Autoblog Mini http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog Mini http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff RossThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Mini Paceman modified by Roberto Cavalli for annual Life Ball charity]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/mini-paceman-roberto-cavalli-life-ball-charity/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/mini-paceman-roberto-cavalli-life-ball-charity/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/mini-paceman-roberto-cavalli-life-ball-charity/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



This year's award for Life Ball Mini designer goes to Roberto Cavalli. The Life Ball is a charity event held in Vienna, Austria every year that raises money to fight the spread of HIV and AIDS. Since 2001, the year of its reintroduction, Mini has been involved with the ball, auctioning a car that has been made over by a world-famous designer. This year Cavalli gets the nod and a Paceman for a canvas.

The iridescent brown/black paint is the eye-catcher in the sketch above (click to enlarge), but don't forget to note Cavalli's logo on the roof. We're not sure what other flourishes he has in mind for the car, but those in attendance will find out on May 24 when it's unveiled at the Cavalli store opening in Vienna. The press release below has more details.

Continue reading Mini Paceman modified by Roberto Cavalli for annual Life Ball charity

Mini Paceman modified by Roberto Cavalli for annual Life Ball charity originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 May 2013 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> life ballminimini pacemanroberto cavalli Fri, 10 May 2013 08:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20563901/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20563901/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/10/mini-paceman-roberto-cavalli-life-ball-charity/20563901/article-detail.xml 20563901 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mini-roberto-cavalli-life-ball_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mini-roberto-cavalli-life-ball.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Mini John Cooper Works GP]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/2013-mini-john-cooper-works-gp-review-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/2013-mini-john-cooper-works-gp-review-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/2013-mini-john-cooper-works-gp-review-video/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Location, Location, Location

2013 Mini John Cooper Works GP

Back in February, Mini invited me to come try out its brand-new Paceman coupe-crossover-hatchback thing in Puerto Rico, and not long after, I spit out a Quick Spin detailing my impressions of the little-big two-door. But here's what I didn't tell you: Mini also let me loose on those fine, curvaceous, tropical roads in its hottest hatch, the John Cooper Works GP. And while that behind-the-wheel gigglefest would have no doubt made for a story laden with positive notes and warm regards, the truth is, I only drove it for 15 minutes, so I couldn't in good conscience offer much of a story to you. (European Editor Matt Davis also got a short stint behind the wheel of the GP late last year.)

So for the sake of due diligence, I buckled down and spent a full eight days with the JCW GP back home in Detroit, just as springtime was starting to stick here in southeast Michigan. But after my time with the Mini, I was wishing that I could have just been left with my GP memories from Puerto Rico, where I was pushing the little hotbox hard around smooth corners and flexing every one of its muscles to eke out the full JCW GP experience in only a short timeframe.

This was indeed a bittersweet homecoming.

Continue reading 2013 Mini John Cooper Works GP

2013 Mini John Cooper Works GP originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 mini john cooper works gpfeaturedminimini coopermini john cooper works gpreviewreviews Tue, 30 Apr 2013 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20552356/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20552356/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/30/2013-mini-john-cooper-works-gp-review-video/20552356/article-detail.xml 20552356 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2013-mini-jcw-gp-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2013-mini-jcw-gp-review.jpg <![CDATA[Mini JCW Paceman vs. BMW M135i in family faceoff]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/mini-jcw-paceman-vs-bmw-m135i-in-family-faceoff/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/mini-jcw-paceman-vs-bmw-m135i-in-family-faceoff/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/mini-jcw-paceman-vs-bmw-m135i-in-family-faceoff/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Over the last year, we've had the chance to drive two of the most exciting hatchbacks in the BMW family - the BMW M135i and the Mini Paceman John Cooper Works - but Autocar has managed to get the two corporate cousins together for a head-to-head comparison. Just like our initial impressions of the Paceman JCW, Autocar has little to complain about this new 215-horsepower hatchback... until it begins to factor in the faster, better-mannered and similarly priced M135i.

Despite laying down an extra 100 hp and delivering a 0-60 time that is almost two seconds quicker, the M135i carries the same price tag of 29,535 pounds in the UK; US pricing for the Paceman starts at $36,200, while it still isn't even clear if the US will be getting the M135i. Even more surprising is the fact that the Paceman falls short of the M135i in regards to rear seat and cargo volume, and just barely squeaks out a win in the fuel economy department. Scroll down to watch the BMW versus Mini hot hatch battle.

