Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Mini getting into the Halloween spirit for Motor-Tober]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/07/mini-getting-into-the-halloween-spirit-for-motor-tober/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/07/mini-getting-into-the-halloween-spirit-for-motor-tober/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/07/mini-getting-into-the-halloween-spirit-for-motor-tober/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmw miniBMW MINI Clubmanbmw mini coupeBmwMiniBmwMiniClubmanBmwMiniCoupehalloweenMINIMini clubmanMini coopermini marketingmini motor-tobermini motortoberMiniClubmanMiniCooperMiniMarketingMiniMotor-toberMiniMotortobermoter toberMoterTobermotor-tobermotortoberWed, 07 Oct 2009 16:58:00 EST<![CDATA[MINI to offer exclusive Rally Edition Clubman S in U.S.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/21/mini-to-offer-exclusive-rally-edition-clubman-s-in-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/21/mini-to-offer-exclusive-rally-edition-clubman-s-in-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/21/mini-to-offer-exclusive-rally-edition-clubman-s-in-u-s/#commentsFiled under: ,

Mini Rally Edition Clubman S - Click above for image gallery

If you're into the Mini Clubman but would like to get something a bit more unique, the pint-sized automaker has something for you. Mini site Motoring File is reporting that the brand is building 70 USA-bound Rally Edition Clubman S models. That's 70 in total, or enough for just one Rally Edition Clubman S per U.S. Mini dealership.

The Rally Edition Clubman will feature a midnight black monotone paint job with silver racing stripes and matching black JCW aero kit. The Rally Edition Clubman also sets itself apart with hot-looking 17-inch black wheels and a roof rack. The special rally edition model will also receive "Rally Green" side mirror caps that pop, at least in the presumably Photoshopped pic above, when contrasted with the black paint. The Rally Edition Clubman S looks pretty damn good, and MINI knows it. Add up all those features and the exclusivity that comes with a limited production run, and you get an MSRP of $32,999.


Gallery: Mini Rally Edition Clubman S

clubmansrally2minirallyclubmans

[Source: Motoring File]

MINI to offer exclusive Rally Edition Clubman S in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 clubman s2010ClubmanSclubmanclubman sClubmanSjcwJohn Cooper WorksJohnCooperWorksminiMini clubmanmini clubman sMini Rally Edition Clubman SMiniClubmanMiniClubmanSMiniRallyEditionClubmanSrally editionRally Edition Clubman SRallyEditionRallyEditionClubmanSFri, 21 Aug 2009 15:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: MINI GTI-fighter based on Crossover?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/06/rumormill-mini-gti-fighter-based-on-crossover/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/06/rumormill-mini-gti-fighter-based-on-crossover/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/06/rumormill-mini-gti-fighter-based-on-crossover/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


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

With the release of the Clubman, bigger MINIs have arrived and the MINI Crossover concept signals more are on the way. Lest you think that BMW's little guys have gone truckin' crazy, there's supposedly a sporty variant of the five-door MINI 'ute in the works. The butch wagon will have 180 hp on tap to fend off Volkswagen GTIs (Autocar's confusing assessment, not ours), and if that's not enough, a Works version will deliver around 220 hp. You can't have a high-performance version without high-zoot duds, and there's bound to be a distinctive body-kit to go along with the engine's fortitude. Interior upgrades will be aimed at keeping the driver planted and looking fancier, too. Expect the first Crossover to bow sometime next year, with the slightly hotter version coming towards the end of 2010, followed by the JCW variant in 2011.


