- Filed under: Convertible, Mini, First Drives
Attractive New Roadster Prepares To Cannibalize Convertible
For a brand that's only about 11 years old (since its modern rebirth, anyway), Mini is doing quite well for itself. Since the launch of the 2001 Mini Cooper, the BMW-owned automaker has now sold over two million vehicles in 100 markets, and over the course of the past decade, has expanded one front-wheel-drive platform into six models with a grand total of 39 different variants. The fact that Mini has hit the big time is in no way breaking news.
What's really interesting is how each new model continues to be supported and loved by the Mini faithful. Perhaps the most controversial addition came in 2010, when Mini first debuted its bigger, four-door Countryman - the most un-mini Mini. Now, though, it has grown to account for 30 percent of the brand's sales here in the United States, perfectly coexisting with its Hardtop, Convertible and Clubman brethren. Nicely done.
But this story isn't all loveliness and perfection: Enter the Mini Coupe, a car that we can't quite give our seal of approval. It's heavier than the iconic Hardtop, less functional, more expensive and frankly, less attractive. Sure, it stands true to the brand's core values of fun, tossable driving dynamics and cheeky style, but at the end of the day, we don't downright love it like we do the other models.
Now meet the Roadster. Immediate comparisons to the Coupe are indeed warranted (we'll get to that), but if any car in the Mini portfolio should be worried, it's the Convertible. The Roadster is less expensive than the aging Convertible, looks better (arguably) and has a more capacious boot. No, this new Roadster doesn't seat four, but then again, the Convertible doesn't exactly do a fantastic job of that, either. And after driving the new Mini Roadster along the sunny Portuguese coast, our impression is that this sixth Cooper variant isn't so much another niche product for a niche manufacturer, it's instead a better droptop than the current Cooper Convertible.Continue reading 2012 Mini Cooper S Roadster
2012 Mini Cooper S Roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Motorsports, Mini, Middle East
It may not be a World Rally Championship event, but Mini is celebrating its first win at an international rally (at least its first such win of the modern era).
The event in question was the Qatar International Rally, a fully FIA-sanctioned event that kicks off the 2012 Middle East Rally Championship (MERC). Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari (with his brother Nasser as co-driver) edged out the competition by an impressive margin of 2:24.9 in the Mini Countryman JCW Super Production Car - the same vehicle that Prodrive fields in the WRC but with a smaller wing and restrictor plate, and similar to the X-Raid vehicle that recently won at Dakar.
Victory at the event was particularly meaningful for Prodrive, which got its start at the Qatar International Rally way back in 1984 to kick off the first MERC in the Rothmans Porsche 911 SC RS (pictured in the high-res image gallery below).Continue reading Mini claims first international rally win
Mini claims first international rally win originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Car Buying, Convertible, Performance, Mini, UK
Mini has officially announced pricing for the company's new Cooper Roadster. The tiny droptop will carry a base MSRP of $24,350 in the U.S., while the Cooper S Roadster will set you back $27,350. The top-of-the-line John Cooper Works Roadster, meanwhile, will command a sticker of $34,500 (*pricing exclude a $700 destination and handling fee). Should buyers wish to drop an automatic transmission into their Cooper Roadster or Cooper S Roadster, the two-pedal option will cost an additional $1,250, but the John Cooper Works Roadster is only available with a manual gearbox. Mini says 16-inch alloy wheels are standard on the base roadster and its S counterpart, while the topped-out JCW Roadster will roll on flashier 17-inch wheels.
That means the Cooper Roadster requires a $3,450 premium over the base hardtop Coupe, but curiously, it's cheaper than the Cooper Convertible by $600. While the latter doesn't exactly offer palatial amounts of space for rear passengers, it is still considerably more functional than its Cooper Roadster equivalent. We have to wonder if there's enough of a price differential between the two models to keep buyers from skipping the more rakish Roadster for its four-seat counterpart, but either way, we're just pleased it doesn't share the Coupe's awkward backwards-ballcap roofline. Hit the jump for the lengthy press release.Continue reading 2012 Mini Roadster priced from $24,350*
2012 Mini Roadster priced from $24,350* originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Performance, Mini, Diesel
As far as the Mini lineup goes, the John Cooper Works models sit at the very top of the performance spectrum. But that's not enough for Mini's (relatively) new chief Kay Segler. The German auto exec came to the post from the M division of parent company BMW, and that's what Segler wants for the Mini brand as well.
So what does a further differentiated JCW line mean for the Mini? That's hard to say at this point, beyond marketing, but we could be looking at even more powerful versions than the 208-horsepower, 1.6-liter turbo four currently employed. With the arrival of the JCW Countryman, Mini will have created Works versions of every bodystyle in its considerable portfolio - and it will have a more powerful 223hp mill on its hands, which could find its way into the rumored upcoming Mini GP edition as well.
