Autoblog

REPORT: Mini's future models roadmapped

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Mini Coupe and Roadster Concepts

[Source: BimmerFile]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gallery: MINI Crossover Concept LIVE

[Source: Motoring File]

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

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Mini Roadster leaks out ahead of Frankfurt debut

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:31:00 EST

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

Mini kicked off its 50th anniversary celebration with a birthday party in Nice, France where a select group of journalists were give an glimpse at Mini's plans for Frankfurt and beyond.

Matt Davis from Inside Line was in attendance and snapped a shot (right) of the Mini Roadster concept ahead of its Frankfurt Motor Show debut, and plugged some of the automaker's execs for information on Mini's plan for the future.

Aside from the Mini Coupe and Roadster, which will reportedly, "be produced for the 2011 model year and both will be available on all our world markets," the Mini Crossover has been delayed as the automaker rethinks its brand position. However, the 'ute is still supposedly a go and will be revealed in early 2010 (we're thinking Detroit) and likely go on sale late next year.

There's also rumors of a possible tie-up between BMW and a yet-to-be-named Japanese automaker (IL lists Toyota as the likely partner), although details on the deal are scarce... at best. And, of course, there's continued speculation surrounding the future of BMW's super-subcompact range, with a Mini-based Isetta revival that could arrive within the next two years. For now, it's merely conjecture, but at the Frankfurt show next month, we should have a clearer indication of what direction Mini will take in the coming years.

[Source: Inside Line]

Mini Roadster leaks out ahead of Frankfurt debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mini to debut Speedster and Countryman online this week ahead of Frankfurt?

Noah Joseph — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 09:28:00 EST

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

Mini Crossover Concept from Paris 2008 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The gurus of everything Mini at MotoringFile report BMW is planning more new vehicle debuts at the Frankfurt Motor Show, with two new concepts set to debut online this week in advance of the bash in Germany.

The big debut will be the Mini Speedster, the anticipated sportier alternative to the existing four-seat convertible. But even before the Speedster hits the web, Mini could opt to unveil the Countryman crossover later this week. Both will be strict concept cars, like the Traveler from Detroit 2006 and the Crossover concept from last year's show in Paris, but will point the way towards potential production models to come.

Gallery: MINI Crossover Concept

[Source: MotoringFile]

Mini to debut Speedster and Countryman online this week ahead of Frankfurt? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Mini could be headed for WRC by adapting new crossover model

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 14:40:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Crossover, Mini, Rumormill

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.

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BMW trademarks "Countryman" for Mini crossover name?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Hybrid, Green, Crossover, BMW, Mini

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

Thanks to a few eagle-eyed BMW fans with a handy penchant for tracking trademark filings, we may know the name of the upcoming and oft-spied Mini crossover: the Countryman. If this is indeed the case, the badge would go hand-in-hand with BMW's current naming convention for its Mini line, which includes the extended-length Clubman in addition to the standard Cooper and convertible. We're expecting the new CUV to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in production form as a 2011 model.

Interestingly, BMW also trademarked the name ActiveE, which some are speculating will be the moniker applied to the automaker's upcoming electric vehicles as it matches up quite nicely with BMW's present ActiveHybrid series. Last year, the German automaker reserved the name eDrive, and it seems the two labels could somehow be paired together as part of the company's Project I initiative.

Gallery: MINI Crossover Concept

[Source: German Car Zone via BMW Blog]

BMW trademarks "Countryman" for Mini crossover name? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mini Cooper Crossover spotted in California

John Neff — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Hatchback, Mini

Mini Cooper Crossover spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mini has been caught testing its upcoming Cooper Crossover in the deserts of California, and these two prototypes, despite their psychedelic paint schemes, provide the most clear view yet of the small soft roader. What's of particular note is that these two prototypes do not share the same front end, perhaps because one is the naturally aspirated model and the other turbocharged. The trailing Cooper Crossover prototype features a more typical Mini grille with horizontal slats and a fog light at each corner. The prototype leading the pack, however, features a mesh grille and lower air intake with two inlets.

Based on the Mini Crossover Concept that debuted at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, the production version appears to have more in common with the standard Mini Cooper than the extra large Clubman model. While it does sport an extra pair of doors like the Clubman, these prototypes appear to feature rear lift gates that swing up rather than being split vertically down the center. And while ground clearance does appear to be up relative to a standard Mini, these long-wheelbase, four-door Coopers are far from being rock crawlers.

Check out the rest of our latest spy shots in the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Mini Cooper Crossover - spy shots

[Photos: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: Mini Cooper Crossover spotted in California originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: MINI GTI-fighter based on Crossover?

Dan Roth — Wed, 06 May 2009 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: BMW, Mini, Rendered Speculation, Rumormill

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

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

Gallery: MINI Crossover Concept

[Source: Autocar]

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

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2011 MINI Crossover coming to Frankfurt in production form

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 19:33:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Crossover, Mini

Click above for a gallery of the MINI Crossover Concept

According to BMW, the reception to its MINI Crossover Concept from the Paris Motor Show was so positive that the automaker approved the project for production in 2011 just four weeks after it debuted. The production version of the jacked-up MINI CUV is slated to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, which is right on schedule with earlier projections. Don't expect to see the concept's trick rear doors or the side-hinged driver's side portal on the production model, which will instead rely on four normal front-hinged openings and a standard tailgate. Also on the menu is an optional four-wheel drive system complete with low range when drivers want to tackle the Rubicon, which is, of course, never.

According to sources at MINI, the car will retain the brand's trademark kart-like handling, in spite of the ample ground clearance and meaty rolling stock that will be required on a vehicle with off-road intensions. In any case, the biggest MINI won't come cheap. Expect the 2011 MINI Crossover to pick up where the current range lets off, with a base price of around $29K. MINI also promises a full range of available options, so consider that figure nothing more than a vague starting point for the customizers among us.

