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[REPORT: Mini to debut off-road Moke concept in Detroit]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/11/report-mini-to-debut-off-road-moke-concept-in-detroit/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/11/report-mini-to-debut-off-road-moke-concept-in-detroit/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/11/report-mini-to-debut-off-road-moke-concept-in-detroit/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Detroitdetroit 2010detroit auto showDetroit2010DetroitAutoShowminimini cooperMini MokeMiniCooperMiniMokemokeFri, 11 Dec 2009 13:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: Mini Coupe and Roadster could go on sale as early as 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/rumormill-mini-coupe-and-roadster-could-go-on-sale-as-early-as/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/rumormill-mini-coupe-and-roadster-could-go-on-sale-as-early-as/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/rumormill-mini-coupe-and-roadster-could-go-on-sale-as-early-as/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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

The Mini Coupe and Roadster concepts have been making their way around the auto show circuit since Frankfurt in September, and when we saw the two vehicles at the LA Auto Show we got the impression that the high end micros were near production ready. If a story from MotoringFile is to be believed, the next two Mini variants could be even closer to production than we thought.

The Mini-obsessed site is claiming that its sources tell them that engineering for the the Coupe and Roadster is well under way. Further, the final model could hit the assembly plant in Oxford by next June with full production commencing in October. If that time line holds true, the first Mini two doors could be hitting dealer showrooms in Europe by early 2011 at the latest, with models crossing the Atlantic soon after.


Gallery: LA 2009: MINI concepts and special editions


[Source: MotoringFile]

Rumormill: Mini Coupe and Roadster could go on sale as early as 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>frankfurt auto showFrankfurtAutoShowla 2009la auto showLa2009LaAutoShowmini coopermini coupemini roadsterMiniCooperMiniCoupeMiniRoadsterWed, 09 Dec 2009 09:31:00 EST<![CDATA[LA 2009: Mini owns its inner Bulldog]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-mini-owns-its-inner-bulldog/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-mini-owns-its-inner-bulldog/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-mini-owns-its-inner-bulldog/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

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


Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bad miniBadMinibulldogla 2009la auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA ShowLa2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009LaShowleashed miniLeashedMiniminimini bulldogmini cooperMini Cooper Clubmanmini leashedMiniBulldogMiniCooperMiniCooperClubmanMiniLeashedThu, 03 Dec 2009 11:39:00 EST<![CDATA[LA 2009: MINI Coupe & Roadster Concepts are so LA]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/la-2009-mini-coupe-and-roadster-concepts-are-so-l-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/la-2009-mini-coupe-and-roadster-concepts-are-so-l-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/la-2009-mini-coupe-and-roadster-concepts-are-so-l-a/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cooperLAla 2009la auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA autoshowLA ShowLa2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009LaShowminimini coopermini coupemini coupe conceptmini roadsterMINI Roadster ConceptMiniCooperMiniCoupeMiniCoupeConceptMiniRoadsterMiniRoadsterConceptWed, 02 Dec 2009 19:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: Mini delaying U.S. launch of Countryman crossover]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/report-mini-delaying-u-s-launch-of-countryman-crossover/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/report-mini-delaying-u-s-launch-of-countryman-crossover/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/report-mini-delaying-u-s-launch-of-countryman-crossover/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMWCountrymancrossmanminimini 4x4mini coopermini countrymanmini countryman 2011mini countryman delayMini CrossmanMini4x4MiniCooperMiniCountrymanMiniCountryman2011MiniCountrymanDelayMiniCrossmanWed, 11 Nov 2009 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Mini's future models roadmapped]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/report-minis-future-models-roadmapped/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/report-minis-future-models-roadmapped/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/report-minis-future-models-roadmapped/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cooperminimini coopermini countrymanmini countryman conceptMINI CrossoverMINI Crossover Conceptmini mokemini spaceboxmini visionMiniCooperMiniCountrymanMiniCountrymanConceptMiniCrossoverMiniCrossoverConceptMiniMokeMiniSpaceboxMiniVisionMon, 02 Nov 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mini uses spare art for new 2010 calendar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/mini-uses-spare-art-for-new-2010-calendar/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/mini-uses-spare-art-for-new-2010-calendar/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/mini-uses-spare-art-for-new-2010-calendar/#commentsFiled under: ,

