Autoblog

Click above for a high res gallery of the AC Schnitzer MINI Clubman S.

The MINI Clubman isn't what we'd call overly practical, or particularly pretty, but AC Schnitzer has done its best to address the biggie-sized MINI's faults. AC's interpretation of the Clubman S begins with an increase in output courtesy of a new sports exhaust that aids breathing and increases power to 226 hp and 210 lb.-ft. of torque. A "twin sports rear silencer" ensures that you won't be irritating the neighbors on your way to Macy's, and a choice of either a simple spring kit or a height-adjustable racing suspension gives the Clubman a more sporting stance while ensuring that things remain planted if you ever decide to tackle the twisties. AC Schnitzer is offering a choice of 17x7.5- or 18x7.5-inch wheels, a new hood with a bulging power dome and aluminum pedals to round out the appearance package, along with a limited slip differential to make sure that peg-leg burnouts are kept in check while darting from stop-light to stop-light. Hit the jump to read AC Schnitzer's flowery prose about its reworked Clubman S.

click above for more high-res images of the 2008 MINI Cooper D Clubman

The car you see above is the MINI Cooper D Clubman. That's "D" as in "Diesel". The diminutive brand owned by BMW offers a diesel engine in Europe, but to date has not in the U.S. We believe that MINI may correct this at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit next week. Our guess is based on a press release issued by MINI today that, while saying very little about its plan for the Detroit show other than the Clubman and Clubman S would be present, included images of a left-hand-drive Cooper D Clubman. The press release also mentions that a talking point at MINI's press conference will be "More Driving Pleasure, Less Fuel Consumption: The new MINI in the 2008 Model Year". Couple that with parent company BMW's announcement of two new models for the U.S. market that will be powered by diesel engines, the X5 xDrive35d and the 335d, and it begins to look like MINI will follow suit with a diesel of its own. Of course, MINI has not confirmed this so it's pure speculation on our part, but we wouldn't be surprised to see a Cooper Clubman D burning oil in Detroit next week.

[Source: MINI]

Mini USA has launched its configurator for the Clubman, which means you can now see all of the accessories you never even knew you wanted. Take for instance the chrome bonnet scoop ($159), or the colored door lining ($250). It really starts to add up. Our dream Mini Clubman S complete with JWC accessories and no expense spared? $43,020. Ouch.

There are most definitely cheaper ways to buy a Clubman- the standard version starts at $19,950 and our Clubman S began with a base msrp of $24,100. Mini claims there are over 10,000,000 possible configurations, and with nineteen different wheels and three valve stem caps to choose from, we are inclined to believe them.

Thanks for the tip, Zack!

[Source: Mini USA]

The super-sized MINI Clubman has grown only 9.45 inches overall and 3.15 inches between the wheels. That doesn't tell the whole story for the Clubman, though, as its small car charm gains some utility while also adding those neat little French doors in back. Luckily for panting MINI fanatics, the BMW group isn't asking a king's ransom for its famous little wagon. The base Clubman will start at $20,600, and a turbocharged Clubman S will set you back $24,100. For comparison's sake, a base MINI Cooper starts at $18,700 in the U.S. and a Cooper S at $21,850. Thus, the premium commanded by a Clubman over a base Cooper is relatively small. Of course any self-respecting MINI owner knows that the British Marquee's dozens of options and customizations will raise the average price by thousands of dollars, but it's nice to see that base models start in the realm of reality. Check out the press release after the jump.

[Source: BMW Group]

UPDATE: Apparently these shots are of an accessorized version of the Clubman, and not official pics of the full-bore JCW variant. Thanks to Gabe for the heads up.

Click the image above for more.

With the first few details about MINI's Stage II JCW Cooper S emerging, it was simply a matter of time before we saw a similar package for the brand new Clubman S. As we speculated, the John Cooper Works edition Clubman is somewhat similar to the MINI Challenge safety Clubman that we featured last month. The revised front bumper isn't quite as radical as its track-bound compatriot, but the JCW Clubman makes up for it with a unique stripe design, new exhaust tips, red brake calipers peering behind 18-inch wheels, plus carbon fiber side mirrors and (non-functioning) hood scoop.

Naturally, power output will be bumped up -- somewhere in the realm of 200 HP -- while torque will likely increase to around 200 lb.-ft. Beyond that, expect to see some carbon fiber trim on the inside and an F1-style shift light on the instrument cluster. All standard practice for the JCW crew.

[Source: Autoweek.nl]

Our main-MINI-man Gabe over at MotoringFile procured a handful of shots showing the safety car for the 2008 MINI Challenge, and the series' organizers have commissioned a one-off Clubman S to be built with a host of modifications to make it track worthy. Although there's no mention of what changes were made under the hood, according to the site, a John Cooper Works (JCW) exhaust is fitted and the new rear spoiler will be an option for the Clubman come 2008. The obvious changes to ride height would imply that some serious suspension tweaks were in order, while the new front and rear diffuser could foretell the future of JCW-equipped Clubmans.

You can read over our previous posts about the MINI JCW Challenge racer here and here, and check out more shots of the Clubman safety car here.

[Source: MotoringFile]

Click the image above for a gallery of pics of the MINI Clubman.

MINI released a slew of new Clubman S pics for your viewing enjoyment and critical critique. There's not much more we can say, except that after enduring a journey in the back seat of our friend's R56 Cooper S over the weekend, the extra legroom and storage space should be a welcome addition. The extra power of the Clubman S, which boasts 175 HP compared to the standard model's 120 HP, is also much appreciated. Click the gallery below for over 60 live and press shots.

Now this is the kind of spy shot we love. Virtually no camo, just a clean pic of the new MINI Clubman S wagon. Yes, we said "S." This Automedia pic from World Car Fans clearly shows larger air intakes in the front bumper, the traditional S-model hood scoop and dual exhausts out back.

The passenger side suicide door for the rear seat looks to be making the jump to the S model as well. And the barn doors remain out back, allowing that wide opening to the cargo hold. With their taillight-concealed hinges from the show car, these MINI wagons look as stylish as they are practical. With seating for five allowed because of the longer body, and plenty of room for luggage too, the Clubman answers our few complaints about the original Cooper. Throw in the S upgrades for better performance and handling, and this one is just about perfect.

[Source: World Car Fans]