Autoblog

Detroit Preview: MINI Beachcomber concept

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:25:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Crossover, Mini, Off-Road

MINI Beachcomber concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

We still have few more months to wait before the production version of the new MINI Crossover arrives, but the folks in Oxford will be dropping a new concept in Detroit next month to tide us over. Think of the MINI Beachcomber as the melding of one of Alec Issigonis' progeny with a Jeep Wrangler. The Beachcomber is based on the brand's new CUV, but gets an open-top/open-sides look reminiscent of the American off-road icon.

Unlike the mid-sixties Mini Moke, this one retains the main structure of the upcoming crossover, but is unlikely to ever see production. The new all-wheel drive system in the concept and the turbocharged four cylinder are both expected to appear in the production Crossover, although the 4,000-word press release somehow manages to avoid giving any actual technical details. Like a Wrangler, the Beachcomber can accommodate either solid roof inserts or a soft top. Hopefully we'll get more details in Detroit, but before then check out the release after the jump.

Gallery: MINI Beachcomber concept

[Source: MINI]

Continue reading Detroit Preview: MINI Beachcomber concept

Detroit Preview: MINI Beachcomber concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: BMW, Mini to let Mercedes-Benz inspect, prep its vehicles at port

Michael Harley — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Earnings/Financials

The Mercedes-Benz Baltimore vehicle process center has secured a five-year contract to inspect, process, and repair pre-delivery BMW and Mini vehicles arriving in the United States. It's a deal that makes economic sense for both companies, say that automakers. BMW models currently arrive in Charleston, South Carolina, and are shipped to nearby Spartanburg (home of BMWs assembly plant) for inspection and pre-delivery work. That plant is "no longer appropriate" once the X3 starts production next year, says Jim O'Donnell, president of BMW North America. O'Donnell says BMW has been looking for an outside contractor, and it was the company's own purchasing department who proposed the deal.

Ernst Lieb, CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, called the deal "a win-win situation." The company has both the manpower and space to service the additional BMW vehicles, and this arrangement may create additional opportunities for the two companies down the road. The Baltimore vehicle process center, on track to process 70,000 vehicles this year, currently handles Mercedes-Benz and Smart vehicles. The arrangement with BMW will not begin until March 1, 2010.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req. | Image: Max Nash/Getty]

REPORT: BMW, Mini to let Mercedes-Benz inspect, prep its vehicles at port originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Mini to debut off-road Moke concept in Detroit

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Crossover, Mini, Off-Road

According to the know-it-alls (in a good way, naturally) at MotoringFile, America's second-smallest brand plans to debut a new R60 Countryman-based soft-roader called the Mini Moke at the Detroit Auto Show next month. What's more, if public reaction is favorable enough, the Moke could be in production by 2012.

Like the original model from Morris, we're told to expect an open top with a stripped-out interior, sort of like a less-rugged Jeep Wrangler. All-wheel drive will be included, and we'd expect the chassis to be jacked up a bit to enable a modicum of off-road ability. We're not entirely sure how a vehicle based on the Countryman could recall the ethos of the original, but we look forward to finding out.

[Source: MotoringFile.com | Image: FaceMePls - C.C. License 2.0]

REPORT: Mini to debut off-road Moke concept in Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2009: Mini owns its inner Bulldog

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:39:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Mini, Humor, Specialty

Leashed Mini Cooper S Clubman - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mini may be many things, but stuffy they're not. When your business consists of selling tiny hatchbacks with sports car handling at a near luxury price, you really can't take yourself too seriously all the time. Mini ad campaigns have capitalized on that cheeky spirit to great effect. While at the LA Auto Show this week, we were treated to a preview of some of the newest commercials that will be getting airtime soon. Rest assured, the attitude is still there in abundance.

A good example of that spirited personality is the car you see here. Playing on the old Mini's Bulldog alter ego, the automaker has chosen to put this new Cooper S Clubman on a leash...with a spiked collar. Seriously. And they even went step further with some funny warnings painted into the danger hash marks on the floor around it. We can't think of many other car companies that could pull this off, but on a Mini, that collar actually looks amusingly good. We've got more high-res pics in the gallery that can be unleashed by clicking below.

