganza
Sep 132015
 

2015-05-19 MB.E-400topPowerful, nimble, and fast, sports cars embody the meaning of “fun to drive.” Not limited to a certain segment, however, these models can be found throughout any lineup, making them available in a wide price range. Here’s an overview of vehicles driven by Latino Traffic Report that meet as well as defy expectations of what a sports car should or can be.

 

2015-05-19 MB-E400.licMercedes Benz E400 Cabriolet

A Mercedes-Benz can’t help but “look” sporty. Happily, the E400 Cabriolet brings power under its sheet metal, namely a 3.0-liter biturbo V6 matched to a seven-speed automatic transmission, to support that impression.

Oh yeah, it accelerates from zero–60 miles per hour (mph) in 6.3 seconds.

The two-door cabriolet (convertible) version of the E400 (it’s also available in a hardtop) can accommodate four, technically, with seating made of topstitched leather fitted by hand in any of 16 leathers and a choice of eight colors, like the optional Red and Black Nappa leather on the test model. The triple-layer fabric top reclined with the push of a button in about 28 seconds on the test drive.2015-05-19 MB-E400.seats

Sustainably forested, hand‑finished wood trim accents the dash, doors and console. The E400 also came with dual-zone climate control and heated front seats, among other features.

While nice to look at, sit in, and drive, the E400 places a premium on technology.

Equipment usually included at this price point, like a blind spot monitor or rearview camera, were optional. In fact, there were five option packages on this model that added $10,510 to the base price of $62,275.

The as-tested price for the 2015 E400 Cabriolet came to $76,225.

2015-03-25 lr-rangerover

Range Rover Sport HSE

Land Rover first introduced this trim level in 2005 as a sporty alternative to its iconic Range Rover. Why would someone want a sporty SUV, one might ask? The simple answer is, why not?

Redesigned in 2014, the new Sport model reflects an 800-pound-cutting process to lighten the new model for better on-road agility, performance and fuel economy, from the new suspension to the aluminum unibody architecture.

Equipped with the second generation Terrain Response System that allows the driver to choose among five settings depending on road conditions, full-time four-wheel drive, and enhanced electronic air suspension, the Range Rover Sport also retains its off-road capability.

The supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with 340 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque gives it more oomph, with a zero-to-60 mph acceleration of 6.9 seconds. A supercharged V8 is also available.2015-03-25 lr.license

The EPA estimated city/highway fuel economy is 17/22 mpg. I averaged 20.8 mpg.

This trim level adds $5,145 to the price tag as well as additional luxury features like Oxford perforated leather with heated and ventilated fronts seats, a sliding panoramic sunroof, 20-inch split spoke alloy wheels, Shadow Zebrano wood trim, and branded aluminum tread plates.

As tested pricing on the 2015 Range Rover Sport HSE came to $82,027.

2015-07-07 lex.rc350 front

Lexus RC 350 F Sport

Diving deeper into the sport sedan market, Lexus introduced the RC 350 for 2015.

The rear-wheel drive (RWD) two-door coupe bears a resemblance to the latest design DNA from Lexus, including the spindle grille, but with a more aggressive, lower stance as if ready to pounce.

As an F Sport trim level, the test-vehicle took the sporty experience even further.

Engineered as a stand-alone model, rather than as a two-door derivative of a sedan, it’s powered by a standard 306 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 paired with an eight-speed automatic with steering wheel shift paddles. It has an EPA estimated fuel economy of 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. I averaged 23.8 mpg.

2015-07-07 lex.rc350dashThe transmission also includes Sport, Normal, and Manual modes to improve performance, plus a Drive Mode Select dial for setting the suspension, steering wheel, powertrain, and air conditioning response to better suit a driver’s preference, including Normal, Eco, Sport S and Sport S+ on the F Sport for maximum handling performance.

Aside from performance technology, the F Sport package ($3,985) also adds a blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, and ventilated front leather seats. On the test model they were a beautiful shade of burgundy.

Pricing for the 2015 RC 350 starts at $43,715. The as-tested price came to $54,220.

2014-12-31 Genesis3

Hyundai Genesis 5.0

Winning the North American Car of the Year accolade when it was introduced in 2009, the Hyundai Genesis gets redesigned for 2015 and the second generation is just as bold as the first.

With a refined version of Hyundai’s fluidic sculpture design DNA on the outside, the Genesis reaffirms its sporty intentions with a RWD configuration. For the first time, however, an all-wheel-drive version is also available.

The spacious interior affords the Genesis best-in-class front headroom and rear shoulder room.

