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[Mini Countryman by X-Raid set for Dakar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/20/mini-countryman-by-x-raid-set-for-dakar/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/20/mini-countryman-by-x-raid-set-for-dakar/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/20/mini-countryman-by-x-raid-set-for-dakar/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mini Countryman with Off-Road Package

Mini is gearing up to head back to Dakar. The company campaigned five ALL4 racecars last year, and took the overall victory with driver Stéphane Peterhansel and co-driver Jean-Paul Cottret. Second place also fell to Mini, and the remaining three cars soaked up spots in the top ten for an impressive finish. This year, Mini is headed back with specially-prepared Countryman models in competition as Peterhansel attempts to defend his crown from a new crop of rivals. The team will also make use of Countryman service vehicles, all fitted with an off-road package and a spate of Mini accessories to help them overcome the 5,000 miles of brutal terrain through Peru.

Those include a four-piece body kit made of durable plastic to help protect the body from dings and chips, and the beefy fender flares call to mind the exaggerated arches on the competition vehicles.

Speaking of the competitors, Peterhansel piloted his ALL4 race car to gold in the FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies this year in preparation for Dakar. We'll keep an eye on his progress once the race gets started in January. In the interim, you can check out the full press release below for more information.

Continue reading Mini Countryman by X-Raid set for Dakar

Mini Countryman by X-Raid set for Dakar originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Nov 2012 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 dakarcountrymandakardakar 2013dakar mini countrymanminimini countrymanrally raidTue, 20 Nov 2012 17:04:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20383407/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/20/mini-countryman-by-x-raid-set-for-dakar/20383407/article-detail.xml 20383407 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/mini-countryman-dakar-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/mini-countryman-dakar-628.jpg <![CDATA[Carlex Design goes Steampunk with Mini Countryman]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/11/carlex-design-goes-steampunk-with-mini-countryman/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/11/carlex-design-goes-steampunk-with-mini-countryman/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/11/carlex-design-goes-steampunk-with-mini-countryman/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Carlex Design's steampunk-inspired MiniSteam Mini Countryman

Steampunk is a fashion that always seems to live just around the corner; every time you think it's down to its last copper fitting, it peeks around the corner for another encore. Poland's Carlex Design, which will outfit anything from a Toyota Hilux to a Ferrari FF with sensuous leather and interior trimmings, is the latest to go the copper-toned way with a Mini Countryman.

Dubbed MiniSteam, this unique vehicle features a satin gray finish with blacked-out windows and lights and bronze detailing that pops all over, it's a crossover that H. G. Wells might have used when he tired of his time machine. Inside, things are ornate in the extreme: a tiny slice of brown wood on the center stack is surrounded by brightwork of copper hue and deep brown leather, the floor is hardwood, even the streering wheel gets twin bands of bronze, and the seats and wheel center cap are set off by insets of mechanical movements.

The Carlex website doesn't appear to have any detailed info on the sci-fi Mini, but if their other works are any indication, this will be expensive and exclusive. Have a closer look at it in the gallery of photos.

Carlex Design goes Steampunk with Mini Countryman originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aftermarketcarlex designcountrymanminimini coopermini countrymanministeamsteam punksteampunkMon, 11 Jun 2012 17:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20255748/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/11/carlex-design-goes-steampunk-with-mini-countryman/20255748/article-detail.xml 20255748 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/ministeam-interior_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/ministeam-interior.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Mini Countryman John Cooper Works most powerful yet]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/28/2013-mini-countryman-john-cooper-works-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/28/2013-mini-countryman-john-cooper-works-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/28/2013-mini-countryman-john-cooper-works-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mini John Cooper Works Countryman

With a model like the Countryman in its lineup, Mini may not be so mini anymore. At least not in an absolute sense. But since BMW has remade the brand in its own image, Minis have become mini BMWs. That's certainly the case with John Cooper Works - the brand's the performance label - which Mini's CEO, Dr. Kay Segler, intends to expand to follow the lead set by the BMW M division which he used to run. So if BMW can make X5 M and X6 M performance crossovers, so can Mini. And here you have it.