Gallery: LA 2009: Leashed MINI Cooper S Clubman

LA 2009: Mini owns its inner Bulldog originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2009: MINI Coupe & Roadster Concepts are so LA

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:44:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Mini, Luxury

MINI Coupe and Roadster Concepts - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mini brought its birthday presents to itself out to the LA Auto Show for their North American debut today. The Cambden and Mayfair were there, but we spent a lot more time ogling the Coupe and Roadster. As you may recall, Mini created these two sports cars to celebrate its 50th anniversary and showed them off alongside the two special edition Coopers at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The changes are slightly less obvious on the open-top roadster, but you can definitely see that there's no back seat and the windshield is laid back a claimed 16 degrees over the standard Cooper. The backwards baseball cap on the coupe is a bit odd looking in pics and the real world view doesn't do much to change that impression.

None of the display vehicles sported any detail changes but it was still fun to see all of them packed into a booth the size of Toyota's Venza section. Ian Robertson of BMW did share a few more details about the future of MINI, with the "R60" 4-door-4-liter-4wd about to get a real name and even more models in the works. For now we have the Coopers and Clubmen and the coupe and roadster to keep us happy. Check out the gallery below.

Gallery: LA 2009: MINI concepts and special editions

Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: MINI]

LA 2009: MINI Coupe & Roadster Concepts are so LA originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mini working on diesel "S" versions of Cooper, Clubman?

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:42:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Mini, Diesel

Mini Cooper and Clubman S Diesel - Click above for high-res image gallery

Spy shooters posted outside Mini's testing facility in Germany snagged a duo of prototypes heading out for testing, but something seemed amiss. Both models -- a standard Cooper and a mildly camo'd Clubman -- sported the tell-tale exterior elements found on the S versions, specifically a central-mounted dual exhaust on the Cooper and the twin-tips and hood scoop on the Clubman. However, the exhaust note was decidedly diesel, causing us to wonder: Is Mini working on hotted-up S versions of its oil-burners?

If they are -- and we're not convinced either way -- then a Cooper S and Clubman S diesel would need to benefit from more than a few design tweaks and an uprated suspension. Considering that the standard Mini D puts out around 90 horsepower and the Cooper D boasts another 20 bhp, then these S-ified models could be packing upwards of 140 to 150 hp and, more importantly, over 200 lb.-ft. of torque from their 1.6-liter turbodiesels. If they do make it to dealers, we'd expect them to debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March, with sales beginning in Europe late next year.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Mini Cooper and Clubman S Diesel

Spy Shots: Mini working on diesel "S" versions of Cooper, Clubman? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Mini delaying U.S. launch of Countryman crossover

Chris Shunk — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Mini, Rumormill

Mini Countryman concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

A couple weeks back, we told you that the unveiling of the production Mini Countryman may be delayed from the Detroit Auto Show in January to the Geneva Motor Show in March. The reasoning behind the move was reportedly due to the fact that Countryman production couldn't begin at Magna International's Austrian assembly plant until assembly of the BMW X3 was moved from the Magna plant to Bimmer's facility in South Carolina.

Now, the well-connected Mini fanatics over at MotoringFile are reporting that Mini's first-ever crossover could be delayed by up to a year here in the States, with first deliveries pushed to early 2011. The reported reasoning for the delay is that such an important launch could see minimal success in a down economic climate, While we could definitely see how the woeful (yet perhaps slowly improving) auto industry might hinder the initial success of the Countryman launch, we're thinking Mini's expanding U.S. dealer base would be more than thrilled to have some additional help on the showroom floor - especially as Mini sees the Countryman as the larger, more spacious alternative for customers who have outgrown their Mini Cooper.

