First stop is Ladonia, a micronation started by an artist to protect a piece of art he had constructed on a nature reserve. The art piece is an amazing gigantic treehouse-like structure. The second micronation they visit is Jämtland, a republic formed in 1960 to protest again the rapid urbanization of Sweden.

The major road rally is gaining plenty of praise with MINI loyalists ready to bring in MINI USA’s 10^th year anniversary in style.  Some owners will go coast to coast while other owners will do certain sections of the trek, but one thing is for sure, the rally will be fun for all that come.

“MTTS is perhaps the brand’s greatest demonstration of our commitment to the MINI community,” said Jim McDowell, Vice President MINI USA. “During MTTS, MINI USA acts on its promise to deliver a motoring experience unlike any other brand, engaging owners and their families and ensuring they enjoy their MINI to the fullest extent possible.”

Registration will begin in April but interested owners can sign up for news updates here.  This event is for the true MINI driver so if you think you bleed MINI, this event is for you!

The event will be held on February 12 from 8am-3pm at the BeaveRun MotorSports Complex.  The event gives drivers the opportunity to learn driving in slick and extreme winter weather in a safe and controlled environment rather than on public roads.  No reason to go to your local public parking lot and worry about getting caught spinning around in the snow!

The cost to attend is a mere $5 for primary drivers and $5 for any co-drivers.  The cost of the event includes all of the training and fun driving as well as a Subway Box Lunch.  The event will include classroom instruction by instructors detailing winter driving techniques, equipment to use, and even winter survival skills.  Instructors will be in driver’s vehicles giving one-on-one instruction as owners travel through the slalom, skidpad braking, and coned-autocross courses.

All MINI and non-MINI vehicles are welcome to attend the event.  The event will be a go no matter what conditions are present on the day, snow, rain, sleet, or a sunny and beautiful February day.  The course can be tuned to imitate slick conditions so weather is not an issue.

To register for the event, visit www.pittstopmini.org.

Even with below freezing temperatures and pre-race snowfall, an overwhelming 80,000 fans showed up to cheer on the participants in the event.  Over 64 racers raced hard on one of the most difficult courses designed.  The racing event is newer to the Americans but still had 19 racers compete and five of which made it to the round of 32.

The next event will be held February 3,4 in Valkenburg (NED).   Enjoy the highlights.

The two-seat convertible is the latest MINI venture and one looking to tap into a whole new MINI experience.  The Roadster still gives the MINI go-kart handling and excitement as well as being a convertible which is an added bonus.  MINI likes to call it a go-kart for adults!The Roadster was at the NAIAS two years ago as a concept vehicle and made it to production in just two years!

The past year for MINI USA was an amazing one with setting their all-time sales record in 2011.  More than 57,000 MINIs found new homes in the USA, an increase of 26% compared to 2010.  The feat is quite an amazing jump for MINI, showing the growing popularity of the vehicles.  The release of the Coupe and Countryman helped pump the brand up and MINI expects the Roadster to continue to push the sales even further.

Available models in India include the MINI Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper Convertible, and Cooper S Countryman.  The models will come with a six-speed automatic transmission.   MINIs will be available to purchase at three outlets in 2012.

Dr. Andreas Schaaf, President, BMW Group India said, “Around the world, MINI has become a byword in the premium small car segment for expressive design, premium quality and unmistakable driving fun. MINI’s innovative profile has enabled the brand to win over a trend-conscious and quality-oriented target group. With the launch of MINI, the BMW Group debuts in the premium small car segment in India.

Schaaf added that they will focus their energy on building the brand up in the initial phase before moving to expand the dealership network and sales volumes in the long-term.

The grand prize winner gets two VIP tickets to the opening event for the 2012 Ice World Championship in Saint Paul, MN on January 14.  The grand prize includes two round-trip plane tickets, hotel accommodation, meal expenses, and VIP access to the after party.

The event will be loaded with top-quality talent of the biggest and baddest hockey players, downhill skiers, and speed skaters churning down the course.  Traveling at speeds of up to 45 mph, this event is sure to get your blood boiling.  Participants have to maneuver through jumps, rollers, hairpin turns and so much more.

To be entered for the sweepstakes, visit MINI USA’s Facebook page by Monday, January 3 and get your entry in by 4:00pm EST.   Best of luck!

The Roadster holds all the MINI principles of a sporty MINI with a whole new experience of feeling the air all around.  The Roadster is the sixth model of the MINI vehicle collection and offers a whole new spin on owning a convertible.

The MINI Roadster is ready to go on the big stage and wow spectators to the show.  The Roadster will be on display for visitors from January 14-22, 2012.  For those making the trek to Detroit for the show, make sure to stop by MINI and experience the Roadster in-person, it’s a brand new dimension of MINI.

The tour is based on contestants free-running, an acrobatic display of stunts, jumps, and moves choreographed together by a contestant.  The contestant is judged on how they perform their moves throughout the course.

Enjoy this great video recap of the year’s events and some amazing moves!

Condition check is the first mode that will display temperature of the engine, fuel level, and the outdoor temperature.  If everything is good with those factors, “Be MINI” is displayed and the MINI is ready to perform at optimum conditions.

The Force Meter is another mode that analyzes acceleration and cornering forces through turns.  The meter can talk to the driver about the forces being experienced mid-way through the turn.  Finally, the Digital Sports Instrument mode shows engine coolant temperature, engine speed, how much horsepower is being produced as well as torque.

The update also helps to provide a more stable and less restricted application.  The MINI Connected system already comes loaded with access to Facebook, Twitter, RSS feeds, Google, Mission Control and much more.

Download the latest update via the iTunes store on your phone or by clicking here.