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<generator>Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/</generator><item><title><![CDATA[Little Schnitzer: German tuner tweaks the Mini Cabrio]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/04/little-schnitzer-german-tuner-tweaks-the-mini-cabrio/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/04/little-schnitzer-german-tuner-tweaks-the-mini-cabrio/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/04/little-schnitzer-german-tuner-tweaks-the-mini-cabrio/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/aftermarket/" rel="tag">Aftermarket</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/tunertuesdays/" rel="tag">Tuners</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/convertibles/" rel="tag">Convertible</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/mini/" rel="tag">Mini</a></p><div align="center"><em><strong><small><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/ac-schnitzer-mini-cooper-s-cabrio/2059460/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/web580-13-schnitzercab.jpg" /></a><br />AC Schnitzer Mini Cooper S convertible - Click above for a high-res image gallery</small></strong></em><br /></div>
<br />From the base model all the way up to the JCW, there's no shortage of trim levels available for the Mini and its various body-styles. But if you're looking for something a little different, BMW tuner <em>par excellence</em> AC Schnitzer has released a full tuning package for the latest R57 Mini Cabrio. <br /><br />The treats start under the hood, where Schnitzer takes the Cooper S and pumps it up from 175 horsepower (good) to 208 horsepower for the domestic market (better) or 226 horsepower for export (booyah!). Not the kind of tuning house to tweak the engine and leave the rest untouched, AC's also offering a limited slip differential, an adjustable suspension setup, a sport exhaust. Naturally, the buyer can trim out their Cooper with manner of visual upgrades, too, from the aero package to the various rolling stock options and all the requisite decals and interior trim touches.<br /><br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/ac-schnitzer-mini-cooper-s-cabrio/low/">AC Schnitzer Mini Cooper S cabrio</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/ac-schnitzer-mini-cooper-s-cabrio/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/01-schnitzercab_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/ac-schnitzer-mini-cooper-s-cabrio/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/02-schnitzercab_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/ac-schnitzer-mini-cooper-s-cabrio/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/03-schnitzercab_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/ac-schnitzer-mini-cooper-s-cabrio/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/04-schnitzercab_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/ac-schnitzer-mini-cooper-s-cabrio/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/05-schnitzercab_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />[Source: AC Schnitzer]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/04/little-schnitzer-german-tuner-tweaks-the-mini-cabrio/">Little Schnitzer: German tuner tweaks the Mini Cabrio</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 12:57:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/04/little-schnitzer-german-tuner-tweaks-the-mini-cabrio/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19057636/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/04/little-schnitzer-german-tuner-tweaks-the-mini-cabrio/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>ac schnitzer</category><category>ac schnitzer mini</category><category>ac schnitzer mini cabrio</category><category>ac schnitzer mini cooper s</category><category>ac schnitzer mini cooper s cabrio</category><category>ac schnitzer mini cooper s convertible</category><category>AcSchnitzer</category><category>AcSchnitzerMini</category><category>AcSchnitzerMiniCabrio</category><category>AcSchnitzerMiniCooperS</category><category>AcSchnitzerMiniCooperSCabrio</category><category>AcSchnitzerMiniCooperSConvertible</category><category>mini</category><category>mini cabrio</category><category>mini convertible</category><category>mini cooper</category><category>mini cooper cabrio</category><category>mini cooper convertible</category><category>mini cooper s</category><category>mini cooper s cabrio</category><category>mini cooper s convertible</category><category>MiniCabrio</category><category>MiniConvertible</category><category>MiniCooper</category><category>MiniCooperCabrio</category><category>MiniCooperConvertible</category><category>MiniCooperS</category><category>MiniCooperSCabrio</category><category>MiniCooperSConvertible</category><category>schnitzer</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Noah Joseph]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2009 12:57:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[2010 MINI Cooper JCW Convertible tipped for Geneva]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/29/2010-mini-cooper-jcw-convertible-tipped-for-geneva/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/29/2010-mini-cooper-jcw-convertible-tipped-for-geneva/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/29/2010-mini-cooper-jcw-convertible-tipped-for-geneva/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/convertibles/" rel="tag">Convertible</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/geneva-motor-show/" rel="tag">Geneva Motor Show</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/mini/" rel="tag">Mini</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-mini-cabrio-3/1191019/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/01/mini_cooper_convertible_580.jpg" /></a><br />
<div align="center"><em><strong><small>Click above for a gallery of the 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible</small></strong></em><br /></div>
<br />MINI's going to be busy over the next few months, with new product debuts already scheduled for <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/geneva-motor-show/">Geneva</a> (the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/19/low-spec-mini-one-clubman-set-for-geneva-debut/">MINI One Clubman</a>) and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/frankfurt-auto-show/">Frankfurt</a> (<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/28/2011-mini-crossover-coming-to-frankfurt-in-production-form/">MINI Crossover</a>). If the rumors are correct, you can add one more to the mix, as the John Cooper Works edition of the new convertible looks to join its fixed-head stablemate at the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/Geneva-Motor-Show/">Geneva Motor Show</a> in March. As in the JCW hardtop, the ragtop version will be blessed with a more powerful version of the Cooper S model's turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, which can send its 211 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox. As with the hard-hat JCW, an overboost function allows for a torque peak of 207 lb-ft for a short period of time of quick bursts of acceleration. <br /><br />Chassis improvements include new 17-inch alloys (with optional 18-inchers), an upgraded brake package and standard sport suspension. Of course, no upgrade package would be complete without a few visual modifications, and the JCW delivers with a revised front fascia, aero kit and plenty of badging inside and out. Want one? Expect to pay at least 30K for the privilege.