Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Minor facelift for 2011 Mini Cooper and Clubman spotted]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/07/spy-shots-minor-facelift-for-2011-mini-cooper-and-clubman-spott/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/07/spy-shots-minor-facelift-for-2011-mini-cooper-and-clubman-spott/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/07/spy-shots-minor-facelift-for-2011-mini-cooper-and-clubman-spott/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2011 Mini Cooper and Clubman spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

The next-generation Mini Cooper isn't slated to arrive until 2012, but judging by this latest set of spy shots, it looks like parent company BMW is working on a very, very minor facelift for the 2011 model year Cooper and Clubman hatches. The slight tweaks include things like a new front bumper with revised air intakes (similar to those on the Countryman crossover), a revised rear bumper and restyled taillights with LEDs.

Our spies also indicate that some of these prototypes were sporting some interior cladding, meaning that a slightly revised dash and instrument cluster could be on tap for 2011. The Mini's interior is growing a bit long in the tooth, especially the oversized speedometer - a kitschy feature that is rapidly losing its cuteness.

It isn't much, but these slight upgrades should be plenty in order to keep the Minis fresh until an all-new model launches. Look for the updated Minis to appear at this year's Paris Motor Show, and click through the gallery below to see the spy shots for yourself.


Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 Mini Cooper and Clubman Facelift


[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Minor facelift for 2011 Mini Cooper and Clubman spotted originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 May 2010 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 paris motor show2010ParisMotorShow2011 mini clubman2011 mini cooper2011MiniClubman2011MiniCooperClubmanCoopercooper clubmanCooperClubmanminiMINI Clubmanmini cooperMini Cooper Clubmanmini cooper smini spy shotsMiniClubmanMiniCooperMiniCooperClubmanMiniCooperSMiniSpyShotsparis motor showparis motor show 2010ParisMotorShowParisMotorShow2010spy photosspy picsspy shotsSpyPhotosSpyPicsSpyShotsFri, 07 May 2010 12:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19468365/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/05/07/spy-shots-minor-facelift-for-2011-mini-cooper-and-clubman-spott/19468365/article-detail.xml 19468365 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/mini-cooper-s-face-2opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/mini-cooper-s-face-2opt.jpg <![CDATA[Mini announces engine enhancements ahead of 2011 redesign]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/15/mini-announces-engine-enhancements-ahead-of-2011-redesign/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/15/mini-announces-engine-enhancements-ahead-of-2011-redesign/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/15/mini-announces-engine-enhancements-ahead-of-2011-redesign/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 mini2010 Mini Cooper Cabrio2010 mini engine2010Mini2010MiniCooperCabrio2010MiniEnginebmw miniBmwMiniCooperCooper SCooperSminimini clubmanmini cooperMINI Cooper CabrioMini Cooper Clubmanmini cooper convertiblemini cooper smini cooper s jcwMINI Cooper S John Cooper Worksmini enginemini oneMiniClubmanMiniCooperMiniCooperCabrioMiniCooperClubmanMiniCooperConvertibleMiniCooperSMiniCooperSJcwMiniCooperSJohnCooperWorksMiniEngineMiniOneFri, 15 Jan 2010 14:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19317743/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/01/15/mini-announces-engine-enhancements-ahead-of-2011-redesign/19317743/article-detail.xml 19317743 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/minicoopers630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/minicoopers630.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2009: Mini owns its inner Bulldog]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-mini-owns-its-inner-bulldog/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-mini-owns-its-inner-bulldog/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-mini-owns-its-inner-bulldog/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

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

Mini may be many things, but stuffy they're not. When your business consists of selling tiny hatchbacks with sports car handling at a near luxury price, you really can't take yourself too seriously all the time. Mini ad campaigns have capitalized on that cheeky spirit to great effect. While at the LA Auto Show this week, we were treated to a preview of some of the newest commercials that will be getting airtime soon. Rest assured, the attitude is still there in abundance.

A good example of that spirited personality is the car you see here. Playing on the old Mini's Bulldog alter ego, the automaker has chosen to put this new Cooper S Clubman on a leash...with a spiked collar. Seriously. And they even went step further with some funny warnings painted into the danger hash marks on the floor around it. We can't think of many other car companies that could pull this off, but on a Mini, that collar actually looks amusingly good. We've got more high-res pics in the gallery that can be unleashed by clicking below.


Gallery: LA 2009: Leashed MINI Cooper S Clubman


Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.

LA 2009: Mini owns its inner Bulldog originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bad miniBadMinibulldogla 2009la auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA ShowLa2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009LaShowleashed miniLeashedMiniminimini bulldogmini cooperMini Cooper Clubmanmini leashedMiniBulldogMiniCooperMiniCooperClubmanMiniLeashedThu, 03 Dec 2009 11:39:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19262729/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/03/la-2009-mini-owns-its-inner-bulldog/19262729/article-detail.xml 19262729 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/badmini---00_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/badmini---00.jpg <![CDATA[Retrofuturism: Mini and Airstream team up for one-off]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/12/retrofuturism-mini-and-airstream-team-up-for-one-off/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/12/retrofuturism-mini-and-airstream-team-up-for-one-off/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/12/retrofuturism-mini-and-airstream-team-up-for-one-off/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


MINI Airstream concepts - Click above for high-res gallery

MINI and Airstream have joined forces with Republic of Fritz Hansen to create a new concept that will be introduced at the Salone del Mobile show in Milan. The team says that the MINI Cooper Clubman was chosen for its adventurous personality, and we too think it would be an adventure of sorts trying to pull a 22-foot trailer with the MINI's 1.6-liter, four-cylinder powerplant, albeit one topped with a turbocharger and direct injection.

