Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[2011 Mini Countryman: January 2012]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/2011-mini-countryman-january-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/2011-mini-countryman-january-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/2011-mini-countryman-january-2012/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Literally two days after my last update about our long-term Mini Countryman, I found myself trudging through a snowstorm at 30 miles per hour on Interstate 94 along Michigan's west coast. I guess Mother Nature had heard my cries about not being able to test our Mini in the snow, and decided to reward me with super slippery roads and poor visibility for two and a half hours straight. Lovely.

Mile after mile, the Mini dutifully carried on while I watched large SUVs and a host of mid-size sedans slide off into the ditches on either side of I-94. I've lived in southeast Michigan my entire life, and I know how to drive in the slushy, slick stuff, but there's nothing quite like the combination of all-wheel drive and proper winter tires for times like this - it not only helps with driver confidence, but makes the whole process of safely navigating through a snowstorm much less fatiguing. Mini's All4 all-wheel-drive system made sure power was being sent to exactly which wheels needed it most, and our car's Bridgestone Blizzak WS-70 winter tires provided by the folks at Tire Rack kept the rollers from slipping during acceleration or skidding during braking.

After using the Mini to schlep many an Autoblog staff member to and from various Detroit Auto Show happenings, I handed the Countryman off to executive editor Chris Paukert, who turned it back over praising the All4 system and snow tires' handling on split-mu surfaces - even with the driver's side tires on wet asphalt and the passenger-side wheels trudging through ice and slush, the Mini remained confident and steady despite times when traction coefficients differed at every corner.

The Countryman now resides in Cleveland, Ohio, where it will be under Editor-in-Chief John Neff's care for the next month. We haven't had any snow to speak of since sending the Mini to Ohio, but I'm sure if Neff complains enough, Mother Nature will reward him with a big ol' lake-effect dumping to the Lake Erie coast so he can see just how good our All4/Blizzak combo is.

Keep your eyes locked on the official Autoblog Facebook page for the majority of our updates, as well as the official Autoblog Twitter account (@therealautoblog, look for the #ablongterm hashtag).

2011 Mini Countryman: January 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 mini cooper s countryman2011 mini countrymanablongtermablongterm-countrymancooper s countrymancountrymanfeaturedlong-termminiTue, 07 Feb 2012 19:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20165319/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/07/2011-mini-countryman-january-2012/20165319/article-detail.xml 20165319 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/photo-1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/photo-1.jpg <![CDATA[Next Mini to get rear-hinged Clubman doors?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/next-mini-to-get-rear-hinged-clubman-doors/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/next-mini-to-get-rear-hinged-clubman-doors/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/next-mini-to-get-rear-hinged-clubman-doors/#commentsFiled under: ,



Much as we love the Mini Clubman and its rear-hinged, passenger-side door, this would be an incredibly stupid idea. Functionality is one thing, but ruining the design of the fetching Mini Cooper hardtop would be a downright shame.

Nevertheless, Autocar reports that a rear-hinged door could be in store for the next Mini. A recent set of spy shots showed a Cooper hardtop prototype with an unusually short driver door with what appears to be a small suicide door behind it. Our best guess? This could just be Mini playing with door configurations, since the automaker received quite a bit of criticism for the placement of the Clubman's rear door in right-hand-drive markets.

Mini is keen on the rear-hinged door idea, though. Autocar states that the next-generation Clubman is expected to get a door on either side instead of just one, and that rear-hinged doors will be found on the Countryman-based Paceman coupe, as well. Fine by us, but please, leave them off the original hardtop.

Next Mini to get rear-hinged Clubman doors? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clubmancooperminirear-hinged doorsTue, 07 Feb 2012 14:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20166053/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/07/next-mini-to-get-rear-hinged-clubman-doors/20166053/article-detail.xml 20166053 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/clubman10_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/clubman10.jpg <![CDATA[Mini changes tracks with Prodrive WRC team]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/mini-changes-tracks-with-prodrive-wrc-team/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/mini-changes-tracks-with-prodrive-wrc-team/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/mini-changes-tracks-with-prodrive-wrc-team/#commentsFiled under: ,

Mini John Cooper Works WRC

The road taken by Mini to the World Rally Championship has been anything but smooth. After contesting a handful of rallies last season, Mini and Prodrive (the outfit running the team on the manufacturer's behalf) was set to contest the full calendar this year. But then the team failed to register in time, and dumped the promising driver it had plucked from the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, and things did not look good.