<br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-mini-cabrio-3/low/">2009 MINI Cooper Convertible</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-mini-cabrio-3/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/09minicabrio_hi_003_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-mini-cabrio-3/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/09minicabrio_hi_004_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-mini-cabrio-3/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/09minicabrio_hi_005_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-mini-cabrio-3/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/09minicabrio_hi_006_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-mini-cabrio-3/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/09minicabrio_hi_002_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />[Source: <a href="http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2009/01/2009-mini-cooper-s-convertible-john.html">Carscoop</a>]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/29/2010-mini-cooper-jcw-convertible-tipped-for-geneva/">2010 MINI Cooper JCW Convertible tipped for Geneva</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 18:55:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2009/01/2009-mini-cooper-s-convertible-john.html>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/29/2010-mini-cooper-jcw-convertible-tipped-for-geneva/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1444417/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/29/2010-mini-cooper-jcw-convertible-tipped-for-geneva/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>geneva 2009</category><category>geneva motor show</category><category>Geneva2009</category><category>GenevaMotorShow</category><category>john cooper works</category><category>john cooper works convertible</category><category>john cooper works mini</category><category>JohnCooperWorks</category><category>JohnCooperWorksConvertible</category><category>JohnCooperWorksMini</category><category>mini</category><category>mini cooper</category><category>mini cooper convertible</category><category>mini cooper s</category><category>mini cooper s jcw</category><category>mini cooper s john cooper works</category><category>mini jcw convertible</category><category>MiniCooper</category><category>MiniCooperConvertible</category><category>MiniCooperS</category><category>MiniCooperSJcw</category><category>MiniCooperSJohnCooperWorks</category><category>MiniJcwConvertible</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeremy Korzeniewski]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2009 18:55:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[MINI dealers abroad asked to create separate stores]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/11/mini-dealers-abroad-asked-to-create-separate-stores/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/11/mini-dealers-abroad-asked-to-create-separate-stores/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/11/mini-dealers-abroad-asked-to-create-separate-stores/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/" rel="tag">Europe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/marketing-advertising/" rel="tag">Marketing/Advertising</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/mini/" rel="tag">Mini</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-john-cooper-works-mini-and-clubman/660402/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/mini_450.jpg" alt="" /></a><br />
<div align="center"><em><strong><small>Click above for our John Cooper Works MINI and Clubman high-res gallery</small></strong></em><br /></div>
<br />European <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/23/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-mini-cooper-clubman/">MINI</a> dealers are being asked to distinguish their stores from the BMW brand by creating a separate showroom for sell the British/Bavarian small-car. This entails new main entrances, and dedicated reception and service desks. While most of the dealers in the United States currently operate in this manner, most European retailers still share space with BMW. If dealers don't move enough volume to justify the investment, they will be dropped. In 2007, there were about 750 MINI retailers in Europe. That number is expected to fall to about 650 by the end of this year (worldwide, MINI has about 1,500 dealers in 70 countries). Unlike nearly all other automakers who are experiencing a sales slump, MINI's global sales are reportedly up more than 12 percent for the first nine months of 2008 -- no doubt credited to their diminutive size and fuel efficient engines.
<p> </p>
<p><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-john-cooper-works-mini-and-clubman/low/">2008 John Cooper Works MINI and Clubman</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-john-cooper-works-mini-and-clubman/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/minijcw---19_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-john-cooper-works-mini-and-clubman/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/minijcw---27_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-john-cooper-works-mini-and-clubman/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/minijcw---3_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-john-cooper-works-mini-and-clubman/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/minijcw---22_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-john-cooper-works-mini-and-clubman/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/minijcw---18_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div></p>
<p>[Source: <a href="http://www.autonews.com/article/20081110/ANE09/811099894/1193/rss06&amp;rssfeed=rss06">Automotive News</a>, subs. req'd]</p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/11/mini-dealers-abroad-asked-to-create-separate-stores/">MINI dealers abroad asked to create separate stores</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Tue, 11 Nov 2008 08:33:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/11/mini-dealers-abroad-asked-to-create-separate-stores/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1366973/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/11/mini-dealers-abroad-asked-to-create-separate-stores/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>dealer</category><category>differentiate</category><category>Europe</category><category>franchise</category><category>MINI</category><category>mini cooper</category><category>mini cooper clubman</category><category>mini cooper convertible</category><category>mini cooper s</category><category>mini cooper s john cooper works</category><category>mini sales</category><category>MiniCooper</category><category>MiniCooperClubman</category><category>MiniCooperConvertible</category><category>MiniCooperS</category><category>MiniCooperSJohnCooperWorks</category><category>MiniSales</category><category>separate</category><category>showroom</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Harley]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2008 08:33:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mocking the Eco-Poseury - MINI pushes the CarFun footprint]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/mocking-the-eco-poseury-mini-pushes-the-carfun-footprint/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/mocking-the-eco-poseury-mini-pushes-the-carfun-footprint/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/mocking-the-eco-poseury-mini-pushes-the-carfun-footprint/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/etc/" rel="tag">Etc.