We're thinking the Mini Countryman sounds pretty interesting to us, with the expected availability of an "All4" all-wheel drive system, two JCW versions and multiple efficient engine choices. Add seating for four full-sized human beings and some additional cargo space and Mini could be looking at a winner - provided that bigger and taller doesn't kill the nimble handling that makes Mini so much fun.

Gallery: MINI Crossover Concept

[Source: MotoringFile]

Rumormill: Mini delaying U.S. launch of Countryman crossover originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: More celebrating as Mini marks 50th Anniversary with Wash Me

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Mini

Mini 50th anniversary project Wash Me -- Click above for high-res photo gallery

You didn't really think it was going to stop with Krink, did you? Oh no. Mini and art have combined again on a limited-edition book and art project called "Wash Me." Starting with the idea of the "Wash me!" imperative scrawled into dirty cars the world over, ten artists that have never used a car as a canvas have "transformed [a Mini] into a transient work of art."

What does that mean? It means they painted a bunch of Minis lots of different colors and wrote (ironic?) things on them. And there were gorillas involved. Two, in fact. Or maybe it was one gorilla and Sasquatch. You can see for yourself in the video and press release after the jump, and the high-res gallery of images below. Take that, art world.

Gallery: Mini Wash Me Anniversary Project

[Source: Mini]

Continue reading VIDEO: More celebrating as Mini marks 50th Anniversary with Wash Me

VIDEO: More celebrating as Mini marks 50th Anniversary with Wash Me originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Prodrive reportedly working on phantom Mini crossover rally car

Noah Joseph — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:21:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Crossover, Mini, Specialty

Mini Crossover Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Rumors have been circulating for months that Mini is preparing an upcoming assault on the World Rally Championship. But since they surfaced, little else has been said. The apparent reason for that delay, as emerging reports indicate, is due to the postponement of the car on which it is to be based.

Following the departure of BMW from Formula One, the German auto group hardly has any involvement in any major form of motorsport, foreshadowing its arrival on the rally scene. While previous reports didn't delve into the question of whether Mini would mount the campaign itself or solicit outside help, the latest word is that legendary motorsport contractors Prodrive - who've been without a manufacturer partner since Subaru withdrew from rallying - is already working on a rally-spec Mini. But rather than use one of the existing models as its basis, they're reportedly waiting for the arrival of the new Countryman crossover.

That model, however, has been delayed, with pre-production debut pushed back from the Detroit Auto Show in January possibly until Geneva in March. Given the setback, Prodrive is reportedly working on the parts it can without laying hands on the vehicle on which they'll be installed. Sources now suggest that the WRC-sped Mini Countryman will make its debut next fall at the Paris Motor Show in September.

Gallery: MINI Crossover Concept

[Source: Autosport via MotoringFile]

Prodrive reportedly working on phantom Mini crossover rally car originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mini lets artist "Krink" all over its car

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Mini

The Krink-ed Mini - Click above for high-res image gallery

New York artist KR begat the artistic style - and ultimately brand and trend - of Krink. Mini, combining its urban credentials with an aesthetic born from Queens graffiti, gave KR a Mini to Krink and put it on display in Hamburg last weekend. In case you didn't know, it is the specific theme of finely dripping paint, especially silver, that is Krink, and it has appeared on Nike and Prada and in the New York Times, among other places.

At this point Mini is getting so post-postmodern cool that pretty soon the brand is going to be able to bottle its own irony and sell it. Follow the jump to read the translated press release, or check out the MiniSpace site, and have a look at the high-res images below.

Gallery: Mini Krink

[Source: Mini]

Continue reading Mini lets artist "Krink" all over its car

Mini lets artist "Krink" all over its car originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Mini's future models roadmapped

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Crossover, Hatchback, Mini, Rumormill, Diesel

MINI Coupe Concept and Roadster Concept - Click above for a high-res image gallery

If you'll please forgive us our one tired cliché of the day... BMW has big plans in store for its smallest brand. In this case, quite literally as the next model that comes from Mini will reportedly be the long-expected Countryman crossover, which we can expect to hit the market in the first quarter of 2010. All-wheel drive will make an appearance on the soft-road 'ute, and we hear that a diesel engine is under consideration for the U.S. market.