We had a chance to drive the JCW-spec Countryman while it was still in development back in December, but now Mini has dropped the full details on the production model slated for unveiling at next week's Geneva Motor Show. But lest you think the John Cooper Works Countryman is the dilution of a performance brand in its application to a crossover, of all things, consider that what you see here is both the first JCW model with all-wheel drive and the most powerful to date.

The 1.6-liter turbo four churns out 211 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque (221 on overboost) through a six-speed gearbox (automatic or manual) and the All4 all-wheel drive system to propel this juiced-up Countryman to 62 in 7.1 seconds. Those intentions are announced to the world through equipment like 18-inch alloys, aero kit, sports exhaust and optional Chili Red roof, mirrors, stripes and seat trim.

Like what you see? There's plenty more details to examine in the press release after the jump and the high-res images in the gallery.

Continue reading 2013 Mini Countryman John Cooper Works most powerful yet

2013 Mini Countryman John Cooper Works most powerful yet originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 geneva motor show2013 mini jcw countryman2013 mini john cooper works countrymancountrymangenevageneva 2012geneva motor showjcwjohn cooper worksminimini countrymanTue, 28 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20180878/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/28/2013-mini-countryman-john-cooper-works-revealed/20180878/article-detail.xml 20180878 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/webjcw-countryman_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/webjcw-countryman.jpg <![CDATA[Mini bringing Countryman JCW to Geneva]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/mini-bringing-countryman-jcw-to-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/mini-bringing-countryman-jcw-to-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/mini-bringing-countryman-jcw-to-geneva/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



With models like the X5 M and X6 M, BMW has shown it is no stranger to performance-oriented crossovers. That extended to its Mini brand when it opted to enter the Countryman in the World Rally Championship, but now we've received confirmation that a road- (or off-road-) going Countryman JCW is on its way.

Currently undergoing winter testing in Austria, the Countryman JCW is to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Mini has yet to confirm the details, but we're expecting the 1.6-liter turbo to churn out a good 215 horsepower or so - a significant increase over the Cooper S Countryman (pictured above) and its 177 hp - for a 0-60 time of less than seven seconds.

The John Cooper Works version of the Mini crossover will also ride lower than existing versions, and sport all the suspension and aero upgrades you'd expect from a JCW model, with sales expected to start in about a year. The question is whether this is the version which Prodrive - the motorsport consultancy that fields the Countryman WRC - is currently preparing, or whether that is still to come as a performance model of its own.

We'll have a drive report on the Countryman JCW prototype coming in just a matter of days, so watch this space for more information.

Mini bringing Countryman JCW to Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 geneva motor showcountrymancountryman jcwgenevageneva motor showjcwjohn cooper worksminimini countrymanmini countryman jcwWed, 14 Dec 2011 10:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20127273/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/14/mini-bringing-countryman-jcw-to-geneva/20127273/article-detail.xml 20127273 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/p90065725_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/p90065725.jpg <![CDATA[2011 Mini Countryman: October 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/02/2011-mini-countryman-october-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/02/2011-mini-countryman-october-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/02/2011-mini-countryman-october-2011/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2011 Mini Countryman

The last time we updated you on our long-term 2011 Mini Cooper S Countryman All4, it was in Northern California with senior editor Lavrinc. Since then, we've driving the car down to Southern California, although not before it served as our mode of transportation for the Rennsport Reunion at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. We've also taken a trip to Phoenix to check out the Local Motors Rally Fighter (look for a feature soon), and driven the Countryman plenty around Los Angeles, doubling our car's mileage in the process. Thanks to a majority of those miles being on the freeway, we've averaged a solid 27.39 mpg, a number that falls right in line with the official rating of 25/31. Our best stint was 29.3 mpg, all freeway miles, coming back from Phoenix.

If anything, spending spending five-plus hours in the Countryman at once has revealed some new likes and dislikes. Follow the jump to read more about them and what life is like for the Countryman in Southern California.