Continue reading Mini JCW Paceman vs. BMW M135i in family faceoff

Mini JCW Paceman vs. BMW M135i in family faceoff originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bmwbmw m135ihot hatchminimini paceman jcwmini paceman john cooper works all4performance carvideo Mon, 15 Apr 2013 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20539115/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20539115/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/15/mini-jcw-paceman-vs-bmw-m135i-in-family-faceoff/20539115/article-detail.xml 20539115 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/mini-vs-bmw-1366029081_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/mini-vs-bmw-1366029081.jpg <![CDATA[Sorting through the rat's nest that is Mini's model history]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/13/sorting-through-the-rats-nest-that-is-minis-model-history/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/13/sorting-through-the-rats-nest-that-is-minis-model-history/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/13/sorting-through-the-rats-nest-that-is-minis-model-history/#comments Filed under: , ,



What do Austin, Morris, British Motor Corporation, British Motor Holdings, British Leyland, Rover Group, and BMW all have in common? Each company has had a hand in bringing the world a sprightly, fuel-efficient, front-wheel-drive fun box on wheels - the Mini.

The Sir Alec Issigonis-designed car has been sold under more brand names and with more model designations than most of us would guess. For seven generations of the classic Mini, from 1959 to 2000, the car carried a bewildering number of model names as well. (Note that's even before BMW took over the nameplate, and starting building cars styled as "MINI" rather than "Mini" in 2001.)

As is its wont, Hemmings Daily has taken the time to break down the complex lineage of the car, with a kind of model etymology that makes for a pretty entertaining read. Click over to the site to give it a go; but check out our gallery of classic Mini pictures before you jump.

Sorting through the rat's nest that is Mini's model history originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Apr 2013 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> alec issigonisclassic Minimini Sat, 13 Apr 2013 15:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20533734/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20533734/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/13/sorting-through-the-rats-nest-that-is-minis-model-history/20533734/article-detail.xml 20533734 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/classic-mini-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/classic-mini-628.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #328]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/09/autoblog-podcast-328/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/09/autoblog-podcast-328/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/09/autoblog-podcast-328/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Autoblog long-term garage update, Fisker, Mini possibly dropping models, Detroit Electric, BMW X4

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Episode #328 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Steven Ewing talk about the Autoblog Long-Term Garage, Fisker's troubles, Mini possibly shrinking its future product line, the reveal of the Detroit Electric SP:01, and the reveal of the BMW X4. For those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. Our Q&A module went AWOL for the podcast, so we threw in some juicy tidbits about Dan buying a car and teased Zach's progress on Project Ugly Horse. Thanks for listening!


Autoblog Podcast #328:



Topics:

In the Autoblog Garage:
2013 Kia Optima SXL
2013 Acura ILX Hybrid
2013 Subaru WRX
2014 Mazda6


Hosts: Dan Roth, Zach Bowman, Steven Ewing

Runtime: 01:29:30

Get the podcast
[UStream] Listen live on Mondays at 10PM Eastern at UStream
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Feedback
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com

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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #328

Autoblog Podcast #328 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Apr 2013 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> acura ilx hybridautoblog podcastautoblog podcast 328bmw x4detroit electricfeaturedfiskerhyundai velosterkia optimalong term garagemazda6nissan pathfinderpodcastpodcast 328subaru wrx Tue, 09 Apr 2013 19:45:00 EST Autoblog Podcast #328Autoblog01:29:30 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20535374/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20535374/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/09/autoblog-podcast-328/20535374/article-detail.xml 20535374 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #328 LIVE!]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/08/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-328-live/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/08/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-328-live/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/08/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-328-live/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Autoblog Podcast graphic

We're set to record Autoblog Podcast #328 tonight, and you can drop us your questions and comments via our Q&A module below. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #328

[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator

Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #328 LIVE! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 16:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> autoblog podcastautoblog podcast 328autoblog podcast topicsbmwbmw x4detroit electricdetroit electric sp01detroit electric sp:01long term garageminipodcast 328podcast topicssp01sp:01x4 Mon, 08 Apr 2013 16:51:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20533164/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20533164/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/08/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-328-live/20533164/article-detail.xml 20533164 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Mini Cooper Clubvan]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/08/2014-mini-cooper-clubvan-first-drive-review/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/08/2014-mini-cooper-clubvan-first-drive-review/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/08/2014-mini-cooper-clubvan-first-drive-review/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

A Premium Van For The Modern-Day Milkman

2014 Mini Cooper Clubvan - front three-quarter dynamic view

We first saw the Mini Clubvan at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2012, then in December again at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Based on a stock Mini Clubman, the Clubvan's dimensions are identical, while all side windows aft of the middle pillar are blocked out from the inside with handy polycarbonate liners (read: fancy plastic) and have body color skin on the outside, while the rear windows are tinted to boot. It looks like a van and works like a van, so it must be a van. A Mini-van, though.