Gallery: MINI Crossover Concept


[Source: Autocar]

Rumormill: MINI GTI-fighter based on Crossover? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 May 2009 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mini clubmanmini coopermini crossmanmini crossman cuvmini crossovermini crossover conceptmini gtmini gtimini gti fighterMiniClubmanMiniCooperMiniCrossmanMiniCrossmanCuvMiniCrossoverMiniCrossoverConceptMiniGtMiniGtiMiniGtiFighterWed, 06 May 2009 19:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Retrofuturism: Mini and Airstream team up for one-off]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/12/retrofuturism-mini-and-airstream-team-up-for-one-off/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/12/retrofuturism-mini-and-airstream-team-up-for-one-off/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/12/retrofuturism-mini-and-airstream-team-up-for-one-off/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


MINI Airstream concepts - Click above for high-res gallery

MINI and Airstream have joined forces with Republic of Fritz Hansen to create a new concept that will be introduced at the Salone del Mobile show in Milan. The team says that the MINI Cooper Clubman was chosen for its adventurous personality, and we too think it would be an adventure of sorts trying to pull a 22-foot trailer with the MINI's 1.6-liter, four-cylinder powerplant, albeit one topped with a turbocharger and direct injection.

As a concept, we can see how the two iconic brands with heritage-rich designs would be drawn to one another. Airstream has been around since the 1930s and we all know about the current MINI's roots to the free-sprirted 1960s original from Britain. The interiors of both machines have been heavily customized, with the MINI getting a surfer-look, black-and-green neoprene treatment and the trailer getting plenty of Fritz Hansen furniture and wood paneling inside.


Gallery: Fritz Hansen MINI and Airstream


[Source: Republic of Fritz Hansen]

Continue reading Retrofuturism: Mini and Airstream team up for one-off

Retrofuturism: Mini and Airstream team up for one-off originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Mar 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airstreamfritz hansenFritzHansenmilan motor showMilanMotorShowminimini airstreammini clubmanmini coopermini cooper clubmanMiniAirstreamMiniClubmanMiniCooperMiniCooperClubmanrepublic of fritz hansenRepublicOfFritzHansensalone del mobileSaloneDelMobileThu, 12 Mar 2009 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Low-spec MINI One Clubman set for Geneva debut]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/19/low-spec-mini-one-clubman-set-for-geneva-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/19/low-spec-mini-one-clubman-set-for-geneva-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/19/low-spec-mini-one-clubman-set-for-geneva-debut/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click on the image above to view a high-res gallery of the MINI One Clubman

It's exciting for us when we get to report on a new, more powerful version of a much-loved car, but this isn't one of those moments. Thankfully, we also like it when a much-loved car becomes available in a less expensive formula. What you see here is the soon-to-be minted entry-level version of the MINI Clubman.

The stretched version of BMW's MINI has until now been offered only in Cooper guises: The standard Cooper with 120 horsepower, the sportier Cooper S with 175hp and the diesel Cooper D with 110hp. The MINI One Clubman makes do with lower levels of equipment and a less powerful 95hp 1.4-liter four, mated to the buyer's choice of a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Despite the lower content, it also includes such green touches as regenerative braking and start-stop engine management, giving the One the second best fuel economy and emissions figures in the range, trailing only the Cooper D.

Naturally, the decontented Clubman will come in as the cheapest version of the MINI wagon, retailing in the UK for £13,290 (approximately $19,250). That's a comparable price to the smaller but more powerful MINI Cooper hatchback (£13,715), about a grand more than the MINI One hatchback, but more than a grand less than the Cooper Clubman. MINI will continue to offer the North American market the Cooper, Cooper S and JCW versions, while the MINI One Clubman makes its debut in Geneva this coming March. Details in the press release after the jump and plainly superimposed high-resolution photos in the gallery below.

Gallery: MINI One Clubman


[Source: MINI]

Continue reading Low-spec MINI One Clubman set for Geneva debut

Low-spec MINI One Clubman set for Geneva debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMWCoopergenevageneva auto salongeneva auto showgeneva motor showGenevaAutoSalonGenevaAutoShowGenevaMotorShowJohn CooperJohn Cooper worksJohnCooperJohnCooperWorksminimini clubmanmini genevamini onemini one clubmanMiniClubmanMiniGenevaMiniOneMiniOneClubmanMon, 19 Jan 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: MINI creates Bzzz for Clubman with new commercial]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/09/video-mini-creates-bzzz-for-clubman-with-new-commercial/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/09/video-mini-creates-bzzz-for-clubman-with-new-commercial/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/09/video-mini-creates-bzzz-for-clubman-with-new-commercial/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



