Autoblog

Mini shows off updated 2011 Cooper lineup

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 09:27:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Hatchback, Mini, Diesel

2011 Mini family - Click above for high-res image gallery

The current (second generation) of the modern Mini has been with us for a couple of years now, so that must mean it's time for a refresh. BMW, which owns the reborn British brand, has updated the front fascia on all three Mini models for the coming model year to visually differentiate them and improve their pedestrian protection performance.

Of special note are the new integrated ducts on the fascias of the Cooper S and John Cooper Works models, offering a slightly meaner look to the Mini's cute and cuddly face. The black reflector headlamps that debuted on the 50th anniversary Camden model are now available as an option across the board and all of the Mini variants now have LED lighting at the rear.

Inside, the Minis are now available with a high-resolution screen within in the oversized central speedometer that can display video from an iPod or whatever other device that has been plugged in via the USB port.

On the engine front, updated gas engines were announced several months ago (base engine up to 122 horsepower, the turbo will now crest 180) but the diesel engines have been redone as well. Two versions of the 1.6-liter oil-burner will be available, with 90 or 112 horsepower and 159 and 199 pound-feet of torque respectively. Both diesels are more efficient than before with a rating of 61.9 miles per gallon (U.S.) and CO2 emissions of just 99 grams per kilometer. For the first time in 2011, there is also a Mini Cooper D convertible available... but not in the States.

There's plenty more for the truly Mini-obsessive among us, check out all the sordid details after the break.

Gallery: 2011 Mini Family

[Source: Mini]

Continue reading Mini shows off updated 2011 Cooper lineup

Mini shows off updated 2011 Cooper lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shocker! Porsche 911 beats Mini Cooper in "race" at "Road Atlanta"

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 22:03:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Mini, Porsche

Mini vs. Porsche - Click above to view the videos after the jump

In the over-hyped and ridiculous contrived "race" between the Mini Cooper and the Porsche 911, a victor has been crowned, and as you'd expect, the blokes from BMW had their bumpers handed to them.

Despite creating a "track" at the infield of Road Atlanta designed to maximize the Mini's potential and neuter the high-speed prowess of the Porsche, the Cooper still lost the battle by a full two seconds. Naturally, Mini likes to point out that the difference was $38,000 a second, but to anyone paying attention, the additional $76k is money well spent... particularly on a real track. Maybe Mini should've reconsidered Hyundai's offer...

Hit the jump for the race and two introductory videos, including a thoroughly comical explanation about why Mini opted for an autocross track and not the full course at Road Atlanta.

[Source: Facebook]

Continue reading Shocker! Porsche 911 beats Mini Cooper in "race" at "Road Atlanta"

Shocker! Porsche 911 beats Mini Cooper in "race" at "Road Atlanta" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 22:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mini reveals track for Porsche challenge, not really Road Atlanta

Michael Harley — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Mini, Porsche

Last we checked, Road Atlanta was a famed professional 2.54-mile racetrack, not an oversized autocross layout on a training skidpad. Somebody may need to remind Mini USA, as the maker of famously small cars has just announced the "track" (their word, not ours) for its overly-publicized "Rumble on the Racetrack" (their title, not ours) challenge pitting the Mini Cooper S against the race-bred Porsche 911 Carrera S.

While Mini promises "No tricks. No gimmicks. No jokes" in its latest Facebook post, the map of the so-called challenge ~~track~~ autocross is nothing more than a few hundred cones dropped on the "School Course & Training Area" located in the infield of Road Atlanta by turns 6 and 7 (this is hardly the same asphalt that hosts cars like the Corvette C6.R, Porsche RS Spyder, Ferrari 430GT and Audi R10 TDI at the Petit Le Mans).

With the big shindig scheduled for Monday (with or without an official Porsche showing), this event has gone from entertaining to mildly disappointing. We don't need to explain to any of our readers that a Mini Cooper S is as comfortable on a loop-de-doo autocross course as Porsche is, well... on the winner's podium at Road Atlanta.

Mini has yet to answer the challenge from Hyundai (the Koreans were kind enough to offer to take Porsche's vacant spot on the grid), but they had better get on it. With a ~~track~~ autocross this tight, they should be expecting a call from Smart first thing Monday morning.

Gallery: Mini Challenges Porsche

[Source: Facebook]

Mini reveals track for Porsche challenge, not really Road Atlanta originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Jun 2010 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Update: Mini inviting 400 to watch Porsche Challenge - but who will drive the 911?

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Mini, Porsche, Racing

After Mini's many attempts to coax Porsche into a race, including videos, posting an online petition and even flying a banner plane over the automaker's North American headquarters, the lights have all gone dark in Atlanta, and it looks like Mini is out of luck.

But the show must go on! Even if Porsche has officially decided to decline.

Not only is Mini offering space at Road Atlanta for up to 400 people to come watch, but they're even providing a race-ready 911 Carrera S. As for who's driving, that's still up in the air. Mini posted this advertisement (right) on its Facebook page, hoping to find one brave soul who will put the mighty 911 through its paces against the Cooper S.