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artcalendaretclifestyleminimini calendarmini cooperMiniCalendarMiniCooperminimalismminimalism calendarMinimalismCalendarWed, 21 Oct 2009 14:39:00 EST<![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[VIDEO: Third installment in the Mini concept trilogy goes all the way (NSFW)]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/12/video-third-installment-in-the-mini-concept-trilogy-goes-all-th/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/12/video-third-installment-in-the-mini-concept-trilogy-goes-all-th/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/12/video-third-installment-in-the-mini-concept-trilogy-goes-all-th/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Third Mini concept teaser -- Click above to watch video

Just in time for the weekend, the third Mini concept teaser features a Shining-esque beginning and a NSFW ending. Whether you like your hot model types to be good girls or bad, this clip has something for you.

And now we definitely expect to see this car in a cage or wearing a bikini. Follow the jump "2 B THRILLED."

[Source: Mini]

Continue reading VIDEO: Third installment in the Mini concept trilogy goes all the way (NSFW)

VIDEO: Third installment in the Mini concept trilogy goes all the way (NSFW) originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Sep 2009 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coupefalsefrankfurtfrankfurt 2009frankfurt motor showFrankfurt2009FrankfurtMotorShowminimini conceptmini coopermini speedster conceptMiniConceptMiniCooperMiniSpeedsterConceptvideoSat, 12 Sep 2009 18:33:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Second teaser for pair of Mini concepts steps further into Bizzareland]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/11/video-second-vid-for-pair-of-mini-concepts-steps-further-out-on/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/11/video-second-vid-for-pair-of-mini-concepts-steps-further-out-on/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/11/video-second-vid-for-pair-of-mini-concepts-steps-further-out-on/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Second Mini concept teaser -- Click above to watch video

The second video has arrived for the "2 B THRILLED" and "2 B DESIRED" Mini concepts that will show up in Frankfurt next week. This one moves things on a bit from the last one, but it's just as girl-power-ified and just as odd.

At this point, if we find the two concepts in a cage wearing bikinis at the show or in a subsequent video, we will not be surprised. Follow the jump to see the latest vid.


Gallery: MINI Coupe Concept


[Source: Mini]

Continue reading VIDEO: Second teaser for pair of Mini concepts steps further into Bizzareland

VIDEO: Second teaser for pair of Mini concepts steps further into Bizzareland originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coupefrankfurtfrankfurt 2009frankfurt motor showFrankfurt2009FrankfurtMotorShowminimini coopermini coupe conceptmini speedstermini speedster conceptMiniCooperMiniCoupeConceptMiniSpeedsterMiniSpeedsterConceptvideoFri, 11 Sep 2009 19:29:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Abstract teaser hints at Mini concept duo for Frankfurt]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/09/video-abstract-teaser-hints-at-mini-concept-duo-for-frankfurt/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/09/video-abstract-teaser-hints-at-mini-concept-duo-for-frankfurt/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/09/video-abstract-teaser-hints-at-mini-concept-duo-for-frankfurt/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Click the image above to view the video after the jump

For better or worse, many regard the Mini Cooper as a chick's car. But rather than fighting that idea before it unveils a pair of concepts at the Frankfurt show, the BMW's Mini division has released this conceptual teaser video that, well...let's just say it embraces its girl appeal. But it doesn't do much more than that. Follow the jump to see what we mean.