Continue reading 2011 Mini Countryman: October 2011

2011 Mini Countryman: October 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Nov 2011 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 mini countrymancountrymanfeaturedlong termlong term mini countrymanlong-termlong-term mini countrymanminimini countrymanWed, 02 Nov 2011 12:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20094164/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/02/2011-mini-countryman-october-2011/20094164/article-detail.xml 20094164 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/mini-countryman-long-term_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/mini-countryman-long-term.jpg <![CDATA[Getting intimate with Mini Connected]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/03/getting-intimate-with-mini-connected/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/03/getting-intimate-with-mini-connected/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/03/getting-intimate-with-mini-connected/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Mini Connected Review

We've being living with our long-term Mini Countryman Cooper S All4 for a little over two months, but we haven't spent much time on one of the most often used - and complex - bits of the car.

Mini Connected is essentially a reworked version of BMW iDrive for the Mini line-up. The system uses the same architecture and a tweaked user interface to provide drivers with a range of entertainment, connectivity and infotainment functionalities. Some components from iDrive have carried over, most notably a multidirectional joystick in place of the standard knob found in most BMWs, while others have been completely redone for both the Mini aesthetic and the circular display mounted in the central speedometer.

Drivers can connect their iPhone to the system over either Bluetooth or USB to take phone calls, stream Internet radio stations, play locally-stored music or listen to Pandora, along with using their data connection to see timelines on Twitter, Facebook and customizable RSS feeds. Include Google search and send-to-car functionality, and it's a pretty compelling package. But it's pricy.

If you opt for Mini Connected by itself, it's a $2,000 option, with the navigation functionality commanding an additional $750. That's a lotta scratch, but after using the system day-to-day, we're just about sold.

There's plenty going on with Mini Connected, so rather than assault you with a few thousand words, hit the jump for a detailed video review of the system in action.

Continue reading Getting intimate with Mini Connected

Getting intimate with Mini Connected originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 mini countrymancountrymanidriveminimini connectedmini countrymanMon, 03 Oct 2011 18:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20072811/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/03/getting-intimate-with-mini-connected/20072811/article-detail.xml 20072811 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/mini-connected-review-vid-cap_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/mini-connected-review-vid-cap.jpg <![CDATA[EVO thrashes the Mini Countryman WRC]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/25/evo-thrashes-the-mini-countryman-wrc/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/25/evo-thrashes-the-mini-countryman-wrc/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/25/evo-thrashes-the-mini-countryman-wrc/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Mini Countryman WRC

When Mini announced plans to bring the Countryman to its showrooms, the brand's acolytes recoiled in horror at the thought of a bloated all-wheel-drive model joining the range. To prove that the new micro-crossover has the chops to live up to Mini's race pedigree, Mini partnered with Prodrive to create the Countryman WRC. There was much rejoicing. Now EVO Magazine has put the little rally beast through its paces on a track.

The race-prepped Countryman looks quick and controllable, slicing through apexes and sending tires to the great smoky beyond. Maybe we should politely ask Prodrive to give our long-term Countryman the once-over. Hit the jump to check out the video for yourself.

Continue reading EVO thrashes the Mini Countryman WRC

EVO thrashes the Mini Countryman WRC originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Sep 2011 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>countrymancountryman wrc videoevo magazineminimini countrymanmini countryman wrc videoprodriveprodrive countrymanprodrive mini countrymanvideoSun, 25 Sep 2011 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20065749/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/25/evo-thrashes-the-mini-countryman-wrc/20065749/article-detail.xml 20065749 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/mini-countryman-wrc-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/mini-countryman-wrc-628.jpg <![CDATA[Romeo Ferraris celebrates Italian unification with tricked out Mini Countryman]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/19/romeo-ferraris-celebrates-italian-unification-with-tricked-out-m/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/19/romeo-ferraris-celebrates-italian-unification-with-tricked-out-m/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/19/romeo-ferraris-celebrates-italian-unification-with-tricked-out-m/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Mini Countryman 150° Anniversario

Few tuning houses are as quintessentially Italian as Romeo Ferraris. Just say the name out loud and you'll want a glass of Chianti to go with your Risotto. Most of the garage's products have been Italian - Fiat 500s mostly - but there have been a few foreigners in the mix as well, including the Chevrolet Corvette, Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG and Land Rover Defender. And this is their latest.