What's more, Mini is even offering up track time to any of the 400 guests who show up on June 21. It certainly sounds like a fun day will be had, regardless of the race's final outcome, and we're now wishing that we lived just a little bit closer to Atlanta. Remember, you can keep up to date on all of the Mini vs. Porsche happenings on Facebook.

[Sources: MotoringFile, Facebook]

Update: Mini inviting 400 to watch Porsche Challenge - but who will drive the 911? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jun 2010 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Mini responds to Porsche, still ready to race

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Mini, Porsche, Racing

Mini boss Jim McDowell responds to Porsche - Click above to watch the video after the jump

We'll be honest - we were rather excited to see how a race between a Mini Cooper S and Porsche 911 Carrera S would go down. After Mini initially challenged Porsche to a trackday showdown at Road Atlanta on June 21, Porsche declined, saying that it will "stick to racing the way we have over the decades," and welcomed Mini to attend any sanctioned race where "there is more at stake than t-shirts and valet parking spaces."

Mini has had a very impressive response to this challenge, and isn't giving up. Mini USA boss Jim McDowell has issued yet another message to Porsche Cars North America CEO Detlev Von Platen saying that they're willing to raise the stakes, offering prizes such as Justin Bieber concert tickets (including backstage passes!), a lifetime membership to the Salami Of The Month club or even a (slightly used) home gym, among other things. Excellent.

We love Mini's enthusiasm over this whole event, and as we understand, Mini is even flying a banner plane over Porsche's Atlanta, Georgia headquarters with the message "Dear Porsche, Bring it. Love, Mini." Seriously. You can keep up with the whole back-and-forth on Mini USA's Facebook page. In any case, with only one week until the supposed race day, we hope Porsche will saddle up for this duel, even though Mini hasn't specified what the Road Atlanta challenge(s) will be (it could be an egg-carrying race for all we know) and Stuttgart really doesn't appear to have much to gain by picking on the little kid. Top tip, Brett!

[Source: Mini Facebook]

Continue reading Video: Mini responds to Porsche, still ready to race

Video: Mini responds to Porsche, still ready to race originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Minor updates to Mini Cooper leaked

Zach Bowman — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Budget, Performance, Hatchback, Mini, Design/Style

2011 Mini Cooper - Click above for image gallery

If loose lips truly sank ships, the interwebs would be at the bottom of the Pacific. A few shots of the 2011 Mini Cooper and Cooper S have hit the web courtesy of the keen-eyed crew at MotoringFile. As you might expect, Mini isn't exactly walking away from the iconic shape that has dominated the brand since it hit the scene a few short years ago. Instead, it looks like we'll be seeing (very) slightly reworked front fascias with something of a smiley face treatment and a host of LED lighting.

From what we can tell from these few leaked brochure photos, it looks like we can expect a few new colors to hit the Cooper pallete as well. The base Cooper will be available dipped in Spice Orange and the Cooper S will boast a powder blue hue in addition to the spectrum already available for the car. So far, we're not quite sure what to expect in terms of power or drivetrain additions, but our guess is things will continue to stay pretty much the same for 2011. Thanks for the tip, Gabe!

Gallery: 2011 Mini Cooper

[Source: MotoringFile]

Minor updates to Mini Cooper leaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Jun 2010 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mini challenges Porsche to race at Road Atlanta [w/video]

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 12:30:00 EST

Mini takes on Porsche - Click above for high-res image gallery

Here's something unexpected. Mini USA has announced it's challenging Porsche to a formal race, where the go-kart-like Cooper S will take on the infamous 911 Carrera S. This may seem like a far stretch, seeing as how the Cooper is down on power by over 200 horses, but Mini is confident that its more nimble, lighter hatch can out-maneuver the big 911 on the track.

This certainly isn't the first automaker challenge we've heard of this year, and we're hoping Porsche steps up to the plate. The event will take place on June 21 (that's in two weeks!) at Road Atlanta, which as Mini points out, is right around the corner from Porsche's North American headquarters.

In the video found after the jump, Mini USA's president, Jim McDowell (a former Porsche executive, we might add), explains the whole deal, and says that if his team loses, he'll wear a shirt that reads "We did not beat Porsche" at his next public appearance. Likewise, he has a "We beat Porsche" shirt prepped for the same occasion. Mini will be hosting a live video of the event on their Facebook page, as well as more information about the event. Will Porsche send out a 911 for the challenge? We certainly hope so. Let the games begin.

Gallery: Mini Challenges Porsche

[Source: Facebook via Jalopnik]

Continue reading Mini challenges Porsche to race at Road Atlanta [w/video]

Mini challenges Porsche to race at Road Atlanta [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Jun 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mini announces engine enhancements ahead of 2011 redesign

Dan Roth — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Hatchback, BMW, Mini

2010 Mini Cooper - Click for high-res gallery

Over in Europe, Mini has rolled out a thing or two to keep its offerings fresh. There's some model jiggering and new colors, but the biggest news is under that peewee hood. The four-cylinder engine is receiving a displacement bump from 1.4- to 1.6-liters. In naturally aspirated and turbocharged configurations, the engine is now torquier and more efficient. Output ranges between 75 and 184 horsepower, and carbon emissions are improved; Mini is calling it "more poke with less smoke."