Gallery: MINI Coupe Concept


[Source: Mini]

Continue reading VIDEO: Abstract teaser hints at Mini concept duo for Frankfurt

VIDEO: Abstract teaser hints at Mini concept duo for Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 17:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 frankfurt2009 frankfurt auto show2009 frankfurt motor show2009Frankfurt2009FrankfurtAutoShow2009FrankfurtMotorShowabstract teaserAbstractTeaserfrankfurtfrankfurt 2009frankfurt auto showfrankfurt motor showFrankfurt2009FrankfurtAutoShowFrankfurtMotorShowminimini coopermini coupemini coupe conceptmini speedstermini speedster conceptMiniCooperMiniCoupeMiniCoupeConceptMiniSpeedsterMiniSpeedsterConceptteaservideoWed, 09 Sep 2009 17:39:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW confirms MINI coupe and another car headed for production in Oxford]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/03/bmw-confirms-mini-coupe-and-another-car-headed-for-production-in/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/03/bmw-confirms-mini-coupe-and-another-car-headed-for-production-in/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/03/bmw-confirms-mini-coupe-and-another-car-headed-for-production-in/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


The Mini Coupé Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW Chairman Norbert Riethofer paid a visit to the Mini factory in Oxford England this week to inform staff members that they will soon have two new cars to build. The first confirmed model for production is the Coupe concept that was previewed online last week ahead of its Frankfurt Motor Show rollout. The Coupe will be joined by a second concept at the show which in all likelihood will be the oft-rumored speedster version of the coupe.

Reithofer did not announce any timing for when production of the new models would start production. Also unknown at this time is whether the Coupe and Speedster will be available only in John Cooper Works form or in base Cooper and S flavors as well. We'll just have to look over the press release after the jump and wait until Frankfurt to find out.


Gallery: MINI Coupe Concept


[Source: Mini]

Continue reading BMW confirms MINI coupe and another car headed for production in Oxford

BMW confirms MINI coupe and another car headed for production in Oxford originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>frankfurtfrankfurt 2009frankfurt auto showfrankfurt motor showfrankfurt2009FrankfurtAutoShowFrankfurtMotorShowMini Coopermini coup conceptmini coupemini coupe conceptmini coupe conceptomini coupe productionMiniCooperMiniCoupConceptMiniCoupeMiniCoupeConceptMiniCoupeConceptoMiniCoupeProductionNorbert RiethoferNorbertRiethoferThu, 03 Sep 2009 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: That's Entertainment - Mini celebrates the big 5-0 with a bit of rock n' roll]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/29/video-thats-entertainment-mini-celebrates-the-big-5-0-with-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/29/video-thats-entertainment-mini-celebrates-the-big-5-0-with-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/29/video-thats-entertainment-mini-celebrates-the-big-5-0-with-a/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Mini's 50th Birthday Video - Click above to watch video after the jump

On August 26, 1959, the world caught a glimpse of a Mini for the first time. Little did company founders know that the Mini would later be named the second most influential vehicle of the 20th century, on its way to a half century of success. To celebrate its 50th anniversary, Mini has been touring the world celebrating its big birthday with its dedicated fanbase. The massive party brought owners of all generations of the diminutive icon together from different walks of life, and the Mini crew recorded the events for posterity, and a music video as well.

Hit the jump to watch the video celebrating the 50th anniversary of the iconic brand. Appropriately, British punk band Twisted Wheel pumps out some Paul Weller and the Jam while 50 years of the Mini passes through your computer monitor. Happy 50th, Mini. At a half century, you look better than ever.

[Source: YouTube]

VIDEO: That's Entertainment - Mini celebrates the big 5-0 with a bit of rock n' roll originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 29 Aug 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>50 anniversary50Anniversaryminimini cooperMiniCooperSat, 29 Aug 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[IIHS tests roof strength on microcars, Smart Fortwo comes out on top]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/21/iihs-tests-roof-strength-on-microcars-smart-fortwo-comes-out-on/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/21/iihs-tests-roof-strength-on-microcars-smart-fortwo-comes-out-on/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/21/iihs-tests-roof-strength-on-microcars-smart-fortwo-comes-out-on/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

IIHS microcar roof tests - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has just tested the latest batch of the smallest cars on the market to determine the strength of their roofs in the event of a rollover accident. Coming out on top with a "good" rating was the Smart Fortwo, which isn't all that surprising - due in large part to the runabout's diminutive size, Daimler put lots of effort into the design of its so-called Tridion safety cell.