Gallery: MINI Crossover Concept

[Source: Inside Line]

2011 MINI Crossover coming to Frankfurt in production form originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 19:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW's 2009 unveiling schedule?

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Frankfurt Motor Show, Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, SUV, Geneva Motor Show, Tokyo Motor Show, Crossover, BMW, Mini, Rolls-Royce

BMW Blog has trained its spyglass on what it says is a list of BMW rollouts for 2009, and it will begin next month with the brand spankin' new Z4 showcased at the Detroit Auto Show. It is March, though, that will bring year's first real bounty. At Geneva, BMW will be showing off a concept version of the Progressive Activity Vehicle (half 5 Series, half X6), the Concept eDrive (an electric 1 Series or 3 Series), a Z4 Individual, and the Rolls-Royce 102EX (otherwise known as the RR4). Then in April, BMW's taking the show to Shanghai with the 760Li.

Post-Shanghai, you'll get a few months to digest. Then at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, BMW is expected to have the production-ready Progressive Activity Vehicle on display and the MINI Crossover. It is there, perhaps, that they'll also trot out a show pony speedster they call the Vision-Z with eDrive, their idea of "progress of sports cars for the future." And sprinkled on top throughout the year come launches of the 7 Series xDrive, 7 Series Hybrid, X5 M, X6 M, and X6 Active Hybrid. For bimmer lovers, 2009 is going to be a jubilee year.

[Source: BMW Blog]

BMW's 2009 unveiling schedule? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Dec 2008 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: MINI SUV/Crossover caught messing with perception

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Mini

Click above for a high-res gallery of the MINI Crossover

The crew from KGP have finally caught the MINI Crossover/Crossman/Maxi undergoing testing and its acid-inspired duds aren't the only things BMW is employing to confuse our shooters.

The cloaked headlamps hide a new set of eyes inspired by the Crossover concept that bowed in Paris, while the funky side door arrangement has been dropped in favor of a more traditional set of hinged openings. On first glance, the rear appears to mimic the barn door arrangement fitted to the Clubman, but closer inspection reveals that the hatch is only bisected by some well-placed vinyl, giving the illusion of two doors. Looking at the tail lamps and crease ahead of the spoiler, it appears that the MINI CUV will be using a traditional top-hinged hatch - a welcome addition considering the compromised rear view of the Clubman.

Expect naturally aspirated and turbocharged 1.6-liter engines pulled from the standard MINI to be offered, along with all-wheel-drive, when the MINI Crossover hits the market late next year.

Gallery: Spy Shots: MINI SUV

Gallery: MINI Crossover Concept

Spy Shots: MINI SUV/Crossover caught messing with perception originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Production MINI Crossover spotted!

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Mini

Beneath all that ridiculous (though pretty darn effective) yellow and black paisley camouflage sits the new MINI Crossover. First shown in concept form at the Paris Motor Show, at 162-inches long, the new MINI CUV is quite a bit larger than its other older stablemates. At what point is a MINI not so mini any more? This could be it, as the spy photographers point out that it appears larger than the BMW 1-Series that shares a number of parts with. Lost in the translation from show car to test mule are the unique doors, which appear to have been replaced with a standard, run-of-the-mill four door body style. The rear hatch also opens from the top instead of sideways like on the concept, though it's been taped-up to appear like the barn-door style portals from the Clubman. The whole shebang's been lifted a bit and all four wheels are driven. Expect both gasoline and diesel four-bangers under the pointy-snouted hood.

[Source: NextAutos.com]

Spy Shots: Production MINI Crossover spotted! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW kills X7 to focus on X1 and MINI SAV

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, BMW

Click either image for a high-res gallery

For better or worse, the BMW X1 "concept" and MINI Crossover are destined for production. BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer maintains that both models will do well in these economic and fuel-conscious times, but the X7 - originally slated for production in 2013 - has been killed due to the CUV's inability to "generate sufficient growth," according to Automotive News.

The MINI is expected to hit the market in 2010, while the X1 will arrive in the U.S. later that year or in early 2011. While Reithofer admits that the X6 is a niche vehicle, he contends that the X1 has the ability to be a more mainstream player in the market. To which we ask: how? While a biggie MINI may be a contradiction in terms and execution, the crossover at least has some nostalgia and style on its side. On the other hand, the X1 doesn't seem to bring much to the table and risks cannibalizing sales of its slightly large sibling (X3) and even a few 3-series wagon buyers - if it even sells in the first place.

Gallery: BMW Concept X1

Gallery: MINI Crossover Concept

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

BMW kills X7 to focus on X1 and MINI SAV originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2008: MINI Crossover Concept

Noah Joseph — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Mini

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the MINI Crossover Concept

Some concepts are purely design exercises, while others serve as previews of upcoming production models. It's rare for one show car to serve as both, but then MINI is unique in the business. The Crossover concept that the BMW subsidiary unveiled here at the Paris Motor Show has a bit of a Dark Knight villain thing going for it. On one side it's got an unusual door configuration, big show-car wheels and a decidedly conceptual turquoise-highlighted paint scheme. On the other it's more staid, with conventional doors, a more conventional color palette and an altogether more production-feasible appearance. Up top and inside everything's all fantasy, however, with the cloth roof and trick glass infotainment system we reported on earlier. Click the thumbnails below to see the MINI Crossover Concept live from the Paris show floor, and the gallery below that for the factory studio shots, and let us know what you think of the two-faced concept car in our comments section.

Gallery: MINI Crossover Concept LIVE

Gallery: MINI Crossover Concept

Paris 2008: MINI Crossover Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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