Notices
General Automotive Discuss all things automotive here other than the RX-8

Mini Challenges Porsche to a Race at Road Atlanta

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old 06-09-2010, 03:17 PM
  #26  
The RX-8 is missed
iTrader: (3)
 
2tone's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 2,084
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by BlackRX82006
Because they want to get the publicity and appeal to the masses. Not everyone can afford to shell out $30,000+ for the John Cooper Works package.
right, but, uh...the carrera s is 90k and up, so...why would the "masses" that can only afford a 20k mini even care if it's faster than a 90k porsche?? they're not cross-shopped, what's the point? ... ok the whole thing is just stupid. it's gotta be a joke, i mean i get marketing and all but it won't even be CLOSE to a good race! at least try the non-s carerra or something. it's just dumb. dumb dumb mini
Old 06-09-2010, 03:49 PM
  #27  
Pedobear approved
iTrader: (1)
 
BlackRX82006's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 1,071
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by 2tone
right, but, uh...the carrera s is 90k and up, so...why would the "masses" that can only afford a 20k mini even care if it's faster than a 90k porsche?? they're not cross-shopped, what's the point? ... ok the whole thing is just stupid. it's gotta be a joke, i mean i get marketing and all but it won't even be CLOSE to a good race! at least try the non-s carerra or something. it's just dumb. dumb dumb mini
As someone stated before, they win either way with publicity. They're throwing their name into the ring with Porsche, of course it's an unfair fight! People will more than likely root for the underdog, and have a laugh about it around the office when they, as expected, lose. Now the Mini Cooper is the center of conversations, and people have a different perspective on the brand and the way the car looks.

"Hey you know I have been looking for something sporty with decent gas mileage, let's go test drive one"

IIRC you are allowed to test drive a Mini Cooper with no hassle or questions. (obviously you need a license)
Old 06-09-2010, 04:24 PM
  #28  
The RX-8 is missed
iTrader: (3)
 
2tone's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 2,084
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
^ yeah i understand how marketing works, doesn't mean i think it's GOOD marketing. personally i just think it's a stupid marketing gimic. the point is it will get beat so badly that it won't LOOK sporty. you won't leave that race saying man, that mini was fast; you'll just say man, that porsche was fast. so if this was a comparo race against mini's actual competitor cars, then it would show me that it is faster, it does handle better, and it has great gas mileage.

just my humble opinion
Old 06-09-2010, 04:53 PM
  #29  
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
8 Maniac's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Aki City, Japan
Posts: 3,814
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
I definitely see what you're saying. The cooper s accelerates slower than the 8. How will that look next to the porsche? I'm definitely wondering if there is some catch or if they're assuming porsche wont show up or what. This could very easily come off as childish on mini's part depending on how the respond, though I'd hope they've planned this out well.
Old 06-09-2010, 04:58 PM
  #30  
Official Post Whore
iTrader: (2)
 
pdxhak's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Portland,OR
Posts: 10,462
Received 31 Likes on 27 Posts
IMO there is no reason for Porsche to accept this silly challenge. They have nothing to gain. Again it would have been better if BMW made the challenge.
Old 06-09-2010, 05:52 PM
  #31  
Formerly Polak Graphics
 
dshiznit1489's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 1,855
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
This is to silly not to watch. Great advertising ploy on mini's part though.
Old 06-09-2010, 05:55 PM
  #32  
The RX-8 is missed
iTrader: (3)
 
2tone's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 2,084
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by 8 Maniac
I definitely see what you're saying. The cooper s accelerates slower than the 8. How will that look next to the porsche? I'm definitely wondering if there is some catch or if they're assuming porsche wont show up or what. This could very easily come off as childish on mini's part depending on how the respond, though I'd hope they've planned this out well.
yeah, i just don't get it. i get the "idea" of a marketing ploy just to arouse suspicion and excitement, but this makes NO sense. which makes me feel like there's a catch or something.

Originally Posted by pdxhak
IMO there is no reason for Porsche to accept this silly challenge. They have nothing to gain. Again it would have been better if BMW made the challenge.
exactly. porsche will blow it off, i mean it doesn't make any sense for them. it'd be like us accepting a race from a non-ss cobalt. like, wait, you're not even going to bring the BEST mini to the table?

i kinda like mini's, so i'm hoping there's a fun twist to this.
Old 06-09-2010, 07:26 PM
  #33  
Spin Triangles! Spin!
 
dmorales's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Texas, US
Posts: 827
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Maybe the plan is to reveal a 'new' mini version, like a super mini! 300 hp 315 lb/tq AWD.
________
Avandia lawsuit information

Last edited by dmorales; 09-09-2011 at 03:58 AM.
Old 06-09-2010, 07:50 PM
  #34  
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
8 Maniac's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Aki City, Japan
Posts: 3,814
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
That would be quite a reveal, though it would mean that their little poster thing was a little misleading. If they were going to do something like that, they should have simply said "stock mini cooper s vs stock 911 carrera S". Then they could pull something like "we never said our current model".
Old 06-09-2010, 08:07 PM
  #35  
The RX-8 is missed
iTrader: (3)
 
2tone's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 2,084
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
^ YES that would but awesome!!1

but yes to 8 maniac...they ruined by quoting weights and hp in the ad
Old 06-09-2010, 09:50 PM
  #36  
Rotards Unite!
 
RshnRoket's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Morris County, NJ
Posts: 203
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
This should be like watching one of those Siberian Tigers in China rip apart one of those goats they feed them. Should be an absolute mauling...

