Autoblog

MotoringFile, ground zero on the web for all things MINI, has the scoop on the long-awaited 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible. Someone slipped MF seven official shots of the Detroit-bound R57 Cooper ragtop along with some additional inside information. Obviously, it's based on the current chassis and powertrains, so you know what you're going to get there. Additionally, the JCW package is supposedly going to be available at launch as well.

One of the most obvious visual changes in the new convertible is the use of pop-up roll hoops instead of the fixed units featured on the old car. This, in addition to looking cleaner, should improve rearward visibility with the top down. Speaking of the top being down, the new car includes a cutesy little gimmick called the 'Always Open" gauge. Located next to the tach housing, it tells the driver the percentage of miles driven with the top open. Look also for new paint and top colors outside, plus a new black chrome interior trim package inside. MotoringFile says we'll see the car in showrooms come Spring 2009. Look for more info on the new MINI convertible as we get closer to the Detroit Auto Show. In the meantime, hit up MotoringFile for their full preview report. Thanks to Gabriel for the heads-up.


[Source: MotoringFile]

One of the apparent keys to creating a viral video is mimicking reality by showing young people attempting stunts. The main difference is that in Virals, the injuries aren't real, and the camera work is better. Oh, and the payoff is usually CG that's been fussed over, versus pimply little Johnny trying to figure out chromakey in his bedroom. MINI wants to put across the point that the Cooper S with the John Cooper Works package is more extreme than extreme. The very definition of extreme, perhaps. Extremus maxiumus. Whatever. Corralling a big-power MINI is first rate entertainment, but a lesson in how levers work from a massive crane would tickle the adrenal gland more. The fact that we just expended a bunch of words about the video means that MINI hit its mark, though -- the whole point of Viral ads is to get people talking, so... as Linda Richman would say - "tawlk amongst yuhselves..." Video posted after the jump.


[Source: World Car Fans]

click above to view more JCW-related MINI images

Back in December of 2006, we reported that BMW had officially acquired the John Cooper Works garage 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.

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 and track.

In addition to the one-make John Cooper Works CHALLENGE racing series (spec car shown above), JCW will also continue to offer the John Cooper Works Tuning Kit as well as a catalogue of individual components for the top-of-the-line Cooper S versions of the MINI hatch, convertible and Clubman. 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.

BMW released a bunch of retro-licious MINI Cooper JCW pics, which we've put into the gallery below along with descriptions of what you're looking at. The official BMW/MINI press release can also be found after the jump.

[Source: MINI]

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 R56 Cooper S JCW package.

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.

Expect the JCW-massaged version of the Cooper S to debut in Geneva next year, with sales beginning later in '08.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Click the image above for more high-res images.

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' second installment 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.


All photos Copyright ©2007 Damon Lavrinc / Weblogs, Inc.

If Automotive News' sources are to be believed, BMW and Mercedes-Benz might be joining forces to develop a new front-wheel drive architecture that would underpin both automakers' compact offerings. BMW is likely in the process of developing a new platform for its MINI and Mercedes has already announced plans to ditch its A-class ultra-compact. The idea that the two rivals would come together to co-develop a product might seem preposterous, but at the end of the day, it's all about saving as many euros as possible.

If a joint effort does take place, expect Mercedes to use its own powertrains for two compact vehicles, likely new A- and B-classes. And no, Chrysler isn't in the running to help out.

[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req.]

Saab is trying desperately to remake itself as a premium player in a market rife with competitors offering sharp styling and competent handling. The Swedish automaker has been in a marketing and design rut, which it intends to rectify by offering a new compact model that takes aim at the MINI and other small-sized competitors like the Volvo C30.

The new compact vehicle will be accompanied by a new small crossover and a redesigned 9-5, both of which will take styling cues from the Aero-X concept that has already infused the new 9-3. A new 9-5 will be based on the Theta and Epsilon 2 platforms, and is likely to debut in 2009. The CUV is expected near the close of the decade, while the 9-7X may meet its maker by the end of 2008.

[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req.]

If you're a U.S. citizen hankering for a factory-tuned R56 MINI Cooper S, you're officially in luck. MotoringFile has received the press release on the new JCW tuning package, and according to our friend Gabe, some dealers already have demo vehicles and you might be able to score a ride in one later this week.

The primary difference between the Euro kit we've reported on before and the kit to be sold Stateside is the exhaust manifold. Apparently, U.S.-spec vehicles are already equipped with the new exhaust plumbing, making the addition to the kit irrelevant.

The kit boosts power to 189 hp and up to 207 lb.-ft. of torque between 1,750 and 4,500 RPM, and while MINI admits that the package equipped on the last generation hatch was cost prohibitive, both with respect to parts and labor, this new kit will come in at $2,100 with only two hours of shop time to install.

The gains in power are provided by a new air filter housing, exhaust and a revised ECU tune, which supposedly provides faster throttle response. On the outside, tuned MINIs also get John Cooper Works badging on the front grille, trunk lid and atop the air filter housing.

After the jump you can scour through all the details, including comparisons in performance times between the stock and JCW-equipped R56.

[Source: MotoringFile]

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety wrapped up yet another round of merciless destruction analyzed crash test data provided by BMW and came away with an overall 'Good' rating for the 2007 MINI Cooper.

The only test conducted so far was the frontal offset crash, which received the 'Good' rating for all but the head/neck portion that was categorized as 'Average.' The reason for the middle-of-the-road rating was due to the IIHS's dummy hitting its head against the steering wheel through the airbag (ouch!), and although the Institute observed the dummy striking the roof rail on rebound, it still classified the MINI's restraint system as 'Good,' since the impact was "negligible."

You can read the IIHS press release in full by clicking the 'Read' link below.

[Source: IIHS]

Time for total honesty: if we were to pick up a MINI tomorrow, this is the one we'd have. The combination of dark silver and a black roof is understated enough to be overlooked, but menacing in a way that makes us itch for the twisties. It tells anyone in The Know that you've got taste, and the blacked-out rims with a polished lip don't hurt either.

Today's RR comes courtesy of Flickr member tenfifteen, whose chosen chariot proves that he's every bit the car guy, and has impeccable taste in color combos. The blown four on his S gets a slight boost in intake pressure via a 15-percent reduction Helix supercharger pulley, an Alta cold air intake and an ECU tune by MTH. Sending the extra ponies to the ground is a custom-machined M7 flywheel that mates to a SPEC 2.5+ clutch and on down to a Quaife TB LSD.

Tasteful mods mated to a perfect balanced color scheme make this our Reader Ride for the day, and the great shots that tenfifteen provided don't hurt either. Follow the jump for more, including a full list of mods and directions on how to submit your own ride to our Flickr pool.