Somehow, we're equally as unsurprised that the Chevy Aveo scored the lowest of the six automobiles tested. Chevy's least expensive car earned a "marginal" rating from the Institute. Sitting in between those two bookends were the Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent, Mini Cooper, and Toyota Yaris, all of which scored "acceptable" ratings.

It's interesting to note that the Smart Fortwo fared quite a bit better in this kind of test than in the Institute's series of frontal offset crash tests versus a Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan. Click past the break for the official press release.


Gallery: IIHS microcar roof tests

iihs-roof-smartiihs-roof-smart-2iihs-roof-aveoiihs-roof-aveo-2

[Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]

Continue reading IIHS tests roof strength on microcars, Smart Fortwo comes out on top

IIHS tests roof strength on microcars, Smart Fortwo comes out on top originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevy aveochevy aveo crash testchevy aveo roof testChevyAveoChevyAveoCrashTestChevyAveoRoofTesthonda fithonda fit crash testHondaFitHondaFitCrashTesthyundai accenthyundai accent crash testHyundaiAccentHyundaiAccentCrashTestiihsinsurance instituteinsurance institute for highway safetyinsurance institute for highway safety crash testInsuranceInstituteInsuranceInstituteForHighwaySafetyInsuranceInstituteForHighwaySafetyCrashTestmini coopermini cooper crash testMiniCooperMiniCooperCrashTestrolloverrollover caserollover protectionrollover testRolloverCaseRolloverProtectionRolloverTestsmartsmart fortwosmart fortwo crashsmart fortwo crash resultssmart fortwo crash t...smart fortwo roofsmartcarSmartFortwoSmartFortwoCrashSmartFortwoCrashResultsSmartFortwoCrashT...SmartFortwoRooftoyota yaristoyota yaris crash testToyotaYarisToyotaYarisCrashTestFri, 21 Aug 2009 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Caption Contest: Sinclair C5 EV is a Segway for the even lazier]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/20/caption-contest-sinclair-c5-ev-is-a-segway-for-the-even-lazier/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/20/caption-contest-sinclair-c5-ev-is-a-segway-for-the-even-lazier/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/20/caption-contest-sinclair-c5-ev-is-a-segway-for-the-even-lazier/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



What you're looking at is a 1985 photo of the Sinclair C5, a titchy electrically motivated trike of which 12,000(!) were reportedly sold. We stumbled across this gem of an image, and after your enthusiastic response to yesterday's Roller at Wal-Mart snapshot (over 200 captions at last count), we've decided to go to the well again.

As is our form, we've come up with a few semi-humorous attempts of our own to get your creative juices flowing:
"No, Bob, it's just the jacket that makes you look like a dork... just the jacket."

Sinclair C5: For the perpetually single man

Mini my ass!

For his entire life, Walt dreamed of Corvette ownership, but after rent for space in his mother's basement, the only C5 he could afford was altogether less impressive.

The Sinclair C5: Members Only, please.
So, take your best crack at our trike-wheeling Chevy Chase doppelgänger above by leaving a caption in Comments!

[Source: SinclairC5.com | Image: Hulton Archive/Getty]

Caption Contest: Sinclair C5 EV is a Segway for the even lazier originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EVMiniMini CooperMiniCooperSinclair C5SinclairC5Thu, 20 Aug 2009 14:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: Mini could be headed for WRC by adapting new crossover model]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/19/rumormill-mini-could-head-for-wrc-by-adapting-new-crossover-mod/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/19/rumormill-mini-could-head-for-wrc-by-adapting-new-crossover-mod/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/19/rumormill-mini-could-head-for-wrc-by-adapting-new-crossover-mod/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


MINI Crossover concept - Click above for hi-res image gallery

The original Mini Cooper earned its performance credentials back in the 1960s being flung about on the Monte Carlo rally. Paddy Hopkirk won the Monte in 1964 at the wheel of a Cooper S. While modern Minis are still considered fun to drive cars, they have never been used in a major factory-backed motorsports program. In a move that could rectify that shortcoming, AutoCar is reporting that the company's new crossover could form the basis of a World Rally Championship program in 2011. The all-wheel drive crossover first appeared as a concept vehicle last year in Paris and is expected to debut in production form next month in Frankfurt.

