Autoblog

LA 2009: MINI Coupe & Roadster Concepts are so LA

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:44:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Mini, Luxury

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

Mini brought its birthday presents to itself out to the LA Auto Show for their North American debut today. The Cambden and Mayfair were there, but we spent a lot more time ogling the Coupe and Roadster. As you may recall, Mini created these two sports cars to celebrate its 50th anniversary and showed them off alongside the two special edition Coopers at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The changes are slightly less obvious on the open-top roadster, but you can definitely see that there's no back seat and the windshield is laid back a claimed 16 degrees over the standard Cooper. The backwards baseball cap on the coupe is a bit odd looking in pics and the real world view doesn't do much to change that impression.

None of the display vehicles sported any detail changes but it was still fun to see all of them packed into a booth the size of Toyota's Venza section. Ian Robertson of BMW did share a few more details about the future of MINI, with the "R60" 4-door-4-liter-4wd about to get a real name and even more models in the works. For now we have the Coopers and Clubmen and the coupe and roadster to keep us happy. Check out the gallery below.

Gallery: LA 2009: MINI concepts and special editions

Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: MINI]

LA 2009: MINI Coupe & Roadster Concepts are so LA originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mini working on diesel "S" versions of Cooper, Clubman?

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:42:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Mini, Diesel

Mini Cooper and Clubman S Diesel - Click above for high-res image gallery

Spy shooters posted outside Mini's testing facility in Germany snagged a duo of prototypes heading out for testing, but something seemed amiss. Both models -- a standard Cooper and a mildly camo'd Clubman -- sported the tell-tale exterior elements found on the S versions, specifically a central-mounted dual exhaust on the Cooper and the twin-tips and hood scoop on the Clubman. However, the exhaust note was decidedly diesel, causing us to wonder: Is Mini working on hotted-up S versions of its oil-burners?

If they are -- and we're not convinced either way -- then a Cooper S and Clubman S diesel would need to benefit from more than a few design tweaks and an uprated suspension. Considering that the standard Mini D puts out around 90 horsepower and the Cooper D boasts another 20 bhp, then these S-ified models could be packing upwards of 140 to 150 hp and, more importantly, over 200 lb.-ft. of torque from their 1.6-liter turbodiesels. If they do make it to dealers, we'd expect them to debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March, with sales beginning in Europe late next year.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Mini Cooper and Clubman S Diesel

Spy Shots: Mini working on diesel "S" versions of Cooper, Clubman? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Videos, Hatchback, Honda, Mini, Specialty

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

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

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

Gallery: Mini Tec AWD Mini

[Source: Super Fast Minis via Speedhunters]

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

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

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Review: 2009 Mini Cooper S Convertible adds open-air fun for a price

John Neff — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Convertible, Mini, Reviews

2009 Mini Cooper S Convertible - Click above for high-res image gallery

Back in 2001, BMW revived the Mini brand by unveiling a new Cooper model that updated the classic English design of the original while growing the car's trademark size just enough to fit the engineering, safety equipment and conveniences that modern drivers demand. It was a perfect play, and if Mini sales haven't exactly set the world on fire here in the U.S., that's only because the brand has been alone in teaching American car shoppers what Europeans already know: Premium small cars are worth every penny. In other words, Americans generally associate the value of a vehicle with its size - the more you pay, the larger a vehicle you should get. The Mini Cooper exists in stark contrast to this notion.

Fast forward to 2009 and we're already a couple of years into the second generation of the modern Mini Cooper, also known as the R56. The redesigned hatchback was joined last year by the long-wheelbase Clubman and the R56 lineup is now complete with the arrival of the convertible model. Our tester, a 2009 Mini Cooper S Convertible, will challenge the notion that value equals size. Why? Aside from opting for the high-performance John Cooper Works trim, the convertible is the most expensive model in the Mini lineup, and the S model makes it even more so. The total tally for our tester, including $650 in destination charges, is $32,700. Read on to find out if the Mini Cooper S Convertible is packed with enough value to prevent its sticker shock from sending you into cardiac arrest.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Mini Cooper S Convertible

Continue reading Review: 2009 Mini Cooper S Convertible adds open-air fun for a price

Review: 2009 Mini Cooper S Convertible adds open-air fun for a price originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rolls-Royce to build special edition Minis?

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 26 May 2009 17:03:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Mini, Rolls-Royce, Rumormill, Specialty

Gearing up for production of the Silver Ghost, Rolls-Royce recently put out the call for craftspeople good with wood, leather, and paint. If a new MotoringFile report is true, if any of you get the job, you might be making wood veneers not just for the new plutocratic sedan, but for a few special Mini models as well.