Anyone want to place wagers on the time difference that there would be? Road Atlanta has some VERY fast sections of track, where power makes a BIG difference.
Old 06-11-2010, 11:19 AM
  #37  
Administrator
Thread Starter
 
zoom44's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: portland oregon
Posts: 21,958
Received 115 Likes on 88 Posts
DENIED!!! Porsche says "NO RACE FOR YOU!"

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: http://tinyurl.com/37xdjqx see video below

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



Autoblog is also reporting that they heard that Mini was preparing something to be in the paddock and not actually out on the track- seems Mini had an Autocross up its sleeve


It'll be interesting to see if Mini still holds something that day.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kh3A1...layer_embedded
Old 06-11-2010, 11:26 AM
  #38  
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
8 Maniac's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Aki City, Japan
Posts: 3,814
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Wow, that's quite a response. Definitely looking forward to mini's response to this.

edit: just searched to see what people were saying about it... someone on TTAC had the perfect idea for the shirt in response to this: "I tried to race Porsche but all I got was this T-Shirt"

Last edited by 8 Maniac; 06-11-2010 at 11:29 AM.
Old 06-11-2010, 11:44 AM
  #39  
Official Post Whore
iTrader: (2)
 
pdxhak's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Portland,OR
Posts: 10,462
Received 31 Likes on 27 Posts
I think the fly just got swatted
Old 06-11-2010, 11:49 AM
  #40  
Momentum Keeps Me Going
 
Spin9k's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Colorado
Posts: 5,036
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Originally Posted by Poop
I think the purpose of this race is not the race itself, so they will not care if they win or not. Instead, using the advertisement to make comsumer become aware of this car and going on their websites/dealerships to explore the car; creating more exposure.
^+1 these is nothing of substance in this. No stock Mini has a snowball's chance in hell of winning this contest unless it's on a AutoX course. And noting that Porsche has declined in the kindest of ways possible without laughing.
Old 06-11-2010, 12:19 PM
  #41  
Administrator
iTrader: (7)
 
Jedi54's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: The Dark Side
Posts: 22,394
Received 2,630 Likes on 1,880 Posts
haha, Mini just got owned by Porsche.
(and they didn't even hold an actual race)
Old 06-11-2010, 01:04 PM
  #42  
#50
 
bse50's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Caput Mundi
Posts: 7,521
Received 10 Likes on 10 Posts
Originally Posted by Jedi54
haha, Mini just got owned by Porsche.
(and they didn't even hold an actual race)
Will they now ask Ferrari or Lamborghini?

What a fail...
Old 06-11-2010, 01:29 PM
  #43  
The RX-8 is missed
iTrader: (3)
 
2tone's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 2,084
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
^
Old 06-11-2010, 01:39 PM
  #44  
The Professor
 
staticlag's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Omaha, NE
Posts: 3,479
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 5 Posts
sad, they might have had a solid chance at autox
Old 06-11-2010, 01:42 PM
  #45  
#50
 
bse50's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Caput Mundi
Posts: 7,521
Received 10 Likes on 10 Posts
Originally Posted by staticlag
sad, they might have had a solid chance at autox
Yes but that's not racing.
Old 06-11-2010, 01:44 PM
  #46  
Registered
iTrader: (2)
 
RIWWP's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Pacific Northwest
Posts: 16,684
Likes: 0
Received 240 Likes on 110 Posts
Originally Posted by bse50
Yes but that's not racing.
There is something to be said for being the fastest around a course that is made up only hours before, and changes every weekend...


Vs road courses which are (essentially) always the same...
Old 06-11-2010, 01:55 PM
  #47  
#50
 
bse50's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Caput Mundi
Posts: 7,521
Received 10 Likes on 10 Posts
Originally Posted by RIWWP
There is something to be said for being the fastest around a course that is made up only hours before, and changes every weekend...


Vs road courses which are (essentially) always the same...
That's not racing anyway
AutoX and gymkhana (how we call it here) are skill games, like solving puzzles or problem solving. Of course there's driving skills involved but:
Speed is very limited,
You really can't pick up "lines" while turning.
You're alone (wtf?) so no passing, no late braking, trailbraking, fighting for a position or in race strategy.

This makes autoX a fun weekend game against real racing where you actually have to balance the risks you take. Hitting a cone is different than hitting a car while braking or jamming on a kerb and kissing a wall!
Old 06-11-2010, 02:10 PM
  #48  
Registered
iTrader: (2)
 
RIWWP's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Pacific Northwest
Posts: 16,684
Likes: 0
Received 240 Likes on 110 Posts
I agree with your points...just stating that it is still a competition between vehicles and drivers where speed through a course is the measured score...and you don't get much chance to learn the course ahead of time


I respect both for what they are.
Old 06-11-2010, 02:16 PM
  #49  
#50
 
bse50's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Caput Mundi
Posts: 7,521
Received 10 Likes on 10 Posts
I don't disrespect autoX, maybe you got me wrong
I actually appreciate who has the patience to do that kind of driving but racing usually involves more vehicles on a course at the same time. That's what porsche is good at, in the end.
Porsche builds race cars (as well as some commercial models) that are studied to drive fast around a course, Mini produces a high powered hot hatch that needs a bunch of upgrades to stay on track and be competitive (personal experience in spa-francorchamps).

Anyway it's all down to marketing and rumors n the end!
Old 06-11-2010, 02:19 PM
  #50  
Registered
iTrader: (2)
 
RIWWP's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Pacific Northwest
Posts: 16,684
Likes: 0
Received 240 Likes on 110 Posts
Agreed. I didn't assume that you disrespected them

Just providing counterpoint


As a marketing stunt, it was successful.....cause we are talking about it!


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.

Quick Reply: Mini Challenges Porsche to a Race at Road Atlanta



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:20 PM.