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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 BMW1 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.
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.
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.
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!
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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.
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.
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.
As much as I detest the winter months here in Detroit, the truth is, I'm kind of bummed that we've only seen about a half-inch of snow so far this season. In fact, I was happy that our most recent snowfall actually started to stick to the parking lot across the street from my loft, simply so I could capture this photo of our long-term Mini Countryman with some powder on the ground. Two hours after I took this picture, it had all melted. Sigh.
So why, if I hate winter so much, do I wish there was snow outside my door? I'm extremely eager to see how our Countryman - now riding on winter tires - will fare in the slushy, wintry sludge. A proper set of snow shoes, relatively short wheelbase, decent ground clearance and all-wheel drive are a perfect combination for winter prowess, and darnit, I want to go play.
Still, in the three weeks that the Countryman has been under my watch here in Detroit, I've learned a lot about the big Mini since my first stint behind the wheel way back in August 2010.
We were pretty surprised to find out just a few days ago that Mini's new rally team had, for some reason, failed to sign up for next year's World Rally Championship. "Inexplicable" is what we called it at the time, but the latest reports coming out of the UK where the team is based could serve to cast some light on the situation.
Not only has the outfit - run by the rally gurus at Prodrive (who have, in the past, run Subaru's rally team, as well as Aston Martin and Ferrari works efforts at Le Mans) - missed the filing deadline, but they'll also reportedly let their best driver go. The reason? Funding, apparently. Although the team supposedly benefits from factory backing, a lack of sponsorship has reportedly left the team strapped for cash.
As a result, Northern Irish driver Kris Meeke - who was called up to the WRC team after claiming the 2009 title in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge - and his co-pilot have reportedly been released from their three-year contract after only one year. Meeke's seat will reportedly be auctioned off to the highest bidder - that is, whoever comes with sponsorship dollars, pounds or euros already lined up. Former Citroën WRC driver Dani Sordo, however, will reportedly carry on with the team, assuming it can secure its entry for the upcoming season.
How a factory-backed team like Mini's could find itself without enough funding has us scratching our heads, but our compatriots over at Autocar point to parent-company BMW's costly new entry into DTM next season as a potential answer.
Imagine, for a moment, that you're on your way to a car dealership. For the sake of argument, let's say it's a Mini Cooper Coupe you've got your eye on. You arrive at the dealer, hand over your license and get in for a test drive. What's the absolute best thing that could happen?
According to one man, these six words define the test drive that dreams are made of: Stewardess. Salt flats. Paratroopers. Sushi. Falconer.
No, those aren't the six words we'd have come up with either, but, after watching the post-jump video, it's hard to argue with the results. Ask yourself: Have you ever had a better test drive than this? Yeah, neither have we. Check it out after the break, and feel free to read all about the promotion that prompted the video in the press release.
Mini - or Prodrive, the outfit that preps Mini's rally cars - has inexplicably failed to file for entry into the 2012 World Rally Championship before the series' December 20 deadline. Mini's first year back at the top level of rallying as a development team yielded two podiums, and the company hasn't stepped back from its stated desire to win the whole championship in 2013. Word is that parent BMW is gung-ho to continue but that there are "significant issues which need to be resolved" between it and Prodrive.
In an update to the situation today, UK site PistonHeads said has spoken to Prodrive and has been told Mini will somehow gain entry and be at the first race in Monte Carlo. Prodrive is in discussions now with the FIA to clear the way to entry, but apparently told PistonHeads that had "some concern" over WRC promotion with respect to television coverage. We have no idea if that has anything to do with the supposed issues with BMW, but we do know we'd like to see the little red flyer in action again this year.
Need A Bit More Pounce In Your CUV? Mini Has A JCW For That
As part of the ongoing master plan at Mini to attract distinction-seeking buyers who still have some disposable income left, we present the Mini Countryman Cooper S All4 John Cooper Works: the Mini CUV with the mighty long name.
This latest Mini JCW will get its world premiere at this March's Geneva Motor Show, but we've just enjoyed a pre-holiday drive in the remote mountain lair of Kühtai, 6,600 feet up in the Austrian Alps. As you'd expect, there was snow and rocks and animal skin sweat lodges and hot wine, but the Countryman All4 JCW got us out of there and back to our families in the flatlands. Our drive consisted of a two-lane road loop with plenty of overtaking chances and a decently long off-road parcours etched into a local abandoned ski hill.
Thus far, Mini's strongest JCW model has been gifted with a 208-horsepower version of the BMW/PSA turbocharged 1.6-liter direct injection in-line four-cylinder, dubbed "N18" as it's assembled at Mini's Hams Hall UK factory. Head of chassis development for BMW Group, Heinz Kruche, tells Autoblog that the Countryman will get "around 15 more horses and the same for torque" to help deal with the Countryman's additional weight. Thus, this 3,200-something pound "Mini" should pack somewhere around 223 horses at 6,000 rpm and 207 pound-feet of torque between 1,850 and 5,600 rpm when it arrives Stateside this June. Good. But is it good enough?