Created, somewhat ironically, to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Italian confederation, Romeo Ferraris started out with the Mini Countryman Cooper S and tricked it out from there. The 1.6-liter turbo four was chipped and fitted with new breathing apparati and intercooler to bring output up from 184 horsepower to a more prodigious 227 ponies and 242 lb-ft.

To go with the power upgrade, RF has fitted an adjustable suspension, Brembo brakes and 19-inch two-tone multi-spoked alloys with low-profile Yokohama rubber. The trick matte blue paint contrasts nicely with the chrome stripes and the brushed-finish brightware and blacked-out grille, while the interior has been decked out in white leather with blue piping and Italian flag stripes.

A little over the top, maybe - particularly with all the sponsor logos - but to quote our old friend Rick James, "It's a celebration... enjoy yourselves!"

Romeo Ferraris celebrates Italian unification with tricked out Mini Countryman originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Jul 2011 11:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>countrymanminimini countrymanmini countryman cooper sromeo ferrarisTue, 19 Jul 2011 11:06:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19993866/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/19/romeo-ferraris-celebrates-italian-unification-with-tricked-out-m/19993866/article-detail.xml 19993866 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/webromeo-f-mini-countryman-40_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/webromeo-f-mini-countryman-40.jpg <![CDATA[KISS-themed Mini Countryman one-offs rock on to eBay Motors for charity]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/01/kiss-themed-mini-countryman-one-offs-rock-on-to-ebay-motors-for/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/01/kiss-themed-mini-countryman-one-offs-rock-on-to-ebay-motors-for/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/01/kiss-themed-mini-countryman-one-offs-rock-on-to-ebay-motors-for/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

kiss custom mini countryman
KISS and Mini create custom Countryman models for charity - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ready for your garage to rock and roll all night and party every day? Break out your checkbook. Mini has teamed up with legendary rock group KISS to create a quartet of customized Countryman crossovers for charity. Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer have applied their trademark style to the exterior of four examples of the 2011 Mini Countryman.

The vehicles, which debuted at the New York Auto Show, each have their own auction listing on eBay Motors, and the proceeds from these auctions will be donated to UNICEF. The organization is working hard to raise money for children affected by the recent disasters in Japan.

These customized Countrymen Countrymans cars aren't wearing decals. Each vehicle was hand painted by a group of BMW employees who provided the artwork while off the clock. The four vehicles have been named after the members of KISS they mimic; Starchild, The Demon, Spaceman and Catman.

The full press release is located after the jump, and you can check out all four Mini Countryman custom cars in the gallery below.

Continue reading KISS-themed Mini Countryman one-offs rock on to eBay Motors for charity

KISS-themed Mini Countryman one-offs rock on to eBay Motors for charity originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jun 2011 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 mini countrymanebayeric singergene simmonsjapan quakekiss countrymankiss miniminimini countrymanpaul stanleytommy thayerunicefWed, 01 Jun 2011 17:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19954453/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/01/kiss-themed-mini-countryman-one-offs-rock-on-to-ebay-motors-for/19954453/article-detail.xml 19954453 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/000-kiss-mini-cooper-lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/000-kiss-mini-cooper-lead.jpg <![CDATA[Mini's WRC effort is hot to trot]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/01/minis-wrc-effort-is-hot-to-trot/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/01/minis-wrc-effort-is-hot-to-trot/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/01/minis-wrc-effort-is-hot-to-trot/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

mini john cooper works wrc car
Mini John Cooper Works WRC car in action - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Mini's World Rally Championship team has some work ahead if it intends to live up to the brand's historic rally credentials, but the post-jump video illustrates that Mini clearly has the tool needed for success.

