Thought folks on here might find this interesting. I write (or try to) a blog on most of my travels...sites, sounds, and general observations. I recently wrote about the difference between driving and motoring and how MINI has changed the way people drive.

Check it out if you're interested: http://blog.brianhelton.com

 

Good job!!!

I, too, have always felt driving my MINI was a distinct pleasure seperate and apart from where I was or where I was going. I get that first twinge of anticipation simply unlocking the car....by the time I hit the start button I'm definitely in the zone!!!!!

 

Nicely written and a pleasure to read. Thanks for sharing.

 

Oh, the start button! How could I have forgotten about that as a standard feature! I get the same thrill pressing that. I might need to make a revision...

 

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

 

I did not know that about the convertible "top-down" gauge. That's genius. Nice article!

 

It might be new to the 2009s, but it is pretty brilliant.

 

Very nice blog post. I do want to point out one error though... the new Openometer (its official name) in the R57 MINI Convertible is optional... not a standard feature.

UPDATE: Turns out it is standard, and the original info on MotoringFile (both bhelton's and my source) is incorrect. See post #23.

 

I wasn't 100% sure about that one. I got the info from MotoringFile and the way it read, it suggested it was standard. Where did you learn that it's optional?

Thanks!

 

Well done. You captured the essence of "motoring". Going on seven years of 'motoring' with Farley, and the thrill is still there -as is the grin.

 

Agree- well done

 

Great blog! Last week I took a friend out in my Clubman for the first time. After taking the curves in a local park, she exclaimed, "This isn't a car you drive -- you're motoring!" So even without ever having heard the "Let's Motor" slogan, it's possible to tell the difference in a MINI!

 

Nice writing, I think you've almost completely figured the MINI personality out. I wonder if non-MINI drivers will still not "get it" though. Sometimes you just have to be behind the wheel of a MINI to understand.

 

Yeah, I have to imagine that there are other cars out there that draw the same emotions, but the MINI certainly nails it...and at a relatively inexpensive cost.

 

Awesome article. I was just thinking today, there is no other car in this price range that has such a following. Sure there are Porsche Clubs and Ferarri Clubs but if i paid that much for a car, i better get something else out of that deal. Mini is just special in every way. Since I was 12 years old i wanted a Mini. I had read everything i could about them, started collecting Hotwheels. I even told my parents once that "with Mini, its about the drive, not the destination." lol. I guess I was born to motor. I got Abby on October 25th and have never driven the same since.

Ive lived here for 15 years but i drive these roads like they are brand new to me. Its a whole different experience. And of course i have explored all the curvy country roads that i would have never discovered if i didnt have a Mini. This car has absolutely changed my life and I dont think i will ever drive another brand of car.

Sorry for the novel. I should be studying for Finals but im trying sooo hard not to.

 

I think it's all about the journey, but I still call it driving.

 

Great post, I linked to it from my own blog. I call it motorvatin' like Chuck Berry in his old song (Maybelline)

 

"Motor" may be currently associated with MINI, but the term "Motoring" was more common than "Driving" in the very early days of the Automobile.

 

Interesting. I suspect it is probably more common in cultures outside of America too.

 

Motoring is still a very common term for driving in England. They even call their highways motorways.

 

...same place you did:

From this article:Bold added by me for emphasis.

 

Whoops. Guess I didn't read far enough. Nonetheless, it's a great feature. And there are loads more that are standard. I also left out the brilliance of the toggles. How much more satisfying is it to toggle a switch than to turn a **** or press a button...?

 

Hmmm... since the R57 MINIUSA configurator is online now, it does appear that the Openometer is indeed standard... I could not find a place to choose it as an option, and the interior view shows it already there.

Interesting. Perhaps the MotoringFile article (and therefore me as well) is incorrect on that point.

 

That's good. It really should be a standard feature anyway.

Thanks for clarifying!

 

The open gauge is getting a lot of criticism. I personally think that it only adds to Minis creative and unique outlook on Motoring. I love it!

Oh and I love your article on Motoring. I left a comment on the blog.