MINI has a new commercial for the Clubman that looks like a teaser for a new Tim Burton film -- all it's missing is Johnny Depp. Detailing the arcane goings on at a funeral for a fly, we aren't sure how the commercial is supposed to make humans want to buy the car, but that's why ad guys get paid the big dollars and we don't. However, we do have to admit that the three-swatter salute was a nice touch. Follow the jump to watch the vid, and you can judge the... impact... for yourself. Thanks for the tip, Andreas!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: MINI creates Bzzz for Clubman with new commercial

VIDEO: MINI creates Bzzz for Clubman with new commercial originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Sep 2008 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bzzzbzzz commercialBzzzCommercialclubmancommercialcommercialsminimini advertisementmini clubmanmini clubman commercialmini commercialMiniAdvertisementMiniClubmanMiniClubmanCommercialMiniCommercialvideovideosyoutubeTue, 09 Sep 2008 09:02:00 EST<![CDATA[MINI Clubman Rickshaws running around Beijing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/mini-clubman-rickshaws-running-around-beijing/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/mini-clubman-rickshaws-running-around-beijing/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/mini-clubman-rickshaws-running-around-beijing/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for more shots of the MINI Clubman Rickshaws

The rickshaw is a time-honored method of transportation in China. While the vehicles were initially pulled around by men on foot, the pedal-powered versions have grown much more popular in recent years and are a symbol of Chinese culture. When Beijing MINI needed an interesting way to communicate that the Clubman model was being introduced in Chinese, especially in light of all the media attention on the Olympics, it back-halved a slew of new Clubmans, mounted a pedicab front-end and sent them out for business.

According to China Car Times, MINI's publicity stunt is working exactly as planned. Though the vast majority of media coverage is centered on those games from Greece, the MINI Rickshaws have managed to make some headlines of their own. We think the cabs turned out pretty cool, even incorporating the sunroof into the final design.

Gallery: MINI Rickshaws


[Source: China Car Times]

MINI Clubman Rickshaws running around Beijing originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Aug 2008 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beijingbeijing 2008beijing miniBeijing2008BeijingMinimini clubmanmini rickshawMiniClubmanMiniRickshawpedicabrickshawFri, 08 Aug 2008 12:59:00 EST<![CDATA[No new MINIs for '08? Manufacturers tapped, dealers sold out]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/22/no-new-minis-for-08-manufacturers-tapped-dealers-sold-out/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/22/no-new-minis-for-08-manufacturers-tapped-dealers-sold-out/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/22/no-new-minis-for-08-manufacturers-tapped-dealers-sold-out/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a gallery of the 2008 MINI Cooper S.

If you were planning on hitting one of the 82 U.S. MINI dealers to get your hands on a fuel-efficient Cooper or Clubman, it looks like you'll need to look at plan B. Skyrocketing fuel prices has lifted demand of the little British icons to the point that, with the except of pre-orders, all 2008 models are pretty much sold out. The MINI's cute looks and thrifty petrol-sipping discipline have made the retro hatch more attractive than ever. Year over year sales increases of 39%, 52%, and 24% from April-June have all but wiped clean the MINI's already tight inventory.

Although sales really picked up in April, the MINI has been on fire all year, as the 26,400 MINIs sold in the first half of 2008 represents a 33.6% increase over the same sales period in 2007. And thanks to the MINI's already tight world-wide demand, the BMW-owned automaker can only up US shipments by 2-3k units for the rest of the year.

Team MINI wants to keep its new-found fortune coming, too, as it plans to increase its dealer count to 95 stores by 2011. The British automaker will also introduce a diesel MINI once it can pass emissions in all 50 states.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 MINI Cooper S


[Source: Green Fuel Forecast]

No new MINIs for '08? Manufacturers tapped, dealers sold out originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Mini ClubmanMINI CooperMINI salesMiniClubmanMiniCooperMiniSalessold outSoldOutTue, 22 Jul 2008 17:57:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: MINI Clubman vs. Go Kart]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/22/video-mini-clubman-vs-go-kart/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/22/video-mini-clubman-vs-go-kart/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/22/video-mini-clubman-vs-go-kart/#commentsFiled under: ,



