subject: Rhode Island 2010 Mini: Mini Competes With Porsche [print this page] Well, I cant say Im surprised that Porsche would beat Mini in a race, but Mini did hold its own to some extent and likely came out on top with buyers as well as getting the award having the guts to issue the challenge in the first place. Dealers of Rhode Island Hardtop Mini though it was a fun ride.
Not long ago Mini challenged Porsche to a run its 911 Carrera S and against the Cooper S. Apparently it was a serious tossing of the gauntlet. Serious good press, anyway. The competition took place on an infield course at the Road Atlanta.
The results: Porsche 911 came in two seconds faster than the Cooper S. Not bad considering the history of both vehicles. Its not quite a tortoise and hare story, but the premise is there. Regardless, Mini milked the race for all it could, getting fans to sign a Facebook page about the challenge. Good news for Mini: Thousands of fans responded. Rhode Island 2010 Mini dealers were not surprised by the fan loyalty and participation. Thats just the kind of customer that gravitates to this sporty, diminutive car.
Porsche actually turned down the racing challenge, telling Mini to instead enter Daytona or LeMans. The German automaker which obviously takes racing quite seriously stated that Porsche did not race for publicity or stunts but only 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. We take ourselves very seriously.
Well, Mini trained for the race anyway, with a video imitation of Rocky IV to rival even the Budweiser Clydesdale commercial. Then enters Hyundai. Yes, it just gets weirder and weirder. Playing along with the chance of some positive publicity the Korean company pitted the Genesis coupe against Mini Cooper.
Hyundai then dangled a carrot for Porsche a donated Accent if Porsche would race. Apparently Porsche came through; were not told what changed their minds. And Hyundais offer was not accepted either. Rhode Island Hardtop Mini customers are still puzzling over this added incentive. Who was the donated car going to benefit and was Hyundai going to race Porsche and Mini?
So, how will they compete and compare in sales numbers. That will remain to be seen. Obviously Mini and Porsche will appeal to different buyers and even slightly different income levels. Hyundai is a whole other ballgame, successfully selling itself on affordability.
One thing is certain: Mini garnered some attention, a few new fans and a whole lotta fun out of this stunt. And we have to assume thats what it was. Rhode Island 2010 Mini customers can check out the details online and then check out the new models in the showroom.