Follow the jump to watch drivers Dani Sordo and Kris Meeke as they take the horns of the Mini John Cooper Works WRC car, which is based on the Countryman. Mini's "cute and hip" aesthetic gives way to something a bit more badass when it's attacking a rally circuit. You'll hear no complaints from us. Follow the jump for one minute and 38 seconds of fast-paced video.


Gallery: Paris 2010: Mini Countryman WRC


[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Mini's WRC effort is hot to trot

Mini's WRC effort is hot to trot originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 May 2011 13:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dani sordokris meekemini coopermini countrymanMini John Cooper Works WRCmini wrcwrcSun, 01 May 2011 13:18:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19925303/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/01/minis-wrc-effort-is-hot-to-trot/19925303/article-detail.xml 19925303 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/mini-wrc-racing_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/mini-wrc-racing.jpg <![CDATA[Videos: Mini has some fun with the Countryman WRC]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/14/videos-mini-has-some-fun-with-the-countryman-wrc/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/14/videos-mini-has-some-fun-with-the-countryman-wrc/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/14/videos-mini-has-some-fun-with-the-countryman-wrc/#commentsFiled under: , ,

mini countryman wrc
Mini takes the Countryman WRC out for some spins - Click above to watch video after the jump

Mini is excited to get back to rally racing, and its hoping the new Countryman WRC will be a good tool for the job. The automaker has been all over the place to show off its pumped-up racer, and, thankfully for us, cameras were brought along the whole way.

We have five videos waiting for you after the jump. In the first three, driver Kris Meeke does his best Ken Block impersonation by tackling a mini (or is that Mini?) Gymkhana course. The other two videos show a bit of Mini's racing history and give a look at the official launch of the Countryman WRC.

[Source: Youtube]

Continue reading Videos: Mini has some fun with the Countryman WRC

Videos: Mini has some fun with the Countryman WRC originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Apr 2011 20:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>countrymancountryman wrcgymkhanaminimini countrymanmini countryman wrcvideoworld rally championshipwrcThu, 14 Apr 2011 20:25:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19913779/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/14/videos-mini-has-some-fun-with-the-countryman-wrc/19913779/article-detail.xml 19913779 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/mini-wrc_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/mini-wrc.jpg <![CDATA[Rumormill: Mini to add five-seater option to Countryman]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/11/rumormill-mini-to-add-five-seater-option-to-countryman/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/11/rumormill-mini-to-add-five-seater-option-to-countryman/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/11/rumormill-mini-to-add-five-seater-option-to-countryman/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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

According to the minds at Motoring File, Mini may be on the verge of offering a five-seat option for the Countryman. Right now, the vehicle is only available as a five-door hatch with seating for four thanks to two bucket seats out back, though reports have emerged that for 2012, Mini will add a rear bench to the mix. Chances are that the vehicle will still come standard with four thrones, meaning that the back bench will available at an additional cost to interested parties. Mini hasn't outright confirmed the rumor, though we have to think that being able to cram one more passenger indoors couldn't hurt the crossover's sales appeal.

It's unclear how Mini will get around the space-consuming center rail on bench-equipped models. Our guess is that company engineers will likely delete the feature in favor of leg space for the center passenger, which means that bench buyers will be without one of the more interesting features of the Countryman's interior.

We're all for extra seating capacity, but we'll be really impressed when Mini starts offering up a front bench seat. Bonus points if it's vinyl.


