As I'm sure regular readers are aware, we recently purchased a MINI Cooper S, Laura's midlife crisis car. Maybe we should have waited a little longer. I've been impressed since we've had the car with its ability to negotiate tight corners, something that comes in handy in our driveway. MINI refers to this as "cornering as if it were on rails". Now, according to the independent MINI fan site Motoring File, BMW is today announcing an option for the MINI that allows it to actually run on rails:
In light of the growing problem of gridlock and rush hour traffic, this special model is adapted to ride on all domestic gauge rail lines throughout North America.
The MINI Pullman can access the railway at any major crossing gate provided care is taken not to enter into the opposing direction of prevailing rail traffic. A new feature in the onboard computer allows the MINI 'motorman' or woman to access individual rail line schedules to plan their travels while on the rails.
They expect to start testing on, er, April 1 of next year....
Posted at 10:35 AM
Note: I’m tired of clearing the spam from my comments, so comments are no longer accepted.
I parked next to a bright blue Mini in a parking lot Saturday and got a close-up look at it. It has a lot of details to it that are disarmingly charming. And if this railroad hookup thing ever flies, you will own THE vanguard vehicle.
Posted by Mamacita at 8:12 PM, April 3, 2005 [Link]
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Rails are being converted into trails everywhere so you better buy one soon while there are still uncluttered tracks to drive it on.
Posted by Mike at 11:13 AM, April 1, 2005 [Link]