More exciting JCW models aren't all that Segler has planned for Mini, however. According to Car and Driver, as U.S. demand is growing for for Mini's diesel-powered models already offered in Europe and other markets. While we wouldn't expect an oil-burning Mini to find its way across the Atlantic in this generation of models, once the next series comes along in the next couple of years, a diesel-powered Mini could wind up in American showrooms.Mini wants to make JCW its BMW M, bring diesel models Stateside originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Convertible, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Mini
The Mini Roadster ad campaign is continuing the "Another Day. Another Adventure." campaign begun with the Mini Coupe. The Roadster spots, directed by Peter Berg, started with two well-dressed gents darting through the various avenues of Istanbul. It picks up with them having, somehow, nearly driven off a bridge.
At that point, Mini-type antics take over, and you can watch them in high-def in the video after the jump.Continue reading Peter Berg directs Mini Roadster cliffhanger
Peter Berg directs Mini Roadster cliffhanger originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Concept Cars, Hatchback, Mini
The Mini Rocketman (we'll spare you the Elton John lyrics) was one of our favorite concepts from the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. Sure, the name is silly, but this pint-sized concept showed what could be in store for an even more mini Mini. A smarter Smart, if you will. However, a new report from CAR states that the entry-level Mini project has allegedly been canned. The Rocketman as we know it has been grounded.
The reason? CAR reports that it would be a costly endeavor to develop the Rocketman to meet street-legal specifications; specifically, handling, stability and crash standards. The concept only measures in at 134.6 inches long - a full 12 inches shorter than a standard Cooper hatchback, and while Mini insiders said that a production version could come as early as 2016, there are now no plans to offer a vehicle smaller than the current Cooper.Mini Rocketman reportedly canned originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Etc., Hatchback, Mini, UK, Design/Style
With the Olympic Games coming up this spring, BMW is keen to leverage its sponsorship. And since they're taking place in London, England, the German automaker wouldn't miss the opportunity to include its more youthful, retro British subsidiary. And so it has released today not one, but two new special editions of the classic Mini hardtop hatchback, both named after London neighborhoods.
First up is the Mini Baker Street (pictured at right). Available on the Mini One (the entry-level model overseas), One D (the diesel version), Cooper and Cooper D, the Baker Street edition lays black V-shaped bonnet stripes over a light gray (or available white or black) base color, complemented by glossy black 16-inch alloys and mirror caps. Inside, the cloth and leather seats are finished in a diamond-pattern with gray trim and 
chrome accents. A whole mess of optional extras are bundled as standard, and include of course, there are the requisite special badges.
The Bayswater edition (shown above) - available on Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper D and Cooper SD models - takes a more sporting approach, with an exclusive shade of metallic blue (or optional black or gray) with a black roof, centered blue and gray stripes up the hood, with 17-inch alloys in glossy black with polished rims, and door mirrors that, well..."mirror" the racing stripe: blue on the right, gray on the left. Leather seats come in an exclusive shade of anthracite with blue and gray bolsters and top-stitching, complemented by piano lacquer trim, stainless steel pedals, bundled optional equipment and special badges.
No word just yet on whether these models will be available internationally (read: in America) or whether they'll be exclusively British editions, but you can check them out in the pair of high-resolution image galleries and the press release after the jump.Continue reading Mini celebrates London Olympics with new Bayswater and Baker Street special editions
Mini celebrates London Olympics with new Bayswater and Baker Street special editions originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Mini
Think there are a lot of Mini variants already? Hold on to your hats, because BMW is showing no signs of slowing down any time soon. Next month the new Mini Roadster will hit American showrooms, and next year, a two-door crossover (presaged by the Paceman concept from Detroit last year but carrying the Countryman Coupe in production form) should be available as well. But that's only the tip of the proverbial iceberg.
With the third-generation Mini Cooper hatchback set to arrive in 2014, the Anglo-German automaker will soon begin the whole process anew. And when all's said and done by the end of the decade, the Mini range will have - according to reports - grown by another three bodystyles for a total of 10.
The current lineup includes six bodystyles: the standard Cooper hatchback, the Mini Convertible, the Coupe, the Roadster, the Clubman wagon and the Countryman crossover. Throw the Countryman Coupe into the mix and you've got seven. What Mini will come up with next for three additional versions remains to be seen - we wouldn't be surprised to see a minivan, a slant-back crossover or maybe a convertible crossover (like the Beachcomber concept pictured above) - but if anyone can milk the bodystyle cow for all it's worth, we're confident its initials are B-M-W.Mini to expand lineup to ten with three new versions by decade's end originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Spy Photos, Hatchback, Mini, Design/Style
The relentlessly unconventional Mini Cooper looks to be going a lot less unconventional for its third generation, at least on the inside. A glimpse of what appears to be Mini's future was snapped by KGP Photography in the Arctic Circle, and outside, there looks to be little change except for slightly larger dimensions. Inside, though, the giant-speedo-and-toggle-switch IP looks to be binned in favor of a soberly BMW-esque dash cluster and horizontally laid-out central console.
