Mini Blog
Mini confirms entry into 2011 World Rally Championship with CountrymanFiled under: Motorsports, Hatchback, Mini, Racing 
2011 Mini Countryman WRC - Click above to enlarge
Were it not for the efforts of John Cooper and drivers like Paddy Hopkirk on the European rally stages of the 1960s, the Mini brand probably wouldn't have the beloved reputation that it does today - in fact, it's possible it would never be around today at all. BMW has confirmed a longstanding rumor with today's announcement that Mini is heading back to international rallying with the Countryman WRC beginning in 2011.
The Countryman WRC is being developed by long-time Subaru partner Prodrive for the new Super2000 regulations and will run in select World Rally Championship rounds in 2011 before taking on the full 2012 season and beyond. The rally special will have a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four with all-wheel-drive. Prodrive started work on the project early last year and testing will start this Fall.
[Source: BMW]Continue reading Mini confirms entry into 2011 World Rally Championship with Countryman Mini confirms entry into 2011 World Rally Championship with Countryman originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsReport: Mini Countryman to enter Rally Italy in 2011Filed under: Motorsports, Budget, Europe, Crossover, Hatchback, Mini, Rumormill, Racing 
Mini Countryman - Click above for high-res image gallery
Rally and the original Mini went together like sugar and grits. That pint-sized Brit made a habit of showing up at stages, mopping the floor with the competition and motoring home with trophies in tow. The wringability of the little hatches helped catapult them into the storied halls of motorsports lore - something that the new generation of Mini machines has been quick to capitalize on. Now that the brand is set to introduce the Countryman, there's some concern as to whether or not the high-riding CUV can adhere to the brand's ethos of punching above its weight.
We've heard repeated murmurings in the past about a collaboration between the rally gurus at Prodrive and Mini that could result in the honkin' Countryman doing battle in the most grueling rally arena of them all - the WRC. A new report says that the two companies will announce something pertinent to their work together later this week. We're hoping that means a first look at the rally beater, but since we haven't heard word one from Mini just yet, it's hard telling. Autocar seems to think that the announcement may have more to do with the team's schedule than anything else, saying that it expects Mini to hit the WRC by the time Rally Italy rolls around in May of 2011.
[Source: Autocar]Report: Mini Countryman to enter Rally Italy in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsRumormill: Three-door Mini Countryman to gun for Land Rover Evoque?Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Crossover, Mini, Rumormill 
It looks like Land Rover may have accidentally kicked over a hive of hornets by rolling out its new two-door Evoque. We recently heard all about BMW musing as to whether or not to build an X4 to compete with the crossover, and now Auto Express is reporting that Mini may be game to take on the newcomer as well. We're not talking about the Countryman here, either. The site claims that the head honchos at Mini are mulling bringing a two-door version of the high-rider to life, and that it will be called the Canyon when it arrives.
Auto Express doesn't cite any sources or point to any hard evidence of this decision (no surprise there). Instead, the site has chosen to rely on the fact that the company has been kicking around the idea of a vehicle like the Canyon since 2005. Now that the Countryman is headed for production, the logic is that it wouldn't take too much effort to slim the platform, throw on two doors and bolt up one very coupe-looking roof. Thing is, until we hear word from Mini itself, we're going to have to approach this one with a whole heap of skepticism.
[Source: Auto Express]Rumormill: Three-door Mini Countryman to gun for Land Rover Evoque? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsMini dishes out more info on Countryman including complete specsFiled under: Crossover, Mini 
2011 Mini Countryman - Click above for high-res image gallery
Way back in January, Mini went ahead and unleashed a dump truck's worth of information and images on its new Countryman crossover, and at the time we expected the full set of specifications to be released along with the car's official debut at the Geneva Motor Show. Instead, Mini waited until now to let the full bounty loose, and we've parsed through detritus to find the most pertinent details.
We'll start with the drivetrain. As expected, both the standard Countryman and the uplevel S model will get four cylinder engines displacing 1.6 liters, with the higher-spec model gaining a turbocharger to boost power from 122 horsepower to 184. Naturally, our European friends also get a couple of diesel options, but we're not really expecting to see those units Stateside any time soon.
Either engine will be available with a choice of a manual or automatic transmission, both boasting six forward ratios. The slowest combination (base model with an automatic) will take over 11 seconds to hit 60 miles per hour, while the turbocharged S dispatches the same test in under eight (add a few tenths for the auto and another few tenths for all-wheel drive).