Late last week the talk around the motorsport press was that parent company BMW was preparing to pull the plug on the entire program (much as it had with the Sauber team in F1 a few years ago), but while an announcement has been made, it's not nearly as drastic as had been expected.

What Mini has done is downgrade its involvement from full-on works effort (that is, a team fully financed by an automaker) to a works-supported private team. So what does that mean exactly? In practical terms, not very much. Prodrive will continue development of the Mini John Cooper Works WRC car for both the official entry and for additional privateer teams running customer cars in the WRC and other series. And Prodrive seems optimistic that the new arrangement will actually enhance the program, not downgrade it.

What is 100% clear is that BMW wasn't happy with how things were shaping up, so it demanded a change. Just what effect that change will bring, however, seems more confined to the relationship between Mini, Prodrive and the FIA. Follow the jump for the full announcement.

Continue reading Mini changes tracks with Prodrive WRC team

Mini changes tracks with Prodrive WRC team originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>minimini john cooper works wrcprodriveworld rally championshipwrcTue, 07 Feb 2012 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20165637/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/07/mini-changes-tracks-with-prodrive-wrc-team/20165637/article-detail.xml 20165637 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/mini-wrc_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/mini-wrc.jpg <![CDATA[Mini accidentally names deadly European weather front after its cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/06/mini-accidentally-names-deadly-european-weather-front-after-its/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/06/mini-accidentally-names-deadly-european-weather-front-after-its/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/06/mini-accidentally-names-deadly-european-weather-front-after-its/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Weather System Cooper

The naming of a storm seems innocuous enough. After all, when some sort of weather event - be it a hurricane, tropical storm, blizzard or flood - comes along, we as human beings are going to talk about it, and having a name makes that a much easier process.

So, the marketing folk at Sassenbach, the ad agency used by Mini in its home country, probably thought it would be harmless and fun to buy the naming rights for an upcoming storm in Germany (as an aside... yes, you apparently can buy the naming rights to a storm in Germany!) to get people talking about Mini, even when not directly referencing their cars.

Harmless, though, it was not. As it turned out, Weather System Cooper spread snow, ice and freezing temperatures throughout all of Europe, claiming the lives of at least 100 people and sending thousands to the hospital to be treated for hypothermia and frostbite.

According to BBC News, both Mini and the ad agency have stopped commenting on the apparent flub, having previously stated that they didn't have direct control over which storm front would be named and couldn't know in advance how severe any specific storm may be.

While that's obviously true, we bet Mini and Sassenbach are praying to the god of good weather that Weather System Minnie - they bought the rights to two storms, presumably before the first turned into an unmitigated disaster - brings nothing worse than sunshine, rainbows and unicorns to the woebegone victims of Storm Cooper's swath of destruction.

Mini accidentally names deadly European weather front after its cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cooperministorm cooperstorm ministorm minnieweather system cooperweather system miniweather system minnieMon, 06 Feb 2012 14:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20165455/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/06/mini-accidentally-names-deadly-european-weather-front-after-its/20165455/article-detail.xml 20165455 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/weather-system-cooper_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/weather-system-cooper.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Mini Cooper S Roadster]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/2012-mini-cooper-s-roadster-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/2012-mini-cooper-s-roadster-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/2012-mini-cooper-s-roadster-first-drive-review/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Attractive New Roadster Prepares To Cannibalize Convertible

2012 Mini Cooper S Roadster

For a brand that's only about 11 years old (since its modern rebirth, anyway), Mini is doing quite well for itself. Since the launch of the 2001 Mini Cooper, the BMW-owned automaker has now sold over two million vehicles in 100 markets, and over the course of the past decade, has expanded one front-wheel-drive platform into six models with a grand total of 39 different variants. The fact that Mini has hit the big time is in no way breaking news.

What's really interesting is how each new model continues to be supported and loved by the Mini faithful. Perhaps the most controversial addition came in 2010, when Mini first debuted its bigger, four-door Countryman - the most un-mini Mini. Now, though, it has grown to account for 30 percent of the brand's sales here in the United States, perfectly coexisting with its Hardtop, Convertible and Clubman brethren. Nicely done.

But this story isn't all loveliness and perfection: Enter the Mini Coupe, a car that we can't quite give our seal of approval. It's heavier than the iconic Hardtop, less functional, more expensive and frankly, less attractive. Sure, it stands true to the brand's core values of fun, tossable driving dynamics and cheeky style, but at the end of the day, we don't downright love it like we do the other models.