Where is Mini going with this relatively low-cost (to the company) product line extension? The chief market for this nimble little hauler is cities in Great Britain where they were frequently in bygone days identified as milk delivery vans. These days, though, there are - even in the US now - lower cost smaller urban delivery vans from Ford, Ram and Nissan. Therefore, the spin is that the Mini Clubvan is designed to cater to smaller boutique firms in need of making a fashionable impression while delivering the goods to people living in penthouses and such. Think: Florists, caterers, and so on.

Continue reading 2014 Mini Cooper Clubvan

2014 Mini Cooper Clubvan originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 mini clubvanclubvan imagesclubvan reviewfeaturedfirst driveFirstDriveminimini clubmanmini clubvan Mon, 08 Apr 2013 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20533182/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20533182/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/08/2014-mini-cooper-clubvan-first-drive-review/20533182/article-detail.xml 20533182 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2014-mini-cooper-clubvan-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2014-mini-cooper-clubvan-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Mini may have overexpanded, some models may not be replaced]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/mini-may-have-overexpanded-some-models-may-not-be-replaced/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/mini-may-have-overexpanded-some-models-may-not-be-replaced/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/mini-may-have-overexpanded-some-models-may-not-be-replaced/#comments Filed under: , ,

2012 Mini John Cooper Works Coupe - rear three-quarter view

Surprise, surprise. According to Edmunds, Mini may be looking to reduce the number of vehicles in its range, which has recently expanded to include a total of seven offerings (not to mention the copious varieties of configurations found within each line). When Mini relaunched in the early 2000s, it did so with one model, the Cooper Hardtop, and has since added the Convertible, Clubman, Countryman, Coupe, Roadster and Paceman. It looks like those ambitions of expanding the range to include up to 10 models may have been a bit optimistic.

"When we start to replace models, I think you will see that we won't replace every model exactly," Jim McDowell, Vice President of Mini USA, told Edmunds in an interview. The brand's core models right now are the Hardtop and Countryman, and of the roughly 66,200 vehicles that Mini sold in the United States last year, these two vehicles accounted for some 75 percent of total sales.

McDowell declined to mention any specific models that may not be replaced in the lineup's next generation, though our best guess is that ultra-niche vehicles like the Coupe (pictured) or Clubman. As for replacing some of the current models with new products, the only clear gap we can see in the brand's lineup is a smaller car like the Rocketman concept, though we've been told several times that a mini-Mini isn't going to happen. Be sure to let us know what Mini models you'd like to see kept or axed in Comments below.

Mini may have overexpanded, some models may not be replaced originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> jim mcdowellminimini cooper coupemini coupe Fri, 05 Apr 2013 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20532040/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20532040/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/05/mini-may-have-overexpanded-some-models-may-not-be-replaced/20532040/article-detail.xml 20532040 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/02-2012-mini-john-cooper-works-coupe-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/02-2012-mini-john-cooper-works-coupe-review.jpg <![CDATA[Mini sells 500,000th car in US]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/04/mini-sells-500-000th-car-in-us/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/04/mini-sells-500-000th-car-in-us/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/04/mini-sells-500-000th-car-in-us/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

2013 Mini John Cooper Works GP

Mini has officially sold 500,000 vehicles in the United States. The achievement came just a few days after the company commemorated its 11th anniversary in America. When the automaker first opened its doors to US buyers in 2002, it sold just 24,590 units. Last year, the automaker moved 66,123 vehicles thanks in part to an expanded lineup that now includes the Clubman, Countryman, Coupe, Roadster and Paceman in addition to the stalwart Hardtop and Convertible. The company plans to have some 130 dealerships nationwide by the end of 2013; there are currently 116 Mini dealers in the US.

Mini helped reignite an interest in small cars with plenty of personality when it debuted the Cooper 11 years ago. The move helped pave the way for machines like the Fiat 500, Ford Fiesta and Chevrolet Sonic. Check out the quick press release on the 500,000th Mini model below.