If this interior is accurate and not just an elaborate - and expensive - engineering mule bait-and-switch, then it signals a rather marked change in the Mini way of life. The theories of why it might be the real deal are, again, the testing expense, the expectation that the Mini will get a BMW 1 Series GT brother and the platform sharing necessitated more commonalities, or that designers might simply be over the still-unique first- and second-generation interior design (a retro-minded setup that both delights and enrages with its haphazard ergonomics). What's every bit as likely, however, is that this isn't a Mini at all - it's a next-gen 1 Series wrapped in a Mini mule shell.
While we all wait to find out if the Mini cabin dream is over, you can catch more high-res glimpses of this odd creature in our gallery.3rd-gen Mini Cooper spy shots suggest retro-free interior originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Convertible, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Mini
Back in October, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began investigating certain turbocharged Mini models for vehicle fires. The investigation came after reports of at least 12 vehicles lighting up, and now the investigation has officially lead to a recall.
NHTSA has announced on its website that Mini will recall 88,911 turbocharged models built between November 2006 and January 2011 for a water pump problem that could result in a fire. The government agency says on its website that "the electronic auxiliary water pump that cools the turbocharger has an electronic circuit board that can malfunction and overheat." If that happens, the board could smolder and result in a vehicle fire.
Affected models include the 2007-2011 Cooper S, the 2008-2011 Clubman S, the 2009-2011 Cooper S Convertible, the 2011 Countryman S and John Cooper Works models from 2009 to 2011.
Owners of recalled vehicles will be asked to bring their Mini model to the nearest dealer for a free water pump replacement. Hit the jump to read over the official NHTSA release.Continue reading Mini recalling certain Cooper S and JCW models over water pump
Mini recalling certain Cooper S and JCW models over water pump originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Performance, Mini
The Mini faithful fondly remember the John Cooper Works GP (pictured above). Launched at the Geneva Motor Show in 2006, the GP edition was the fastest version of the first-gen Mini hatchback. It packed 218 horsepower, 180 pound-feet of torque, a beefier suspension and - thanks to the removal of the back seats and air-conditioning - 88 fewer pounds to motivate. The result was a 6.5-second sprint to 60 and a 146-mph top speed. Only 444 examples were made available shortly before the second-gen Mini was introduced.
Now, word on the street is that Mini is preparing a new GP version. Few details are available at this point, but considering that the current JCW packs 208 hp from its 1.6-liter turbo four, we ought to be looking at 220 horses or more in the new GP. To make things simpler, in fact, Mini could be preparing to shoe-horn in the engine being developed for the JCW Countryman, which is expected to pack more power than the JCW hatchback in order to get its heftier curb weight moving.
Given that the previous GP edition was a two-seat affair, we can't help but wonder if Mini will turn to the new Coupe for this GP. But for now, we'll just have to sit tight and see what the Anglo-German automaker has in store for its most hard-core fanatics.Mini working up new John Cooper Works GP edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Podcasts, Buick, Hyundai, Mini
The North American International Auto Show episode
Episode #264 of the Autoblog Podcast is here with Chris, Dan, Chris Paukert, and the prodigal Alex Nunez. The Detroit Auto Show just wrapped up, and we saw plenty there to fill up a podcast talking about. Your questions and comments power the end of the 'cast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. We've embedded our Q&A module after the jump for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!
Autoblog Podcast #264:
The North American International Auto Show
In the Autoblog Garage
2011 Mini Cooper S Countryman All4
2011 Hyundai Elantra
2012 Buick Regal GS
Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Chris Paukert, Alex Nunez
Runtime: 01:27:28
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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #264
Autoblog Podcast #264 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Mini
As much as we like the new-for-2012 Mini Coupe, some of us on the Autoblog staff aren't won over by the low-slung hardtop. We love the standard Cooper hatchback, and while the Coupe's driving dynamics are pure Mini goodness, we just can't wrap our heads around the awkward styling (especially in certain color pallets), limited visibility and lack of functionality.
That said, in some weird way, the 2013 Mini Roadster makes more sense to us. If you're going to lower the roofline and decrease visibility in the process, just lob the top off altogether and give us an open-air Mini that's more aggressive (yet prettier) than the cutesy Cooper Convertible. The Coupe may not have been our cup of tea, but this Roadster looks to be a tasty toss-about for sun-drenched roads.