On the concept car front, BimmerFile reports that Mini is working up a Moke revival that will be shown at an undetermined auto show sometime next year that's described as a small Jeep Wrangler and known internally as the SpaceBox. We're also told to expect a more mainstream concept built off the four-door R60 Countryman platform that would theoretically go up against such respected players as the Volkswagen GTI hatchback. The last concept that is rumored to be in development would share its inspiration with the BMW Vision Concept and feature technology from the automaker's eco-friendly Project i initiative.

Finally, the crystal ball tells us that the well-liked Coupe Concept and Roadster Concept seen earlier this year at the Frankfurt Motor Show have been green-lighted for a hopeful 2012 debut. One year later, the stalwart Cooper hatchback is scheduled for its second major redesign since the Mini brand was first launched back in 2001, very possibly getting a new range of powerplants that will include three-cylinders for the very first time.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Mini Coupe and Roadster Concepts

[Source: BimmerFile]

REPORT: Mini's future models roadmapped originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Mini 'Countryman' crossover skipping Detroit for Geneva?

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, BMW, Mini

Mini Countryman concept -- Click above for high-res image gallery

Everyone is getting ready for the Mini Countryman -- including, perhaps, the WRC -- but everyone is going to have to wait, according to a report by those Mini-mad folks at Motoring File. The holdup is the upcoming BMW X3, which is BMW's foremost concern right now as the little crossover is practically as important to BMW as a Euro print plate is to the European Central Bank.

The Mini will be produced at Magna's plant in Austria, but first BMW has to complete the shift in X3 production from that plant to its facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Until that's done, Countryman production can't begin. That has observers figuring that the production Mini crossover won't meet the public until next year's Geneva show, instead of Detroit.

The other Countryman-related news is that, like SH-AWD and Quattro and Symmetrical AWD, Mini plans on a specific brand for its flavor of all-wheel drive. The name is said to be "All4." Yes, our minds are already agog at the ways in which Mini will be spinning that little moniker...

Gallery: MINI Crossover Concept LIVE

[Source: Motoring File]

REPORT: Mini 'Countryman' crossover skipping Detroit for Geneva? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: How can you tell if someone drives a Mini?

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Mini

Mini Driver vs Non Mini Driver -- Click above to watch video

We really tried to think of what this commercial meant beyond the fact that Mini drivers can get in more parking spaces. Otherwise, it appears that Mini drivers prefer to take the steps, walk on chairs, and send their Jack Russell Terriers on snarky missions. Have a look at the video for yourself after the jump, and let us know what you think.

[Source: Mini]

Continue reading VIDEO: How can you tell if someone drives a Mini?

VIDEO: How can you tell if someone drives a Mini? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Oct 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mini uses spare art for new 2010 calendar

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:39:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Mini

Minimalism Calendar -- Click above for high-res image gallery

Mini made a calendar. Or rather, Mini assembled a calendar with artworks chosen from among thousands submitted from around the globe. The calendar's theme is Minimalism, and the only rule for submissions was to include a silhouette of the car in the piece. For car calendar fans, there are no topless women - nor topless Minis, for that matter - slathered in oil...

The calendar presents the 12 works chosen by a team of judges that included Mini design head Gert Hildebrand. The works tend toward the funky and, of course, the modern, but if you're a Mini owner they'll probably make you happy just looking at them. You can check out three of the pieces in the high-res gallery below. For the rest of you who don't want a Mini but just want the art, you can find out more about the calendar at the Minimalism site and buy it for €21 ($31 U.S.) at the Mini shop.