Interestingly, if you want Mini's full-time All4 all-wheel drive system, you'll need to step up to the S model (or the higher-spec diesel across the pond). The front MacPherson strut suspenders couple with the multilink arrangement at the rear to provide just under six inches of ground clearance... no hardcore off-roading here, folks.
Naturally, there's plenty more to digest. Hit the jump for the complete 9,000-word (no kidding) release along with a listing of specifications for the standard model, the front-wheel-drive S and the All4 S.
[Source: Mini]Continue reading Mini dishes out more info on Countryman including complete specs Mini dishes out more info on Countryman including complete specs originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsBMW delivers pair of JDM specials - Mini Savile Row and X6 Performance UnlimitedFiled under: Performance, Japan, Crossover, Hatchback, BMW, Mini, Luxury 
Japanese-market Mini Saville Row - Click above for high-res image gallery
Black is the new black, at least when it comes to the special edition Mini Saville Row for the Japanese market. The black-as-deep-space hatch with the black roof is accented by polished chrome 17-inch wheels, gas cap, mirrors and trim outside and in. Privacy glass, bi-xenon headlights, white turn signal lamps and an anthracite headliner have been thrown into the mix as well. There will be 100 made, all with the 1.6-liter four-cylinder and automatic transmissions, costing ¥3,100,000 ($35,028 U.S.). That's a premium of about ¥400,000 ($4,519 U.S.) over the standard Mini.
There will be just 20 examples built of the even more limited edition BMW X6 Performance Unlimited, also for the Japanese market only. Inspired by BMW motorsports, the crossover gets a twin-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder with hybrid technology running through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The body receives silver pearl paint, a BMW Performance aero package, 21-inch alloys and a blacked-out grille, the interior gets Dakota leather and brushed aluminum pedals. It retails for a tidy ¥9,450,000 ($106,823 U.S.). You check it out, along with the Mini Saville Row, in the high-res galleries below.
[Source: BMW]BMW delivers pair of JDM specials - Mini Savile Row and X6 Performance Unlimited originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jul 2010 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsVintage Mini gets 3,500-horsepower engine swap for GoodwoodFiled under: Aftermarket, Mini, Misc. Auto Shows, UK, Diesel 
Mini diesel by Cummins - Click above to enlarge
Cummins: the largest independent diesel engine manufacturer. The QSK78: the largest engine they make. Mini: one of the smallest cars on the road. Oh dear, this could get messy.
The unfathomably large QSK78 was recently unveiled with 78 liters of displacement, eighteen cylinders (that's 4.3 liters per cylinder!), a dozen turbochargers, 3,500 horsepower and over 10,000 lb-ft of torque. It's used to power those enormous dump trucks seen schlepping heavy loads (try 360 metric tons on for size) around quarries and mines. And now it's been installed in a vintage Austin Mini.
The Frankenstein-ain't-got-nothin'-on-me monstrosity was, according to Cummins, commissioned by a customer, but we can hardly image it being actually drivable, let alone certified for street use anywhere this side of the Persian Gulf. It'll be unveiled this week at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, where it's sure to be the most powerful - not to mention the strangest - vehicle on display. Press release after the jump.
[Source: Cummins]Continue reading Vintage Mini gets 3,500-horsepower engine swap for Goodwood Vintage Mini gets 3,500-horsepower engine swap for Goodwood originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsMini shows off updated 2011 Cooper lineupFiled under: Convertible, Coupe, Hatchback, Mini, Diesel 
2011 Mini family - Click above for high-res image gallery
The current (second generation) of the modern Mini has been with us for a couple of years now, so that must mean it's time for a refresh. BMW, which owns the reborn British brand, has updated the front fascia on all three Mini models for the coming model year to visually differentiate them and improve their pedestrian protection performance.
Of special note are the new integrated ducts on the fascias of the Cooper S and John Cooper Works models, offering a slightly meaner look to the Mini's cute and cuddly face. The black reflector headlamps that debuted on the 50th anniversary Camden model are now available as an option across the board and all of the Mini variants now have LED lighting at the rear.
Inside, the Minis are now available with a high-resolution screen within in the oversized central speedometer that can display video from an iPod or whatever other device that has been plugged in via the USB port.
On the engine front, updated gas engines were announced several months ago (base engine up to 122 horsepower, the turbo will now crest 180) but the diesel engines have been redone as well. Two versions of the 1.6-liter oil-burner will be available, with 90 or 112 horsepower and 159 and 199 pound-feet of torque respectively. Both diesels are more efficient than before with a rating of 61.9 miles per gallon (U.S.) and CO2 emissions of just 99 grams per kilometer. For the first time in 2011, there is also a Mini Cooper D convertible available... but not in the States.