Now meet the Roadster. Immediate comparisons to the Coupe are indeed warranted (we'll get to that), but if any car in the Mini portfolio should be worried, it's the Convertible. The Roadster is less expensive than the aging Convertible, looks better (arguably) and has a more capacious boot. No, this new Roadster doesn't seat four, but then again, the Convertible doesn't exactly do a fantastic job of that, either. And after driving the new Mini Roadster along the sunny Portuguese coast, our impression is that this sixth Cooper variant isn't so much another niche product for a niche manufacturer, it's instead a better droptop than the current Cooper Convertible.

Continue reading 2012 Mini Cooper S Roadster

2012 Mini Cooper S Roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 mini cooper s roadstercoopercooper roadsterfeaturedfirst driveFirstDriveminiroadsterWed, 01 Feb 2012 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20161252/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/01/2012-mini-cooper-s-roadster-first-drive-review/20161252/article-detail.xml 20161252 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/2012-mini-cooper-s-roadster-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/2012-mini-cooper-s-roadster-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Mini claims first international rally win]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/mini-claims-first-international-rally-win/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/mini-claims-first-international-rally-win/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/mini-claims-first-international-rally-win/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Mini JCW SPC at Qatar International Rally

It may not be a World Rally Championship event, but Mini is celebrating its first win at an international rally (at least its first such win of the modern era).

The event in question was the Qatar International Rally, a fully FIA-sanctioned event that kicks off the 2012 Middle East Rally Championship (MERC). Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari (with his brother Nasser as co-driver) edged out the competition by an impressive margin of 2:24.9 in the Mini Countryman JCW Super Production Car - the same vehicle that Prodrive fields in the WRC but with a smaller wing and restrictor plate, and similar to the X-Raid vehicle that recently won at Dakar.

Victory at the event was particularly meaningful for Prodrive, which got its start at the Qatar International Rally way back in 1984 to kick off the first MERC in the Rothmans Porsche 911 SC RS (pictured in the high-res image gallery below).

Continue reading Mini claims first international rally win

Mini claims first international rally win originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abdulaziz al-kuwaricountrymanmiddle east rally championshipminimini jcwmini john cooper worksmini john cooper works super production carmini rallyprodriveqatar international rallyrallyTue, 31 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20160339/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/31/mini-claims-first-international-rally-win/20160339/article-detail.xml 20160339 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/webmini-qatar_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/webmini-qatar.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Mini Roadster priced from $24,350*]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/2012-mini-roadster-priced-from-24-350/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/2012-mini-roadster-priced-from-24-350/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/2012-mini-roadster-priced-from-24-350/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2012 Mini Cooper Roadster, top down

Mini has officially announced pricing for the company's new Cooper Roadster. The tiny droptop will carry a base MSRP of $24,350 in the U.S., while the Cooper S Roadster will set you back $27,350. The top-of-the-line John Cooper Works Roadster, meanwhile, will command a sticker of $34,500 (*pricing exclude a $700 destination and handling fee). Should buyers wish to drop an automatic transmission into their Cooper Roadster or Cooper S Roadster, the two-pedal option will cost an additional $1,250, but the John Cooper Works Roadster is only available with a manual gearbox. Mini says 16-inch alloy wheels are standard on the base roadster and its S counterpart, while the topped-out JCW Roadster will roll on flashier 17-inch wheels.

That means the Cooper Roadster requires a $3,450 premium over the base hardtop Coupe, but curiously, it's cheaper than the Cooper Convertible by $600. While the latter doesn't exactly offer palatial amounts of space for rear passengers, it is still considerably more functional than its Cooper Roadster equivalent. We have to wonder if there's enough of a price differential between the two models to keep buyers from skipping the more rakish Roadster for its four-seat counterpart, but either way, we're just pleased it doesn't share the Coupe's awkward backwards-ballcap roofline. Hit the jump for the lengthy press release.