Continue reading Mini sells 500,000th car in US

Mini sells 500,000th car in US originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Apr 2013 10:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> minimini salesmini sales record Thu, 04 Apr 2013 10:12:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20528541/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20528541/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/04/mini-sells-500-000th-car-in-us/20528541/article-detail.xml 20528541 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/01-2013-mini-jcw-gp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/01-2013-mini-jcw-gp.jpg <![CDATA[Automotive April Fools' joke roundup [w/videos]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/automotive-april-fools-joke-roundup-w-videos/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/automotive-april-fools-joke-roundup-w-videos/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/automotive-april-fools-joke-roundup-w-videos/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



Happy April, everyone. And we all know what this first day of the month means: April Fools' Day. Today is a national holiday for pranksters with the Internet acting as a serious enabler, and it's always fun to see what kind of vivid imaginations exist out there in the automotive world. The abundance of fake news gets a little old as the day rolls on, but we did manage to get in a few chuckles thanks to a handful of major automakers and automotive news outlets that got into the pranking spirit this year

Some of our favorites this year includes Subaru showing what happens when you combine a bunch of rumors, a Corvette some may have already thought was a joke or Honda providing some in-car innovation circa the late 1980s. Honestly, we're still waiting for official confirmation from Mitsubishi that the recently introduced 2014 Mirage is an elaborate April Fools' joke using a failed design intended for the 1995 Geo Metro. We dug up as much "official" OEM foolishness we could find, as well as some of our other favorites, and posted them all below.

Continue reading Automotive April Fools' joke roundup [w/videos]

Automotive April Fools' joke roundup [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> april foolsApril Fools Daybmwhondaministage 3 motorsportssubaruthink geekvolvo Mon, 01 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20524725/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20524725/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/01/automotive-april-fools-joke-roundup-w-videos/20524725/article-detail.xml 20524725 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/hondahair_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/hondahair.jpg <![CDATA[KBB 2013 Brand Image Awards has some obvious and oddball winners]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/30/kbb-2013-brand-image-awards-has-some-obvious-and-oddball-winners/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/30/kbb-2013-brand-image-awards-has-some-obvious-and-oddball-winners/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/30/kbb-2013-brand-image-awards-has-some-obvious-and-oddball-winners/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , , ,

2013 Honda Civic Sedan - front three-quarter view

The sixth edition of the Kelley Blue Book Brand Image Awards have crowned a wide range of winners - in a couple of cases the recipient of the laurels might say more about KBB users than they do about the actual winner. Compiled from the responses of more than 12,000 shoppers on KBB.com over the past year, there are 13 categories broken into non-luxury, luxury and truck segments "representing the combined wisdom of the American car-buying public."

The award categories have been revamped this year, with some dropping off, some new ones appearing and at least one other given a new term. What isn't surprising is that Honda won Most Trusted Brand for the second year running, Best Value Brand for the third year in a row and took Best Overall Brand, which wasn't on last year's list of awards.

On our own shores, in the non-luxury categories Chrysler got Most Refined Brand and Buick took Best Value Luxury Brand. Neither one of those marques won anything in last year's Brand Image Awards, while Cadillac, which won Best Interior Design Brand and Best Comfort Brand last year - those awards disappeared this year - went home without a single accolade.

Winners that made us go "Hmmm..." are Toyota for Best Overall Truck Brand and Mini for Best Performance Brand in the non-luxury segment. Last year's truck award was for the Most Rugged Truck Brand and was won by Ford; the switch to "overall" takes things in a completely different direction for KBB users, it seems. And Mini dominating non-luxury performance is something we'd like to hold some focus groups to find out more about.

Check out the press release below for all the winners and the details.

Continue reading KBB 2013 Brand Image Awards has some obvious and oddball winners

KBB 2013 Brand Image Awards has some obvious and oddball winners originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 30 Mar 2013 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> awardsbmwbrand image awardsbuickchryslerfordhondakelley blue bookkelley blue book brand image awardsmercedesminiporschetoyota Sat, 30 Mar 2013 08:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20518508/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20518508/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/30/kbb-2013-brand-image-awards-has-some-obvious-and-oddball-winners/20518508/article-detail.xml 20518508 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/kbbimageawards_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/kbbimageawards.jpg <![CDATA[Next-gen Mini interior ditching familiar center speedo]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/next-gen-mini-interior-ditching-familiar-center-speedo/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/next-gen-mini-interior-ditching-familiar-center-speedo/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/next-gen-mini-interior-ditching-familiar-center-speedo/#comments Filed under: , ,

IMAGE REMOVED AT REQUEST OF OWNER

A Reddit user has posted images of the 2015 F56 Mini Cooper, one each of the exterior and interior. As has been the case since the launch of the new Mini in 2001, the overall exterior shape underneath camouflage screams Mini, but insiders are still calling the coming F56 model "the most aggressively different new Mini yet." Inside, though, the two-door that defined premium hatchbacks has, according to its most devoted buyers, gone mainstream.

The giant ring atop the center console is there, but there's no longer a speedometer inside of it. Instead, in an integration that brings to mind words like "shoehorned," Mini designers have placed radio and telephone controls inside the bezel. According to the Mini experts at MotoringFile, the picture above is the base trim and one of four possible treatments - in the upper trims a larger screen for navigation takes up most of the space. The bezel itself is marked with mood lighting that supposedly "swirls around" when you start the car with the red toggle switch.

