Autoblog

Rumored Mini coupe to be dubbed Broadspeed?

Chris Paukert — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Mini, Rumormill

Those folks concerned with All Things Mini over at Motoringfile have some more salacious gossip regarding the rumored coupe and speedster variants. A conceptual version of the fixed-head sportster is expected at the Frankfurt Motor Show this autumn, and according to the website, the model will carry the moniker 'Broadspeed Coupe.' (Quick history lesson: A team by the name of Broadspeed raced Mini Coopers back in the 1960's, and they even went so far as to produce a racier coupe version of the of the Mark 1 1275 S (shown above).

Regardless of what they end up being called, the Mini coupe and speedster are expected to be based on the current model - reportedly making them the last such iterations to be based on the R57 platform. An earlier report pegged the coupe model as being available exclusively in hardcore John Cooper Works spec, but now Motoringfile suggests that due to economic and regulatory pressures, both cars will likely be offered as complete families, with standard Cooper, Cooper S, and JCW flavors.

[Source: Motoringfile | Image: Racemini.nl]

Rumored Mini coupe to be dubbed Broadspeed? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2009 Mini Cooper S Convertible adds open-air fun for a price

John Neff — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Convertible, Mini, Reviews

2009 Mini Cooper S Convertible - Click above for high-res image gallery

Back in 2001, BMW revived the Mini brand by unveiling a new Cooper model that updated the classic English design of the original while growing the car's trademark size just enough to fit the engineering, safety equipment and conveniences that modern drivers demand. It was a perfect play, and if Mini sales haven't exactly set the world on fire here in the U.S., that's only because the brand has been alone in teaching American car shoppers what Europeans already know: Premium small cars are worth every penny. In other words, Americans generally associate the value of a vehicle with its size - the more you pay, the larger a vehicle you should get. The Mini Cooper exists in stark contrast to this notion.

Fast forward to 2009 and we're already a couple of years into the second generation of the modern Mini Cooper, also known as the R56. The redesigned hatchback was joined last year by the long-wheelbase Clubman and the R56 lineup is now complete with the arrival of the convertible model. Our tester, a 2009 Mini Cooper S Convertible, will challenge the notion that value equals size. Why? Aside from opting for the high-performance John Cooper Works trim, the convertible is the most expensive model in the Mini lineup, and the S model makes it even more so. The total tally for our tester, including $650 in destination charges, is $32,700. Read on to find out if the Mini Cooper S Convertible is packed with enough value to prevent its sticker shock from sending you into cardiac arrest.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Mini Cooper S Convertible

Continue reading Review: 2009 Mini Cooper S Convertible adds open-air fun for a price

Review: 2009 Mini Cooper S Convertible adds open-air fun for a price originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2009 MINI Cooper S Convertible

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Mini, First Drive

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 MINI Cooper S Convertible

As far as we can tell, the 2009 MINI Cooper S Convertible draws cold air wherever it goes. First came the drop-top's ironic unveiling in Detroit, where we had the misfortune of experiencing one of the coldest, snowiest shows in recent memory. Just over a month later, we found ourselves in the cabrio-friendly climes of Southern California, where temperatures in the mid-50s did their best to spoil our open-air fun. But in spite of the chilly atmosphere, we bit the bullet, dropped the top and put the new MINI 'vert to the test to see if the lil' British runabout lives up to its "Always Open" tagline. Make the jump to find out what drop-top Motoring is all about.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 MINI Cooper S Convertible

Continue reading First Drive: 2009 MINI Cooper S Convertible

First Drive: 2009 MINI Cooper S Convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2009: MINI Cooper Convertible chills out

Alex Nunez — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 17:34:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Mini

Click above for a high-res image gallery of the new MINI Cooper Convertible

We'll be straight with you. We missed the MINI press conference. We know, we know... the horror. Anyway, you didn't exactly need to be Kojak to figure out what happened. The 2009 MINI Convertible drove out of a simulated ice block with a couple made up all frozen-like in the front seats. As for the car, well, it's pretty self explanatory. Available in March, it finally ditches the last-gen engines for the NA and turbocharged 1.6L fours available in the hardtop Cooper and Cooper S. Other changes? The trunk's roomier, the interior gets brought up-to-date, and the rollbar becomes a pop-up unit, significantly improving rearward visibility and giving the Cooper a much cleaner top-down profile. Finally, cute-gimmickry overload is fully achieved with the addition of the "Openometer," an add-on gauge that tracks the amount of time spent motoring with the top down. Adorable, right? Chicks are gonna dig it.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: MINI Cooper Convertible Live