</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/green/" rel="tag">Green</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/marketing-advertising/" rel="tag">Marketing/Advertising</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/mini/" rel="tag">Mini</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/carfun_footprint.jpg" alt="" /><br /><br />High fuel prices or no, MINI offers a solid entertainment-to-efficiency ratio. The neo-teeny MINI is fun to fling around, and if you can keep your boot out of the turbocharged engine in the Cooper S, you can have your fuel economy and eat it, too. To emphasize this point, MINI is launching a new campaign focused around what it calls the Carfun Footprint, and the new ad push includes its own website and new print ads and billboards with typically clever MINI taglines. If you're curious to see how your current vehicle stacks up against the MINI's Carfun quotient, head on over to carfunfootprint.com and plug in your vehicle info. Of course, you're not going to score as high as the R56, but you expected that, didn't you? At least MINI has avoided getting all preachy and kept its trademark whimsy intact. <span style="font-style: italic;">Lengthy press release after the jump. </span><br /><br />[Source: MINI]<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/mocking-the-eco-poseury-mini-pushes-the-carfun-footprint/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Mocking the Eco-Poseury - MINI pushes the CarFun footprint</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/mocking-the-eco-poseury-mini-pushes-the-carfun-footprint/">Mocking the Eco-Poseury - MINI pushes the CarFun footprint</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Fri, 08 Aug 2008 17:58:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/mocking-the-eco-poseury-mini-pushes-the-carfun-footprint/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1278790/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/mocking-the-eco-poseury-mini-pushes-the-carfun-footprint/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>carfun calculator</category><category>carfun footprint</category><category>carfuncalculator</category><category>CarfunFootprint</category><category>mini carfun</category><category>mini cooper</category><category>mini cooper s</category><category>MiniCarfun</category><category>MiniCooper</category><category>MiniCooperS</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Dan Roth]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 08 Aug 2008 17:58:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[First Drive: 2008 MINI Cooper S JCW]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/24/first-drive-2008-mini-cooper-s-jcw/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/24/first-drive-2008-mini-cooper-s-jcw/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/24/first-drive-2008-mini-cooper-s-jcw/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchback</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/mini/" rel="tag">Mini</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/driving/" rel="tag">First Drive</a></p><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-2008-mini-cooper-s-jcw/895273/"><img alt="" hspace="4" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/07/minicoopersjcwlead.jpg" vspace="4" border="1" /></a><br /><em>Click above for a high resolution image</em></p>
<p>We've had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a few MINI variants, including a <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/18/in-the-autoblog-garage-2007-mini-cooper-s/">2007 Cooper S</a> and more recently a <a href="javascript:void(0);/*1216842474729*/">2008 Cooper Clubman</a>. Despite some quirky interior design cues and limited practicality, it's hard not to love the MINI for its superb handling and slick-shifting transmission. Still on our to-do list, however, was to experience some of the John Cooper Works options that were absent on our previous test cars. Fortunately we were able to schedule a short drive with a 2008 MINI Cooper S with a few select JCW options. Are the upgrades worth the price of admission? Read on...<br /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/23/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-mini-cooper-clubman/"></a><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-2008-mini-cooper-s-jcw/low/">First Drive: 2008 Mini Cooper S JCW</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-2008-mini-cooper-s-jcw/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/07/minicoopersjcw01_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-2008-mini-cooper-s-jcw/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/07/minicoopersjcw02_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-2008-mini-cooper-s-jcw/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/07/minicoopersjcw03_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-2008-mini-cooper-s-jcw/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/07/minicoopersjcw04_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-2008-mini-cooper-s-jcw/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/07/minicoopersjcw05_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div> <br /><strong><em>All photos Copyright (C)2008 <a href="http://www.drewphillipsphotography.com/">Drew Phillips</a> / Weblogs, Inc.</em></strong></p><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/24/first-drive-2008-mini-cooper-s-jcw/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>First Drive: 2008 MINI Cooper S JCW</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/24/first-drive-2008-mini-cooper-s-jcw/">First Drive: 2008 MINI Cooper S JCW</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:57:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/24/first-drive-2008-mini-cooper-s-jcw/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1242695/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/24/first-drive-2008-mini-cooper-s-jcw/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2008 Mini Cooper S JCW</category><category>2008MiniCooperSJcw</category><category>featured</category><category>John Cooper Works</category><category>JohnCooperWorks</category><category>Mini</category><category>Mini Cooper S</category><category>Mini Cooper S JCW</category><category>MiniCooperS</category><category>MiniCooperSJcw</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Drew Phillips]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:57:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[John Cooper Works MINI gets base Cooper's suspension as standard]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/02/john-cooper-works-mini-to-come-with-standard-suspension/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/02/john-cooper-works-mini-to-come-with-standard-suspension/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/02/john-cooper-works-mini-to-come-with-standard-suspension/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/tunertuesdays/" rel="tag">Tuners</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/" rel="tag">Coupe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchback</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/mini/" rel="tag">Mini</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-john-cooper-works-mini-and-clubman/676114/full/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/minijcw---1_450.jpg" /></a><br /><em>Click above for a high-res gallery of the JCW MINI</em><br /><br />The intrepid (and trustworthy) scribes over at MotoringFile have <a href="http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/04/01/mf-exclusive-jcw-mini-to-get-standard-suspension/">confirmed</a> with their sources that the softest available suspension tuning in the brand's lineup will be standard on the high-performance John Cooper Works model, while a sport suspension or a dealer-installed JCW suspension kit will be optional equipment. MINI cites the fact that it wants the JCW to appeal to as many potential buyers as possible as the real reason for the decision, though it's a choice that's causing some ire among diehard MINI fans. Some are going so far as to suggest the brand should drop the car's brake upgrade in favor of an actual sport suspension as standard equipment.