2008 Mini Cooper Review

If small cars have to be cheap, style-free appliances to make it in America, someone forgot to tell the makers of the Mini Cooper. This former British icon has been a hit since its 21st century resurrection, and its one-of-a-kind look is only one reason. Honestly, the market seems to embrace it more for its credentials as a real performance machine.

Consider that more buyers choose the turbocharged, 172-horsepower Cooper S over the 118 HP base Cooper, and the 6-speed stick over the 6-speed automatic. These things rarely happen, but then, it’s rare to see a car with such super-small-size, cat-quick steering, and BMW chassis tuning. At times it almost feels agile to the point of feeling twitchy (and the ride is a tad firm), but for the most part, the Mini’s all about good times behind the wheel.

With its $20K starting price and fuel-sipping 1.6-liter engine, the Mini is even practical, so long as your transportation needs never exceed two humans. The back seat simply has nothing to offer anyone with legs, and the trunk is too puny to handle more than one guy’s luggage. Fold the back seat down, however, and the Mini becomes a roomy two-seater – one that can park in spaces where no other car would fit. Anyone seeking a more normal-sized car can opt for the nine-inch-longer Mini Cooper Clubman, though it’s still smaller than 95% of the cars out there.

Probably the only thing wrong with the Mini Cooper – aside from its arguably high MSRP – is the interior design, which was made gimmicky, overwrought, and anti-functional for the sake of style (or BMW’s idea thereof). Another thing to keep in mind is that the convertible models still use the rougher, Chrysler-designed engine from the original Mini.

If none of that bothers you, join the club.

What’s new for the 2008 Mini Cooper: No changes.

By: Lesley Krews

vlane.com/review/74/2008-mini-cooper-fun-things-come-small-packages

Onstar Becomes An Anti-theft Device

According to the FBI, over a million cars are reported stolen each year, and according to the National Highway Traffic Association, those stolen vehicles result in roughly 30,000 police chases which in turn cause 300 deaths. All of those numbers are grim, but so are the financial realities of what a stolen car does to your insurance. Either your rates will increase, or you’ll have to spend long hours fighting to get the money you deserve, and neither option is terribly attractive. It’s a no-brainer, then, that security and anti-theft devices are a must-have, but did you know that General Motors’ OnStar system is one such feature?

Originally introduced as emerging technology in October, 2007, the OnStar service in question is called Stolen Vehicle Slowdown, and it represents just one facet of the services stolen vehicle recovery methods. It works by allowing OnStar personnel working in tandem with the police to send a signal to a stolen vehicle, causing the engine to gradually reduce power until the car, truck or SUV comes to a safe stop. At that point, the GPS locator part of OnStar can be used to track the location of the stopped vehicle, if that wasn’t already accomplished.

Chet Huber, president of OnStar has this to say about his service: “From its inception, the motivation behind OnStar has been the safety and security of our subscribers and others on the road. Every service we add builds on this original promise. The Stolen Vehicle Slowdown service will allow our subscribers added peace of mind by possibly preventing their vehicle from being used as an instrument of harm if it happens to be stolen.”

The NHTSA also likes this use of the system that is often discounted as mere entertainment. Nicole R. Nason, the administrator of NHTSA says, “We applaud innovations such as the kind GM is embracing that will make our roads better, our passengers more protected and our drivers safer.”

OnStar’s Stolen Vehicle Slowdown isn’t yet available, but buyers can expect to see it first offered on 2009 model year Chevrolets, which brand will represent roughly 60% of all vehicles so equipped. Law enforcement officers are already anticipating the technology, however. According to David Hiller, national vice president of the Fraternal Order of Police, “We look forward to having technologies like Stolen Vehicle Slowdown available to aid our officers in apprehending suspected car thieves and keeping our officers, highways and citizens safe.”

OnStar has already been of assistance to police and other law enforcement officers since its inception in 1996, and the addition of the Vehicle Slowdown feature merely makes it more robust. It also makes it a true anti-theft device, so be certain to ask your insurance company about any related discounts.

By: Rob Parker

Speeding tickets are annoying, but they don’t have to ruin your auto insurance record or make your premium go up. Find out how traffic school can save you money in the long term.

Mitsubishi Motors Unveil Lancer Sportback

At the 2008 Paris Motor Show, the Lancer Sportback will unveil by the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation for the first time at an international motor show, at the Le Mondial de l’Automobile 2008 being held in Halls 1-8 of the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from October 2 through October 19 and on October 4 for the general public.

The company will also be displaying the Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Sportback Ralliart models that are based on the Lancer*1 sports sedan and Lancer Sportback. These models are powered by a turbocharged engine mated to Mitsubishi’s Twin Clutch SST a Sport Shift Transmission and delivering power to all four wheels through an Active Center Differential. The Lancer Sportback will have its European launch this fall with a phased introduction into the various countries in the region.

The sporty Lancer Sportback is a 5-door sport hatchback, with its inverted-slant nose truck parts and trapezoidal grille that defines the Mitsubishi Motors design identity, a body type that is very popular in Europe.

Power for the Lancer Sportback comes from a variety of engine choices including a 1.5L engine producing 108-hp, a 1.8L engine producing 141-hp and a 2.0L turbo diesel producing 138-hp. Mitsubishi’s new diesel engine will join the lineup in spring of 2009. The Lancer Sportback Ralliart is powered by a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces a total of 237-hp with a peak torque of 253 lb-ft.

Power is transferred to the wheels via Mitsubishi’s Twin Clutch SST transmission with an Active Center Differential. The Lancer Sportback offers truck parts that are an auto-folding function which enhances luggage compartment convenience through adjustable rear floor height and rear seatbacks that can be tipped forward via a lever located in the luggage compartment. The series is due to be joined by a model powered by Mitsubishi Motors’ new diesel engine in spring of 2009.

The Lancer Sportback Ralliart and Lancer Ralliart models use a new turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder DOHC MIVEC*2 engine with the maximum output of 177 kW (240PS), and the maximum torque is 343 Nm (35 kgm).

For extremely responsive steering and traction through tailoring the amount of torque fed to each wheel to optimally suit driving conditions, this is mated to Mitsubishi’s high-efficiency Twin Clutch SST transmission with an Active Center Differential. Also helping to significantly raise the basic performance attributes of these cars over the Lancer base model are 2-pot caliper front brakes and a larger brake master cylinder.

By: Anthony Fontanelle

For more information about your parts needs like a truck parts visit your trusted online source. Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.