The MINI Clubman is everything the MINI Cooper is and more -- nine inches more. It has a passenger-side suicide door and that wide-mouth split rear gate, but everything else from its retro looks to the 172-hp turbocharged four-cylinder underhood is the same. But is it the same? Does nine inches of wheel base ruin the go kart-like handling we love so much in the MINI Cooper S? The folks over at Web Rides TV were itching to answer exactly that question, so they pitted the Mini Clubman S against a real, 9-horsepower go-kart. To give the kart a chance, the race was performed on an actual go-kart track, squeaky floors and all. The winner? You'll have to hit the jump to find out, but the race is more exciting than the finish.

[Source: Web Rides TV]

Continue reading VIDEO: MINI Clubman vs. Go Kart

VIDEO: MINI Clubman vs. Go Kart originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>go-kartMini ClubmanMini CooperMiniClubmanMiniCooperVIDEOWebrides TVWebridesTvTue, 22 Jul 2008 15:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Chateau Clubman: Aznom's rolling MINI wine cellar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/02/chateau-clubman-aznoms-rolling-mini-wine-cellar/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/02/chateau-clubman-aznoms-rolling-mini-wine-cellar/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/02/chateau-clubman-aznoms-rolling-mini-wine-cellar/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click for high-res gallery of the Aznom MINI Chateau

Mothers Against Drunk Driving are not going to like this one. Italian coachbuilder Aznom, which has previously rolled out custom MINIs like this pickup "tender", has now produced a Clubman inspired by a vintage of another sort. The Aznom MINI Chateau is distinguished by a mobile wine cellar installed in the trunk, capable of housing six wine bottles in isolated comfort, along with six wine glasses with which to enjoy them. Aznom's wood veneer finish decorates the exterior and cabin, which also gets a unique leather trim. Riding on 18-inch TSW Pace rims shod with Yokohama rubber, Aznom will only produce 12 examples, each one individually numbered and personalized for their owners. We'll have to wait a few years to see if the Chateau gets better with age like the vino it transports.

Images in the gallery below and press release after the jump. Please enjoy responsibly.

Gallery: Aznom MINI Chateau

[Source: Aznom via Luxurylaunches.com]

Continue reading Chateau Clubman: Aznom's rolling MINI wine cellar

Chateau Clubman: Aznom's rolling MINI wine cellar originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aznomaznom chateauaznom miniaznom mini chateauAznomChateauAznomMiniAznomMiniChateaucastagnacastagna aznomCastagnaAznomminimini chateaumini clubmanMiniChateauMiniClubmanwine miniWineMiniWed, 02 Jul 2008 14:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Agent Provocateur MINI Clubman sells for $70k on eBay]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/24/agent-provocateur-mini-clubman-sells-for-70k-on-ebay/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/24/agent-provocateur-mini-clubman-sells-for-70k-on-ebay/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/24/agent-provocateur-mini-clubman-sells-for-70k-on-ebay/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click for hi-res gallery of the Agent Provocateur MINI Clubman

Back in April we brought you initial news of the special-edition MINI Clubman designed by British lingerie house Agent Provocateur, and gladly brought you updates with more photos and made cracks at the expense of Max Mosley along the way. The vehicle has now been sold on eBay in Austria as an AIDS fundraiser - which, as one of our commenters noted, seems a little at odds with the overtly sexual theme of the vehicle - for a whopping €45k (equivalent to about $70,000) after no fewer than 77 bids were placed over the course of the ten-day auction.

Of course, the identity of the buyer - listed as rene181066 - was not disclosed. We'd think it was a certain head of a certain motorsport body, but the buyer's feedback is flawless at 100%, so there goes that theory.

Check out the vehicle's stats after the jump and peruse the NSFW images in the gallery below.

Gallery: MINI Clubman by Agent Provocateur

[Source: eBay.at via WCF]

Continue reading Agent Provocateur MINI Clubman sells for $70k on eBay

Agent Provocateur MINI Clubman sells for $70k on eBay originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jun 2008 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click to view the Agent Provocateur MINI Clubman in hi-res

At first glance, we couldn't help but wish we had had one of these when we were in high school. But on second thought, a pink-accented MINI might not have been the babe-magnet Agent Provocateur would have us believe. At least, not for any girls we know, but if this is what it takes to inspire impromptu gatherings of scantily-clad lingerie models, then who are we to argue.