Gallery: 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible

Detroit 2009: MINI Cooper Convertible chills out originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Jan 2009 17:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MINI Cooper S recalled for protruding tailpipes, inadvertent tattoos

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Hatchback, BMW, Mini

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2008 MINI Cooper S

Let's set the scene: You've just returned from a jaunt to pick up Grandma and parked your 2007-2008 MINI Cooper S in the driveway. After leading the sweet lady up your steps and into the house, you return to the car to unload the assorted goodies and gifts that she's brought for you and the fam. You pop open the hatch, reach over to grab a foil-wrapped plate of her legendary baklava and start to feel a burning sensation on your shin. It's official. You've been indoctrinated into the Club of Cooper S owners who now sport a circular prison tat on their legs.

According to the NHTSA, the problem affects some 28,450 2007-08 MINI Cooper S models due to the dual tailpipes that protrude too far from the center of the Cooper's rear bumper. The problem has been documented on several MINI-specific forums, and BMW is stepping up to address the issue and offering Cooper customers a new, shorter exhaust, free of charge. The recall begins in January and owners can contact BMW at 800.831.1117 to schedule a replacement of the offending exhaust.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 MINI Cooper S

[Source: InsideLine | Image: Findude]

MINI Cooper S recalled for protruding tailpipes, inadvertent tattoos originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Dec 2008 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 MINI Cooper Convertible photos hit the web

Alex Nunez — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 00:25:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Budget, Mini

Click above for a gallery of the 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible

MotoringFile, ground zero on the web for all things MINI, has the scoop on the long-awaited 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible. Someone slipped MF seven official shots of the Detroit-bound R57 Cooper ragtop along with some additional inside information. Obviously, it's based on the current chassis and powertrains, so you know what you're going to get there. Additionally, the JCW package is supposedly going to be available at launch as well.

One of the most obvious visual changes in the new convertible is the use of pop-up roll hoops instead of the fixed units featured on the old car. This, in addition to looking cleaner, should improve rearward visibility with the top down. Speaking of the top being down, the new car includes a cutesy little gimmick called the 'Always Open" gauge. Located next to the tach housing, it tells the driver the percentage of miles driven with the top open. Look also for new paint and top colors outside, plus a new black chrome interior trim package inside. MotoringFile says we'll see the car in showrooms come Spring 2009. Look for more info on the new MINI convertible as we get closer to the Detroit Auto Show. In the meantime, hit up MotoringFile for their full preview report. Thanks to Gabriel for the heads-up.

Gallery: 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible

[Source: MotoringFile]

2009 MINI Cooper Convertible photos hit the web originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Sep 2008 00:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: MINI JCW has a virus

Dan Roth — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Mini

One of the apparent keys to creating a viral video is mimicking reality by showing young people attempting stunts. The main difference is that in Virals, the injuries aren't real, and the camera work is better. Oh, and the payoff is usually CG that's been fussed over, versus pimply little Johnny trying to figure out chromakey in his bedroom. MINI wants to put across the point that the Cooper S with the John Cooper Works package is more extreme than extreme. The very definition of extreme, perhaps. Extremus maxiumus. Whatever. Corralling a big-power MINI is first rate entertainment, but a lesson in how levers work from a massive crane would tickle the adrenal gland more. The fact that we just expended a bunch of words about the video means that MINI hit its mark, though -- the whole point of Viral ads is to get people talking, so... as Linda Richman would say - "tawlk amongst yuhselves..." Video posted after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2008 Mini Cooper S JCW

[Source: World Car Fans]

Continue reading VIDEO: MINI JCW has a virus

VIDEO: MINI JCW has a virus originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jul 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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John Cooper Works relaunched under same white roof as MINI, new logo unveiled

Noah Joseph — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Hatchback, BMW, Mini

click above to view more JCW-related MINI images

Back in December of 2006, we reported that BMW had officially acquired the John Cooper Works garage with the intent of making it the MINI brand's official performance label, much like the M division is to BMW. Over a year later, Munich has finally relaunched the JCW division, which is headlined by the evolutionary new logo you see here.

The rebranding of JCW is more than an exercise in badge engineering, however. The new effort draws on the decades-long heritage that has been shared between Cooper and MINI, starting with the first MINI that F1 engineer John Cooper tuned and continuing through the resuscitation of the MINI brand by BMW to today's rapidly expanding second-gen range. John's son Mike Cooper continues on as chief executive to oversee JCW's activities under the Bavarian wing, which will include products for both road and track.