Gallery: Mini Minimalism Calendar

[Source: Mini]

Mini uses spare art for new 2010 calendar originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Paddy Hopkirk and Rauno Aaltonen revisit the Mini Cooper experience with JCW Cabrio

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Convertible, Videos, Mini

Rauno Aaltonen and Paddy Hopkirk take a Mini JCW Cabrio up a Monte Carlo Rally route - Click above to watch video

Alec Issigonis' Mini began production in 1959. By 1960, there were half a dozen works teams entering the car in the Rally Monte Carlo. By 1964, Mini had won with the pilotage of Irishman Paddy Hopkirk, and in 1967, the automaker won again with Rauno Aaltonen at the wheel.

Those two gents got behind the wheel of a modern Mini JCW Cabrio (top down in the snow!) and tackled the Col de Torrini again, in the process sharing a few thoughts on the cars and the racing. We can't say we'd want to be in the back seat, but it's terrific to watch and to remember where Mini and the checkered flag really got to know one another. Follow the jump to see the vid.

[Source: Mini]

Continue reading VIDEO: Paddy Hopkirk and Rauno Aaltonen revisit the Mini Cooper experience with JCW Cabrio

VIDEO: Paddy Hopkirk and Rauno Aaltonen revisit the Mini Cooper experience with JCW Cabrio originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: BMW developing new 0 Series on Mini platform

Noah Joseph — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:32:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, BMW, Mini, Rumormill

Mini Clubman JCW in the Autoblog Garage - Click above for high-res image gallery

The BMW 3 Series, once the smallest car in the company's catalog, has grown tremendously over the past few generations. So to meet demand for smaller vehicles, the Bavarian automaker has been continuously cranking out smaller models to slot in below it. Reports now indicate that BMW is preparing a new 0 Series to bridge the gap between the 1 Series and the Mini.

According to the reports, BMW will base the new 0 Series on the next Mini's platform, which tells us two things: first, that it will break with company convention and go front-wheel-drive, and second, that they're planning on developing the next Mini in-house, instead of co-developing it with another automaker. Meanwhile the 0 Series is expected to arrive in three- and five-door hatchback body styles, and potentially (as is usually the case with BMW rumors) breed a compact roadster as well. The point of the 0 Series is to help the company bring down its environmental impact overall, while flipping the same coin to offer premium buyers a smaller, more efficient package.

Gallery: Review: 2009 MINI Clubman John Cooper Works

[Source: CAR Magazine via MotoringFile]

REPORT: BMW developing new 0 Series on Mini platform originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mini getting into the Halloween spirit for Motor-Tober

Dan Roth — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, BMW, Mini

Mini Motor-Tober ad - Click above for high-res image gallery

They call it Motor-Tober, and it's as made up as the R56 Mini's claims to the lineage of the original car. What's not fake are the deals you'll find on 2009 inventory. Before the snow flies, there's still time to enjoy the Mini's famed cheeky personality on foliage tours, and U.S. dealers would love to move out some stock to help fill the coffers going into the typically difficult holiday season.

Just as the car itself isn't the normal automotive fare, Motor-Tober isn't the run of the mill SUNDAY! SUNDAY! SUNDAY! sell-down. Dealers will be hosting test drive events so customers can try out the different flavors on offer, from convertible to Clubman. Takeaways like pumpkin carving stencils and temporary tattoos will be given out as reminders of the jack-o-lantern-faced vehicle.

To promote it all, there's a typically-Mini-clever marketing campaign. Tag lines such as "Save a pumpkin. Carve the road." Another spread shows one of the cars in the traditional sheet-based ghost costume. While the Openometer might not spin its needle much through the winter, if you head to your MINI store soon, there's still some days left before Thanksgiving to enjoy dry roads. High-res gallery below, press release posted after the jump.

Gallery: MINI Motor-Tober

[Source: Mini]

Continue reading Mini getting into the Halloween spirit for Motor-Tober

Mini getting into the Halloween spirit for Motor-Tober originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Goodwood Revival: Minis, Moss and More

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Mini, UK

2009 Goodwood Revival by Tim Brown - Click above for our high-res image gallery

The Earl of March is our hero. There, we've said it. The guy took some of his substantial inheritance and decided to do something charitable for the public with it. He had the old Goodwood Motor Circuit cleaned up after decades of neglect and resurrected the great racing that had taken place at the circuit back in the Forties, Fifties, and early Sixties. Literally. The entrants have to have been eligible to race when the circuit was open originally, so only cars made from 1948-1966 make the grade.