Gallery: 2011 Mini Countryman: First Drive

2011 Mini Countryman2011 Mini Countryman2011 Mini Countryman2011 Mini Countryman2011 Mini Countryman

Photos copyright (C)2010 Steven J. Ewing / AOL

[Source: Motoring File]

Rumormill: Mini to add five-seater option to Countryman originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 mini countrymancountrymancountryman seatingmini countrymanmini countryman bench seatFri, 11 Mar 2011 10:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19876516/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/11/rumormill-mini-to-add-five-seater-option-to-countryman/19876516/article-detail.xml 19876516 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/countryman-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/countryman-630.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Mini gets reintroduction to rally racing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/07/video-mini-gets-reintroduction-to-rally-racing/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/07/video-mini-gets-reintroduction-to-rally-racing/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/07/video-mini-gets-reintroduction-to-rally-racing/#commentsFiled under: , ,

mini countryman wrc
Mini Countryman WRC teaser clip - Click above to watch video after the jump

Mini is venturing back into the World Rally Championship fold. That's right, we said "back into," because in the 60's, Mini decided to take its Cooper and go rallying. This wasn't simply a half-cocked effort either; Mini won the Monte Carlo Rally in 1964, 1965 and 1967. Now the automaker is going full-tilt yet again by campaigning a Prodrive-prepared Countryman in the 2011 WRC season.

A teaser clip is in order to help get you psyched over Mini's upcoming rally run. Thankfully, Mini has just such a clip and it's available for your viewing pleasure after the jump.

[Source: YouTube via Inside Line]

Continue reading Video: Mini gets reintroduction to rally racing

Video: Mini gets reintroduction to rally racing originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mini Countryman WRC
Mini Countryman WRC - Click above for high-res image gallery

Tail-slidin', bump-jumpin' heroics are all good and fun, but one of the things we love most about rallying is that the cars are closely based on production models. Often rather ordinary ones at that, like Ford Fiestas, Subaru Imprezas and the like. And what turns easily from a road car into a rally racer can just as easily be turned back into a road car.

Look no further than examples like the Subaru WRX and Mitsubishi Evo X for evidence. And now that Mini is getting into the World Rally Championship, rumors are beginning to circulate that they're planning a rally-derived performance model as well.

Since the Mini WRC is based on the Countryman crossover, word has it that a showroom-ready, performance-oriented Countryman could be in the works. Something with even more power than the existing JCW version and a wide-body kit for an extra dose of attitude. Even with all the Mini variants on the road and in the pipeline, this one has us particularly intrigued.


Gallery: Paris 2010: Mini Countryman WRC


Photos by Zach Bowman / AOL

[Source: AUSmotive via MotoringFile]

Rumormill: Mini working on road-going version of WRC Countryman? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Jan 2011 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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X-Raid Mini Countryman All4 Racing - Click above for high-res image gallery

So much for the maxi Mini. The X-Raid Countryman rally raider, whose development we've been following from the get-go, was forced out of the Dakar rally over the weekend, ending the rally-prepped Mini's campaign even faster than it started.

With French rally driver Guerlain Chicherit behind the wheel, the Mini Dakar had gotten up as high as ninth place overall by the sixth stage on Friday. But when the convoy came to a rest on Saturday, Chicherit took the opportunity to get in some practice runs and reportedly got into a big crash that sent the car tumbling end-over-end. Chicherit sustained a minor head injury, as rally medical personnel monitored his condition at the on-site medical center.

While the Mini is out of the running, this year's rally is far from over for the X-Raid team as one of their BMWs - driven by Stephane Peterhansel - is running third behind the Volkswagens of Carlos Sainz and Nasser Al-Attiyah.


Gallery: X-Raid Mini All4 Racing

X-Raid Mini All4 Racing

[Source: Autosport]

X-Raid Mini Countryman reportedly crashes out of Dakar originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Jan 2011 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dakarminimini countrymanmini dakarx-raidX-Raid Mini All4 RacingX-Raid Mini Countryman All4 RacingMon, 10 Jan 2011 13:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19794398/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/01/10/x-raid-mini-countryman-reportedly-crashes-out-of-dakar/19794398/article-detail.xml 19794398 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/mini-all4-xraid_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/mini-all4-xraid.jpg <![CDATA[Video: X-Raid puts its Dakar-bound Mini Countryman through the paces at Le Creusot]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/22/video-x-raid-puts-its-dakar-bound-mini-countryman-through-the-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/22/video-x-raid-puts-its-dakar-bound-mini-countryman-through-the-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/22/video-x-raid-puts-its-dakar-bound-mini-countryman-through-the-p/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Click above to watch the video after the jump

Don't you just hate it when video editors splice in soundtracks over the exhaust notes of the most menacing machines on four wheels? Lord knows we do. But sometimes they're worth watching anyway. Like in the case of the Mini Countryman which the X-Raid rally team is preparing for Dakar.