Much like the Coupe, the Roadster will be available in Cooper, Cooper S and the above John Cooper Works variant, powered by three versions of the automaker's 1.6-liter inline-four, producing 122, 184 and 211 horsepower, respectively. We'll be getting our first stint behind the wheel of the new Roadster in just a few weeks, so stay tuned for our full impressions. For now, click through our attached high-res image gallery of photos live from Cobo Hall.Continue reading 2013 Mini Roadster improves upon new Coupe's formula
2013 Mini Roadster improves upon new Coupe's formula originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, BMW, Mini, Racing
Mini has reportedly confirmed its 2012 World Rally Championship entry after initially missing the December 19 entry deadline. According to Autosport, the delay may have had something to do with concerns Mini parent company BMW had over television coverage of the sport in Germany. Now it would seem the FIA is working to address those issues and Mini is once again slated to join both Ford and Citroën as full manufacturers in the series. The delay may have been a tactical move by BMW and Mini to convince series promoters to come up with more amicable coverage terms.
As it sits, Mini will campaign a John Cooper Works WRC in all 13 rounds, though it remains unclear whether driver Dani Sordo will be behind the wheel at every stage. Mini may look to save some cash by turning to a private driver in some of the more expensive rounds like New Zealand. Either way, Mini is slated to return to the WRC at the Monte Carlo Rally starting on January 17.Was Mini's late registration in WRC just an attempt to play hardball? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Minivan/Van, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Mini, Rumormill
Well, this certainly brings quite literal meaning to the word 'minivan'. According to Auto Motor und Sport, sources within BMW have reportedly confirmed that a new Mini-branded panel van - possibly dubbed Mini Cargo - will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
Creating the Mini Cargo sounds like a simple enough process. Auto Motor und Sport reports that the work-ready hauler will be based on the Clubman, with the rear bench seat removed in favor of a long load floor. The rear side windows will be ditched for sheetmetal (like most panel vans), though it's unclear whether or not the rear windows will be left intact.
We're curious to see what other alterations will be made to the Clubman in its transition to a proper panel van. Will the passenger-side rear-hinged door be left alone, or will it be removed? Will the rear suspension be strengthened to accommodate for heavy hauling? Assuming that plans for a Mini Cargo are indeed underway, we'll have to wait until March to find out.Mini bringing panel van to Geneva? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Jan 2012 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Archive for the 'MINI' Category
Saturday, December 5th, 2009
Concept Cars, Crossover, Mini, Off-Road
We still have few more months to wait before the production version of the new MINI Crossover arrives. We think of the MINI Beachcomber asВ like progeny with a Jeep Wrangler. The Beachcomber is based on the brand’s new CUV, but gets an open-top look cabriolet.
Unlike the mid-sixties Mini Moke, this one retains the main structure of the upcoming crossover, but is unlikely to ever see production. The new all-wheel drive system in the concept and the turbocharged four cylinder, although the 4,000-word press release somehow manages to avoid giving technical details. Like a Wrangler, the Beachcomber can accommodate either solid roof inserts or a soft top. Hopefully we’ll get more details in Detroit, and maybe we can see more options for this model.
Posted in Automotive News, MINI, Passenger Cars, World Cars | No Comments »
Sunday, February 29th, 2004
Details info: Mini One – Cooper (2001 – )
The Photo preview – please click on the Link \”Review Big Image\” below
Alternative names:
Hatchback 3d
Cabrio 2d
(2004 – )
Mini One – Cooper Hatchback 3d
Sales Company:
Available version:
Cooper – 1.6 16v CVT
Cooper – 1.6 16v
Cooper S – 1.6 16v Compressor 120kw
Cooper S – 1.6 16v Compressor 125kw
Cooper S – 1.6 16v Compressor aut. 125kw
One – 1.6 16v CVT
One – 1.6 16v
One D – 1.4 CR-TDI
Previous version:
Variation:
Castagna (Italy) Crossup
Castagna (Italy) Tender
Castagna (Italy) Wagon – Woody – SUWagon
Cooper (United Kingdom) Mini tuning
Assembly Plants:
Info: If Alex Issigonis were alive today, he would probably appreciate the BMW version of his ubiquitous Mini. Various styling studies were considered prior to BMW settling on the current design, which echoes the original Mini in so many areas. With modern crash and safety tests making the production of small cars so difficult, it is little wonder that the new Mini is significantly larger than before. The 1.6-litre engine used in various forms in the Mini originates at a Brazilian factory jointly owned by BMW and Chrysler.
Donors:
Posted in MINI | No Comments »
