On Google Maps, that is.
MINImaps is ...[a] multi-player driving experience by MINI France that allows you to join a virtual race around the world based on Google Maps while challenging your friends or complete strangers.
(Weird, though: the Minis appear larger than most cars on the map.)
[via Adverblog]
(I'm sure there's a diecast Mini Cooper in there somewhere!)
The world’s largest model airport/railway, the Knuffingen Airport, has gone on display in Germany.
The incredible model is based on Hamburg Airport and features 40 planes and 90 vehicles that autonomously move around the airport.
It took seven years to build and cost a staggering $4.8 million.
...
There are approximately 40,000 lights, 15,000 figurines, 500 cars, 10,000 trees, 50 trains, 1000 wagons, 100 signals, 200 switches and 300 buildings.
BMW unveiled the MINI Rocketman Concept, which is close to the dimensions of the classic 1959 Mini. WOW.
The Mini returns to Monte Carlo. And what better way to celebrate the moment than with a meet-up between the historic Mini Cooper S driven by Rauno Aaltonen (1967), and the latest Mini WRC, the Mini Cooper Countryman S. Also gracing the occasion was 1964 rally champion Paddy Hopkirk.
[/via Handbrakes & Hairspins, Jalopnik]
Mini Cooper released a 2.0-L diesel engine model, the Mini Cooper SD, which is also available in the Mini Clubman line (pictured below).
This and more can be yours for prices starting at, oh, just about 24,650 €.
(Must work harder!)[/via bigblogg.motoring (translated), BBC Top Gear]
Cool: Mini Cooper USB drive.rotating wheels and flashing headlights. Not cool: US$55 for 2GB
[cooperusb.com /via ExtremeDeals]
A non-Mini post again. Will post latest acquisitions soon, promise.
Someone tied conductive thread in the undercarriage of some diecast cars, which act as a switch when they crash into each other. My kids would love this.
Via Hack A Day.
A Mini Clubman, that is.
Image from Motor Authority.
From Wikipedia:
The MINI Clubman is an estate car available in Cooper, Cooper S, and Cooper D variations. The Clubman models are identical up to the B-pillar to the hatchback models including the engines used and, although the car is longer, the suspension set-up at the back shares many of the same designs features. For example, the rear trailing arms are the same, as are the anti-roll bars. It is 9.5 in (241 mm) longer to accommodate more leg room and a larger boot. It has double doors as a boot instead of a pull-up hatch. It also features a "Club Door" on the right-hand side for passengers in the back.
A built-in rail with an attachable tray allows passengers to pass objects from the front seat to the rear. The best part of the car however is the Center Globe. The globe sits on the dashboard between the driver and passenger, functioning as a navigation, speedometer and entertainment console. While the driver is searching for directions on his/her side of the touch-sensitive globe, the passenger can surf the web. Instead of using a key to ignite the engine, the driver places a Keyball into the upper edge of the globe, which then rolls down to start the car.