The speedo rests atop the steering column with a tachometer placed to its left. The BMW wheel pictured is just for the prototype - you can expect a familiar three-spoke Mini wheel when the car is revealed, and latest rumor is that the event will take place at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show.

Next-gen Mini interior ditching familiar center speedo originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Mar 2013 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 frankfurt motor show2015 mini cooperf56 minifrankfurtfrankfurt motor showminimini cooper Fri, 29 Mar 2013 18:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20522880/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20522880/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/29/next-gen-mini-interior-ditching-familiar-center-speedo/20522880/article-detail.xml 20522880 <![CDATA[Mini Clubvan ready for boutique chic delivery duty from $25,985]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/23/mini-clubvan-ready-for-boutique-chic-delivery-duty-from-25-985/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/23/mini-clubvan-ready-for-boutique-chic-delivery-duty-from-25-985/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/23/mini-clubvan-ready-for-boutique-chic-delivery-duty-from-25-985/#comments Filed under: , , ,



The light commercial vehicle market has exploded in recent years. With a too-large full-size van no longer the only option for small businesses looking for an enclosed cargo carrier, options like the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Ford Transit Connect and now this, the Mini Clubvan, are now available to suit every size need.

Unveiled at last year's Geneva Motor Show, the Clubvan will soon be on sale here in the US and we finally have details about what that transaction will cost you. Motoring File reports that the Clubvan's price will be $25,985, which includes the so-called "chicken tax" and a $700 destination and handling charge.

Other questions that were answered include whether or not the Clubvan can be ordered as a Cooper S or even John Cooper Works model, and the answer is no (why do need to deliver cakes that fast anyway?). Also, Mini has confirmed you can't take the shortcut of creating your own Clubvan by purchasing a standard Clubman and removing the rear seats. The factory Clubvan features steel side panels instead of vinyl coverings over the rear windows, as well as a fully flat load floor and a safety cage protecting front seat occupants.

The Clubvan's price slots in just above the $25,100 Clubman Cooper S model (a standard Clubman starts at $21,400). It has a payload capacity of 1,102 pounds and will consume about 30.37 cubic-feet of stuff in its cargo area, which features six attachment loops and is fitted with 12-volt sockets. The Clubvan, of course, also features the Clubman's unique arrangement of five doors that includes a mini front-hinged door behind the front passenger's door, and two side-hinged vertical doors in the rear.

Mini Clubvan ready for boutique chic delivery duty from $25,985 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 23 Mar 2013 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> clubvan pricingminimini clubvan Sat, 23 Mar 2013 10:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20514933/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20514933/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/23/mini-clubvan-ready-for-boutique-chic-delivery-duty-from-25-985/20514933/article-detail.xml 20514933 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/07miniclubvan-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/07miniclubvan-opt.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Mini John Cooper Works Paceman All4]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/14/2014-mini-john-cooper-works-paceman-all4-first-drive-review/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/14/2014-mini-john-cooper-works-paceman-all4-first-drive-review/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/14/2014-mini-john-cooper-works-paceman-all4-first-drive-review/#comments Filed under: , , ,

The One Mini Should Have Taken Rallying

2014 Mini John Cooper Works Paceman All4

It needs to be said: Mini using the Countryman as their World Rally Championship racer's bodystyle of choice has done them no favors on the marketing front. And that's what it's all about in motorsports these days: marketing and image. We have just driven the 2014 Mini John Cooper Works Paceman All4 through Frankfurt's surrounding rural areas, and even in thick snow where few souls dared to tread, it has singularly rekindled some faith in the John Cooper Works sub-brand - a glorious name whose credibility has been threatened by portly and somewhat pointless products like the JCW Countryman.

The JCW Paceman is a little quicker than its Countryman relative, a little lighter, hunkered down lower, and better looking. We can't say we're crazy anymore about the stock Chili Red details and black exterior they keep showing us at these launches, but that's just paint. Then there's that projected pricing of $36k-plus that puts us on the verge of yelling "¡No mas!" But the All4 system on our 215-horsepower Paceman worked extremely well when paired with a set of exceptional Pirelli Sottozero Winter 210 Serie II tires (sized 205/55 R17 91H all around). The combination of all-wheel drive and good rubber encouraged us to gradually up the average speed and enthusiasm the further we drove along.