Continue reading 2012 Mini Roadster priced from $24,350*

2012 Mini Roadster priced from $24,350* originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 mini cooper roadster2012 mini roadstercooper roadsterminimini cooper roadstermini pricingmini roadstermini roadster pricingroadsterroadster priceFri, 27 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20157348/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/27/2012-mini-roadster-priced-from-24-350/20157348/article-detail.xml 20157348 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/mini-cooper-roadster-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/mini-cooper-roadster-628.jpg <![CDATA[Mini wants to make JCW its BMW M, bring diesel models Stateside]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/mini-wants-to-make-jcw-its-bmw-m-bring-diesel-models-stateside/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/mini-wants-to-make-jcw-its-bmw-m-bring-diesel-models-stateside/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/mini-wants-to-make-jcw-its-bmw-m-bring-diesel-models-stateside/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Mini John Cooper Works

As far as the Mini lineup goes, the John Cooper Works models sit at the very top of the performance spectrum. But that's not enough for Mini's (relatively) new chief Kay Segler. The German auto exec came to the post from the M division of parent company BMW, and that's what Segler wants for the Mini brand as well.

So what does a further differentiated JCW line mean for the Mini? That's hard to say at this point, beyond marketing, but we could be looking at even more powerful versions than the 208-horsepower, 1.6-liter turbo four currently employed. With the arrival of the JCW Countryman, Mini will have created Works versions of every bodystyle in its considerable portfolio - and it will have a more powerful 223hp mill on its hands, which could find its way into the rumored upcoming Mini GP edition as well.

More exciting JCW models aren't all that Segler has planned for Mini, however. According to Car and Driver, as U.S. demand is growing for for Mini's diesel-powered models already offered in Europe and other markets. While we wouldn't expect an oil-burning Mini to find its way across the Atlantic in this generation of models, once the next series comes along in the next couple of years, a diesel-powered Mini could wind up in American showrooms.

Mini wants to make JCW its BMW M, bring diesel models Stateside originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cooperdieseljcwjohn cooper workskay seglerminimini cooper dmini cooper sdmini dmini dieselmini jcwmini sdFri, 27 Jan 2012 14:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20157709/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/27/mini-wants-to-make-jcw-its-bmw-m-bring-diesel-models-stateside/20157709/article-detail.xml 20157709 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/mini-jcw_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/mini-jcw.jpg <![CDATA[Mini Rocketman reportedly canned]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/mini-rocketman-reportedly-canned/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/mini-rocketman-reportedly-canned/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/mini-rocketman-reportedly-canned/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The Mini Rocketman (we'll spare you the Elton John lyrics) was one of our favorite concepts from the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. Sure, the name is silly, but this pint-sized concept showed what could be in store for an even more mini Mini. A smarter Smart, if you will. However, a new report from CAR states that the entry-level Mini project has allegedly been canned. The Rocketman as we know it has been grounded.

The reason? CAR reports that it would be a costly endeavor to develop the Rocketman to meet street-legal specifications; specifically, handling, stability and crash standards. The concept only measures in at 134.6 inches long - a full 12 inches shorter than a standard Cooper hatchback, and while Mini insiders said that a production version could come as early as 2016, there are now no plans to offer a vehicle smaller than the current Cooper.

Mini Rocketman reportedly canned originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conceptminimini cityrocketmanrocketman conceptMon, 23 Jan 2012 15:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20154758/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/23/mini-rocketman-reportedly-canned/20154758/article-detail.xml 20154758 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/01-mini-rocketman-geneva-1299053174_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/01-mini-rocketman-geneva-1299053174.jpg <![CDATA[Mini celebrates London Olympics with new Bayswater and Baker Street special editions]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/mini-celebrates-london-olympics-with-new-bayswater-and-baker-str/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/mini-celebrates-london-olympics-with-new-bayswater-and-baker-str/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/mini-celebrates-london-olympics-with-new-bayswater-and-baker-str/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2012 Mini Bayswater special edition

With the Olympic Games coming up this spring, BMW is keen to leverage its sponsorship. And since they're taking place in London, England, the German automaker wouldn't miss the opportunity to include its more youthful, retro British subsidiary. And so it has released today not one, but two new special editions of the classic Mini hardtop hatchback, both named after London neighborhoods.

2012 Mini Baker Street special editionFirst up is the Mini Baker Street (pictured at right). Available on the Mini One (the entry-level model overseas), One D (the diesel version), Cooper and Cooper D, the Baker Street edition lays black V-shaped bonnet stripes over a light gray (or available white or black) base color, complemented by glossy black 16-inch alloys and mirror caps. Inside, the cloth and leather seats are finished in a diamond-pattern with gray trim and chrome accents. A whole mess of optional extras are bundled as standard, and include of course, there are the requisite special badges.