In addition to the one-make John Cooper Works CHALLENGE racing series (spec car shown above), JCW will also continue to offer the John Cooper Works Tuning Kit as well as a catalogue of individual components for the top-of-the-line Cooper S versions of the MINI hatch, convertible and Clubman. The bottom line is that with JCW under the same white roof, MINI can now offer even more packages and options than the gazillion choices already in store for buyers, all with full factory backing.

BMW released a bunch of retro-licious MINI Cooper JCW pics, which we've put into the gallery below along with descriptions of what you're looking at. The official BMW/MINI press release can also be found after the jump.

[Source: MINI]

Gallery: MINI John Cooper Works

Continue reading John Cooper Works relaunched under same white roof as MINI, new logo unveiled

John Cooper Works relaunched under same white roof as MINI, new logo unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jan 2008 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Stage II MINI JCW kit

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Mini

The MINI franchise is finally facing some stiff competition in the compact performance segment, particularly abroad where buyers can now get their retrotastic kicks in the 180-hp Fiat Punto Abarth SS or the Clio Renaultsport 197. It's been simply a matter of time before MINI let loose the John Cooper Works team again on the new R56 Cooper S, and the fruits of their underground labors have been caught on the Nurburgring in the form of a Stage II version of the R56 Cooper S JCW package.

Sporting a set of 18-inch rollers pilfered from the JCW GP Limited Edition Cooper S, this test mule also receives a set of upgraded brakes, a JCW-spec sports suspension package and a restyled aero kit. A proper tune of the turbo'd 1.6-liter mill, coupled with a new JCW exhaust, is expected to bring output up from to around 215 horsepower.

Expect the JCW-massaged version of the Cooper S to debut in Geneva next year, with sales beginning later in '08.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy Shots: Stage II MINI JCW kit originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Nov 2007 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 MINI Cooper S

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Hatchback, Mini

Click the image above for more high-res images.

MINI was kind enough to furnish a fully-stocked iPod in our 2007 Cooper S tester, and after a few days of enduring OPPs (other-people's-playlists), we swapped in our own to catch up on podcasts and to sample the Beastie Boys' second installment of instrumental stylings. We know our place in the world, so we're not going to pretend to be music critics, but after flogging the MCS over the course of a week, blaring The Mix-Up through the dual-zone moon roof, we found ourselves comparing both the old and new cars with the old and new albums. The verdict: both are superior in their own way, and only nostalgia tips the previous iteration into favor.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 MINI Cooper S

Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 MINI Cooper S

In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 MINI Cooper S originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Oct 2007 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes considers using next MINI platform for new compacts

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 09:03:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Mini

If Automotive News' sources are to be believed, BMW and Mercedes-Benz might be joining forces to develop a new front-wheel drive architecture that would underpin both automakers' compact offerings. BMW is likely in the process of developing a new platform for its MINI and Mercedes has already announced plans to ditch its A-class ultra-compact. The idea that the two rivals would come together to co-develop a product might seem preposterous, but at the end of the day, it's all about saving as many euros as possible.

If a joint effort does take place, expect Mercedes to use its own powertrains for two compact vehicles, likely new A- and B-classes. And no, Chrysler isn't in the running to help out.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Mercedes considers using next MINI platform for new compacts originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Oct 2007 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saab expansion in the works, new compact planned

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 09:32:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Budget, Hatchback, Saab

Saab is trying desperately to remake itself as a premium player in a market rife with competitors offering sharp styling and competent handling. The Swedish automaker has been in a marketing and design rut, which it intends to rectify by offering a new compact model that takes aim at the MINI and other small-sized competitors like the Volvo C30.

The new compact vehicle will be accompanied by a new small crossover and a redesigned 9-5, both of which will take styling cues from the Aero-X concept that has already infused the new 9-3. A new 9-5 will be based on the Theta and Epsilon 2 platforms, and is likely to debut in 2009. The CUV is expected near the close of the decade, while the 9-7X may meet its maker by the end of 2008.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Saab expansion in the works, new compact planned originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Sep 2007 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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U.S. R56 MINI Cooper S owners finally get the JCW treatment

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Hatchback, Mini

If you're a U.S. citizen hankering for a factory-tuned R56 MINI Cooper S, you're officially in luck. MotoringFile has received the press release on the new JCW tuning package, and according to our friend Gabe, some dealers already have demo vehicles and you might be able to score a ride in one later this week.

The primary difference between the Euro kit we've reported on before and the kit to be sold Stateside is the exhaust manifold. Apparently, U.S.-spec vehicles are already equipped with the new exhaust plumbing, making the addition to the kit irrelevant.

The kit boosts power to 189 hp and up to 207 lb.-ft. of torque between 1,750 and 4,500 RPM, and while MINI admits that the package equipped on the last generation hatch was cost prohibitive, both with respect to parts and labor, this new kit will come in at $2,100 with only two hours of shop time to install.

