Mini's challenge will not be taken up.

The representative of Porsche USA will not participate in the challenge by Mini launched a few days ago. Indeed, Detlev von Platen does not have to run a Porsche for nothing or for a marketing coup. When a Porsche takes the track, it is to push their own limits, or to battle against the big ! Detlev von Platen answered to his counterpart James L. McDowell in a letter rather well formulated :
"Dear Jim,




Imagine our surprise to discover our former employee, now the head of Mini, has challenged us to a head-to-head race. As you surely know, Porsche has a long history of racing success, with more than 28,000 wins over the last 60 years. In our early days, we pitted ourselves against the giants, so we’ve been in your shoes. But as you also know, Porsche doesn’t race for fame, stunts or publicity. We race to challenge ourselves; we race to push sports car technology; we race to translate every win on the track to our cars on the road. If you need a reminder of our intent, please take a look at this short video:


While your challenge seems like a fun and lighthearted campaign, we’ll stick to racing the way we have over the decades. We welcome you at Sebring, Le Mans, Daytona or any other sanctioned race where there is more at stake than T-shirts and valet parking spaces. We also invite you to any of the thousands of tracks around the world where Porsche owners compete each weekend.




Good luck with your race at Road Atlanta on June 21; we hope you enjoy the day.



Sincerely,

Detlev Von Platen

President and CEO, Porsche Cars North America "

Mini launches a challenge to Porsche...

Mini has launched a challenge to Porsche on lands of Uncle Sam. In a video we discover James L. McDowell, vice president of Mini USA, inviting Detlev von Platen, Porsche counterpart, to a face-to-face on the Road Atlanta track. Date of confrontation: June 21 Porsche has not yet taken up the gauntlet.


The opponents are clearly advertised. On one side the Mini Cooper S and its 172 hp, 1215 g and 140 mph top speed. On the other Porsche 911 Carrera S 385 hp-strong, 1425 kg and 190 mph in v-max, for some data technical specifications.

In the video, James L. McDowell also reminders that he worked eight years at Porsche and has had 12 Porsche. He says: "There is no doubt that Porsche builds sports cars and Porsche builds fast cars. But there is something I do not know: a Mini can beat it a Porsche? ".

Gladiatorial combat? If he loses he agrees to wear a T-shirt in public indicating having suffered a defeat. In the case of a successful reverse the situation. And like any good duel, choice is left to the two bosses to determine their drivers. We wonder if Porsche will meet the challenge ...

 

A Mini ... mini !

BMW would have to project to reduce its Mini, and back to sizes of first-generation of Mini. The little Mini would share the same platform of the future BMW Megacity and the same engines, a 3-cylinder, developed in partnership with PSA up to minimize production costs. The new Mini, perhaps called Minor, would not exceed 3.05m, the equivalent of a Toyota IQ and would be either 2 or 4 doors, nothing is yet decided. The output of this car is not expected until a year and a half. Of course, the Mini remains in the current range.