Autoblog has chosen to do a long-term evaluation on the 2011 Mini Countryman. The chosen 2011 Countryman in True Blue has the following specifications: 181-horsepower turbocharged inline-four, a six-speed manual transmission and All4 all-wheel drive. They have also outfitted it with the premium package, sport package with additional sport suspension setup and cold weather package - an absolute must for those of us who live in frigid climates.
They will be sure to post a formal introduction as soon as the vehicle arrives.

Hey Mad City MINI members,

Price Cobb who is a partner at Kelly-Moss Motorsports and the local BMW CCA is holding a “meet and greet” at the Kelly-Moss Motorsports location on November 6th at 10 a.m.

BGR Alex (a local N.A.M. member and owner of a new 2011 MINI Cooper) checked, and the Badger Bimmers said MINIs would be welcome at the event (he is a BMW CCA member from his last car).  BGR Alex and his friend Ellen will be there in their MINIs, so if you think you might attend, please post a comment in his recent NAM thread.

10:00 AM  Saturday November 6, 2010
Kelly-Moss Motorsports, Inc.  workshop
5101 W. Clayton Rd.
Madison, WI 53711

Google Map of the location.  Note: approaching from the west is the easiest route to the shop.

Comments from BGR Alex: If you aren’t familiar with Price Cobb, he used to race back in the 80’s/90’s and has had a successful career.  He is now heavily involved with Kelly-Moss Motorsports, and I’d HIGHLY recommend both Price and his shop if you want quality independent European car work done (mostly performance-minded). When I had my e90, I had them do work on it and they were a pleasure to work with.

Here is a picture of some of the “toys” in the shop, so at the very least you could just show up to drool…

Hello MINI fans,
MINI of Madison is now officially open! We have the opportunity to visit the new dealership and have a private behind-the-scenes tour with General Manager Robin Hellrood. If you will be there, please RSVP to MadCityMINI with the names of those attending.
Thursday, July 1 @ 7pm
310 W. Beltline Highway*
Madison WI 53713
http://www.miniofmadison.com/HoursAndDirections
(If you are unable to make this date, we may be able to schedule another tour later. Please let us know if you want to be notified about this, and we will contact you about future tour opportunities.)

Be sure to mark your calendars for the official MINI of Madison grand opening on July 15 and the next Mad City MINI drive on July 3. Details coming soon!

Happy Motoring!
Jim & Laura
Mad City MINI

*Directions to MINI of Madison:
From the West Beltline Highway (US-12 & US-18)
Exit 262 toward Rimrock Rd. (County Road MM)
Turn north on Rimrock Rd. (toward the Alliant Energy Center)
Turn left (west) at the stoplights for W. Beltline Frontage Rd. (also called E. Rusk Rd.)
Follow the W. Beltline Frontage Rd. until you come to the entrance for both MINI of Madison & Zimbrick Hyundai West
Google GPS Coordinates of the Entrance is 43.03945, -89.38325

My service engine soon light went on the trip to the DQ Saturday. I had a friend with a code reader grab the code. It is the O2 sensor Bank 1 sensor 1 p-130 failure. I had this replaced July 22. I am taking it back to the shop that replaced it last time and see maybe something broke.  Has anyone else had a issue with the O2 sensors?