Autoblog

Mini sued over CVT failures. Again.

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Government/Legal, Hatchback, Mini

A group of Florida plaintiffs have come together to file a class action lawsuit against Mini. Their issue is with the reliability of the Continuously Variable Transmissions in first-generation Cooper hatchbacks from 2002-2006 and in Cooper Convertible models from 2006-2008. A cursory web search on the matter returns plenty of results from Mini owners complaining of the same issue, sudden failure of the CVT, and having mixed fortunes at Mini dealers when trying to get the situation resolved.

The Florida suit comes a year after a class action suit was filed against Mini in California for the same reason. As with the Florida case, the California legal action Brad Aarons v. BMW of North America, LLC sees "restitution, damages and other relief" for plaintiffs who were "required to spend approximately $6,000 to $9,000 (one-third to one-half of the original purchase price) to repair or replace their CVTs, or sell their vehicle without repair for a substantial loss...." Parent company BMW has not yet commented on the matter.

Mini sued over CVT failures. Again. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jul 2012 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is the Mini brand big enough for two convertibles?

Noah Joseph — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Mini

When we first drove the Mini Roadster barely a month ago, we couldn't help but feel that it had, essentially, usurped the place that had until now been taken by the Mini Convertible. The Roadster is, after all, sleeker, more stylish, that much more fun and - for some reason - even a little cheaper ($600 lower MSRP) than the four-seat cabriolet. But does that leave the Convertible without a place in the brand's ever-expanding lineup?

Since both are based on more than just the same platform, the specs are just about identical. That is, except when it comes down to interior space. While the Convertible has a pair of seats in the back - however small, still good for taking the kids for a spin or tossing an extra duffel - the Roadster has none. The Roadster, however, makes up for that with a relatively usable trunk where the Convertible has practically none. The Roadster also weighs 66 pounds less, and has more headroom (up front, of course), though front elbow room takes a three-inch hit.

So with a fresh crop of images released by Mini showing its two droptops side by side, our question is which, if any, you'd choose if you were in the market for a little retro convertible. Cast your vote in the poll below.

View Poll

Is the Mini brand big enough for two convertibles? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Mar 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UK prime minister Cameron drives two-millionth Mini off the line

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Etc., Plants/Manufacturing, Mini

Ten years ago, the dormant Mini brand was revitalized when BMW launched a redesigned and altogether more modern Cooper. A decade has gone by, and earlier this week, Mini just built its two-millionth vehicle. It came in the form of a Cooper convertible wearing special paint on the outside and interior extras available only on this specific car.

The two-millionth Mini was driven off the assembly line by none other than British Prime Minister David Cameron. Mini intends to give the car away as a prize in a contest being conducted on is Facebook page. The contest is called Two Million Mini - Two Million Faces, and it features Mini compiling the faces of two million fans of the brand. On September 30, a winner will be chosen at random, and their prize will be this one-of-a-kind Cooper convertible.

Continue reading UK prime minister Cameron drives two-millionth Mini off the line

UK prime minister Cameron drives two-millionth Mini off the line originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mini to release new Highgate model later this year

Jeff Glucker — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Mini, Rumormill

Each passing day brings the possibility of additional Mini special editions. Today, MotoringFile reports that the next one is already waiting in the wings, set for release in the not-too-distant future. Called the Highgate, tht limited-edition Cooper Convertible will wear Ice Chocolate Metallic paint and an interior trimmed in chocolate leather with contrasting stitching. Expect the Mini Cooper Highgate Convertible to arrive later this year as a 2012 model.

Mini to release new Highgate model later this year originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 27 Aug 2011 13:01:00 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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Little Schnitzer: German tuner tweaks the Mini Cabrio

Noah Joseph — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 12:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Convertible, Mini

AC Schnitzer Mini Cooper S convertible - Click above for a high-res image gallery

From the base model all the way up to the JCW, there's no shortage of trim levels available for the Mini and its various body-styles. But if you're looking for something a little different, BMW tuner par excellence AC Schnitzer has released a full tuning package for the latest R57 Mini Cabrio.