And the JCW hunkers four-tenths of an inch lower on its standard sport-tuned dampers and springs. This is just the start of why the hip point and yaw point - and all those other points - render the Paceman JCW's driving so satisfying. Whereas the electro-assisted steering on some of the lower-slung Minis has suffered slightly since the very first incarnations of those models, the Paceman seems to work with it. We were forcing oversteer coming into several of the day's curves, and the steering and sheer physics of the chassis readily obliged. Just get your inner ear in sync with the 3,252-pounder's lateral momentum and you're golden. The odd center handbrake is calibrated not to really snap the car around at will, but we learned to muscle it and deal with the onboard chorus of chimes warning us that we were using the handbrake as a handbrake.

Continue reading 2014 Mini John Cooper Works Paceman All4

2014 Mini John Cooper Works Paceman All4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Mar 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 mini paceman john cooper works all4first driveFirstDrivejcwminipacemanpaceman jcwpaceman john cooper works Thu, 14 Mar 2013 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20501100/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20501100/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/14/2014-mini-john-cooper-works-paceman-all4-first-drive-review/20501100/article-detail.xml 20501100 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-mini-jcw-paceman-all4-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-mini-jcw-paceman-all4-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Mini Clubman Bond Street is as special as they come]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/06/mini-clubman-bond-street-geneva-2013/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/06/mini-clubman-bond-street-geneva-2013/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/06/mini-clubman-bond-street-geneva-2013/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Mini Clubman Bond Street

Mini is committed to applying the brand's trademark special-edition formula to the company's long roof. The Clubman Bond Street bowed under the lights of the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, complete with its unique black-and-champagne color scheme. Like the Mayfair and Camden and Bayswater and Baker Street special editions that came before it, the Bond Street pays homage to a famous London street with mirror caps and a roof dipped in contrasting paint. The Cool Champagne color pops against the body's Midnight Black Metallic, and buyers can expect to find a set of 17-inch alloy wheels on hand as well.

Inside, the Clubman Bond Street gets Carbon Black leather seating with Deep Champagne accents. Each Bond Street comes equipped with the Chrome Line package. Under the hood, a 122-horsepower gasoline four-cylinder serves up thrust, though a 143-horsepower turbo-diesel mill can also be had for a little extra coin. Check out the full press release below for more information.

Continue reading Mini Clubman Bond Street is as special as they come

Mini Clubman Bond Street is as special as they come originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Mar 2013 03:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bond streetclubmangenevageneva 2013geneva motor showminimini clubmanmini clubman bond streetspecial edition Wed, 06 Mar 2013 03:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20488390/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20488390/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/06/mini-clubman-bond-street-geneva-2013/20488390/article-detail.xml 20488390 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2013minicooperclubmanbondstreet03-1362485664_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2013minicooperclubmanbondstreet03-1362485664.jpg <![CDATA[Mini celebrates racing success with John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4 Dakar Winner 2013]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/mini-celebrates-racing-success-with-john-cooper-works-countryman/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/mini-celebrates-racing-success-with-john-cooper-works-countryman/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/mini-celebrates-racing-success-with-john-cooper-works-countryman/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



French drivers Stéphane Peterhansel and Jean-Paul Cottret drove a Mini Countryman to a class win at this year's Dakar Rally, and to commemorate their win, Mini has introduced a limited-volume car that will only be sold in France. The Mini John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4 Dakar Winner 2013 might be a mouthful to say, but it's a fitting tribute to Peterhansel's eleventh Dakar win as this Countryman is painted to look like the rally car and only 11 will be sold in the Peterhansel's home country.

Sporting a similar green-over-matte-black paint scheme as the Dakar Countryman, the JCW Countryman ALL4 Dakar Winner 2013 also adds green accents to the full-length top and side stripes, the side marker lights and also contrasting stitching inside the cabin. Adding to the car's rally look, this special edition will also include the racers' number card on the front doors, Dakar decals on the front and rear and Peterhansel's signature on the hood. Grille-mounted rally lights, bright red brake calipers and unique 19-inch wheels with dark-painted inserts finish off the exterior design.

Continue reading Mini celebrates racing success with John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4 Dakar Winner 2013

Mini celebrates racing success with John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4 Dakar Winner 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Mar 2013 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> countrymandakardakar 2013dakar rallyJean-Paul Cottretjohn cooper worksminimini john cooper works countryman all4 dakar winner 2013Stéphane Peterhansel Tue, 05 Mar 2013 14:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20487384/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20487384/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/05/mini-celebrates-racing-success-with-john-cooper-works-countryman/20487384/article-detail.xml 20487384 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/mini-jcw-countryman-dakar_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/mini-jcw-countryman-dakar.jpg <![CDATA[Mini finally lands its full blackflip]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/19/mini-finally-lands-its-full-blackflip/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/19/mini-finally-lands-its-full-blackflip/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/19/mini-finally-lands-its-full-blackflip/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



French stuntman Guerlain Chicherit hit the ski slopes of Tignes, France over the weekend - not to enjoy the fresh snow but to perform the first-ever unassisted backlip in a car, which was teased last month.