The gains in power are provided by a new air filter housing, exhaust and a revised ECU tune, which supposedly provides faster throttle response. On the outside, tuned MINIs also get John Cooper Works badging on the front grille, trunk lid and atop the air filter housing.

After the jump you can scour through all the details, including comparisons in performance times between the stock and JCW-equipped R56.

[Source: MotoringFile]

Gallery: MINI Cooper S John Cooper Works Tuning Kit

Continue reading U.S. R56 MINI Cooper S owners finally get the JCW treatment

U.S. R56 MINI Cooper S owners finally get the JCW treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Aug 2007 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IIHS posts results on crashed Cooper, front rating 'good'

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 19:35:00 EST

Filed under: Safety, Hatchback, Mini

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ~~wrapped up yet another round of merciless destruction~~ analyzed crash test data provided by BMW and came away with an overall 'Good' rating for the 2007 MINI Cooper.

The only test conducted so far was the frontal offset crash, which received the 'Good' rating for all but the head/neck portion that was categorized as 'Average.' The reason for the middle-of-the-road rating was due to the IIHS's dummy hitting its head against the steering wheel through the airbag (ouch!), and although the Institute observed the dummy striking the roof rail on rebound, it still classified the MINI's restraint system as 'Good,' since the impact was "negligible."

You can read the IIHS press release in full by clicking the 'Read' link below.

[Source: IIHS]

IIHS posts results on crashed Cooper, front rating 'good' originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Aug 2007 19:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Reader Ride: 2002 MINI Cooper S

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 10:55:00 EST

Filed under: Mini, RR of the Day

Time for total honesty: if we were to pick up a MINI tomorrow, this is the one we'd have. The combination of dark silver and a black roof is understated enough to be overlooked, but menacing in a way that makes us itch for the twisties. It tells anyone in The Know that you've got taste, and the blacked-out rims with a polished lip don't hurt either.

Today's RR comes courtesy of Flickr member tenfifteen, whose chosen chariot proves that he's every bit the car guy, and has impeccable taste in color combos. The blown four on his S gets a slight boost in intake pressure via a 15-percent reduction Helix supercharger pulley, an Alta cold air intake and an ECU tune by MTH. Sending the extra ponies to the ground is a custom-machined M7 flywheel that mates to a SPEC 2.5+ clutch and on down to a Quaife TB LSD.

Tasteful mods mated to a perfect balanced color scheme make this our Reader Ride for the day, and the great shots that tenfifteen provided don't hurt either. Follow the jump for more, including a full list of mods and directions on how to submit your own ride to our Flickr pool.

Continue reading Reader Ride: 2002 MINI Cooper S

Reader Ride: 2002 MINI Cooper S originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Aug 2007 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MINI admits the Clubman's "Clubdoor" might turn off buyers

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 18:06:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Mini

Click the image above for a gallery of high-res pics.

MINI execs have admitted that the design of the suicide-hinged door on the passenger side of the new Clubman may cause consumers both here, and especially abroad, to shy away from the more practical MINI. According to Autocar, the "Clubdoor's" position on the right-hand side could possibly detract from its functionality, as most British buyers will be getting in and out on the road, versus next to the sidewalk.

A MINI spokesman explained that the placement of the door on the right was dictated by the fuel-tank filler neck's place on the driver's side, and as such, it would have been too expensive to re-engineer the fuel door's location. The MINI mouthpiece went on to say that the automaker realizes this could be a bone of contention with buyers, but "we don't commit to making a car that doesn't bring us a profit." Since MINI projects that the Clubman will comprise approximately 25-percent of the automaker's sales in 2009, we hope that they're right.

[Source: Autocar]

Gallery: 2008 MINI Clubman

MINI admits the Clubman's "Clubdoor" might turn off buyers originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Aug 2007 18:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MINI's Euro lineup to burn less fuel, run cleaner

Alex Nunez — Fri, 25 May 2007 15:03:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Green, Hatchback, Mini

Mini Cooper D. Click image for photo gallery.

Come August, the European MINI range will undergo a revamp that results in fuel economy and emissions improvements across the board. The most impressive numbers come from the Cooper D (for diesel), which as you know is unavailable here. We'll use the car's US mpg measurements for the sake of discussion (the press info after the jump uses measurements based on the larger Imperial gallon). The current Cooper D gets 53.4mpg as is, but after the changes it'll jump to a tick over 60 mpg. At the same time, its CO² emissions will drop from 118g/km to 104g/km.