<br /><br />[Source: <a href="http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/04/01/mf-exclusive-jcw-mini-to-get-standard-suspension/">MotoringFile</a>]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/02/john-cooper-works-mini-to-come-with-standard-suspension/">John Cooper Works MINI gets base Cooper's suspension as standard</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Wed, 02 Apr 2008 09:57:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/04/01/mf-exclusive-jcw-mini-to-get-standard-suspension/>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/02/john-cooper-works-mini-to-come-with-standard-suspension/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1154897/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/02/john-cooper-works-mini-to-come-with-standard-suspension/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>jcw</category><category>john cooper works</category><category>john-cooper-works</category><category>JohnCooperWorks</category><category>mini</category><category>mini cooper</category><category>mini cooper s</category><category>mini jcw</category><category>mini-cooper</category><category>mini-cooper-s</category><category>mini-jcw</category><category>MiniCooper</category><category>MiniCooperS</category><category>MiniJcw</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeremy Korzeniewski]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 02 Apr 2008 09:57:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Owning a Mini could improve your personal life]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/27/owning-a-mini-could-improve-your-personal-life/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/27/owning-a-mini-could-improve-your-personal-life/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/27/owning-a-mini-could-improve-your-personal-life/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/carbuying/" rel="tag">Car Buying</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/mini/" rel="tag">Mini</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/lifestyle/" rel="tag">Lifestyle</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/uk/" rel="tag">UK</a></p><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-john-cooper-works-mini-and-clubman/676114/full/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/12/configureyourclubman2.jpg" /></a><br /><em>Click above for live high-res images of the JCW Minis from Geneva</em></p>
Car-obsessed readers of Autoblog may not have any problem thinking of their car as a social expression of who they are, but that's not necessarily true for the majority of the population of the world. Many people consider their car a necessary appliance, something required in life that they care little about. But recently, stylish, trendy and lovable vehicles are causing more people to form a personal attachment to their car, one that they would like to share with others. A look at social networking sites such as <a href="http://www.facebook.com/apps/application.php?id=2531306676">Facebook</a> shows that people are interested in getting to know other drivers with the same type of car. <br /><br />So, with that information established, what kind of car is most likely to attract attention? According to a recent survey by the U.K. "used car hypermarket" <a href="http://www.carcraft.co.uk/">Carcraft</a> shows that MINI owners are the most likely to reach out on the interwebs, with Honda Civic owners coming in at a distant second. Follow the break for Carcraft's list of the Top Ten "Friendliest" Cars, along with the accompanying press release.<br /><br />[Source: Carcraft]<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/27/owning-a-mini-could-improve-your-personal-life/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Owning a Mini could improve your personal life</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/27/owning-a-mini-could-improve-your-personal-life/">Owning a Mini could improve your personal life</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Thu, 27 Mar 2008 11:01:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/27/owning-a-mini-could-improve-your-personal-life/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1148907/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/27/owning-a-mini-could-improve-your-personal-life/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>carcraft</category><category>facebook</category><category>mini</category><category>mini cooper</category><category>mini cooper s</category><category>mini-cooper</category><category>mini-cooper-s</category><category>MiniCooper</category><category>MiniCooperS</category><category>social networking</category><category>social-network</category><category>social-networking</category><category>socialnetworking</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeremy Korzeniewski]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 27 Mar 2008 11:01:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[John Cooper Works relaunched under same white roof as MINI, new logo unveiled]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/23/john-cooper-works-relaunched-under-same-white-roof-as-mini-new/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/23/john-cooper-works-relaunched-under-same-white-roof-as-mini-new/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/23/john-cooper-works-relaunched-under-same-white-roof-as-mini-new/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/tunertuesdays/" rel="tag">Tuners</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchback</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/mini/" rel="tag">Mini</a></p><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/mini-john-cooper-works/602761/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/p0038998_opt.jpg" /></a><br /><em>click above to view more JCW-related MINI images <br /></em></p>
<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/mini-john-cooper-works/602758/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="right" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/jcw-logonew-web450_opt.jpg" /></a>Back in December of 2006, we reported that <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/14/bmw-officially-acquires-the-john-cooper-works-brand/">BMW had officially acquired the John Cooper Works garage</a> with the intent of making it the MINI brand's official performance label, much like the M division is to BMW. Over a year later, Munich has finally relaunched the JCW division, which is headlined by the evolutionary new logo you see here.</p>
