Mini Cooper drivers get flashed with RFID

Computerworld ^ | February 09, 2007 | Marc L. Songini

[BallyBill]

Maybe they can use it to find you when you get stuck in pothole.

[CPOSharky]

My daughter has a mini. It's fun to drive and pretty peppy. Maybe because it has a turocharger.

[Rte66]

They look like little miniature 1930s cars from *The Untouchables* with Elliott Ness. "Stylish" in the story should be "silly." Cute once, but now ridiculous.

Also wondering what the full-size Coopers look like - haven't seen one during this incarnation. Do they make them? And if not, why are these called "mini" ones?

[montag813]

Do we really want drivers paying more attention to what is on a billboard?

[nutmeg]

Mr. Bean in his Mini Cooper

[6SJ7]

"People will say this is cool and will want to drive by the sign more frequently," said the spokesman. "It will pop up a message when their friend is in the car, and they'll say, 'Hey, that's cool!' and it basically will allow them to be a brand ambassador."

This is the electronic equivalent to placing a mirror in a parakeet cage. "Pretty bird. Awk! Tweet!".

[par4]

why are these called "mini" ones?

The company is Mini, the model is the Cooper. And no, I don't own one, I drive an SUV.

[WorkingClassFilth]

Clever and insightful advertising campaign. It's also diabolical and totally evil.

[patton]

So is Starbucks, when you get right down to it. ;)

[Richard Kimball]

How gay can it get?

[flushed with pride]

Is the Mini-Cooper actually capable of speeding? I thought you could go faster on a lawn tractor.

[Richard Kimball]

I was looking at the spec sheet on the Mini-Cooper and it will top 130 mph. I used to own a VW Beetle diesel (I shouldn't have sold it) and it easily hit the 120s. Most German cars, because of the Autobahn, have high top ends and handle well at high speeds. They're also well built, but IMHO, overpriced, and the mileage isn't particularly good for a car that size.