Welcome back, MINI enthusiasts, to another jam-packed episode of The Cooper Cast, hosted by yours truly, Dale Blankenship. In this episode, we’re spilling the tea (and maybe some motor oil) on the latest and greatest in the MINI universe.

First up, let’s talk about the new F66 MINI. The three-tone roof option is returning as a US only deal.  But it’s not all rainbows and rooftops. Bad news for the US market: we’re saying goodbye to the 3-cylinder engine. RIP, little buddy. On the bright side, the 5-door MINI has been confirmed as returning for 2025! But hold your horsepower; there’s no JCW version for it. Sad trombone sound. And for those who love a good fashion statement, there's a new Paul Smith edition MINI on the horizon. Details are still under wraps, so stay tuned for more on that stylish ride.

Now, let’s rev our engines and head over to Germany, where the F56 and the new F66 Bulldog prepared racing MINIs took on the 24-hour Nürburgring race. Spoiler alert: they rocked it! Both models zoomed around the track like they had something to prove—and prove it they did.

Meanwhile, back in the States, the Tar Heel MINI Motoring Club’s Blue Ridge Parkway Tour went off without a hitch last weekend. Scenic drives, great company, and MINI fun—what more could you ask for? Maybe a perfect weather report, but hey, we can't have it all, but they did!

And for the grand finale, we’ve got some pro tips for the new MINI Takes The States (MTTS) participants, courtesy of the MTTS veterans. These seasoned MINI warriors are here to help you navigate the event like a pro, from avoiding packing advice to motoring tips and perfecting your MINI wave.

Thanks for tuning in to Episode 12 of The Cooper Cast. Keep your engines running and your spirits high, and we’ll see you next time with more MINI madness. And up to, and probably through, MTTS we'll drop weekly episodes instead of 1st & 3rd Tuesdays. 

4o