<p>The rebranding of JCW is more than an exercise in badge engineering, however. The new effort draws on the decades-long heritage that has been shared between Cooper and MINI, starting with the first MINI that F1 engineer John Cooper tuned and continuing through the resuscitation of the MINI brand by BMW to today's rapidly expanding second-gen range. John's son Mike Cooper continues on as chief executive to oversee JCW's activities under the Bavarian wing, which will include products for both road <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/06/mini-cooper-takes-on-a-porsche-gt3-and-a-champ-car/">and track</a>. <br /></p>
<p>In addition to the one-make <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/14/frankfurt-preview-minis-track-prepped-john-cooper-works-challe/">John Cooper Works CHALLENGE racing series</a> (spec car shown above), JCW will also continue to offer the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/26/mini-mods-john-cooper-works-package-for-new-mini/">John Cooper Works Tuning Kit</a> as well as a catalogue of individual components for the top-of-the-line Cooper S versions of the MINI <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/28/u-s-r56-mini-cooper-s-owners-finally-get-the-jcw-treatment/">hatch</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2005/03/25/new-york-auto-show-john-cooper-works-mini-cooper-convertible/">convertible</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/08/leakage-john-cooper-works-mini-clubman/">Clubman</a>. The bottom line is that with JCW under the same white roof, MINI can now offer even more packages and options than the gazillion choices already in store for buyers, all with full factory backing.</p>
<p>BMW released a bunch of retro-licious MINI Cooper JCW pics, which we've put into the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/mini-john-cooper-works/602742/">gallery below</a> along with descriptions of what you're looking at. The official BMW/MINI press release can also be found after the jump.<br /></p>
<p>[Source: MINI]</p>
<p><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/mini-john-cooper-works/low/">MINI John Cooper Works</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/mini-john-cooper-works/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/p0009728_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/mini-john-cooper-works/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/p0009730_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/mini-john-cooper-works/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/p0013619_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/mini-john-cooper-works/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/p0013621_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/mini-john-cooper-works/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/p0013622_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div></p><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/23/john-cooper-works-relaunched-under-same-white-roof-as-mini-new/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>John Cooper Works relaunched under same white roof as MINI, new logo unveiled</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/23/john-cooper-works-relaunched-under-same-white-roof-as-mini-new/">John Cooper Works relaunched under same white roof as MINI, new logo unveiled</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Wed, 23 Jan 2008 14:29:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/23/john-cooper-works-relaunched-under-same-white-roof-as-mini-new/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1094253/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/23/john-cooper-works-relaunched-under-same-white-roof-as-mini-new/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>badge</category><category>bmw</category><category>cooper s</category><category>CooperS</category><category>john cooper works</category><category>JohnCooperWorks</category><category>launch</category><category>logo</category><category>mini</category><category>mini cooper</category><category>mini cooper s</category><category>MiniCooper</category><category>MiniCooperS</category><category>rebranded</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Noah Joseph]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 23 Jan 2008 14:29:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Canadian Car of the Year winners announced]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/06/canadian-car-of-the-year-winners-announced/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/06/canadian-car-of-the-year-winners-announced/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/06/canadian-car-of-the-year-winners-announced/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/convertibles/" rel="tag">Convertible</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/" rel="tag">Coupe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/economy/" rel="tag">Budget</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sedans/" rel="tag">Sedan</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/suvs/" rel="tag">SUV</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/trucks/" rel="tag">Truck</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/crossovers-cuvs/" rel="tag">Crossover</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/supercars/" rel="tag">Supercars</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/gm/" rel="tag">GM</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/honda/" rel="tag">Honda</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/mini/" rel="tag">Mini</a></p><a href="http://www.autonorth.ca/home/2007/12/4/ajac-announces-canadian-car-of-the-year-category-finalists.html"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/12/r8070018_lr_opt.jpg"  alt="" /></a>
<p> </p>
<p>Every year the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) pick the top new vehicles by category to give their Canadian comrades a reference point for potential purchases. The AJAC tested 177 vehicles in an event at Niagra they call "Test Fest" to come up with their final list, which you can find <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/04/canadian-car-of-the-year-winners-announced/">after the jump</a>.</p>
<p>Even though Canadians have different automotive tastes than us Yanks, they seem to like many of the same cars we do. The AJAC picked the <a href="http://autos.aol.com/cars-Audi-R8-2008/overview">Audi R8</a> as its "Most Coveted Vehicle", the <a href="http://autos.aol.com/cars-Honda-Accord-2008/overview">Honda Accord</a> was honored as best family car, and the <a href="http://autos.aol.com/cars-Audi-S5/overview">Audi S5</a> took honors for best sports car over $50,000, all of which are fine picks with us. We do, however, question the Nissan Rogue as Best New SUV/CUV under $35,000. It's also interesting to note that no Toyotas made the final list of 12, and GM was the only U.S. domestic to hit the list, impressively taking four categories. <br /></p>