The unassisted part of the stunt comes from the fact that he Chicherit, in a special rally-prepped Mini Countryman, uses a regular, solid ramp rather than any specially modified ramps that have been used in the past to pull off this stunt. Unfortunately, after 18 months of practice, you'd think the video would be more entertaining by showing more closeups or better angles of the stunt.

Either way, you can check out Chicherit and his Countryman nail the back flip in the video posted below, and Mini has provided a press release and some high-res shots for the stunt as well.

Continue reading Mini finally lands its full blackflip

Mini finally lands its full blackflip originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Feb 2013 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> backflipcar backflipcar stuntscountrymanguerlain chicheritministunt videovideovideos Tue, 19 Feb 2013 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20466174/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20466174/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/19/mini-finally-lands-its-full-blackflip/20466174/article-detail.xml 20466174 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/mini-countryman-backflip_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/mini-countryman-backflip.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Mini Cooper S Paceman All4]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/14/2013-mini-cooper-s-paceman-all4-quick-spin-review/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/14/2013-mini-cooper-s-paceman-all4-quick-spin-review/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/14/2013-mini-cooper-s-paceman-all4-quick-spin-review/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2013 Mini Cooper S Paceman

In just over a decade, Mini has expanded its modern range from the singular Hardtop model (launched in 2002) to a full range of little runabouts. The latest of these is the Paceman, and while European Editor Matt Davis gave us the full scoop on this model late last year, we recently spent time with the all-wheel-drive model just outside of Ponce, Puerto Rico.

It's weird, this Paceman. It slots in between the Hardtop and the Countryman (on which its based) in terms of size and functionality, and Mini says that it will appeal to a more style-conscious shopper. Key competitors range anywhere from the Nissan Juke on the low end to the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque on the high end.

After spending lots of time with the Countryman, we're convinced that maxi can still be Mini. And the same is true with this Paceman, too.

Driving Notes
  • The Paceman rides on the same platform as the Countryman, and from the A pillar forward, it's identical. That includes all versions of the 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, which range from the 121-horsepower Cooper spec up to the 208-hp John Cooper Works that was introduced in Detroit last month. Our Cooper S model with 181 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque falls right in the middle, and just like in the Countryman, it's a good pairing.
  • What we don't love is the six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. In the hills of Puerto Rico, the trans often struggled to keep us in the right gear, and the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters don't provide much in the way of engagement. Opting for the six-speed manual transmission will solve all of these problems, but we wish a proper dual-clutch setup were offered here for people who don't want to row their own.
  • Unsurprisingly, the Paceman drives exactly like the Countryman. That is, the steering is, for the most part, direct, though putting the car in Sport mode adds a false sense of involvement to the rack. Basically, it just feels heavier, not more engaging. But we're happy to report that the usual go-kart driving aspects have not been lost on this portly hatchback. The Paceman performed exactly how we expected. (That's a good thing.)
  • She's a heavy girl, though - 3,260 pounds here in Cooper S All4 spec. That weight is indeed noticed when you're hustling it through turns, though the excellent suspension setup and good steering feedback do a lot to convince you that the car's a lot smaller than it is.
  • We like the implementation of All4 in the Mini, and we could really feel it working as we wound the car around the twists and turns of Puerto Rico. Give the car a boost of throttle in a turn and you can actually feel the rear wheels working to propel the car forward with poise.
  • Inside, the front cabin hasn't changed from the larger Countryman, though new for the 2013 model year are the addition of window toggle switches on the doors. We're happy to have them in the correct place, though we'll admit to occasionally reaching toward the center stack to roll the windows up and down. Creatures of habit, we are.
  • The rear seats are perfectly spacious, though the more rakish roofline of the Paceman does cut into passenger headroom a bit. What's more, the bench seat option from the Countryman has not carried over to the Paceman, meaning you get two chairs and a center rail back there.
  • Pricing for the All4 starts at $29,200, excluding $700 for destination. But like all Minis, things escalate quickly, and you can very easily wind up with a nearly $45,000 example.
  • We'll be interested to see who actually buys the Paceman when it goes on sale next month. It seems like a weird niche to fill, but as we reported earlier this week, if there's a gap in the market, no matter how small, Mini will fill it. But as long as the products don't ruin everything we like about the brand, we don't suppose that's a bad thing.