There's plenty more for the truly Mini-obsessive among us, check out all the sordid details after the break.
[Source: Mini]Continue reading Mini shows off updated 2011 Cooper lineup Mini shows off updated 2011 Cooper lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsMini Countryman Aero Kit leaks outFiled under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Hatchback, Mini, Design/Style
Mini Countryman Aero Kit - Click above for image gallery
As is traditionally the case for BMW's revived Mini range, the new Countryman crossover will be offered with an optional Aero Kit that makes the 'ute look much more aggressive and might even do a wee bit for aerodynamic performance. Since the Countryman is such a large departure from the previous Cooper and Clubman, though, nobody was really sure what the new CUV's Aero Kit might look like.
That little issue has now been resolved, courtesy of the followers-of-all-things-Mini at MotoringFile. Interestingly, the Countryman's front fascia, which is one area previous Aero Kits have focused, sees very little change. A larger front air dam is in place, as are new side mirrors and rear apron.
We do note that the large flat black fender flares and seemingly one-size-too-small wheels look out of place on a Mini, though such concessions may be necessary considering the car's expected (though largely unnecessary) soft-roading capabilities. See for yourself in our image gallery below.
[Source: MotoringFile]Mini Countryman Aero Kit leaks out originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jun 2010 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsVideo: The race is over, but the Mini vs. Porsche hype continuesFiled under: Coupe, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Mini, Porsche 
Mini vs. Porsche at the starting line - Click above to watch the video after the break
The race is over, the hype can now officially simmer down... right? Not so much, apparently. Mini has uploaded yet another video from its Porsche challenge event, complete with a guest appearance from Joe Rogan.
Since we've brought you all the updates up to this point, why not conclude with this bookend video. Here you'll see each driver give a pre-race interview, followed by the course designer, who gives a kinda-sorta-ridiculous explanation as to why the track was set up in a certain way (hint: it wasn't to favor Porsche).
There are the obligatory cheerleaders rooting for Mini and a suitably buxom flag girl... and finally a full video of the race. Oh, and a congratulatory note from Mini to Porsche, along with an ending that leaves the event open for a sequel. You saw that one coming, didn't you? Full video after the break.
[Source: YouTube]Continue reading Video: The race is over, but the Mini vs. Porsche hype continues Video: The race is over, but the Mini vs. Porsche hype continues originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jun 2010 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsReview: 2010 Mini Cooper 50 Camden Edition speaks to us - literallyFiled under: Budget, Hatchback, BMW, Mini, Reviews 
2010 Mini Cooper 50 Camden Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery
It's hard to believe, but the Mini brand just turned 50. Nevermind the huge gap in new model production until BMW bought the pint-sized automaker in the early 2000s, but the name Mini as we know it has been around for half a century. It's over the hill, though still looking good for its age.
To celebrate, Mini created two special edition packages for the Cooper hatchback - the Mayfair and Camden - named after two of London's trendiest boroughs. And while the extra kit doesn't provide a performance boost or driving enhancements, they do add some extra cheekiness to the already-cute Cooper.
We recently spent some time with the Camden package fitted to a base Cooper hatchback. The most notably addition is the talking Mission Control system, and while we always enjoy spending time with special editions of our favorite cars, our test run in this Cooper did more than provide us with a few gee-whiz features to show our friends. You see, we hadn't driven a base, non-turbocharged Cooper in a very long time, and while we certainly love the S and John Cooper Works models, there's a lot to be said about the bottom-rung of the Cooper range. Follow the jump to find out what.
Photos by Steven J. Ewing / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading Review: 2010 Mini Cooper 50 Camden Edition speaks to us - literally Review: 2010 Mini Cooper 50 Camden Edition speaks to us - literally originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jun 2010 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsMini teams up with fashion icons to give life to three one-offs for annual AIDS fundraiserFiled under: Auctions, Crossover, Hatchback, Mini, Luxury 
Mini Life Ball 2010 special by Calvin Klein - Click above for high-res image gallery
Over the past 10 years of supporting the Life Ball, Mini has teamed up with a variety of fashion designers to create unique one-offs to support the largest annual HIV/AIDS fundraiser event. Past collaborations have included the likes of Diesel, Versace and Agent Provocateur, to name just a few. To date the special Minis have raised half a million Euros for the cause. But for the tenth rendition, the Anglo-German automaker has brought in no fewer than three big-name designers to create a trio of specials.
