By now many of us have probably heard of the outrageous publicity stunt by MINI USA’s top executive, and to be honest we at 911Nation.com didn’t think that it would have staying power, but what started out as a funny gimmick that made us all smirk and shrug it off, as if a duck quacking at our heels, is now starting to become somewhat of a nuisance. Akin to that of a flying insect buzzing incessantly around one’s face, MINI is trying to provoke swift reaction. Luckily, the Porsche USA top executive demonstrated a cool and calm demeanor so in-line with the Porsche Brand’s core value’s. Anyone else might have had the urge to squash the uprising as fast as it came about, in hopes of terminating the pest and returning to normal, more serious affairs.
We didn’t want to cover the story and add fuel to this fire and encourage the MINI stunt, but with their latest stab, who could resist! As Zach Bowman correctly wondered in his June 10, 2010 Autoblog post, with Porsche officially turning the invitation down, MINI has turned to Porsche privateers to see if there are any willing Porsche driver’s up to the challenge. This could get messy, as we are sure there are Porsche gentlemen and ladies out there, who are eager to take a swat at this knat.
For those of you that have been out of the loop, here’s the play-by-play….
The MINI USA Challenge:
The Official Response Letter from Porsche USA:
[Source: MINIUSA]
The Response Video referenced above by Porsche USA:
MINI’s Airplane Banner Ad:
NOTE: After Porsche USA’s rejection, MINI USA flew this airplane banner ad which hovered over Porsche USA Headquarters!
[Source: MINIUSA]
The Second MINI USA Challenge:
Now, that you are all caught up I would like to briefly address the MINI vs PORSCHE challenge from a different angle, as I posses unique insight, being a MINI owner myself. Actually, believe it or not, I own two MINI’s, one in the USA (2006 MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works) and one in GERMANY (2002 MINI Cooper S), but I digress. The fact is that it takes a lot of hardwork and hard-earned dollars (at least for most) to get our hands on our first Porsche and in the meantime, well, a guy must get around for less. And what better way than in a MINI? At least that’s my take on it. MINI like Porsche, is a driver’s car and most MINI drivers (MINI driving hippies aside) are almost as enthusiastic about driving as Porsche owners. Afterall, thanks to legendary F1 developer, John Cooper, this little bugger of a car won the Ralley Monte Carlo in 1964, 1965, and 1967 – though in 1966, Classic Mini’s actually finished 1st, 2nd, and 3rd before French race officials disqualified them on a minor technicality. These racing glory days were capitalized on by BMW in the development of the new and improved MINI, its launch and every marketing effort since. It goes as far as offering a factory-made John Cooper Works MINI with a factory warranty and pro driving tips as part of their welcome package when you receive your new vehicle. So to me, it actually comes at no surprise that this “David” would attempt to challenge a “Goliath” as it has done in the past, despite knowing very well that this time, it doesn’t have what it takes to come out on top (although that is probably not MINI’s objective).
More than anything, I believe this to be a calculated business strategy…..MINI USA’s top executive and former Porsche USA Employee, wants to reap Porsche-like successes and is trying to put Porsche and MINI in the same sentence so that every Porsche owner associates MINI with having some of the same values, ultimately leading them to hopefully park a new MINI beside their Porsche….even if it’s for the wife, the kids, grandparents or for themselves. Quite frankly, I would fit that bill.
In conclusion, I agree that the two should never be compared apples to apples, much less play in the same sandbox, but MINI and Porsche cars and owners do share a kindred spirit for everything that is motoring (as MINI calls it) and that’s maybe something we can all agree on…..even if Porsche doesn’t share the same tongue-in-cheek humor that MINI is famous (or now notorious) for!
That said, maybe Porsche should take up their challenge, yet offer a more appropriate apples to apples match-up…..a MINI Cooper S versus a Mini-Porsche? Perhaps a mini driver as well?
Whatever the outcome this is no David vs Goliath!
If you like this post, then please subscribe by RSS reader or E-mail to stay connected and gain access to much more.  911 Nation is the Ultimate Porsche Lifestyle Blog committed to bringing you the latest news, cars, products, stories, and just about everything else sought by the true Porsche enthusiast.  That’s what we do!  You can also help support our mission by connecting with us through Twitter and Facebook. Take the proper precautions when pushing the limits and be safe out there!
In Reference to Comment Below:
Related posts:
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
cut the crap guys! What kind of BS article is this…I bet none of you even drive porsches!
Dear Julius,
Imagine my lack of surprise to receive such a comment for writing this post on a what’s become a controversial topic. In case you didn’t read the “about us” blurb top-right, we are a 3rd generation Porsche family and have been riding in Porsche’s since birth, then driving Porsche’s and Ruf’s all over USA and EUROPE in all kinds of roads, tracks, proving grounds, rally’s, educational and training events, including PCA events and PDE schooling.
While your comment was not the well articulated and constructive dialogue we were hoping for, I would like to take this opportunity to address your comment about driving Porsche’s (with a capital “P”) with an image update posted at the end of this post (see above). The image shows the three Pietri brothers driving, not one, not two, but three different cars along the famous backcountry roads of Bavaria.
CAR 1 – GIANCARLO (That’s me) is driving a silver Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet (996)
CAR 2 – ALESSANDRO is driving a black Porsche Boxster S (986)
CAR 3 – GIANPAOLO is driving a Ruf 3600 S (aka the Green Meanie)
From the tone of your comment I am confident that MINI USA has found their man and wish you luck, since judging by your writing skills, I wonder if your driving skills are up to par! Nevertheless, thank you for your comment!
Interesting post, Giancarlo. I smiled several times as I read it. Clever and insightful take on the Mini stunt.
Good response to the impertinent and ungraceful comment by Julius. A picture is better than a thousand words. I do bear witness to your sport driving experience in Porsches and yes, Minis also.
MINI’s publicity stunt is cute, and serves as a reminder that Porsche is the standard by which all other sports cars are measured. Mini Coopers offer a very sporty and athletic looking design, and they are very driveable and enjoyable to serious drivers. But simply put: they are just NOT in the same league as Porsche and the only thing McDowell is trying to do is creat a buzz to sell a few cars. This stunt has only a small amount of passing interest. It has been funny though. One thing that can’t be taken away from Mini: it is a good stepping stone for a serious driver who cannot yet afford a Porsche. It will give him access to enjoyment until his time to become a Porsche owner comes.
Nice photo of you three in Bavaria!! Nice cars, especially that Green Meanie built by Ruf. I remember the Excellence article on that car in which it was given that nickname. You are fortunate to have driven it!!!
Exactly, my points…..Thank you Corsicanhawk!
In 2002, Ruf’s green meanie made the cover of Excellence mag….a fantasic car….it was definitely a privilege to drive (the hell out of) it….and I can still remember the distinct sound of its engine and robust exhaust…green and mean indeed! The plaid interiors were classic Ruf as well!
Cover of Excellence:
http://www.excellence-mag.com/back-issues?search=ruf+3600+s
Here are some images+spec for those of you who have never seen it:
http://www.supercarsite.net/images/ruf/3600-s/2002?src=cars/ruf/ruf-3600-s.jpg
No drooling please!
Great post Giancarlo!
I’ve heard about this challenge for a few days and it’s nice to see it all laid out with how Porsche and Mini responded to eachother. Jim McDowell’s videos and t-shirts are pretty comical, and I couldn’t help but laugh when he said the winner will get two Justin Beiber tickets and backstage passes.
Thanks for your comment!
They sure have some creative geniuses working for them at their Ad Agency Butler, Shine, Stern & Partners ( check them out: http://bssp.com/ ).
{ 3 trackbacks }