<p>[Source: Auto North] </p><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/06/canadian-car-of-the-year-winners-announced/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Canadian Car of the Year winners announced</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/06/canadian-car-of-the-year-winners-announced/">Canadian Car of the Year winners announced</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Thu, 06 Dec 2007 17:28:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.autonorth.ca/home/2007/12/4/ajac-announces-canadian-car-of-the-year-category-finalists.html>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/06/canadian-car-of-the-year-winners-announced/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1055102/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/06/canadian-car-of-the-year-winners-announced/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>Buick Enclave</category><category>BuickEnclave</category><category>Honda Accord</category><category>HondaAccord</category><category>Mercedes-Benz C Class</category><category>Mercedes-benzCClass</category><category>MINI Cooper S</category><category>MiniCooperS</category><category>Nissan Rogue</category><category>NissanRogue</category><category>Saturn Astra</category><category>Saturn Vue</category><category>SaturnAstra</category><category>SaturnVue</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Shunk]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 06 Dec 2007 17:28:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Spy Shots: Stage II MINI JCW kit]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/07/spy-shots-more-powerful-mini-jcw-kit/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/07/spy-shots-more-powerful-mini-jcw-kit/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/07/spy-shots-more-powerful-mini-jcw-kit/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/spyphotos/" rel="tag">Spy Photos</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/geneva-motor-show/" rel="tag">Geneva Motor Show</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchback</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/mini/" rel="tag">Mini</a></p><a href="http://www.worldcarfans.com/9071107.003/more-powerful-mini-jcw-performance-kit-spied-at-nurburgring"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="right" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/9071107.003.mini7la.jpg"  alt="" /></a>The MINI franchise is finally facing some stiff competition in the compact performance segment, particularly abroad where buyers can now get their retrotastic kicks in the 180-hp Fiat Punto Abarth SS or the Clio Renaultsport 197. It's been simply a matter of time before MINI let loose the John Cooper Works team again on the new R56 Cooper S, and the fruits of their underground labors have been caught on the Nurburgring in the form of a Stage II version of the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/10/first-review-of-the-r56-mini-cooper-s-jcw-package/">R56 Cooper S JCW package</a>. <br /><br />Sporting a set of 18-inch rollers pilfered from the JCW GP Limited Edition Cooper S, this test mule also receives a set of upgraded brakes, a JCW-spec sports suspension package and a restyled aero kit. A proper tune of the turbo'd 1.6-liter mill, coupled with a new JCW exhaust, is expected to bring output up from to around 215 horsepower.<br /><br />Expect the JCW-massaged version of the Cooper S to debut in Geneva next year, with sales beginning later in '08.<br /><br />[Source: World Car Fans]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/07/spy-shots-more-powerful-mini-jcw-kit/">Spy Shots: Stage II MINI JCW kit</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Wed, 07 Nov 2007 16:57:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.worldcarfans.com/9071107.003/more-powerful-mini-jcw-performance-kit-spied-at-nurburgring>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/07/spy-shots-more-powerful-mini-jcw-kit/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1033155/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/07/spy-shots-more-powerful-mini-jcw-kit/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>cooper s</category><category>CooperS</category><category>john cooper works</category><category>JohnCooperWorks</category><category>mini</category><category>mini cooper s</category><category>mini cooper s jcw</category><category>MiniCooperS</category><category>MiniCooperSJcw</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Damon Lavrinc]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 07 Nov 2007 16:57:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 MINI Cooper S]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/18/in-the-autoblog-garage-2007-mini-cooper-s/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/18/in-the-autoblog-garage-2007-mini-cooper-s/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/18/in-the-autoblog-garage-2007-mini-cooper-s/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/garage/" rel="tag">In the Autoblog Garage</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchback</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/mini/" rel="tag">Mini</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/in-the-autoblog-garage-2007-mini-cooper-s/444426/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/10/r56-mini-s---02_450_op.jpg" alt="" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Click the image above for more high-res images.</span><br /><br />MINI was kind enough to furnish a fully-stocked iPod in our 2007 Cooper S tester, and after a few days of enduring OPPs (other-people's-playlists), we swapped in our own to catch up on podcasts and to sample the Beastie Boys' <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mix-Up">second installment</a> of instrumental stylings. We know our place in the world, so we're not going to pretend to be music critics, but after flogging the MCS over the course of a week, blaring The Mix-Up through the dual-zone moon roof, we found ourselves comparing both the old and new cars with the old and new albums. The verdict: both are superior in their own way, and only nostalgia tips the previous iteration into favor.<br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/in-the-autoblog-garage-2007-mini-cooper-s/low/">In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 MINI Cooper S</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/in-the-autoblog-garage-2007-mini-cooper-s/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/10/r56-mini-s---01_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/in-the-autoblog-garage-2007-mini-cooper-s/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/10/img_7831_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/in-the-autoblog-garage-2007-mini-cooper-s/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/10/r56-mini-s---02_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/in-the-autoblog-garage-2007-mini-cooper-s/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/10/r56-mini-s---03_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/in-the-autoblog-garage-2007-mini-cooper-s/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/10/r56-mini-s---04_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">All photos Copyright (C)2007 Damon Lavrinc / Weblogs, Inc.