Easily the most awesome thing done with a Mini since The Italian Job, X-Raid has taken their damn-near-ready Mini rally raider to Le Creusot, an off-road test track at Saône-et-Loire in the Burgundy region of France. And despite the obnoxious French music, it looks like they had a good time doing it, too. Follow the jump to check it out for yourself - just turn down the volume at first. And as a special bonus, we've included additional high-resolution images in the gallery below for your desktop wallpapering pleasure.

Gallery: X-Raid Mini All4 Racing

X-Raid Mini All4 Racing

Continue reading Video: X-Raid puts its Dakar-bound Mini Countryman through the paces at Le Creusot

Video: X-Raid puts its Dakar-bound Mini Countryman through the paces at Le Creusot originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all4 racingcountrymanminimini countrymanx-raidX-Raid Mini All4 RacingX-Raid Mini Countryman All4 RacingWed, 22 Dec 2010 10:25:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19771575/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/12/22/video-x-raid-puts-its-dakar-bound-mini-countryman-through-the-p/19771575/article-detail.xml 19771575 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/web630-20101215pressreleaseminiall4racingfirsttest003_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/web630-20101215pressreleaseminiall4racingfirsttest003.jpg <![CDATA[First photos of X-Raid Mini Countryman Dakar rally machine emerge]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/13/first-photos-of-x-raid-mini-countryman-dakar-rally-machine-emerg/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/13/first-photos-of-x-raid-mini-countryman-dakar-rally-machine-emerg/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/13/first-photos-of-x-raid-mini-countryman-dakar-rally-machine-emerg/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

X-Raid Mini Countryman
X-Raid Mini Countryman All4 Racing - Click above for high-res images

Some vehicles take longer to develop than others, but this has got to be one of the quickest turn-arounds we've seen yet.

When we reported just last week that the X-Raid rally team was preparing a version of the Mini Countryman to take to Dakar, they'd only been working on it for less than a month, but already had what looked like a pretty comprehensive rendering of what the final product would look like. And they weren't kidding: mere days later, the first batch of images have already popped up showing the Dakar-spec Mini looking pretty darn near ready to tackle the South American countryside.

If this isn't the most badass Mini Countryman to date, we don't know what is.


Gallery: X-Raid Mini All4 Racing

X-Raid Mini All4 Racing

[Source: X-Raid via MotoringFile]

First photos of X-Raid Mini Countryman Dakar rally machine emerge originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 11:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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v
X-Raid Mini All4 Racing - Click above for full-size image

Mini is going to Dakar, or at least the 2011 Dakar Argentina-Chile race. Monster Energy has partnered up with the X-Raid Team to bring a diesel-powered Mini Countryman to the sands of South America in just 90 days. The team started on the project last month, and the reworked Countryman has to be in Argentina before the New Year. Between now and then are hours of wrenching and a few shake-down runs in France on December 13 and 14.

X-Raid has previously campaigned a BMW X3CC, helping the team to nab three FIA World Cup titles for cross country racing, and last year the vehicle helped the team walk away with fourth and fifth place finishes in the 2010 Argentina-Chile race. To that end, the team will be using a turbo-diesel engine borrowed from the bad Bimmer. With 315 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque, the engine brings a substantial bump in power to the table while using the same architecture as the lump found in the 2010 X3CC.

Switching to the Countryman has a number of benefits, including better handling from the vehicle's lower center of gravity and shorter wheelbase, though the team says that ingress and egress is a little more complicated compared to the BMW. Look for the Mini All4 Racing during this year's Argentina-Chile this January.