Calvin Klein creative director Francisco Costa has taken on the new Countryman in stealthy black-on-black; Diane von Furstenberg, a red Mini hatchback with a lip motif; and Kenneth Cole a Mini convertible with industrial-style studs. Each will be auctioned off at the event in Vienna on July 17 to kick off the 18th International AIDS Conference, details of which you can find in the press release after the jump.
[Source: Mini]Continue reading Mini teams up with fashion icons to give life to three one-offs for annual AIDS fundraiser Mini teams up with fashion icons to give life to three one-offs for annual AIDS fundraiser originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jun 2010 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsShocker! Porsche 911 beats Mini Cooper in "race" at "Road Atlanta"Filed under: Etc., Mini, Porsche 
In the over-hyped and ridiculous contrived "race" between the Mini Cooper and the Porsche 911, a victor has been crowned, and as you'd expect, the blokes from BMW had their bumpers handed to them.
Despite creating a "track" at the infield of Road Atlanta designed to maximize the Mini's potential and neuter the high-speed prowess of the Porsche, the Cooper still lost the battle by a full two seconds. Naturally, Mini likes to point out that the difference was $38,000 a second, but to anyone paying attention, the additional $76k is money well spent... particularly on a real track. Maybe Mini should've reconsidered Hyundai's offer...
Hit the jump for the race and two introductory videos, including a thoroughly comical explanation about why Mini opted for an autocross track and not the full course at Road Atlanta.
[Source: Facebook]Continue reading Shocker! Porsche 911 beats Mini Cooper in "race" at "Road Atlanta" Shocker! Porsche 911 beats Mini Cooper in "race" at "Road Atlanta" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 22:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsMini reveals track for Porsche challenge, not really Road AtlantaFiled under: Motorsports, Coupe, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Mini, Porsche 
Last we checked, Road Atlanta was a famed professional 2.54-mile racetrack, not an oversized autocross layout on a training skidpad. Somebody may need to remind Mini USA, as the maker of famously small cars has just announced the "track" (their word, not ours) for its overly-publicized "Rumble on the Racetrack" (their title, not ours) challenge pitting the Mini Cooper S against the race-bred Porsche 911 Carrera S.
While Mini promises "No tricks. No gimmicks. No jokes" in its latest Facebook post, the map of the so-called challenge track autocross is nothing more than a few hundred cones dropped on the "School Course & Training Area" located in the infield of Road Atlanta by turns 6 and 7 (this is hardly the same asphalt that hosts cars like the Corvette C6.R, Porsche RS Spyder, Ferrari 430GT and Audi R10 TDI at the Petit Le Mans).
With the big shindig scheduled for Monday (with or without an official Porsche showing), this event has gone from entertaining to mildly disappointing. We don't need to explain to any of our readers that a Mini Cooper S is as comfortable on a loop-de-doo autocross course as Porsche is, well... on the winner's podium at Road Atlanta.
Mini has yet to answer the challenge from Hyundai (the Koreans were kind enough to offer to take Porsche's vacant spot on the grid), but they had better get on it. With a track autocross this tight, they should be expecting a call from Smart first thing Monday morning.
[Source: Facebook]
Mini reveals track for Porsche challenge, not really Road Atlanta originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Jun 2010 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsVideo: Hyundai steps in for Porsche, offers to take on Mini at Road AtlantaFiled under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Etc., Videos, Hyundai, Mini, Porsche 
Turnabout Is Fair Play: Hyundai takes up Mini challenge - click above to watch the video after the jump
Mini can safely be considered the 800-pound gorilla of viral marketing in the automotive sector, but fresh from its big showing this year with its Assurance program and successful Super Bowl appearances, Hyundai is showing real pluck. Need more proof? The boys from Korea have just stepped up to stand in for Porsche, offering to take on Mini at its Road Atlanta Challenge.
In a smack-talk-tastic video response they've released to Mini USA head Jim McDowell, Hyundai says they're eager to bring their Genesis Coupe to Hotlanta raceway next month. What about Mini's planned June 21 event? Seems Hyundai race driver Rhys Millen is a bit busy getting ready to climb a certain mountain, so Hyundai is challenging Mini to a race in July.
As Hyundai spokesman Dan Bedore tells Autoblog, "Since we launched the Genesis Coupe, we've always said that we'll take on all-comers when it comes to comparison tests. And we've had some experience on the race track at Road Atlanta. We'd be happy to meet Mini on the race track."
