14/05/2012 14.5.12 – Monday motoring news round-up

Every Monday morning, here at VCARs, we’ll give you a quick round-up of the motoring news from the weekend papers and links to read more. That means, instead of returning from the newsagents laden with papers, you can wait until Monday morning and catch the lot! more

25/04/2012 VCARS Magnificent Seven – Car Chases

Screaming, howling and burning across the screen, the movie car chase is (in the words of voice-over-man) a thrill-packed joyride through streets, parks, mountains, fields, boxes, stairs, lakes and sewers of wherever our unlikely hero might find themselves. We’ve taken a white-knuckle trip through the cinematic archives to bring you seven movie car chases for which, we think, you should strap in and just enjoy the ride. more

08/06/2009 AC Schnitzer gives Mini Cooper S Convertible more power

The latest version of the Mini will provide the Alfa MiTo GTA some much-needed competition, it has been claimed.

A topgear.com review has commented on the efforts of German tuning firm AC Schnitzer to soup up the Mini Cooper S Convertible.

According to the website, the car lends itself to modification in a way that vehicles such as the Rolls Royce Phantom do not.

AC Schnitzer has concentrated on improving the Mini Cooper S Convertible’s power, with the car now boasting more brake horse power than the JCW Convertible, its stable sister.

However, the review site explains that the car does not suffer from too-much-power syndrome.

"If you’re thinking ‘death by torque steer’, it’s a fair worry: even the standard Cooper S cabrio is a squirmy little thing," the reviewer writes.

"But the ever-vigilant Herr Schnitzer has fitted the Cooper with a limited slip differential, along with an adjustable suspension set-up and, of course, a big ol’ sports exhaust."

AC Schnitzer also lends its expertise to updating BMW cars, BMW motorcycles and Land Rover vehicles.

11/02/2009 Mini Cooper convertible is a “giggle to drive”

Motorists able to get their hands on a used Mini Cooper S convertible will be obtaining a vehicle that is a "real giggle to drive", it has been stated.

A review of the Mini Cooper by Adam Towler for the Sunday Times states that the handling of the vehicle is what is likely to appeal most to motorists.

He explains that the vehicle has "an infectious enthusiasm for carving up curves, and the kind of direct and informative steering that is forever burdened with the go-kart cliche".

Meanwhile, the brakes are strong and a motorist’s "sense of enjoyment" is added to through the vehicle’s ability to offer a light-handed gear shift.

The overall verdict of Mr Towler is that a used Mini Cooper is "fun", with attributes including a top speed of 138 miles per hour and a fuel consumption of 44.1 miles to the gallon.

Standard equipment that is included in a Mini Cooper is cornering brake control and an anti-lock braking system, alongside six airbags and side impact protection.

25/02/2008 New Minis to debut in Geneva

The latest in the John Cooper Mini S hatch and Mini Clubman styling will debut at the Geneva motor show.

Engine modifications deliver 211hp and 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds, and so a new speedometer has also had to be included.

The new factory-built Minis will include the John Cooper Works logo on the boot, grille and wheels, as well as on the door trim.

The engine’s basic unit is the 1.6-litre power plant supplied in the standard Mini Cooper S, but modifications have been made to the air filter, air mass meter, exhaust system and catalyst to mirror those on the Mini Challenge race vehicle.

Air supply is increased through a larger air intake pipe, which in turn creates a quicker induction phase, yet the exhaust still fulfils all the requirements of the 2009 European EU5 emission standards.

Interior trim, in glossy ‘piano’ black, accompanies a leather sports steering wheel, air-conditioning, and a six-speed manual gearbox with the sport button located in front.

Both models should be available to order by the summertime.