[Source: X-Raid]

X-Raid previews Mini All4 for Dakar originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 dakarargentina-chilecountrymandakardakar 2011minimini all4 racingmini countrymanparis-dakarX-RaidX-Raid TeamTue, 07 Dec 2010 19:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19750539/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/12/07/x-raid-previews-mini-all4-for-dakar/19750539/article-detail.xml 19750539 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/mini-dakar-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/mini-dakar-630.jpg <![CDATA[Meeke Shall Inherit: Mini poaches Peugeot's IRC champ to drive Countryman WRC]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/08/meeke-shall-inherit-mini-poaches-peugeots-irc-champ-to-drive-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/08/meeke-shall-inherit-mini-poaches-peugeots-irc-champ-to-drive-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/08/meeke-shall-inherit-mini-poaches-peugeots-irc-champ-to-drive-c/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Kris Meeke rallyist

If you've been wondering who'll be piloting the new Mini Countryman in the World Rally Championship, wonder no longer. Driving duties will be handed to Kris Meeke.

Haven't heard of him? The British rally driver has had an interesting career so far on his climb up to the pinnacle of off-road sideways motorsport. A mechanical engineer by training, Meeke started out in the rally world working as a Computer Aided Designer for M-Sport, the firm that handles the championship-winning Ford World Rally Team. Not satisfied sitting behind a monitor while others got the glory, Meeke won a star-search with Peugeot and was taken under the wing of the late Colin McRae, who coached and guided him through his ascent up the classes.

Last year Meeke started out in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, taking the title for Peugeot UK in his first year. After a number of early retirements, Meeke currently sits fourth in this year's IRC standings, but will finish out the season with Peugeot before departing for the Prodrive-Mini team in the top-flight World Rally Championship as Peugeot UK begins searching for his replacement.


Gallery: Paris 2010: Mini Countryman WRC


[Source: Autosport]

Meeke Shall Inherit: Mini poaches Peugeot's IRC champ to drive Countryman WRC originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Oct 2010 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>irckris meekemeekeminimini countrymanmini countryman wrcpeugeotpeugeot ircpeugeot ukworld rally championshipwrcFri, 08 Oct 2010 09:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19664601/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/10/08/meeke-shall-inherit-mini-poaches-peugeots-irc-champ-to-drive-c/19664601/article-detail.xml 19664601 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/meeke_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/meeke.jpg <![CDATA[Mini Countryman to start at $22,350]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/07/mini-countryman-to-start-at-22-350/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/07/mini-countryman-to-start-at-22-350/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/07/mini-countryman-to-start-at-22-350/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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

The 2011 Mini Countryman has a price: $22,350. Mini USA head Jim McDowell announced the starting figure at the North American launch of the compact crossover in Austin, Texas with our own Jeremy Korzeniewski in attendance.

According to McDowell, the Countryman's interior room compares favorably with the Nissan Rogue, so for comparison's sake, the Rogue starts at $20,810 and the larger Volkswagen Tiguan at $23,200. Nissan's funky new Juke, on the other hand, runs just $18,960, although we'd wonder how many Mini-philes could also be considered Juke-philiacs.

A "well-equipped" All4 all-wheel-drive Countryman will ring the register well under $30,000, but with an entry price less than $4,000 over a base Cooper and just $550 above a Clubman, and a slew of people looking for a Mini with more room, they might sell more of these than many expected. The Countryman's fuel economy figures probably won't hurt, either. Mini quotes EPA estimates of up to 35 miles per gallon for the manual transmission Cooper model, with 32 mpg highway for the Cooper S model and 31 mpg for the All4 Cooper S Countryman with either gearbox.


Gallery: 2011 Mini Countryman: First Drive

2011 Mini Countryman2011 Mini Countryman2011 Mini Countryman2011 Mini Countryman2011 Mini Countryman

Photos copyright (C)2010 Steven J. Ewing / AOL

Mini Countryman to start at $22,350 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Oct 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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