To step in and offer to take a punch for someone you don't really even consider a buddy (read: Porsche) is either bold or downright crazy - or more than likely, some glorious combination of the two - but either way, it takes serious cojones. Will Mini step up to the challenge? Better still, might there be a three-way battle royale? Check out the video after the jump and stay tuned, everyone... this just got interesting.
Photos by Michael Harley / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Hyundai]Continue reading Video: Hyundai steps in for Porsche, offers to take on Mini at Road Atlanta Video: Hyundai steps in for Porsche, offers to take on Mini at Road Atlanta originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jun 2010 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsUpdate: Mini inviting 400 to watch Porsche Challenge - but who will drive the 911?Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Mini, Porsche, Racing  After Mini's many attempts to coax Porsche into a race, including videos, posting an online petition and even flying a banner plane over the automaker's North American headquarters, the lights have all gone dark in Atlanta, and it looks like Mini is out of luck.
But the show must go on! Even if Porsche has officially decided to decline.
Not only is Mini offering space at Road Atlanta for up to 400 people to come watch, but they're even providing a race-ready 911 Carrera S. As for who's driving, that's still up in the air. Mini posted this advertisement (right) on its Facebook page, hoping to find one brave soul who will put the mighty 911 through its paces against the Cooper S.
What's more, Mini is even offering up track time to any of the 400 guests who show up on June 21. It certainly sounds like a fun day will be had, regardless of the race's final outcome, and we're now wishing that we lived just a little bit closer to Atlanta. Remember, you can keep up to date on all of the Mini vs. Porsche happenings on Facebook.
[Sources: MotoringFile, Facebook]Update: Mini inviting 400 to watch Porsche Challenge - but who will drive the 911? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jun 2010 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsVideo: Mini continues to milk Porsche challenge with amusing Rocky-style training filmFiled under: Motorsports, Budget, Performance, Etc., Videos, Hatchback, Mini, Porsche, Humor, Luxury 
Mini seems to still be struggling to talk Porsche into participating in a throw down at Road Atlanta. After a couple of clever videos and hiring a plane to buzz the Porsche North America headquarters, the pint-size brand just can't seem to talk its German Goliath into stepping into the ring. Maybe that's because Porsche thinks Mini hasn't put in the hours - the dedication it needs to be a serious contender. What Mini really needs is a solid training montage, complete with bad '80s music, sparkle filters and surly trainer.
Well, look no further. A fresh-from-the-oven video has cropped up over on Funny or Die featuring the Cooper S as it punishes itself in the pursuit of all-out motorsports glory. Don't worry, Mini head honcho Jim McDowell doesn't spend any time on screen this time. Hop the jump to enjoy the hilarity for yourself.
[Source: Funny or Die]Continue reading Video: Mini continues to milk Porsche challenge with amusing Rocky-style training film Video: Mini continues to milk Porsche challenge with amusing Rocky-style training film originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsVideo: Mini responds to Porsche, still ready to raceFiled under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Mini, Porsche, Racing 
Mini boss Jim McDowell responds to Porsche - Click above to watch the video after the jump
We'll be honest - we were rather excited to see how a race between a Mini Cooper S and Porsche 911 Carrera S would go down. After Mini initially challenged Porsche to a trackday showdown at Road Atlanta on June 21, Porsche declined, saying that it will "stick to racing the way we have over the decades," and welcomed Mini to attend any sanctioned race where "there is more at stake than t-shirts and valet parking spaces."
Mini has had a very impressive response to this challenge, and isn't giving up. Mini USA boss Jim McDowell has issued yet another message to Porsche Cars North America CEO Detlev Von Platen saying that they're willing to raise the stakes, offering prizes such as Justin Bieber concert tickets (including backstage passes!), a lifetime membership to the Salami Of The Month club or even a (slightly used) home gym, among other things. Excellent.
We love Mini's enthusiasm over this whole event, and as we understand, Mini is even flying a banner plane over Porsche's Atlanta, Georgia headquarters with the message "Dear Porsche, Bring it. Love, Mini." Seriously. You can keep up with the whole back-and-forth on Mini USA's Facebook page. In any case, with only one week until the supposed race day, we hope Porsche will saddle up for this duel, even though Mini hasn't specified what the Road Atlanta challenge(s) will be (it could be an egg-carrying race for all we know) and Stuttgart really doesn't appear to have much to gain by picking on the little kid. Top tip, Brett!