As you'll see after the jump, every car makes, including the Cooper S, whose combined-cycle fuel economy will rise to almost 38 mpg. The regular MINI Cooper will go 43 miles on a single gallon, and the Europe-only MINI One will do slightly better, getting 44 and change. MINI pulls this off by incorporating regenerative braking, a driver-defeatable stop/start system on manual-transmission-equipped cars, and by adding a shift indicator that tells the driver what gear to select to ensure that maximum efficiency is being achieved. We see no reason why these changes couldn't be incorporated on the USDM Cooper and Cooper S, and hope that 's part of the plan. Next step: work on getting that Cooper D over here, okay? We want that.

Full PR with before-and-after numbers is pasted after the jump. You can use TDIClub's conversion calc to translate the Imperial measurements to our own.

[Source: MINI via AutoblogGreen]

Gallery: 2007 Mini Cooper D

Continue reading MINI's Euro lineup to burn less fuel, run cleaner

MINI's Euro lineup to burn less fuel, run cleaner originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 May 2007 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Preview: MINI Cooper S John Cooper Works Tuning Kit

John Neff — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 13:40:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Mini

click above image to view high-resolution versions of the MINI Cooper S JCW Tuning Kit

We reported yesterday that MINI might be developing two John Cooper Works Tuning Kits for the new R56 model. While we don't have confirmation that their will be two kits, news of one kit has been made official. Today, MINI previewed the official John Cooper Works Tuning Kit for its Cooper S model, which would be the "Stage One Kit" if there turns out to be two.

The JCW Tuning Kit bumps power of the Cooper S up to 192bhp and torque to 184 ft-lbs. Torque can be further bumped to 199 ft-lbs. with an "overboost" function. The power increases come mainly from a JCW exhaust, new intake and remapped ECU software. As for pricing, the kit will cost €1689,80. Prices for the U.S. aren't yet available, but we might learn that at the Geneva Motor Show next week. Being a MINI, the Cooper S JCW model can be personalized with thousands of additional options that include wheels, body kits, seats, etc. Stay tuned and check out the pics in our high-resolution gallery.

[Source: MINI, Motoring File]

Gallery: MINI Cooper S John Cooper Works Tuning Kit

Continue reading Geneva Preview: MINI Cooper S John Cooper Works Tuning Kit

Geneva Preview: MINI Cooper S John Cooper Works Tuning Kit originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Mar 2007 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MINI set to release "Stage One" JCW model

John Neff — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Mini

We have only one source for trusted insights into the MINI brand, and that's Motoringfile. The chaps who cover the diminutive brand are reporting that MINI's newly acquired John Cooper Works tuning shop will produce two high-performance JCW vehicles based on the new R56 MINI. The website surmises that at next week's Geneva Motor Show, MINI will introduce the first vehicle, what is unofficially being referred to as the "Stage One Kit". Output is expected to be around 190 and 200bhp thanks to a freer flowing intake and exhaust combined with revised ECU tuning. It's a nice bump over the MINI Cooper S that offers buyers 175 hp from its turbocharged 1.6L four-banger, but still leaves us wanting for more. Supposedly that's where the JCW "Stage Two Kit" comes in, though no information is yet available on what will be the ultimate factory-tuned MINI.

[Source: Motoring File]

MINI set to release "Stage One" JCW model originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Feb 2007 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Top secret MINI 4x4 in the works: The Colorado

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Mini

Early last year, while sitting in the passenger seat of cab on the Las Vegas strip, I caught a brief glimpse of a mutant MINI in the adjacent lane. The 'lil hatch had undergone serious suspension surgery, having been jacked up a few inches and then outfitted with a set of aftermarket wheels, wrapped in knobby rubber. While enduring both the cab ride over and a performance of "O", daydreams of the owner relentlessly flogging the MINI, far away from the neon halo of Sin City, bounced around in my mind.

The idea of an off-roading MINI was a novelty then, but back in November, AutoExpress caught wind of a rumor that BMW was currently developing some manner of all-wheel-drive system to fit within the tight confines of their retro-hatch.

Now, Gabe over at MotoringFile has revealed that such a beast is under development and is being referred to internally as the Colorado.

This next spin-off of the brand will likely be based off an SUV version of the 1-series and may be manufactured at BMW's highly flexible Spartanburg, SC plant or Magna Steyr, since BMW's other production centers are at capacity.

Although the MINI faithful will surely view this as a dilution of the marque, if the Colorado can combine some light off-road capabilities, while still maintaining the MINI's iconic chuckability, we're all for it.

[Source: Motoring File]

Top secret MINI 4x4 in the works: The Colorado originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Jan 2007 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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