</span><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/18/in-the-autoblog-garage-2007-mini-cooper-s/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 MINI Cooper S</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/18/in-the-autoblog-garage-2007-mini-cooper-s/">In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 MINI Cooper S</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Thu, 18 Oct 2007 12:01:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/18/in-the-autoblog-garage-2007-mini-cooper-s/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1015853/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/18/in-the-autoblog-garage-2007-mini-cooper-s/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2007</category><category>2007 mini</category><category>2007 mini cooper s</category><category>2007 mini cooper s review</category><category>2007Mini</category><category>2007MiniCooperS</category><category>2007MiniCooperSReview</category><category>cooper</category><category>cooper s</category><category>CooperS</category><category>featured</category><category>mini</category><category>mini cooper s</category><category>mini cooper s review</category><category>MiniCooperS</category><category>MiniCooperSReview</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Damon Lavrinc]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 18 Oct 2007 12:01:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[MINI set to release "Stage One" JCW model]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/28/mini-set-to-release-stage-one-jcw-model/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/28/mini-set-to-release-stage-one-jcw-model/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/28/mini-set-to-release-stage-one-jcw-model/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/geneva-motor-show/" rel="tag">Geneva Motor Show</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchback</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/mini/" rel="tag">Mini</a></p><a href="http://motoringfile.com/2007/02/27/2008-jcw-stage-1-upgrade-revealed/#more-5611"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="right" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/02/jcwstageonekit.jpg"  alt="" /></a>We have only one source for trusted insights into the MINI brand, and that's Motoringfile. The chaps who cover the diminutive brand are reporting that MINI's newly acquired John Cooper Works tuning shop will produce two high-performance JCW vehicles based on the new R56 MINI. The website surmises that at next week's Geneva Motor Show, MINI will introduce the first vehicle, what is unofficially being referred to as the "Stage One Kit". Output is expected to be around 190 and 200bhp thanks to a freer flowing intake and exhaust combined with revised ECU tuning. It's a nice bump over the MINI Cooper S that offers buyers 175 hp from its turbocharged 1.6L four-banger, but still leaves us wanting for more. Supposedly that's where the JCW "Stage Two Kit" comes in, though no information is yet available on what will be the ultimate factory-tuned MINI.<br /><br />[Source: Motoring File]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/28/mini-set-to-release-stage-one-jcw-model/">MINI set to release "Stage One" JCW model</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Wed, 28 Feb 2007 12:30:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://motoringfile.com/2007/02/27/2008-jcw-stage-1-upgrade-revealed/#more-5611>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/28/mini-set-to-release-stage-one-jcw-model/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/842512/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/28/mini-set-to-release-stage-one-jcw-model/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>Cooper S</category><category>CooperS</category><category>Geneva</category><category>john cooper works</category><category>JohnCooperWorks</category><category>MCS</category><category>MINI</category><category>MINI Cooper S</category><category>MiniCooperS</category><category>stage one kit</category><category>stage two kit</category><category>StageOneKit</category><category>StageTwoKit</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[John Neff]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 28 Feb 2007 12:30:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[New MINI pricing and options]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/30/new-mini-pricing-and-options/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/30/new-mini-pricing-and-options/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/30/new-mini-pricing-and-options/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/" rel="tag">Coupe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchback</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/mini/" rel="tag">Mini</a></p><a href="http://motoringfile.com/2006/10/29/2007-mini-usa-pricing-and-options/"><img width="449" vspace="4" hspace="4" height="280" border="0" alt="" id="vimage_1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/10/newminismall.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://motoringfile.com/2006/10/29/2007-mini-usa-pricing-and-options/"><br />Motoring File </a>has attained U.S. pricing for the 2007 Mini. The new model's base price increases $600 to $18,050 with standard 6-speed manual and rear spoiler. Standard equipment will also include a trip computer, traction control and a sport mode button. The Cooper S increases $300 to $20,900, the Convertible will be priced at $21,950 with the S option adding $4,200 to the drop-top's price.<br /><br />Motoring File has all the details on new content packages, paint colors, interior choices and performance upgrades.<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/30/new-mini-pricing-and-options/">New MINI pricing and options</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Mon, 30 Oct 2006 17:33:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://motoringfile.com/2006/10/29/2007-mini-usa-pricing-and-options/>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/30/new-mini-pricing-and-options/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/692963/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/30/new-mini-pricing-and-options/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2007 mini</category><category>2007 mini pricing</category><category>2007Mini</category><category>2007MiniPricing</category><category>bmw</category><category>bmw mini</category><category>BmwMini</category><category>mini</category><category>mini convertible</category><category>mini cooper</category><category>mini cooper convertible</category><category>mini cooper s</category><category>mini pricing</category><category>MiniConvertible</category><category>MiniCooper</category><category>MiniCooperConvertible</category><category>MiniCooperS</category><category>MiniPricing</category><category>new mini</category><category>new mini cooper</category><category>NewMini</category><category>NewMiniCooper</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Tutor]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 30 Oct 2006 17:33:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[New MINI pricing leaked!]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/28/new-mini-pricing-leaked/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/28/new-mini-pricing-leaked/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/28/new-mini-pricing-leaked/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/carbuying/" rel="tag">Car Buying</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/mini/" rel="tag">Mini</a></p><a href="http://news.windingroad.com/auto-news/winding-road-exclusive-2007-us-mini-prices/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" id="vimage_1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/10/cooper_pricing.