2014-12-31 genesisdashWhat’s more impressive, however, is the suite of features included on the Genesis 5.0, from the panoramic sunroof to the smart cruise control with stop and start capability. I especially appreciated the haptic warning in the steering wheel as part of the blind spot and lane departure warning systems.

Powered by a 5.0-liter V8 with 420 horses and 383 lb–ft of torque mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic simulated manual shifting and steering wheel paddle shifters, the Genesis performed like a champ. A 3.8-liter V6 is also available.

Continuous Damping Control suspension, included on the test model, allows drivers to choose between Sport and Normal modes to increase control of body motions and body roll, allowing sportier road holding.

Pricing for the 2015 Genesis starts at $38,950. The as-tested price came to $55,700.

2014-12-16 tlx2

Acura TLX 2.4L Tech

All new for 2015, the Acura TLX replaces the TL. Part of Acura’s re-envisioned performance-luxury sedan lineup, the TLX fulfills its objective via two available engines, two new transmissions, and new technology to improve ride and handling.

The test model came equipped with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder matched to an eight-speed dual clutch transmission. A 3.5-liter V6 matched to a nine-speed transmission is also available. It was also upgraded with the Technology Package that included navigation, the Acura-link Communication System, premium audio with haptic touch, perforated leather seats, a rear cross traffic monitor, forward collision warning, and a blind spot monitor among other features. Oddly, there was no parking sensor.

Precision All-Wheel Steer improved handling while the Integrated Dynamics System and paddle shifters improved performance.2014-12-16 tlx.lic

As an added bonus, the four-cylinder improves fuel economy with an EPA estimated city/highway mpg of 24/35. I averaged 26.5 mpg.

Standard features include a moonroof, dual-zone climate control, keyless access with smart entry, heated front seats, a multiview rear camera, and push button start.

Offering one of the best bangs for the buck in its segment, pricing for the 2015 Acura TLX starts at $32,340. The as-tested pricing for the Acura TLX 2.4L Tech came to $35,920.

2015-05-03 mini3

MINI Cooper S Hardtop 4 Door

The MINI Cooper has been bringing smiles to anyone who drives it since it first crossed the pond in 2002, I mean, just look a that front fascia, it’s a cutie patootie! Many models have tried to emulate it ever since.

The Cooper S adds another dimension to this diminutive hatchback, sportiness, while the all-new 4 Door adds roominess and versatility.

The specially tuned suspension and engine give the Cooper S improved performance and acceleration.

The 2.0-liter twin turbo four-cylinder that powers the Cooper S produces 189 horses and 207 lb–ft of torque. This engine plus a six-speed manual transmission made the Cooper S exceptionally fun to drive. A six-speed automatic is available.2015-05-06 minidash

The added power, however, doesn’t come at the cost of fuel economy. The EPA estimated city/highway fuel economy is 24/34 mpg. I averaged 32 mpg. You can also choose among Mid, Green, or Sport mode for a more customized performance.

All new for 2015, the 4 Door’s oversized circular center display is now devoted to the infotainment system rather than the speedometer on previous MINIs, which just makes more sense.

Equipped with multiple packages added sport striping across the top of the car, 17-inch alloy wheels, a rearview camera, and a panoramic sunroof.

Pricing for the 2015 MINI Cooper starts at $21,550. The as-tested pricing came to $34,350.

 

2015-05-13 08.challenger

Dodge Challenger SXT

Muscle car enthusiasts heralded the return of the Dodge Challenger in 2008. The retro styling only added to the excitement.

Redesigned for 2015, Dodge decided not to mess with a good thing, opting to simply tweak the look by splitting the tail lamps and front grille.

The Challenger derives its power from a roaring 24-valve 3.6-liter V6 engine that generates 305 horses and 268 lb–ft of torque. Matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission helps push city/highway fuel economy to an estimated 19/30 mpg. I averaged 22.1 mpg.

This muscle car also offers a choice of two HEMI V8 engines, a 5.7-liter and 6.4-liter.

2015-05-13 chall.licSelecting the Sport mode can further enhance the sport suspension and ride.

With eight available trim levels, there are sportier Challenger models available, e.g. R/T, R/T Scat Pack, but even the base model that I drove reflected its performance DNA. I would pass, however, on the dull as dishwater Granite Crystal Metallic exterior paint.

Added equipment from the Sound Group ($495) and the Super Sport Group ($1,400) included 20-inch Satin Carbon Aluminum Wheels, steering wheel paddle shifters, a body color rear spoiler, and performance brakes.

Pricing for the 2015 Challenger starts at $27,990. The as-tested price came to $29,885.