Word is that Rolls-Royce will be developing a range of "coachbuilt" factory options, lumped together as options packages for Mini that you can order at your dealer and that would be administered at the Oxford plant. It is also being suggested that the Rolls name will somehow be attached to the special Coopers as well. You can let your Mini dealer know if you're interested in the program, but based on the estimated price of some other special edition Minis, well, be prepared to pay a lot of money.

[Source: MotoringFile | Image: Automoblog.net]

Rolls-Royce to build special edition Minis? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 May 2009 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Mini Cooper S JCW diesel on the way

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Europe, Hatchback, Mini, Rumormill

AutoExpress sat down with a senior engineer from Mini and asked if the automaker would consider offering a hopped-up diesel variant of the Cooper through JCW, Mini's in-house tuning division. The answer was a simple "good idea" and AE ran with it, speculating that the boosted oilburner could produce upwards of 160 hp and a considerable boost in torque from the stock 1.6-liter turbo-diesel. It's doubtful that we'll see a Mini Cooper D JCW this year, but expect a John Cooper Works edition of the Mini Crossover after it's launched in 2010.

Gallery: 2008 John Cooper Works MINI and Clubman

[Source: AutoExpress]

Rumormill: Mini Cooper S JCW diesel on the way originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Mar 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Low-spec MINI One Clubman set for Geneva debut

Noah Joseph — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Mini, UK

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

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

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

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

Gallery: MINI One Clubman

[Source: MINI]

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

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

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Detroit 2009: MINI Cooper Convertible chills out

Alex Nunez — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 17:34:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Mini

Click above for a high-res image gallery of the new MINI Cooper Convertible

We'll be straight with you. We missed the MINI press conference. We know, we know... the horror. Anyway, you didn't exactly need to be Kojak to figure out what happened. The 2009 MINI Convertible drove out of a simulated ice block with a couple made up all frozen-like in the front seats. As for the car, well, it's pretty self explanatory. Available in March, it finally ditches the last-gen engines for the NA and turbocharged 1.6L fours available in the hardtop Cooper and Cooper S. Other changes? The trunk's roomier, the interior gets brought up-to-date, and the rollbar becomes a pop-up unit, significantly improving rearward visibility and giving the Cooper a much cleaner top-down profile. Finally, cute-gimmickry overload is fully achieved with the addition of the "Openometer," an add-on gauge that tracks the amount of time spent motoring with the top down. Adorable, right? Chicks are gonna dig it.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: MINI Cooper Convertible Live

Gallery: 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible

Detroit 2009: MINI Cooper Convertible chills out originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Jan 2009 17:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 MINI Cooper Convertible photos hit the web

Alex Nunez — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 00:25:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Budget, Mini

Click above for a gallery of the 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible

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.

Gallery: 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible

[Source: MotoringFile]

2009 MINI Cooper Convertible photos hit the web originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Sep 2008 00:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: MINI JCW has a virus

Dan Roth — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Mini

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.

Gallery: First Drive: 2008 Mini Cooper S JCW

[Source: World Car Fans]

Continue reading VIDEO: MINI JCW has a virus

VIDEO: MINI JCW has a virus originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jul 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2008 MINI Cooper Clubman

Alex Nunez — Fri, 23 May 2008 12:03:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Budget, Hatchback, Mini

2008 MINI Cooper Clubman - Click above for high-res image gallery

"You want a large for $.25 more?" That's what the popcorn drone behind the concession counter asks when you order a medium Coke at the movies. You may not need it, but hell, it's offered, so you pull the trigger. The same thing is happening in auto showrooms. Why settle for just an Escalade when you can have the ESV? This year, even BMW-owned MINI is getting in on the act. The result is the MINI Cooper Clubman, which your local MINI salesperson will happily offer for just $2,000 more than the regular Cooper.

So, what does that extra two grand (before options) really get you? After all, the regular MINI Cooper is a tidy little package; it's great looking, fun, and economical, while offering a high level of factory customization and/or personalization. Want more performance? Buy an S. Want even more than that? Get the JCW. If you wanted more room, however, you had a problem. Until now. Enter the Clubman. MINI has decided to expand the niche it occupies by combining the red meat its core customers want -- the cars' signature styling and entertaining nature -- with more room for people and stuff. But not too much more, because then it wouldn't be a MINI. The idea was to get bigger while remaining small. What a conundrum. Go too big, and you squash brand identity, don't go big enough, and the whole exercise is a waste of everyone's time.