The Bayswater edition (shown above) - available on Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper D and Cooper SD models - takes a more sporting approach, with an exclusive shade of metallic blue (or optional black or gray) with a black roof, centered blue and gray stripes up the hood, with 17-inch alloys in glossy black with polished rims, and door mirrors that, well..."mirror" the racing stripe: blue on the right, gray on the left. Leather seats come in an exclusive shade of anthracite with blue and gray bolsters and top-stitching, complemented by piano lacquer trim, stainless steel pedals, bundled optional equipment and special badges.

No word just yet on whether these models will be available internationally (read: in America) or whether they'll be exclusively British editions, but you can check them out in the pair of high-resolution image galleries and the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Mini celebrates London Olympics with new Bayswater and Baker Street special editions

Mini celebrates London Olympics with new Bayswater and Baker Street special editions originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 mini cooperbayswatercooperlondon olympicsminimini baker streetmini bayswatermini bayswater editionolympic gamesolympicsThu, 19 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20150617/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/19/mini-celebrates-london-olympics-with-new-bayswater-and-baker-str/20150617/article-detail.xml 20150617 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/web-mini-bayswater06_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/web-mini-bayswater06.jpg <![CDATA[Mini to expand lineup to ten with three new versions by decade's end]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/18/mini-to-expand-lineup-to-ten-with-three-new-versions-by-decades/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/18/mini-to-expand-lineup-to-ten-with-three-new-versions-by-decades/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/18/mini-to-expand-lineup-to-ten-with-three-new-versions-by-decades/#commentsFiled under:

Mini Beachcomber concept

Think there are a lot of Mini variants already? Hold on to your hats, because BMW is showing no signs of slowing down any time soon. Next month the new Mini Roadster will hit American showrooms, and next year, a two-door crossover (presaged by the Paceman concept from Detroit last year but carrying the Countryman Coupe in production form) should be available as well. But that's only the tip of the proverbial iceberg.

With the third-generation Mini Cooper hatchback set to arrive in 2014, the Anglo-German automaker will soon begin the whole process anew. And when all's said and done by the end of the decade, the Mini range will have - according to reports - grown by another three bodystyles for a total of 10.

The current lineup includes six bodystyles: the standard Cooper hatchback, the Mini Convertible, the Coupe, the Roadster, the Clubman wagon and the Countryman crossover. Throw the Countryman Coupe into the mix and you've got seven. What Mini will come up with next for three additional versions remains to be seen - we wouldn't be surprised to see a minivan, a slant-back crossover or maybe a convertible crossover (like the Beachcomber concept pictured above) - but if anyone can milk the bodystyle cow for all it's worth, we're confident its initials are B-M-W.

Mini to expand lineup to ten with three new versions by decade's end originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clubmancoopercooper coupecountrymancountryman coupeminimini beachcombermini coopermini designsmini pacemanWed, 18 Jan 2012 11:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20150499/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/18/mini-to-expand-lineup-to-ten-with-three-new-versions-by-decades/20150499/article-detail.xml 20150499 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/minibeachcomber004_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/minibeachcomber004.jpg <![CDATA[3rd-gen Mini Cooper spy shots suggest retro-free interior]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/17/3rd-gen-mini-cooper-spy-shots-suggest-retro-free-interior/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/17/3rd-gen-mini-cooper-spy-shots-suggest-retro-free-interior/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/17/3rd-gen-mini-cooper-spy-shots-suggest-retro-free-interior/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

3rd generation Mini Cooper spy shots

The relentlessly unconventional Mini Cooper looks to be going a lot less unconventional for its third generation, at least on the inside. A glimpse of what appears to be Mini's future was snapped by KGP Photography in the Arctic Circle, and outside, there looks to be little change except for slightly larger dimensions. Inside, though, the giant-speedo-and-toggle-switch IP looks to be binned in favor of a soberly BMW-esque dash cluster and horizontally laid-out central console.

If this interior is accurate and not just an elaborate - and expensive - engineering mule bait-and-switch, then it signals a rather marked change in the Mini way of life. The theories of why it might be the real deal are, again, the testing expense, the expectation that the Mini will get a BMW 1 Series GT brother and the platform sharing necessitated more commonalities, or that designers might simply be over the still-unique first- and second-generation interior design (a retro-minded setup that both delights and enrages with its haphazard ergonomics). What's every bit as likely, however, is that this isn't a Mini at all - it's a next-gen 1 Series wrapped in a Mini mule shell.

While we all wait to find out if the Mini cabin dream is over, you can catch more high-res glimpses of this odd creature in our gallery.

