Autoblog

Mini previews 2012 Life Ball Roadster

Zach Bowman — Sun, 06 May 2012 16:05:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Europe, Mini, Celebrities, Design/Style

Mini has been involved with Life Ball, one of Europe's largest charity events, since the brand first bowed in 2001. This year, the automaker turned a brand-new Mini Roadster over to Franca Sozzani, chief editor of Italian Vogue, for a complete makeover. Sozzani dipped the convertible two door in matte Deepest Purple paint with contrasting rally stripes and added steel accents on the side mirrors and wheels to help set the machine apart from the standard model. The charity car also sports a unique floral design on the roof. Mini will auction off the special Roadster at the Hall of Ceremonies at Vienna's Hofburg palace.

Life Ball highlights the fight against AIDS. The celebrity-studded event features live music and a fashion show, and Mini says that sales of its past Life Ball models have raised over $654,000 for AIDS research. Scroll past the break for the full press release.

Continue reading Mini previews 2012 Life Ball Roadster

Mini previews 2012 Life Ball Roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 May 2012 16:05:00 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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2012 Mini Roadster priced from $24,350*

Zach Bowman — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Convertible, Performance, Mini, UK

Mini has officially announced pricing for the company's new Cooper Roadster. The tiny droptop will carry a base MSRP of $24,350 in the U.S., while the Cooper S Roadster will set you back $27,350. The top-of-the-line John Cooper Works Roadster, meanwhile, will command a sticker of $34,500 (*pricing exclude a $700 destination and handling fee). Should buyers wish to drop an automatic transmission into their Cooper Roadster or Cooper S Roadster, the two-pedal option will cost an additional $1,250, but the John Cooper Works Roadster is only available with a manual gearbox. Mini says 16-inch alloy wheels are standard on the base roadster and its S counterpart, while the topped-out JCW Roadster will roll on flashier 17-inch wheels.

That means the Cooper Roadster requires a $3,450 premium over the base hardtop Coupe, but curiously, it's cheaper than the Cooper Convertible by $600. While the latter doesn't exactly offer palatial amounts of space for rear passengers, it is still considerably more functional than its Cooper Roadster equivalent. We have to wonder if there's enough of a price differential between the two models to keep buyers from skipping the more rakish Roadster for its four-seat counterpart, but either way, we're just pleased it doesn't share the Coupe's awkward backwards-ballcap roofline. Hit the jump for the lengthy press release.

Continue reading 2012 Mini Roadster priced from $24,350*

2012 Mini Roadster priced from $24,350* originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Peter Berg directs Mini Roadster cliffhanger

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Mini

The Mini Roadster ad campaign is continuing the "Another Day. Another Adventure." campaign begun with the Mini Coupe. The Roadster spots, directed by Peter Berg, started with two well-dressed gents darting through the various avenues of Istanbul. It picks up with them having, somehow, nearly driven off a bridge.

At that point, Mini-type antics take over, and you can watch them in high-def in the video after the jump.

Continue reading Peter Berg directs Mini Roadster cliffhanger

Peter Berg directs Mini Roadster cliffhanger originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mini Speedster to rely on manual roof

Zach Bowman — Wed, 25 May 2011 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Mini, Rumormill

Mini Speedster spy photos - Click above for high-res image gallery

The sleuths at MotoringFile say that Mini has indicated that the upcoming Mini Speedster will ship with a manual folding top instead of the automatic wizardry of the Cooper Convertible mechanism.

The decision, assuming this report is true, means that the top should both weigh less and be cheaper to produce than an electric alternative - two traits that win big points in our book. Given that the Speedster is supposed to carry a steeper price tag than its Cooper Convertible brethren, however, we have to wonder if buyers will be content with a cover they have to muscle in place themselves. Let's just hope it's a lot more like the top used by the Mazda Miata than the no-longer-in-production Pontiac Solstice.

The Mini Speedster is rumored to be scheduled for introduction at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show alongside its hardtop twin. Details are scarce at the moment, but we'd guess the vehicle will play host to the standard gamut of Mini drivetrain and customization options when it finally touches down.

Mini Speedster to rely on manual roof originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 May 2011 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mini E to be phased out in a year, Coupe goes on sale this fall

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Mini

Mini E - Click above for high-res image gallery

When asked about the arrival of the production Coupe and Roadster at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, Mini Communication Manager Nathalie Bauters told us that the Mini Coupe "will go on sale in the fall, probably as a 2012 model year. The Roadster will come six months later as a 2012 or 2013 model."

What won't ever make the retail playground is the Mini E. "It will not go on sale, it was for research," she said. Some of the leases on the first year trial for consumers and electric companies have been extended to a second year, but the end of the second year will mark the phase out of the program. A lease program with the 1 Series-based BMW Active E will follow, also to gather intelligence on electric cars, with both programs helping to prepare for the arrival of the BMW Megacity.

Gallery: MINI E

Mini E to be phased out in a year, Coupe goes on sale this fall originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mini's future is smaller engines, DCT, and challenging the Mazda Miata?

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 08:31:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Hatchback, Mini

MINI Roadster Concept - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Just because a company starts out Mini it doesn't necessarily mean it can't get even smaller. That seems to be the case with BMW's more affordable UK outpost. Mini USA vice president Jim McDowell spoke at the recent Geneva Motor Show about some of the brand's upcoming plans. Although the current lineup is powered by a range of 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder engines, new challengers like the Audi A1 are going with even smaller engines, and it sounds like Mini is set to follow suit.