The treats start under the hood, where Schnitzer takes the Cooper S and pumps it up from 175 horsepower (good) to 208 horsepower for the domestic market (better) or 226 horsepower for export (booyah!). Not the kind of tuning house to tweak the engine and leave the rest untouched, AC's also offering a limited slip differential, an adjustable suspension setup, a sport exhaust. Naturally, the buyer can trim out their Cooper with manner of visual upgrades, too, from the aero package to the various rolling stock options and all the requisite decals and interior trim touches.

Gallery: AC Schnitzer Mini Cooper S cabrio

[Source: AC Schnitzer]

Little Schnitzer: German tuner tweaks the Mini Cabrio originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 MINI Cooper JCW Convertible tipped for Geneva

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 18:55:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Geneva Motor Show, Mini

Click above for a gallery of the 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible

MINI's going to be busy over the next few months, with new product debuts already scheduled for Geneva (the MINI One Clubman) and Frankfurt (MINI Crossover). If the rumors are correct, you can add one more to the mix, as the John Cooper Works edition of the new convertible looks to join its fixed-head stablemate at the Geneva Motor Show in March. As in the JCW hardtop, the ragtop version will be blessed with a more powerful version of the Cooper S model's turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, which can send its 211 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox. As with the hard-hat JCW, an overboost function allows for a torque peak of 207 lb-ft for a short period of time of quick bursts of acceleration.

Chassis improvements include new 17-inch alloys (with optional 18-inchers), an upgraded brake package and standard sport suspension. Of course, no upgrade package would be complete without a few visual modifications, and the JCW delivers with a revised front fascia, aero kit and plenty of badging inside and out. Want one? Expect to pay at least 30K for the privilege.

Gallery: 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible

[Source: Carscoop]

2010 MINI Cooper JCW Convertible tipped for Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 18:55:00 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 dealers abroad asked to create separate stores

Michael Harley — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 08:33:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Marketing/Advertising, BMW, Mini

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.

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New MINI Convertible to debut in Detroit

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Spy Photos, Convertible, Mini

Now that the very last of the first-gen convertible MINI Coopers has officially rolled down the assembly line, all eyes turn their attention towards the new R57 model. There are some undisguised spy shots floating around, though all but the most die-hard fans would be hard-pressed to spot the differences. The top works the same, featuring the same partly opened 'sunroof' style and the fully opened wind-in-you-hair mode of the last model. Also, the top does not stow away like many modern convertibles, instead sitting atop the rear deck like many of the classics MINIs. Also conspicuously absent is the large external roll-bar of the old model, replaced with a single pop-up unit for '09. It's under the skin where the changes are most apparent, most notably the new 1.6-liter BMW/PSA/Peugeot-Citroen mill. Expect standard Cooper and up-level Cooper S models to make it to the U.S. with the Cooper One and Cooper D added for Europe.

Rumor has it that MINI is set to debut the new '09 'vert at the Detroit Auto Show in January. We expect production to be fully ramped up so that customer deliveries will begin in earnest before summer. And if you don't have your order in yet, expect a very long wait.

[Source: Auto Express]

New MINI Convertible to debut in Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Sep 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Final first-gen MINI convertible rolls down the line

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Convertible, Plants/Manufacturing, Mini

Click above for high-res gallery of the MINI Cooper Convertible Sidewalk

Fans of the MINI Cooper Convertible take note: the last of the first-generation R52 models has now rolled off the assembly line. The last of the breed was a Cooper S with the Sidewalk package, painted metallic White Silver. If you were hoping to get your hands on this climactic machine, don't get your hopes up -- it's already been sold. Don't fret, though, there is a good side to this story. This stoppage was all planned, of course, and it means that the line will begin retooling for the second-generation R57 model. The next MINI convertible will be powered by the newer BMW/PSA/Peugeot-Citroen 1.6-liter four cylinder engine that should make it a little more frugal than before. Also of note are the new pop-up roll bars that replace the fixed units from the older model. Lastly, the R57 convertible will come in a few new colors, including Interchange Yellow (think hi-liter), Space Blue and the Hot Chocolate hue that had previously only been available on the Clubman.