The new model possibly called "Countryman" is expected to get a high performance John Cooper Works edition sometime next year which could form the base of a rally car. The demise of parent BMW's Formula 1 program and the restructuring of Formula BMW could certainly make room in the budget for something with closer ties to a production program.


Gallery: MINI Crossover Concept LIVE


Gallery: MINI Crossover Concept

Rumormill: Mini could be headed for WRC by adapting new crossover model originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>JCWminimini coopermini countrymanmini crossovermini crossover jcwmini crossover wrcmini rallymini wrcMiniCooperMiniCountrymanMiniCrossoverMiniCrossoverJcwMiniCrossoverWrcMiniRallyMiniWrcrallyrallyingworld rallyworld rally championshipworld rally championship wrcWorldRallyWorldRallyChampionshipWorldRallyChampionshipWrcWRCWed, 19 Aug 2009 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Inside Line presides over the battle of the fuel sippers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/12/video-inside-line-presides-over-the-battle-of-the-fuel-sippers/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/12/video-inside-line-presides-over-the-battle-of-the-fuel-sippers/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/12/video-inside-line-presides-over-the-battle-of-the-fuel-sippers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Click above to watch the video after the jump

Fuel efficiency has finally moved to the forefront of many consumers' minds after 2008's record fuel price spike and demand is higher than ever for miser-mobiles. Several vehicles have benefited from the green car movement, and the Inside Line crew corralled three hybrids, a diesel and a supersized go-kart in the ultimate test of fuel economy prowess.

The Toyota Prius, Mini Cooper, Honda Insight, Ford Fusion and VW Jetta TDI were assembled to compete for the best fuel economy in city, highway and back road driving. IL also measured the cost to fuel each vehicle and the amount of CO2 each emitted during the test. The five vehicles were prepped to do battle, but ultimately it wasn't much of a fight.

The Toyota Prius won every conceivable category by a significant margin with amazingly similar fuel economy between 47 and 48 mpg in all driving tests. The Prius also took on all comers in regards to carbon emissions as the symbol of green motoring spewed .08 fewer pounds of pollutants during the test than the second place Honda Insight. Hit the jump to watch the video.

[Source: Inside Line]

VIDEO: Inside Line presides over the battle of the fuel sippers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 mini cooper2009MiniCooper2010 ford fusion2010 honda insight2010 Jetta TDI2010 toyota prius2010FordFusion2010HondaInsight2010JettaTdi2010ToyotaPriusdieselford fusionFordFusionhonda insightHondaInsighthybridjetta tdiJettaTdimini cooperMiniCoopertoyota priusToyotaPriusWed, 12 Aug 2009 08:59:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: BMW considers sharing Mini platform with PSA Peugeot Citroën]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/05/report-bmw-considers-sharing-mini-platform-with-psa-peugeot-cit/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/05/report-bmw-considers-sharing-mini-platform-with-psa-peugeot-cit/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/05/report-bmw-considers-sharing-mini-platform-with-psa-peugeot-cit/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Mini 50 Mayfair -- Click above for high-res image gallery

According to a report from Financial Times in the U.K., BMW may be in preliminary talks to share small car platforms for future Mini variants with PSA Peugeot Citroën. The two European automakers already share the range of small four-cylinder engines powering the Mini line, which seems to lend an air of credence to rumors of an expanded collaborative effort.