Sorry, we got a little distracted there. And so can you, just check out the images in the gallery after the jump. Most of them are perfectly safe for your puritanical work environment, but for those few that aren't, we'd suggest waiting until you get home. And the kids are asleep. And your significant other isn't "in the mood", whatever that means.

Gallery: MINI Clubman by Agent Provocateur


[Source: MINI]

Naughty Pics Aplenty: Agent Provocateur MINI Clubman originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 May 2008 19:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Agent Provocateur MINI Clubman Life BallAgentProvocateurMiniClubmanLifeBallminimini clubmanmini clubman Agent ProvocateurMiniClubmanMiniClubmanAgentProvocateurThu, 22 May 2008 19:32:00 EST<![CDATA[MINI gets its panties in a bunch for charity]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/mini-gets-its-panties-in-a-bunch-for-charity/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/mini-gets-its-panties-in-a-bunch-for-charity/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/mini-gets-its-panties-in-a-bunch-for-charity/#commentsFiled under: , ,

For the eighth year running, a designer MINI will be auctioned off to raise money for the cause of AIDS. The annual charitable event is organized by Life Ball, Europe's largest AIDS fundraiser event. Previous years saw MINIs designed by fashion houses like Missoni, Versace and Diesel, but this year's designer is the tits (so to speak): lingerie brand Agent Provocateur.

The one-of-a-kind MINI Clubman is treated to a uniquely kinky police-style paint scheme that would make Max Mosley weak at the knees. Pink police stripes run down the side over the black paint job, with a fishnet stocking pattern on the roof, a mirrored rear window, prison bars on the side windows and a tantalizing black leather interior. The car, which once again redefines the term "auto erotic", will be sold on eBay from June 5-15.

[Source: MINI]

Continue reading MINI gets its panties in a bunch for charity

MINI gets its panties in a bunch for charity originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Apr 2008 07:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agent provocateuragent provocateur miniAgentProvocateurAgentProvocateurMinilife balllife ball miniLifeBallLifeBallMinimini clubmanMiniClubmanFri, 25 Apr 2008 07:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva 2008: Mini gives us the Works!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/04/geneva-2008-mini-gives-us-the-works/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/04/geneva-2008-mini-gives-us-the-works/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/04/geneva-2008-mini-gives-us-the-works/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


click above for live high-res images of the JCW Minis from Geneva

MINI brought out their Works versions of the Cooper and Clubman in Geneva today. Using a fleet of R/C cars and rally legend Rauno Aaltonen (The Flying Finn), they hammered home the idea that MINI's are small on size but big on excitement. We had already seen a ton of press pics so there weren't any real surprises, just a healthy appreciation for these great small cars that now have John Cooper Garage's tuning prowess added to the mix. The JCW Cooper and JCW Cooper Clubman have indeed hit the bullseye for enthusiasts once again. Featuring performance upgrades and new interior appointments, these are the cars that will be used as the basis for the MINI CHALLENGE 2008 race cars.

In JCW trim, the turbocharged MINI 1.6L four now puts out 207 HP. The resulting 0-60 should now clock in at just under 6.5 seconds for the Cooper, while the ever so slightly portlier Clubman is likely to be a tick or two slower. Unique light alloy wheels, a new performance exhaust system, upgraded suspension, and a modified six-speed manual transmission are just some of the mechanical upgrades. Aesthetically, the John Cooper Works models stand out with their distinctive body kits and unique interiors, all for a not-so-mini base price of under $30,000.

Follow the jump for MINI's endless press release.

Gallery: 2008 John Cooper Works MINI and Clubman

Continue reading Geneva 2008: Mini gives us the Works!