2013 Mini Cooper S Paceman All4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Feb 2013 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 mini cooper s paceman all42013 mini pacemancooper s pacemanminipacemanquick spinquickspin Thu, 14 Feb 2013 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20455486/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20455486/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/14/2013-mini-cooper-s-paceman-all4-quick-spin-review/20455486/article-detail.xml 20455486 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/001-2013-mini-cooper-s-paceman-all4-quick-spin628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/001-2013-mini-cooper-s-paceman-all4-quick-spin628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Mini lineup could expand to include up to 10 models, still no hope for Rocketman]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/12/mini-lineup-could-expand-to-include-up-to-10-models-still-no-ho/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/12/mini-lineup-could-expand-to-include-up-to-10-models-still-no-ho/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/12/mini-lineup-could-expand-to-include-up-to-10-models-still-no-ho/#comments Filed under: ,

2011 Mini Rocketman concept - front three-quarter studio view

During an event in Ponce, Puerto Rico last week where Mini introduced members of the media to the 2013 Paceman and John Cooper Works GP, product planners discussed that the brand's lineup could expand to eventually include up to 10 bodystyles. Currently, the Mini range consists of seven models: the Hardtop, Clubman, Convertible, Countryman, Coupe, Roadster and Paceman.

Speaking to members of the media, David Duncan, Mini USA sales manager, said that these new models could fall into a range of niches - "any segment that makes sense for a small car." No specific vehicle classes were discussed, but Duncan stated that the possibilities are endless, "as long as we're the smallest player in any segment."

Well, nearly endless. We've been hoping that Mini would re-think its decision to nix plans to create a vehicle smaller than the Hardtop - a notion previewed by the excellent Rocketman concept (shown above) from the 2011 Geneva Motor Show - but the automaker once again stated that this is absolutely off the table. In order to create a vehicle of the Rocketman's size, a completely new platform would have to be engineered (that's expensive), and while Mini has looked into acquiring existing architecture from another brand, parent company BMW has reportedly put the kibosh on such an act. If a Rocketman is ever to be born, BMW/Mini will do it on its own, and right now, that simply isn't in the cards.

Patrick McKenna, head of Mini USA's product strategy, also told us that while he's "not going to confirm it," diesel power is indeed being investigated for use in the next-generation Mini range in the States. Yes, we've heard this before, but every time it's said, it sounds more sincere.

So, where does Mini go from here? Your guess is as good as ours. The product team tells Autoblog that one of the main reasons for people to turn away from the range-topping Countryman is that it's too small, so you could realistically argue for a larger version of this vehicle, despite the fact that we've been told before that the Countryman would be the largest Mini is willing to go. You could certainly make the argument for something relatively low-cost like a convertible version of the Paceman, or even a clever little pickup based on the all-wheel-drive Countryman platform. Give us your best ideas, in Comments.

Mini lineup could expand to include up to 10 models, still no hope for Rocketman originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Feb 2013 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> clubmancoopercountrymandavid duncanhardtopminipatrick mckenna Tue, 12 Feb 2013 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20457313/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20457313/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/12/mini-lineup-could-expand-to-include-up-to-10-models-still-no-ho/20457313/article-detail.xml 20457313 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/01-mini-rocketman-concept630opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/01-mini-rocketman-concept630opt.jpg <![CDATA[Mini apologizes with chocolate rose after spamming customer's inbox]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/31/mini-apologizes-with-chocolate-rose-after-spamming-customers-in/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/31/mini-apologizes-with-chocolate-rose-after-spamming-customers-in/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/31/mini-apologizes-with-chocolate-rose-after-spamming-customers-in/#comments Filed under: , ,

Mini Spam

If you're a manufacturer, there are only so many ways you can say "sorry" after your automated e-mail system goes berzerk and spams everyone on your mailing list with hundreds of the same message. Mini recently found itself in that very spot, and rather than respond with a sheepish mea culpa, the company's PR team took a different tack by sending owners a very unique gift box. How unique? Inside, one owner found a set of chocolate roses, a roll of duct tape and a genuine can of Spam.

In an accompanying note, the company said it hoped the sweets would help patch things up between the company and the victims of the e-mail barrage, but in the event that wasn't enough to do the trick, the duct tape was there to help out. And the can of Spam? That tagged along just for stress release. Apparently the canned meat is squeezable. We wouldn't know. You can check out full photos of the gift box here.

Mini apologizes with chocolate rose after spamming customer's inbox originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Jan 2013 18:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chocolate roseemailminispam Thu, 31 Jan 2013 18:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20444521/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20444521/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/31/mini-apologizes-with-chocolate-rose-after-spamming-customers-in/20444521/article-detail.xml 20444521 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/mini-spam-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/mini-spam-628.jpg -1 2