Gallery: MINI Cooper Convertible Sidewalk

[Source: MINI]

Continue reading Final first-gen MINI convertible rolls down the line

Final first-gen MINI convertible rolls down the line originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Aug 2008 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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5 more MINIs in 5 years

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 17:34:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Wagon, Hatchback, Mini

Motoring File just had a chance to attend MINI USA's official 2007 MINI press introduction, and besides seeing the new Coopers, they got a few insights into other future products. While most questions generated a polite "no comment," MINI USA's Jim McDowell let MF in on a few secrets. When asked about the importance of MINIs being British, he compared them to BMWs being built in Munich. Important, certainly, but not important enough to keep BMW from building plants in the States and South Africa. So will we see MINI plants outside of Oxford? Quite possibly. And then McDowell mentioned we should "expect to see four to five models in total from the MINI brand in the next five years."

When asked to repeat that, he said, "we will have an important new production every year for the next four to five years." Now, we know about the new Coupes, the Clubman and the new convertible, but what else could we be looking at from MINI? Perhaps a top-of-the-line Cooper like the Works or GP? A sedan? A pickup? A CUV? Who knows. All we know right now is that MINI will continue to hold our attention over the next few years, and not just for its great little Cooper and Cooper S.

[Source: Motoring File]

5 more MINIs in 5 years originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Feb 2007 17:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: MINI Cooper Convertible

Frank Filipponio — Sat, 09 Dec 2006 09:32:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Mini

MINI's all-new Coopers haven't even shown up in dealerships yet and we are already getting a few glimpses of the inevitable convertible version. Expected to debut in 2009, the new ragtop MINI appears to have been planned from the get go when the new model was being developed. It looks a little tidier and the slightly larger package promises some more cargo space with the top down. KGP caught a couple of shots of this close-to-production looking prototype. Click through the read link to see the full size pic and a front shot as well.

Although it will probably be mistaken for the previous gen by 99% of the people, every body panel on the new MINI is different. MINI has promised they have retained the great handling of the old version, with the added bonus of better ride quality. The new engines are1.6-liter lumps with BMW's Valvetronic variable valve timing, which develop 120 hp and 103 ft-lbs of torque without a turbo and a slightly more robust 175 hp and 177 ft-lbs. of torque in S form.

And let's not forget, the S is now turbocharged rather than supercharged like in the outgoing model. The new motors will deliver more power, better mileage and cleaner emissions. Both models will be available with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Check out our previous MINI posts for more details about the changes in the new version.

Related Posts:

[Source: Edmunds Straightline]

Spy Shots: MINI Cooper Convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 09 Dec 2006 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New MINI pricing and options

Chris Tutor — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 17:33:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hatchback, Mini

Motoring File has attained U.S. pricing for the 2007 Mini. The new model's base price increases $600 to $18,050 with standard 6-speed manual and rear spoiler. Standard equipment will also include a trip computer, traction control and a sport mode button. The Cooper S increases $300 to $20,900, the Convertible will be priced at $21,950 with the S option adding $4,200 to the drop-top's price.

Motoring File has all the details on new content packages, paint colors, interior choices and performance upgrades.

New MINI pricing and options originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Oct 2006 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Happy Birthday! MINI Turns 5

Alex Nunez — Mon, 03 Jul 2006 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Hatchback, Mini

On July 7, 2001, MINI was born.

Now, five years later, the automaker has sold 800,000 cars worldwide in what has been an astounding success story.

With British charm backed by German engineering, the BMW-owned MINI brand has struck a chord with just about everyone from suburban moms to Dale Jr. himself. MINI's minions are a diverse bunch, indeed.

Globally, eight models are currently available: MINI One, MINI One D, MINI Cooper, MINI Cooper S, MINI One Convertible, MINI Cooper Convertible, MINI Cooper S Convertible and MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP Kit. Obviously, not all models are available in all markets.

For the North Americans scratching their heads right about now wondering, "What's a MINI One?" it's a MINI with a smaller, more economical powerplant and gaudy fuel economy numbers. (Note to BMW: there's probably a healthy market for the MINI One in the States.)

With so many legitimately different vehicles housed in the same tidy, attractive little package, it's no wonder that 800,000 have been sold. If the MINI's configuration works for you (for some, it's admittedly too small), then they probably have a car that will suit your driving needs perfectly. Best of all, whether your're going for economy or performance, you never have to compromise your sense of style.

(Press release after the jump)

[Source: MINI]

Continue reading Happy Birthday! MINI Turns 5

Happy Birthday! MINI Turns 5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Jul 2006 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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