On The Cover: Our cover story this issue is a test of the R56 JCW Coupe. Although we previously drove the JCW at press intros in the UK and the States, until now we hadn't been able to spend a few days behind the wheel under real-world driving situations. If you have to spend your days behind the wheel of the factory hot road, then doing it on the beautiful highways and byways of Western Washington is the ony way to do it. (The things we do for our readers!)

It's quite the performer, too. With the new twin-scroll turbocharger, performance is silk-smooth and there is no discernable lag, unlike most other turbocharged cars. Furthermore, the new turbocharging system should proved more reliable than the supercharger previously used. We noted a zero to 50mph time of 6.295 seconds, just a tad off the factory published time, but considering that we do our testing on public roads and not a closed circuit, it is very respectable, indeed. Fuel mileage is also great, in the high twenties for our combined mileage and that means that careful drivers will easily get gas mileage in the low- to mid-thirties -- if they keep their foot out of it!

High lining the cover this issue is a blurb for our 2009 Tire & Wheel Buyer's Guide, which offers readers of both new and classic Minis 5 pages of the latest wheels and tires for customizing your car or improving its handling and performance for both the street and track. Other blurbed stories include suspension bushing replacement, the last generation classic Mini, AMVIV and the Geneva Auto Salon -- all of which are outlined below:

Our editorial package begins this issue with a report on the introduction of the all-new Cabrio. We are Topless in San Diego with this story. Although our representative, Iain Robertson drove the car for us at the world press intro in Austria, this past January. The ride and drive held for the US press was certainly more inline with what owning a convertible is all about. You can keep your Open Motoring in the snowy Austrian Alps, give me Southern California beach town cruising! The publisher and editor spent two days driving around the beach towns and mountains of sunny San Diego County and decided that the new cabrio is much more suited to fun in the sun than it is sledding in the snow.

Following hard on the heels of the Cabrio intro, our own Rob Marshall motored over to Switzerland and the Geneva Auto Salon to catch the MINI At Geneva: two cabrios, Clubman One, and the new 55KW. European debuts all, but these debuts add depth to the MINI world line up and will be of interest to both US and European readership.

Then it's off to Vegas and AMVIV. While the downtrending economy helped make this event a little less attended than in years past, a strong showing was still put forth by Mini enthusiasts who motored to Sin City from around the country. Over 150 cars were in attendance at this year's Sin City Party, along with 300 people. All the rides out to the desert and down the strip at night were fully booked. This year, the show 'n shine was not held at the headaquarters hotel, reports Technical Editor, Matt Richter. It was held off site with an entrance fee charged to help out a local charity. As you might expect, Mini owners showed up in numbers helping the organizers to raise some substantial cash to aid those in need.

If you've ever wondered exactly how good the JCW MINI Challenge cars are, you'll need wonder no longer. While not easily available in the US, a couple of the factory bracket racers have made it to our shores and we have the straight dope from someone who owns and races MINIs. Randy Smalley gives us his take the racecar that everyone wants, but few can attain. He imported one and in Tracking the MINI Challenge Car, is trying to get it qualified for Grand AM racing as his current trio of R53 JCW racers is becoming obsolete under the new rules. It's a gruelling process, but Randy is determined and while he puts his car through its paces at Firebird International Raceway, he tells MC2 readers everything they've been wanting to know about the MINI Challenge Cars.

It's a hard fact of driving life that as cars age and accumulate mileage, things start to wear out, especially in the suspension. Those rubber bushings that the factory installs don't last forever and when they start to wear, that wonderful factory ride goes away. In Suspension Bushing Replacement, our Contributing Editor, Neil Chirico, noticed some ride deterioration in his aging Cooper S and decided to so something about it. So as he had his car's suspension brought back up to factory spec, he photographed the procedure, so everyone can see what is involved in this important and vital repair.

Nothing but nothing improves a car's looks, performance and handling like a new set of shoes. There's a myriad of choices out there for both new and classic owners, but keeping up with all the styles and tread types without a little guidance is neigh on impossible. So, for those seeking to learn whats new, hot and available, the MC2 staff has assembled the 2009 Tire and Wheel Buyer's Guide: 5 pages of the newest, coolest and best looking wheels and tires on the market. What's more, we've also added a description of the products and put in full contact information as to who sells them and what they cost. All you have to do is decide what you want and then dust of the credit card to place your order!

Even though we all love the the latest generation MINIs, it would take a cold heart, indeed, not to appreciate the heritage from which these wonderful cars arise. For that we turn to our own Graham Robson, who tells the story of the final generation of classic Minis to hit the market just before the New MINI debuted. Although these cars may not have sold in the numbers that they did in earlier years, the Last of the Classic Minis, were in may ways, the best Minis ever built. As per usual, our Senior European Correspondent, outlines the important facts on the last of the "real" Minis and the back story as well.

If you've owned a classic Mini for any length of time at all, then you are familiar with rust and the damage it can do to your rolling investment. The Mini may be the greatest car in the world, but it is designed and destined to rust. Now don't go blaming for Sir Alec, he never intended that these models would survive as long as they did. After all, when first introduced some 50 years ago, you could buy a new Mini for under a £1,000! Luckily, many of the cars have survived the years, if somewhat cancer ridden, and in Rust Spotting, our own Rob Marshall has scoured the English countryside to find examples of rusty Minis so you will know where to look for rust on your classic.

Wrapping up our Heritage Section this issue is a most unusual Mini. Over the years the irrepressible Mini has been used as a delivery van, pickup truck, police car, camper or caravan, and even a fire truck. That's right, there were at least two Mini fire trucks built and the only example known to exist was photographed by the editor. If you have a small fire to fight, you call out the Fire Brigade and examine Chuck Heleker's unique Mini fire truck. Originally built for a hospital fire brigade, this Mini served its owners for over 30 years before being gracefully retired. Luckily for us, Chuck discovered it and brought it to the States. All original, the truck shows the wear and tear of its working life, but it still answers the call when the key is turned. Just don't count on the aging hoses to hold any water pressure!

Now in addition to the articles mentioned in this roundup, we've got plenty more in store for you in this issue. We've got all the regular columns, a calendar of Mini events, Event reports and club news, overview of a Mini parts supplier, photo features, book reviews, the latest MINI News, Your Wheels and a host of other stories. If you are a subscriber, be patient, the magazine is in the mail and will be at your doorstep soon. If you aren't a subscriber, what are you waiting for? Subscribe today! ~ Peter D. DuPre, Editor-in-Chief