Geneva 2008: Mini gives us the Works! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Mar 2008 09:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GenevaGeneva 2008Geneva Motor ShowGeneva2008GenevaMotorShowJCWJohn Cooper Works EditionJohnCooperWorksEditionMINIMini ClubmanMINI cooperMINI Cooper ClubmanMini JCWMini John Cooper Works EditionMiniClubmanMiniCooperMiniCooperClubmanMiniJcwMiniJohnCooperWorksEditionTue, 04 Mar 2008 09:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Brussels 2007: MINI makes The Other Ranch for Clubman debut]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/16/brussels-2007-mini-makes-the-other-ranch-for-clubman-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/16/brussels-2007-mini-makes-the-other-ranch-for-clubman-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/16/brussels-2007-mini-makes-the-other-ranch-for-clubman-debut/#commentsFiled under: , ,


click above for more pics of the The Other Ranch by MINI

Last year at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, MINI debuted the production version of its larger Clubman model and, as MINI's marketing agency is wont to do, created a spectacle with this installation called The Other Ranch. We've learned that it's gone on the road and been installed in Brussels for this year's European Motor Show. It's inspired by the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, TX where a man half-buried 10 old Cadillacs in the ground at the precise angle of the Great Pyramid in Egypt. The Other Ranch by MINI is comprised of four Clubmans and is so named because we're supposed to consider the new Clubman the "Other MINI". We didn't see The Other Ranch in Frankfurt while covering the show there, but this spectacle was too interesting not to share. Check out the pics in our gallery below and have fun coming up with captions for four Clubmans buried up to their windshields in dirt.

[Source: BMW]

%Gallery-14012

Brussels 2007: MINI makes The Other Ranch for Clubman debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jan 2008 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click image for live shots of the US-spec MINI Clubman

The U.S. version of the 2008 MINI Cooper S Clubman debuted at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit today. We saw the European Mini Cooper Clubman in Frankfurt in both base Cooper and the sportier "S" model, but here are some live shots of the American offering. Nothing surprising: same five doors, same cute styling. The Clubman will go on sale beginning February 16th, 2008 in both Cooper Clubman and Cooper S Clubman models. Base price for the MINI Cooper Clubman will be just $20,600, with the MINI Cooper S Clubman starting at $24,100.

The slightly stretched MINI with its right-hand suicide door and funky barn-door cargo ports out back has been getting pretty good reviews. We'll try to get our hands on one for the garage to confirm those feelings ourselves. While the concept of a "big" MINI is sacrilege to some, we tend to like the idea of actually being able to use that back seat and still have a little room for some baggage as well. Our one gripe? The naming. MINI Cooper Clubman and MINI Cooper S Clubman are a mouthful. We'll stick with the more natural sounding MINI Clubman and MINI Clubman S in casual conversation. You can read the MINI's press release after the jump, and don't forget to check out the gallery by clicking above or below.

[Source: MINI]

Gallery: 2008 Detroit: US MINI Cooper Clubman


Gallery: 2008 MINI Clubman

Continue reading Detroit 2008: MINI Cooper S Clubman makes it Stateside

Detroit 2008: MINI Cooper S Clubman makes it Stateside originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jan 2008 12:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ClubmanClubman SClubmanSCooperDetroitDetroit 2008Detroit Auto ShowDetroit2008DetroitAutoShowMINIMINI ClubmanMiniClubmanNAIASMon, 14 Jan 2008 12:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit 2008: MINI to offer diesel option in the US?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/09/detroit-2008-mini-to-bring-diesel-option-to-the-us/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/09/detroit-2008-mini-to-bring-diesel-option-to-the-us/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/09/detroit-2008-mini-to-bring-diesel-option-to-the-us/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


click above for more high-res images of the 2008 MINI Cooper D Clubman

The car you see above is the MINI Cooper D Clubman. That's "D" as in "Diesel". The diminutive brand owned by BMW offers a diesel engine in Europe, but to date has not in the U.S. We believe that MINI may correct this at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit next week. Our guess is based on a press release issued by MINI today that, while saying very little about its plan for the Detroit show other than the Clubman and Clubman S would be present, included images of a left-hand-drive Cooper D Clubman. The press release also mentions that a talking point at MINI's press conference will be "More Driving Pleasure, Less Fuel Consumption: The new MINI in the 2008 Model Year". Couple that with parent company BMW's announcement of two new models for the U.S. market that will be powered by diesel engines, the X5 xDrive35d and the 335d, and it begins to look like MINI will follow suit with a diesel of its own. Of course, MINI has not confirmed this so it's pure speculation on our part, but we wouldn't be surprised to see a Cooper Clubman D burning oil in Detroit next week.