As a concept, we can see how the two iconic brands with heritage-rich designs would be drawn to one another. Airstream has been around since the 1930s and we all know about the current MINI's roots to the free-sprirted 1960s original from Britain. The interiors of both machines have been heavily customized, with the MINI getting a surfer-look, black-and-green neoprene treatment and the trailer getting plenty of Fritz Hansen furniture and wood paneling inside.


Gallery: Fritz Hansen MINI and Airstream


[Source: Republic of Fritz Hansen]

Continue reading Retrofuturism: Mini and Airstream team up for one-off

Retrofuturism: Mini and Airstream team up for one-off originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Mar 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airstreamfritz hansenFritzHansenmilan motor showMilanMotorShowminimini airstreammini clubmanmini coopermini cooper clubmanMiniAirstreamMiniClubmanMiniCooperMiniCooperClubmanrepublic of fritz hansenRepublicOfFritzHansensalone del mobileSaloneDelMobileThu, 12 Mar 2009 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1486120/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/03/12/retrofuturism-mini-and-airstream-team-up-for-one-off/1486120/article-detail.xml 1486120 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/03/120309-a-airs_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/03/120309-a-airs_opt.jpg <![CDATA[Review: 2009 MINI Clubman John Cooper Works]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/09/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-mini-clubman-john-cooper-works/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/09/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-mini-clubman-john-cooper-works/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/09/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-mini-clubman-john-cooper-works/#commentsFiled under: ,


2009 MINI Clubman John Cooper Works - Click above for high-res image gallery

The names MINI and John Cooper have been intertwined for more than 40 years and now they are closer than ever. When British race car and engine builder Cooper prepped the original MINIs for the Monte Carlo rally back in the 1960s, he helped cement the iconic status of the little car. When the MINI was reborn as a product of BMW earlier this decade, the Cooper model was a standard element of the lineup. A semi-official tuned John Cooper works edition was also available for the hard-core addicts. Earlier this year, BMW announced that the John Cooper Works MINI would become an official factory product analogous to M models from its parent company BMW.

The JCW edition is available on both the standard MINI hardtop and the extra-length Clubman. Having a JCW MINI means you have opted for the fastest factory MINI ever built. We spent a week with a John Cooper Works MINI Clubman in the Autoblog Garage just as winter weather clamped down on Michigan. Find out how this maximum fared in wintry Motown after the jump.


Gallery: Review: 2009 MINI Clubman John Cooper Works


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 MINI Clubman John Cooper Works

Review: 2009 MINI Clubman John Cooper Works originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for our John Cooper Works MINI and Clubman high-res gallery

European MINI dealers are being asked to distinguish their stores from the BMW brand by creating a separate showroom for sell the British/Bavarian small-car. This entails new main entrances, and dedicated reception and service desks. While most of the dealers in the United States currently operate in this manner, most European retailers still share space with BMW. If dealers don't move enough volume to justify the investment, they will be dropped. In 2007, there were about 750 MINI retailers in Europe. That number is expected to fall to about 650 by the end of this year (worldwide, MINI has about 1,500 dealers in 70 countries). Unlike nearly all other automakers who are experiencing a sales slump, MINI's global sales are reportedly up more than 12 percent for the first nine months of 2008 -- no doubt credited to their diminutive size and fuel efficient engines.

Gallery: 2008 John Cooper Works MINI and Clubman

[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]

MINI dealers abroad asked to create separate stores originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Nov 2008 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dealerdifferentiateEuropefranchiseMINImini coopermini cooper clubmanmini cooper convertiblemini cooper smini cooper s john cooper worksmini salesMiniCooperMiniCooperClubmanMiniCooperConvertibleMiniCooperSMiniCooperSJohnCooperWorksMiniSalesseparateshowroomTue, 11 Nov 2008 08:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1366973/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/11/11/mini-dealers-abroad-asked-to-create-separate-stores/1366973/article-detail.xml 1366973 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/mini_450_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/mini_450.jpg <![CDATA[Geneva 2008: Mini gives us the Works!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/04/geneva-2008-mini-gives-us-the-works/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/04/geneva-2008-mini-gives-us-the-works/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/04/geneva-2008-mini-gives-us-the-works/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


click above for live high-res images of the JCW Minis from Geneva

MINI brought out their Works versions of the Cooper and Clubman in Geneva today. Using a fleet of R/C cars and rally legend Rauno Aaltonen (The Flying Finn), they hammered home the idea that MINI's are small on size but big on excitement. We had already seen a ton of press pics so there weren't any real surprises, just a healthy appreciation for these great small cars that now have John Cooper Garage's tuning prowess added to the mix. The JCW Cooper and JCW Cooper Clubman have indeed hit the bullseye for enthusiasts once again. Featuring performance upgrades and new interior appointments, these are the cars that will be used as the basis for the MINI CHALLENGE 2008 race cars.

In JCW trim, the turbocharged MINI 1.6L four now puts out 207 HP. The resulting 0-60 should now clock in at just under 6.5 seconds for the Cooper, while the ever so slightly portlier Clubman is likely to be a tick or two slower. Unique light alloy wheels, a new performance exhaust system, upgraded suspension, and a modified six-speed manual transmission are just some of the mechanical upgrades. Aesthetically, the John Cooper Works models stand out with their distinctive body kits and unique interiors, all for a not-so-mini base price of under $30,000.

Follow the jump for MINI's endless press release.

Gallery: 2008 John Cooper Works MINI and Clubman

Continue reading Geneva 2008: Mini gives us the Works!

Geneva 2008: Mini gives us the Works! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Mar 2008 09:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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