3rd-gen Mini Cooper spy shots suggest retro-free interior originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 mini coopercooperminimini coopermini cooper spy shotsmini interiorspy shotsTue, 17 Jan 2012 10:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20149876/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/17/3rd-gen-mini-cooper-spy-shots-suggest-retro-free-interior/20149876/article-detail.xml 20149876 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/3rdgenminicooperspy_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/3rdgenminicooperspy.jpg <![CDATA[Mini recalling certain Cooper S and JCW models over water pump]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/16/mini-recalling-certain-cooper-s-and-jcw-models-over-water-pump/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/16/mini-recalling-certain-cooper-s-and-jcw-models-over-water-pump/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/16/mini-recalling-certain-cooper-s-and-jcw-models-over-water-pump/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2008 Mini Cooper S - front three-quarter view

Back in October, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began investigating certain turbocharged Mini models for vehicle fires. The investigation came after reports of at least 12 vehicles lighting up, and now the investigation has officially lead to a recall.

NHTSA has announced on its website that Mini will recall 88,911 turbocharged models built between November 2006 and January 2011 for a water pump problem that could result in a fire. The government agency says on its website that "the electronic auxiliary water pump that cools the turbocharger has an electronic circuit board that can malfunction and overheat." If that happens, the board could smolder and result in a vehicle fire.

Affected models include the 2007-2011 Cooper S, the 2008-2011 Clubman S, the 2009-2011 Cooper S Convertible, the 2011 Countryman S and John Cooper Works models from 2009 to 2011.

Owners of recalled vehicles will be asked to bring their Mini model to the nearest dealer for a free water pump replacement. Hit the jump to read over the official NHTSA release.

Continue reading Mini recalling certain Cooper S and JCW models over water pump

Mini recalling certain Cooper S and JCW models over water pump originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cooper sjohn cooper worksmininhtsarecallturbowater pumpMon, 16 Jan 2012 10:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20148983/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/16/mini-recalling-certain-cooper-s-and-jcw-models-over-water-pump/20148983/article-detail.xml 20148983 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/2008-mini-cooper-s-jcw_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/2008-mini-cooper-s-jcw.jpg <![CDATA[Mini working up new John Cooper Works GP edition]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/13/mini-working-up-new-john-cooper-works-gp-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/13/mini-working-up-new-john-cooper-works-gp-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/13/mini-working-up-new-john-cooper-works-gp-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,

Mini John Cooper Works GP

The Mini faithful fondly remember the John Cooper Works GP (pictured above). Launched at the Geneva Motor Show in 2006, the GP edition was the fastest version of the first-gen Mini hatchback. It packed 218 horsepower, 180 pound-feet of torque, a beefier suspension and - thanks to the removal of the back seats and air-conditioning - 88 fewer pounds to motivate. The result was a 6.5-second sprint to 60 and a 146-mph top speed. Only 444 examples were made available shortly before the second-gen Mini was introduced.

Now, word on the street is that Mini is preparing a new GP version. Few details are available at this point, but considering that the current JCW packs 208 hp from its 1.6-liter turbo four, we ought to be looking at 220 horses or more in the new GP. To make things simpler, in fact, Mini could be preparing to shoe-horn in the engine being developed for the JCW Countryman, which is expected to pack more power than the JCW hatchback in order to get its heftier curb weight moving.

Given that the previous GP edition was a two-seat affair, we can't help but wonder if Mini will turn to the new Coupe for this GP. But for now, we'll just have to sit tight and see what the Anglo-German automaker has in store for its most hard-core fanatics.

Mini working up new John Cooper Works GP edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gpjcwjohn cooper worksminimini cooper gpmini cooper jcw gpmini gpmini jcw gpmini john cooper works gpFri, 13 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20147623/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/13/mini-working-up-new-john-cooper-works-gp-edition/20147623/article-detail.xml 20147623 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/mini-john-cooper-works-gp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/mini-john-cooper-works-gp.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Mini Roadster improves upon new Coupe's formula]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/09/2013-mini-roadster-detroit-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/09/2013-mini-roadster-detroit-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/09/2013-mini-roadster-detroit-2012/#commentsFiled under: , ,



As much as we like the new-for-2012 Mini Coupe, some of us on the Autoblog staff aren't won over by the low-slung hardtop. We love the standard Cooper hatchback, and while the Coupe's driving dynamics are pure Mini goodness, we just can't wrap our heads around the awkward styling (especially in certain color pallets), limited visibility and lack of functionality.