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The man from our <em>favorite</em> kind of road received the new MINI's pricing from a Deep Throat within the automaker. The pricing is printed below, but the short-and-sweet version is simple: a $700 increase on the Cooper and a $400 increase on 'S' models. That's not entirely out of line, considering the upgraded interior and extra performance of the new model.<br /><br />Current Cooper (2006) - Base MSRP: $17,450 + $550 D&amp;H = $18,000<br />New Cooper (2007) -Base MSRP: $18,050 + $650 D&amp;H = $18,700<br /><br />Current Cooper S (2006) -Base MSRP: $20,900 + $550 D&amp;H = $21,450<br />New Cooper S (2007) -Base MSRP: $21,200 + $650 D&amp;H = $21,850<br /><br />No word yet on how much the JCW package will set you back, but don't expect it before 2008. You'll probably see a press release soon.<br /><br />[Source: Winding Road]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/28/new-mini-pricing-leaked/">New MINI pricing leaked!</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Sat, 28 Oct 2006 20:41:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://news.windingroad.com/auto-news/winding-road-exclusive-2007-us-mini-prices/>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/28/new-mini-pricing-leaked/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/692509/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/28/new-mini-pricing-leaked/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>bmw</category><category>mini cooper</category><category>MINI cooper s</category><category>MiniCooper</category><category>MiniCooperS</category><category>winding road</category><category>WindingRoad</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Damon Lavrinc]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 28 Oct 2006 20:41:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[VIDEO: 2007 MINI Cooper and Cooper S in motion]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/14/video-2007-mini-cooper-and-cooper-s-in-motion/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/14/video-2007-mini-cooper-and-cooper-s-in-motion/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/14/video-2007-mini-cooper-and-cooper-s-in-motion/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/videos/" rel="tag">Videos</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/mini/" rel="tag">Mini</a></p><a href="http://stadium.weblogsinc.com/autoblog/videos/autoblog_07MINICooper.mov"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/08/07minicoopermov.jpg" id="vimage_1" alt="" /></a><br /><em>click image above to play video</em><br /><br />Hot on the heels of BMW's press release detailing the unveiling of the new 2007 MINI Cooper and Cooper S came video of the car's tooling around the English countryside. You can see that the new dimensions have created a demonstrably larger MINI, yet the design flavor that made the first iteration famous is in tact. We'll see the car up close in Paris, but this footage should hold us until then.<br /><br />Music: "Sometimes" by Mike Gali<br /><br />[Source: BMW]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/14/video-2007-mini-cooper-and-cooper-s-in-motion/">VIDEO: 2007 MINI Cooper and Cooper S in motion</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Mon, 14 Aug 2006 16:28:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/14/video-2007-mini-cooper-and-cooper-s-in-motion/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/654284/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/14/video-2007-mini-cooper-and-cooper-s-in-motion/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>MINI Cooper</category><category>MINI Cooper S</category><category>MiniCooper</category><category>MiniCooperS</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[John Neff]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 14 Aug 2006 16:28:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Happy Birthday! MINI Turns 5]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/03/happy-birthday-mini-turns-5/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/03/happy-birthday-mini-turns-5/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/03/happy-birthday-mini-turns-5/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/etc/" rel="tag">Etc.</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchback</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/mini/" rel="tag">Mini</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/07/36287min-.jpg" id="vimage_1" alt="" /><br /><br />On July 7, 2001, MINI was born.<br /><br />Now, five years later, the automaker has sold 800,000 cars worldwide in what has been an astounding success story. <br /><br />With British charm backed by German engineering, the BMW-owned MINI brand has struck a chord with just about everyone from suburban moms to <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/24/dale-jr-s-mini-cooper-on-ebay/">Dale Jr. himself</a>. MINI's minions are a diverse bunch, indeed.<br /><br />Globally, eight models are currently available: MINI One, MINI One D, MINI Cooper, MINI Cooper S, MINI One Convertible, MINI Cooper Convertible, MINI Cooper S Convertible and MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP Kit. Obviously, not all models are available in all markets.<br /><br />For the North Americans scratching their heads right about now wondering, "What's a <a href="http://www.mini.co.uk/UK/html/model_range/mini_one/techSpec.html">MINI One</a>?" it's a MINI with a smaller, more economical powerplant and gaudy fuel economy numbers. (Note to BMW: there's probably a healthy market for the MINI One in the States.)<br /><br />With so many legitimately different vehicles housed in the same tidy, attractive little package, it's no wonder that 800,000 have been sold. If the MINI's configuration works for you (for some, it's admittedly too small), then they probably have a car that will suit your driving needs perfectly. Best of all, whether your're&nbsp; going for economy or performance, you never have to compromise your sense of style.<br /><br />(Press release after the jump)<br /><br />[Source: MINI]<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/03/happy-birthday-mini-turns-5/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Happy Birthday! MINI Turns 5</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/03/happy-birthday-mini-turns-5/">Happy Birthday! MINI Turns 5</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Mon, 03 Jul 2006 14:28:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/03/happy-birthday-mini-turns-5/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/639010/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/03/happy-birthday-mini-turns-5/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>mini birthday</category><category>mini cooper</category><category>mini cooper convertible</category><category>mini cooper s</category><category>mini cooper S convertible</category><category>mini one</category><category>mini one d</category><category>mini turns 5</category><category>MiniBirthday</category><category>MiniCooper</category><category>MiniCooperConvertible</category><category>MiniCooperS</category><category>MiniCooperSConvertible</category><category>MiniOne</category><category>MiniOneD</category><category>MiniTurns5</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Alex Nunez]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 03 Jul 2006 14:28:00 EST</pubDate></item></channel></rss>