Turbocharged versions get a new twin-scroll huffer with an overboost function, while all versions of the engine are equipped with a Valvetronic-derived system that aids the engine's better torque delivery and reduced fuel consumption. Delving deeper inside the crankcase, there are polished main bearings to reduce friction, and the camshaft bearings follow suit. The oil pump, vacuum pump, and water pump are computer controlled and can now be pulsed to save energy and reduce drag. It all adds up to a tiny engine that makes the most of its muscle and delivers gains in fuel economy and emissions. The best detail about the whole shooting match is the absence of a price increase.

As you can see from the photo above, there are some new paint colors available as well, including a series of "Rainbow" finishes that include Sunlight Metallic, Asteroid Metallic and Nightlife Metallic. Neat-o. The brand may be called Mini, but in typical German fashion, there's a massive press release posted after the jump with the full rundown of EU-market changes.

Gallery: 2010 Mini Cooper

[Source: Mini]

Continue reading Mini announces engine enhancements ahead of 2011 redesign

Mini announces engine enhancements ahead of 2011 redesign originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jan 2010 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumored Mini coupe to be dubbed Broadspeed?

Chris Paukert — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Mini, Rumormill

Those folks concerned with All Things Mini over at Motoringfile have some more salacious gossip regarding the rumored coupe and speedster variants. A conceptual version of the fixed-head sportster is expected at the Frankfurt Motor Show this autumn, and according to the website, the model will carry the moniker 'Broadspeed Coupe.' (Quick history lesson: A team by the name of Broadspeed raced Mini Coopers back in the 1960's, and they even went so far as to produce a racier coupe version of the of the Mark 1 1275 S (shown above).

Regardless of what they end up being called, the Mini coupe and speedster are expected to be based on the current model - reportedly making them the last such iterations to be based on the R57 platform. An earlier report pegged the coupe model as being available exclusively in hardcore John Cooper Works spec, but now Motoringfile suggests that due to economic and regulatory pressures, both cars will likely be offered as complete families, with standard Cooper, Cooper S, and JCW flavors.

[Source: Motoringfile | Image: Racemini.nl]

Rumored Mini coupe to be dubbed Broadspeed? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 09:01:00 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, New Car 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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First Drive: 2009 MINI Cooper S Convertible

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Mini, First Drives

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 MINI Cooper S Convertible

As far as we can tell, the 2009 MINI Cooper S Convertible draws cold air wherever it goes. First came the drop-top's ironic unveiling in Detroit, where we had the misfortune of experiencing one of the coldest, snowiest shows in recent memory. Just over a month later, we found ourselves in the cabrio-friendly climes of Southern California, where temperatures in the mid-50s did their best to spoil our open-air fun. But in spite of the chilly atmosphere, we bit the bullet, dropped the top and put the new MINI 'vert to the test to see if the lil' British runabout lives up to its "Always Open" tagline. Make the jump to find out what drop-top Motoring is all about.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 MINI Cooper S Convertible

Continue reading First Drive: 2009 MINI Cooper S Convertible

First Drive: 2009 MINI Cooper S Convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 12:00:00 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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MINI Cooper S recalled for protruding tailpipes, inadvertent tattoos

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Hatchback, BMW, Mini

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2008 MINI Cooper S

Let's set the scene: You've just returned from a jaunt to pick up Grandma and parked your 2007-2008 MINI Cooper S in the driveway. After leading the sweet lady up your steps and into the house, you return to the car to unload the assorted goodies and gifts that she's brought for you and the fam. You pop open the hatch, reach over to grab a foil-wrapped plate of her legendary baklava and start to feel a burning sensation on your shin. It's official. You've been indoctrinated into the Club of Cooper S owners who now sport a circular prison tat on their legs.

According to the NHTSA, the problem affects some 28,450 2007-08 MINI Cooper S models due to the dual tailpipes that protrude too far from the center of the Cooper's rear bumper. The problem has been documented on several MINI-specific forums, and BMW is stepping up to address the issue and offering Cooper customers a new, shorter exhaust, free of charge. The recall begins in January and owners can contact BMW at 800.831.1117 to schedule a replacement of the offending exhaust.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 MINI Cooper S

[Source: InsideLine | Image: Findude]

MINI Cooper S recalled for protruding tailpipes, inadvertent tattoos originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Dec 2008 16:58:00 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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John Cooper Works relaunched under same white roof as MINI, new logo unveiled

Noah Joseph — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Hatchback, BMW, Mini

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]

Gallery: MINI John Cooper Works

Continue reading John Cooper Works relaunched under same white roof as MINI, new logo unveiled

John Cooper Works relaunched under same white roof as MINI, new logo unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jan 2008 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Stage II MINI JCW kit

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, 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]

Spy Shots: Stage II MINI JCW kit originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Nov 2007 16:57:00 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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