That said, in some weird way, the 2013 Mini Roadster makes more sense to us. If you're going to lower the roofline and decrease visibility in the process, just lob the top off altogether and give us an open-air Mini that's more aggressive (yet prettier) than the cutesy Cooper Convertible. The Coupe may not have been our cup of tea, but this Roadster looks to be a tasty toss-about for sun-drenched roads.

Much like the Coupe, the Roadster will be available in Cooper, Cooper S and the above John Cooper Works variant, powered by three versions of the automaker's 1.6-liter inline-four, producing 122, 184 and 211 horsepower, respectively. We'll be getting our first stint behind the wheel of the new Roadster in just a few weeks, so stay tuned for our full impressions. For now, click through our attached high-res image gallery of photos live from Cobo Hall.

Continue reading 2013 Mini Roadster improves upon new Coupe's formula

2013 Mini Roadster improves upon new Coupe's formula originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 mini roadsterdetroitdetroit 2012detroit auto showminiroadsterMon, 09 Jan 2012 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20144163/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/09/2013-mini-roadster-detroit-2012/20144163/article-detail.xml 20144163 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/mini-roadster-detroit-2012---02-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/mini-roadster-detroit-2012---02-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Was Mini's late registration in WRC just an attempt to play hardball?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/was-minis-late-registration-in-wrc-just-an-attempt-to-play-hard/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/was-minis-late-registration-in-wrc-just-an-attempt-to-play-hard/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/was-minis-late-registration-in-wrc-just-an-attempt-to-play-hard/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Mini Countryman WRC

Mini has reportedly confirmed its 2012 World Rally Championship entry after initially missing the December 19 entry deadline. According to Autosport, the delay may have had something to do with concerns Mini parent company BMW had over television coverage of the sport in Germany. Now it would seem the FIA is working to address those issues and Mini is once again slated to join both Ford and Citroën as full manufacturers in the series. The delay may have been a tactical move by BMW and Mini to convince series promoters to come up with more amicable coverage terms.

As it sits, Mini will campaign a John Cooper Works WRC in all 13 rounds, though it remains unclear whether driver Dani Sordo will be behind the wheel at every stage. Mini may look to save some cash by turning to a private driver in some of the more expensive rounds like New Zealand. Either way, Mini is slated to return to the WRC at the Monte Carlo Rally starting on January 17.

Was Mini's late registration in WRC just an attempt to play hardball? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwcountrymandani sordofiaminimini countryman wrcmini wrcworld rally championshipwrcThu, 05 Jan 2012 09:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20140580/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/05/was-minis-late-registration-in-wrc-just-an-attempt-to-play-hard/20140580/article-detail.xml 20140580 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/mini-wrc-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/mini-wrc-628.jpg <![CDATA[Mini bringing panel van to Geneva?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/02/mini-bringing-panel-van-to-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/02/mini-bringing-panel-van-to-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/02/mini-bringing-panel-van-to-geneva/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Well, this certainly brings quite literal meaning to the word 'minivan'. According to Auto Motor und Sport, sources within BMW have reportedly confirmed that a new Mini-branded panel van - possibly dubbed Mini Cargo - will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

Creating the Mini Cargo sounds like a simple enough process. Auto Motor und Sport reports that the work-ready hauler will be based on the Clubman, with the rear bench seat removed in favor of a long load floor. The rear side windows will be ditched for sheetmetal (like most panel vans), though it's unclear whether or not the rear windows will be left intact.

We're curious to see what other alterations will be made to the Clubman in its transition to a proper panel van. Will the passenger-side rear-hinged door be left alone, or will it be removed? Will the rear suspension be strengthened to accommodate for heavy hauling? Assuming that plans for a Mini Cargo are indeed underway, we'll have to wait until March to find out.

Mini bringing panel van to Geneva? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Jan 2012 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clubmangenevageneva 2012geneva motor showminipanel vanvanwork vanMon, 02 Jan 2012 10:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20138598/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/02/mini-bringing-panel-van-to-geneva/20138598/article-detail.xml 20138598 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/clubman09_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/clubman09.jpg <![CDATA[2011 Mini Countryman: December 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/30/2011-mini-countryman-december-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/30/2011-mini-countryman-december-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/30/2011-mini-countryman-december-2011/#commentsFiled under: , ,



As much as I detest the winter months here in Detroit, the truth is, I'm kind of bummed that we've only seen about a half-inch of snow so far this season. In fact, I was happy that our most recent snowfall actually started to stick to the parking lot across the street from my loft, simply so I could capture this photo of our long-term Mini Countryman with some powder on the ground. Two hours after I took this picture, it had all melted. Sigh.