While stopping short of confirming the report, both BMW chief Norbert Reithofer and PSA head Philippe Varin have indicated a willingness to work together and have reportedly met twice so far since May. Whispers of platform sharing is nothing new for BMW these days - earlier this year, we again heard the oft-repeated rumor that BMW was working with Fiat on a shared platform for something even smaller than the regular-grade Mini, possibly as part of its long-rumored Isetta revival.


Gallery: MINI 50 Mayfair


[Source: Financial Times - Sub. Req'd]

REPORT: BMW considers sharing Mini platform with PSA Peugeot Citroën originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 17:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw citroenbmw peugeotbmw peugeot partnershipbmw psaBmwCitroenBmwPeugeotBmwPeugeotPartnershipBmwPsaminimini coopermini platformMiniCooperMiniPlatformpeugeotpeugeot citroenPeugeotCitroenpsa peugeot citroenPsaPeugeotCitroenWed, 05 Aug 2009 17:26:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: No R56-based Mini diesels are bound for U.S.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/29/report-no-r56-based-mini-diesels-are-bound-for-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/29/report-no-r56-based-mini-diesels-are-bound-for-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/29/report-no-r56-based-mini-diesels-are-bound-for-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2008 Mini Cooper D - Click above for high-res image gallery

To repeat one particular bit of news that's been playing over and over like a broken record since the modern Mini first made its appearance Stateside back in 2001 - there's little if any chance that the U.S. market will be blessed with an oil-burning Mini Cooper any time soon.

While Mini USA reportedly wants nothing more than to import the Mini D to America, the financial realities are such that the car will either cost way more than anyone is willing to pay (a ridiculous 40-50% premium is being bandied about) or sell at such a low price that Mini's German parents won't make a dime on the transaction.

That said, according to the Mini-obsessed boys at MotoringFile, it remains a possibility - however much a long-shot as it seems after all these years - that the next-generation R60 Mini could some day hit U.S. shores with an optional diesel. That would be welcome news indeed, but please excuse us for taking that tidbit with an appropriately large grain of salt.


Gallery: ABG Garage: 2008 MINI Cooper D


[Source: MotoringFile]

REPORT: No R56-based Mini diesels are bound for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>greenminimini coopermini dmini dieselMiniCooperMiniDMiniDieselr56 minir56 mini dr56 mini dieselR56MiniR56MiniDR56MiniDieselr60 minir60 mini dr60 mini dieselR60MiniR60MiniDR60MiniDieselWed, 29 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The all-wheel drive Mini has arrived... sorta [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/28/the-all-wheel-drive-mini-has-arrived-sorta-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/28/the-all-wheel-drive-mini-has-arrived-sorta-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/28/the-all-wheel-drive-mini-has-arrived-sorta-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


The Mini Tec AWD Mini - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you want a chunky Mini CUV, you don't need to wait for the Mini Countryman - you can have this Frankenstein'd love child of a vintage Mini and a Honda engine and all-wheel drive powertrain instead. The folks at Mini Tec have bolted a Honda B20 engine up front, and then they went and built a custom subframe to house all-wheel-drive gubbins blagged from a CR-V.

The result is a stripped-out, widened Mini that rockets off the line and can even do tricks in the snow on Yokohama slicks. If you're interested in buying one, you need to provide the Honda guts and Miata parts - and the Mini. The rest - the custom fabricated subframe, body panels and A-arm suspension will run you $2,695. Check out the high-res gallery below and a video after the jump.


Gallery: Mini Tec AWD Mini


[Source: Super Fast Minis via Speedhunters]

Continue reading The all-wheel drive Mini has arrived... sorta [w/VIDEO]

The all-wheel drive Mini has arrived... sorta [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aftermarketawdb20b20 engineB20EnginecooperCR-Vhatchbackhonda all-wheel driveHonda B20honda b20 engineHonda CR-VHondaAll-wheelDriveHondaB20HondaB20EngineHondaCr-vminimini coopermini tecMiniCooperMiniTectunervtecTue, 28 Jul 2009 13:28:00 EST