[Source: Mini Facebook]Continue reading Video: Mini responds to Porsche, still ready to race Video: Mini responds to Porsche, still ready to race originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsMinor updates to Mini Cooper leakedFiled under: Convertible, Budget, Performance, Hatchback, Mini, Design/Style 
2011 Mini Cooper - Click above for image gallery
If loose lips truly sank ships, the interwebs would be at the bottom of the Pacific. A few shots of the 2011 Mini Cooper and Cooper S have hit the web courtesy of the keen-eyed crew at MotoringFile. As you might expect, Mini isn't exactly walking away from the iconic shape that has dominated the brand since it hit the scene a few short years ago. Instead, it looks like we'll be seeing (very) slightly reworked front fascias with something of a smiley face treatment and a host of LED lighting.
From what we can tell from these few leaked brochure photos, it looks like we can expect a few new colors to hit the Cooper pallete as well. The base Cooper will be available dipped in Spice Orange and the Cooper S will boast a powder blue hue in addition to the spectrum already available for the car. So far, we're not quite sure what to expect in terms of power or drivetrain additions, but our guess is things will continue to stay pretty much the same for 2011. Thanks for the tip, Gabe!
[Source: MotoringFile]Minor updates to Mini Cooper leaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Jun 2010 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsReport: Saab talking to BMW about using Mini platform for new 9-2Filed under: Europe, Crossover, Hatchback, BMW, Mini, Saab, Rumormill, Diesel 
When Saab first showed the 9-X Biohybrid concept at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, it was expected to evolve into a production model based on General Motors' compact Delta architecture which forms the foundation of the Opel Astra and Chevrolet Cruze. Now that Saab is owned by Spyker Cars, CEO Victor Muller is reportedly looking for a new platform partner in Munich.
According to Swedish daily Dagens Industri, Saab is negotiating with BMW about getting access to the Mini architecture for a new 9-2 model to slot in underneath the 9-3. Before the teardrop-shaped runabout can become a reality, Saab needs to successfully launch both the 9-5 sedan and the 9-4x crossover.
There is no word yet on whether Muller is said to be in exclusive talks with BMW, or if Muller and Co. are in discussions with other automakers about supplying platforms and parts for the planned supermini. For its part, news agency Reuters quotes a unnamed BMW spokesman as saying "We are in talks with several interested parties who have interest in our technology... there are no contracts with Saab at the moment."
The 9-4x, which shares its platform with the Cadillac SRX, is expected to finally launch early next year. But for the model to be successful in Europe, it will need to have a diesel engine option, and Dagens Industri is also reporting that BMW could also provide engines options, although that could be more problematic. The 9-4x has a transverse mounted powertrain, but all of BMW's engines are longitudinally arrayed, which would require significant re-engineering. A tip of the hat to William!
[Source: Reuters]Report: Saab talking to BMW about using Mini platform for new 9-2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Jun 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsFollowup: Porsche turns down Mini challenge at Road Atlanta [w/video]Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Mini, Porsche 
Porsche says thanks, but no - Click above to watch video after the jump
Porsche has officially put the sad trombone treatment on a challenge Mini issued to the Stuttgart-based sportscar manufacturer. As you may recall, Mini USA head honcho (and former Porsche employee) Jim McDowell called out Porsche exec Detlev Von Platen in a hilarious video made just for Facebook. While the rules of the throwdown were a little vague, we did know that the Mini crew would be rocking a Cooper S while Porsche would bring along its own 911 Carrera S at some sort of battle royale to be held at Road Atlanta.
Since McDowell threw down the gauntlet, we have heard that the competition was going to be held in the track's paddock, not out on the actual tarmac, so who knows what Mini had up its sleeves. Either way, it doesn't matter much now. Von Platen has responded in an open letter to McDowel saying:
While your challenge seems like a fun and lighthearted campaign, we'll stick to racing the way we have over the decades. We welcome you at Sebring, Le Mans, Daytona or any other sanctioned race where there is more at stake than T-shirts and valet parking spaces.
Sick. Burn.
Porsche has also pointed Mini to a particular advertisement as a reminder of the company's intent. Click past the jump to see both the video and read the full letter for yourself.
With Porsche turning the invitation down, we have to wonder, will Mini still put on some sort of event, perhaps inviting privateers with Porsches of their own in a move not unlike General Motors' Cadillac CTS-V Challenge? Over to you, Mr. McDowell.
[Source: Porsche]Continue reading Followup: Porsche turns down Mini challenge at Road Atlanta [w/video] Followup: Porsche turns down Mini challenge at Road Atlanta [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Jun 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments |
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