So why, if I hate winter so much, do I wish there was snow outside my door? I'm extremely eager to see how our Countryman - now riding on winter tires - will fare in the slushy, wintry sludge. A proper set of snow shoes, relatively short wheelbase, decent ground clearance and all-wheel drive are a perfect combination for winter prowess, and darnit, I want to go play.

Still, in the three weeks that the Countryman has been under my watch here in Detroit, I've learned a lot about the big Mini since my first stint behind the wheel way back in August 2010.

Continue reading 2011 Mini Countryman: December 2011

2011 Mini Countryman: December 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 mini countrymanablongtermablongterm-countrymanall4countrymanfeaturedlong-termminimotor city miniFri, 30 Dec 2011 15:12:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20137289/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/30/2011-mini-countryman-december-2011/20137289/article-detail.xml 20137289 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/countryman628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/countryman628.jpg <![CDATA[Mini dumps rally driver due to budget issues]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/26/mini-dumps-rally-driver-due-to-budget-issues/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/26/mini-dumps-rally-driver-due-to-budget-issues/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/26/mini-dumps-rally-driver-due-to-budget-issues/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Kris Meeke

We were pretty surprised to find out just a few days ago that Mini's new rally team had, for some reason, failed to sign up for next year's World Rally Championship. "Inexplicable" is what we called it at the time, but the latest reports coming out of the UK where the team is based could serve to cast some light on the situation.

Not only has the outfit - run by the rally gurus at Prodrive (who have, in the past, run Subaru's rally team, as well as Aston Martin and Ferrari works efforts at Le Mans) - missed the filing deadline, but they'll also reportedly let their best driver go. The reason? Funding, apparently. Although the team supposedly benefits from factory backing, a lack of sponsorship has reportedly left the team strapped for cash.

As a result, Northern Irish driver Kris Meeke - who was called up to the WRC team after claiming the 2009 title in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge - and his co-pilot have reportedly been released from their three-year contract after only one year. Meeke's seat will reportedly be auctioned off to the highest bidder - that is, whoever comes with sponsorship dollars, pounds or euros already lined up. Former Citroën WRC driver Dani Sordo, however, will reportedly carry on with the team, assuming it can secure its entry for the upcoming season.

How a factory-backed team like Mini's could find itself without enough funding has us scratching our heads, but our compatriots over at Autocar point to parent-company BMW's costly new entry into DTM next season as a potential answer.

Mini dumps rally driver due to budget issues originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Dec 2011 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kris meekemeekeminimini wrcprodriveworld rally championshipwrcMon, 26 Dec 2011 10:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20134529/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/26/mini-dumps-rally-driver-due-to-budget-issues/20134529/article-detail.xml 20134529 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/p90076147_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/p90076147.jpg <![CDATA[Mini's Best Test Drive Ever has everything, plus Falconer]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/23/minis-best-test-drive-ever-has-everything-plus-falconer/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/23/minis-best-test-drive-ever-has-everything-plus-falconer/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/23/minis-best-test-drive-ever-has-everything-plus-falconer/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mini best test drive ever

Imagine, for a moment, that you're on your way to a car dealership. For the sake of argument, let's say it's a Mini Cooper Coupe you've got your eye on. You arrive at the dealer, hand over your license and get in for a test drive. What's the absolute best thing that could happen?

According to one man, these six words define the test drive that dreams are made of: Stewardess. Salt flats. Paratroopers. Sushi. Falconer.

No, those aren't the six words we'd have come up with either, but, after watching the post-jump video, it's hard to argue with the results. Ask yourself: Have you ever had a better test drive than this? Yeah, neither have we. Check it out after the break, and feel free to read all about the promotion that prompted the video in the press release.

Continue reading Mini's Best Test Drive Ever has everything, plus Falconer

Mini's Best Test Drive Ever has everything, plus Falconer originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Dec 2011 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 mini cooper coupebest test drive evercooper coupeminiFri, 23 Dec 2011 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20134738/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/23/minis-best-test-drive-ever-has-everything-plus-falconer/20134738/article-detail.xml 20134738 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/mini-best-test-drive-ever_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/mini-best-test-drive-ever.jpg -1 2