[Source: MINI]

Gallery: 2008 MINI Cooper Clubman D


Gallery: 2008 MINI Cooper S Clubman

Continue reading Detroit 2008: MINI to offer diesel option in the US?

Detroit 2008: MINI to offer diesel option in the US? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jan 2008 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>detroitdetroit 2008Detroit2008dieselminimini clubmanmini clubman dmini clubman smini dieselMiniClubmanMiniClubmanDMiniClubmanSMiniDieselWed, 09 Jan 2008 12:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Clarkson considers the MINI Clubman "a toilet"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/26/clarkson-considers-the-clubman-a-toilet/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/26/clarkson-considers-the-clubman-a-toilet/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/26/clarkson-considers-the-clubman-a-toilet/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



For all of his popularity and sceptered isle wit, it's probable that Jeremy Clarkson hasn't kept anyone from buying a car they really wanted. Which is a good thing for MINI and those folks looking at a Clubman, because Jezza has this to say about it: "About as desirable as a packet of dung or a can of worms."

Most of his issues with the car are sensible: the third door is on the wrong side for the Brits, no rear visibility due to the split rear doors, massive torque steer, tramlining, and a (still) tiny boot. His other problem with the car doesn't really strike us as a problem: according to Clarkson, the car's natural cruising speed is 110-MPH. Um... that's what cruise control is for... or paying attention to the flow of traffic... because it's not like you could need a larger speedo to keep better track of your progress.

As always, it's an entertaining read, if full of digressions. But as we said, we don't think it will keep even one MINI Clubman from finding a good, private home. For all of its perceived and/or actual shortcomings, MINI is practically the entire reason that the noun "lifestyle" became an adjective, and lifestyle purchases operate on principles that have nothing to do with torque steer and boot volume.

[Source: London Times]

Clarkson considers the MINI Clubman "a toilet" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Dec 2007 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Add another model to the Limited Initial Availability pile: the MINI Clubman. It's being reported that BMW only plans to provide US dealers with four -- that's right, four -- MINI Clubman's "for the first few months of US production."

The Dodge Charger is going into limited production its first year in order to keep the car exclusive. The Malibu Hybrid is only being sent to certain dealers in order to make the best attack on its competitors. The MINI Clubman will make its way here in so few numbers not just for exclusivity's sake, but because BMW apparently makes more money on a MINI sold in Europe than one sold here, and Italy has been identified as the largest market for the little big MINI. For those of you interested in the 3.5-door, do you hear that? Yeah -- it's the sound of a long wait...

[Source: Motoring File]

Limited MINI Clubman availabilty in the U.S. for 2008 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Dec 2007 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mini USA has launched its configurator for the Clubman, which means you can now see all of the accessories you never even knew you wanted. Take for instance the chrome bonnet scoop ($159), or the colored door lining ($250). It really starts to add up. Our dream Mini Clubman S complete with JWC accessories and no expense spared? $43,020. Ouch.

There are most definitely cheaper ways to buy a Clubman- the standard version starts at $19,950 and our Clubman S began with a base msrp of $24,100. Mini claims there are over 10,000,000 possible configurations, and with nineteen different wheels and three valve stem caps to choose from, we are inclined to believe them.

Thanks for the tip, Zack!

[Source: Mini USA]

Countless ways to configure your Clubman originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ClubmanClubman SClubmanSMiniMini ClubmanMini Clubman configuratorMini Clubman featuresMini Clubman optionsMini Clubman SMini Clubman S optionsMini configuratorMiniClubmanMiniClubmanConfiguratorMiniClubmanFeaturesMiniClubmanOptionsMiniClubmanSMiniClubmanSOptionsMiniConfiguratorSun, 02 Dec 2007 11:39:00 EST