The Goodwood Revival, as the event is now known, revives the glory days of racing, when gentleman racers could drive their Sports Cars and GTs to the track, run them for all they were worth, then pack 'em up and drive them back home. Goodwood also happened to host Formula 1 races and Tourist Trophy runs back in the day, so the entry list is pretty amazing.

Besides the incredible cars and A-List automotive celebs that show up for the event, the Revival is famous for one other thing: Participants and spectators are encouraged to dress in period clothing. So it's basically the world's biggest costume party held at a racetrack. How cool is that? Follow the jump to hear more about the 2009 running of the Revival, and make sure you check out the incredible gallery of photos by contributor Tim Brown. We bet you'll find a few new wallpapers in the batch.

Gallery: 2009 Goodwood Revival

Continue reading 2009 Goodwood Revival: Minis, Moss and More

2009 Goodwood Revival: Minis, Moss and More originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: Mini Coupe & Roadster Concepts

Noah Joseph — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 05:30:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Convertible, Coupe, Mini

MINI Coupe Concept and Roadster Concept - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Some automakers celebrate their birthdays with special editions. Some celebrate with big parties. Mini has celebrated its 50th anniversary at the Frankfurt Motor Show with not one, but two new performance-oriented models. Now that's more like it.

Okay, so they also unveiled a couple of special editions, called Camden and Mayfair. And they're throwing a little shindig at their show stand later on. But forget those for a minute and feast your eyes on the Coupe Concept and Roadster Concept. We've already brought you details on both, but the jubilant BMW division took the wraps - or rather, the cake - off the pair at a press conference here at the show. And while they were at it, they confirmed that both are headed for production, expanding the Mini line-up to no less than six models: hatch, cabrio, Clubman, the upcoming crossover and the Roadster and Coupe in question.

Whether the hounds-tooth interior on the Roadster makes it to production, however, remains to be seen. It'll take them a little while to gear up the Oxford factory, but given that both are essentially the same as the existing models below the belt-line, it shouldn't take all that long.

Frankfurt 2009: Mini Coupe & Roadster Concepts originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: MINI Roadster Concept will join Coupe onstage in Frankfurt

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 03:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Convertible, Mini

MINI Roadster Concept - Click above for a high-res image gallery

MINI has officially revealed the Roadster Concept alongside the Coupe Concept we saw a couple of weeks ago, and like the rigid top version, the Roadster is a two-seater with a chopped roofline and tilted back windscreen. This is almost certainly the second new model that will be produced at MINI's Oxford UK assembly plant alongside the Coupe.

Also like the Coupe, the Roadster appears pretty much unchanged from the belt-line down compared to existing MINIs. For the Roadster, the roll-bar structure has been shifted forward so it sits directly behind the seats. For anyone who's driven the current Mini Convertible, this should improve the lil' coupe's structural rigidity, making the Roadster a more competent handler in the process.

Another functional advantage of the Roadster is the larger trunk thanks to the missing back seat. The volume grows from 5.7 to 8.8 cubic feet and the opening is now usably large, extending over the rear deck and down to the bumper. A lockable pass-through allows a passenger to reach items in the trunk. The gimmicky Openometer on the current convertible is also replaced by a multi-function display that still offers the open driving time in addition to five new indicators: the Nature Guard (how eco friendly you're driving), Highspeed Shifter (when to shift for maximum power), Gravity Indicator (lateral and g-forces), Heart Beat (engine speed visualized by beating heart) and Buddy Radar (shows where other Mini drivers are). Check out the full press release from Mini after the jump for all the details.

Gallery: MINI Roadster Concept

[Source: MINI]

Continue reading Officially Official: MINI Roadster Concept will join Coupe onstage in Frankfurt

Officially Official: MINI Roadster Concept will join Coupe onstage in Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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