Gallery: Review: 2008 MINI Cooper Clubman

Continue reading Review: 2008 MINI Cooper Clubman

Review: 2008 MINI Cooper Clubman originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 May 2008 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Convertible Coopers will stick with cloth

Dan Roth — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 08:56:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Convertible, Mini

Mini is readying its R56-based replacement for the current Cooper droptop, and it will retain its cloth roof. While there's been widespread adoption of retractable hardtops, the Coop is staying soft. That's good for weight and center of gravity, so the 'vert will still handle charmingly. True to the Cooper's retro mission, Senior VP of Brand Management, Kay Segler contends that the cloth roof offers an experience more true to classic alfresco motoring. The reasoning is that traditional convertible tops open wider than hardtops, so the skyward vistas are less impeded in the Cooper, which is why they pledge to never luxe up their car with metal origami. It could also be that there's no place to put the larger roof stack of a folding hardtop.

[Source: Inside Line]

Convertible Coopers will stick with cloth originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Mar 2008 08:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva '08 Preview: John Cooper Works MINI and Clubman

Michael Harley — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Mini

Click image for more hi-res pics of the John Cooper Works MINIs

Hitting the bull's-eye for enthusiasts, BMW's MINI brand is launching two hot new models next month at the Geneva Auto Show. Loaded with performance upgrades and new interior appointments, each race-bred model serves as the basis for the MINI CHALLENGE 2008 race car.

Based on the three-door MINI and the five-door MINI Clubman, the heart of each model is a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder massaged to 207 hp. Pedal to the floor, it should be good for a sprint to 60 mph in just under 6.5 seconds (the MINI Clubman, a bit heavier than the three-door, is a few tenths slower). Unique light alloy wheels, a new performance exhaust system, upgraded suspension, and a modified 6-speed manual transmission are just some of the mechanical upgrades. Aesthetically, the John Cooper Works models will be differentiated by their distinctive body kits and unique interiors. With a base price of under $30,000, get ready to storm your dealers when they're released in late summer. Follow the jump for MINI's endless press release.

Gallery: 2008 John Cooper Works MINI and Clubman

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Geneva '08 Preview: John Cooper Works MINI and Clubman

Geneva '08 Preview: John Cooper Works MINI and Clubman originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Adventures in copyright infringement: Lifan 3-series

Dan Roth — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, China, Etc., Mini

Clubman: potentially described as cute. Lifan 3 Series: Not cute. Not even ugly to the point of being endearing. Enough of the MINI's cues make it through in the Lifan that you can just picture them laying a huge sheet of onion skin over the Clubman and coming up with this. It's close in a lot of ways, but misshapen in others. A weird front overbite is the result of small wheels and a longer overhang than the MINI, and the C/D pillars appear thick - just a big blind spot where the Clubman has visibility. Underhood might be an actual legitimate link to the MINI. Lifan has invested in the Tritec four cylinder that powered the R50 first generation of revived MINIs. Ingress and egress in the Lifan is aided by four conventionally hinged doors, versus the Mini's clamshell treatment, but it ends up being reminiscent of a LeCar, but not as cool. Lifan could always outsource design to the rest of the world if this is the best they can do. We're sure they've got the engineering bit down, but the world doesn't need a MINI that reminds us of those cheap, anonymous knock off matchbox cars with no bottom.

[Source: Carscoop, Photos: China Car Times]

Gallery: Lifan 320

Adventures in copyright infringement: Lifan 3-series originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jan 2008 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2008: MINI Cooper S Clubman makes it Stateside

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 12:11:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Wagon, Mini

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

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

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

[Source: MINI]

Gallery: 2008 Detroit: US MINI Cooper Clubman

Gallery: 2008 MINI Clubman

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

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

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In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 MINI Cooper S

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Hatchback, Mini

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.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 MINI Cooper S

Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 MINI Cooper S

In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 MINI Cooper S originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Oct 2007 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes considers using next MINI platform for new compacts

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 09:03:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Mini

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.]

Mercedes considers using next MINI platform for new compacts originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Oct 2007 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saab expansion in the works, new compact planned

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 09:32:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Budget, Hatchback, Saab

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.]

Saab expansion in the works, new compact planned originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Sep 2007 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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U.S. R56 MINI Cooper S owners finally get the JCW treatment

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Hatchback, Mini

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]

Gallery: MINI Cooper S John Cooper Works Tuning Kit

Continue reading U.S. R56 MINI Cooper S owners finally get the JCW treatment

U.S. R56 MINI Cooper S owners finally get the JCW treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Aug 2007 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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