This spring, European-market Mini models are slated to receive engine upgrades including BMW's Valvetronic system and direct injection for improved output, along with reduced fuel consumption and emissions. Those same improvements will be added to North American market Minis this fall in the company's 2011 models. The next round of upgrades will see smaller displacement engines coming along with dual clutch transmissions.

McDowell also hinted that the upcoming roadster and coupe variants are just the beginning, with more performance oriented models on the way. Even before that, McDowell expects the two seat Minis to be the first roadsters to grab a significant chunk of the affordable sports car market from the long dominant Mazda MX-5.

We love the Mini range, and we're eager to judge of whether a front-wheel car can really challenge the rear-drive MX-5, undoubtedly one of the best roadsters of all time.

Gallery: MINI Roadster Concept

[Source: AutoGuide]

Mini's future is smaller engines, DCT, and challenging the Mazda Miata? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010: Mini Beachcomber Concept leaves the doors behind

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Europe, Mini, Off-Road

2010 Mini Beachcomber Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

The roof, too. That's right folks, Mini rolled out a concept of a concept. The Beachcomber (see above) is based on the Mini Crossover. However, the Crossover is no longer just a concept, as it will be making its way to production soon. And it's not alone, as Mini has also green lit the Coupe and Roadster. All three will be produced at Mini's Oxford, UK plant.

Speaking of Mini, their sales were down six percent last year. Or should we say only six percent, as 2009 basically sucked as far as car sales go. In the U.S., however, Mini sales were down 16 percent, but the segment (small premium cars) was off a disheartening 40 percent. Nevertheless, the U.S. remains Mini's largest market with currently 90 dealers and the brand is looking to increase that number with an additional 17 dealers over the next 18 months.

As far as this here Beachcomber Concept goes, let's just say there's an emphasis on concept. While it does in some ways evoke the original Mini Moke - especially the slotted grille - the Beachcomber has as much a chance at seeing production as a Lamborghini subcompact. Maybe less. That said, the Beachcomber does feature all-wheel drive. And if there's anything we like more than suicide doors, it's no doors at all. No top either for that matter. What if you should get caught in a freak Malibu hailstorm? Mini says a soft roof and lightweight doors are included. So there you go.

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Mini Beachcomber Concept

Gallery: Mini Beachcomber concept

Live photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Mini]

Detroit 2010: Mini Beachcomber Concept leaves the doors behind originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Mini Coupe and Roadster could go on sale as early as 2011

Chris Shunk — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Mini

MINI Coupe and Roadster Concepts - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Mini Coupe and Roadster concepts have been making their way around the auto show circuit since Frankfurt in September, and when we saw the two vehicles at the LA Auto Show we got the impression that the high end micros were near production ready. If a story from MotoringFile is to be believed, the next two Mini variants could be even closer to production than we thought.

The Mini-obsessed site is claiming that its sources tell them that engineering for the the Coupe and Roadster is well under way. Further, the final model could hit the assembly plant in Oxford by next June with full production commencing in October. If that time line holds true, the first Mini two doors could be hitting dealer showrooms in Europe by early 2011 at the latest, with models crossing the Atlantic soon after.

Gallery: LA 2009: MINI concepts and special editions

[Source: MotoringFile]

Rumormill: Mini Coupe and Roadster could go on sale as early as 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2009: MINI Coupe & Roadster Concepts are so LA

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:44:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Mini, Luxury

MINI Coupe and Roadster Concepts - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mini brought its birthday presents to itself out to the LA Auto Show for their North American debut today. The Cambden and Mayfair were there, but we spent a lot more time ogling the Coupe and Roadster. As you may recall, Mini created these two sports cars to celebrate its 50th anniversary and showed them off alongside the two special edition Coopers at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The changes are slightly less obvious on the open-top roadster, but you can definitely see that there's no back seat and the windshield is laid back a claimed 16 degrees over the standard Cooper. The backwards baseball cap on the coupe is a bit odd looking in pics and the real world view doesn't do much to change that impression.

None of the display vehicles sported any detail changes but it was still fun to see all of them packed into a booth the size of Toyota's Venza section. Ian Robertson of BMW did share a few more details about the future of MINI, with the "R60" 4-door-4-liter-4wd about to get a real name and even more models in the works. For now we have the Coopers and Clubmen and the coupe and roadster to keep us happy. Check out the gallery below.

Gallery: LA 2009: MINI concepts and special editions

Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: MINI]

LA 2009: MINI Coupe & Roadster Concepts are so LA originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: Mini Coupe & Roadster Concepts

Noah Joseph — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 05:30:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Convertible, Coupe, Mini

MINI Coupe Concept and Roadster Concept - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Some automakers celebrate their birthdays with special editions. Some celebrate with big parties. Mini has celebrated its 50th anniversary at the Frankfurt Motor Show with not one, but two new performance-oriented models. Now that's more like it.

Okay, so they also unveiled a couple of special editions, called Camden and Mayfair. And they're throwing a little shindig at their show stand later on. But forget those for a minute and feast your eyes on the Coupe Concept and Roadster Concept. We've already brought you details on both, but the jubilant BMW division took the wraps - or rather, the cake - off the pair at a press conference here at the show. And while they were at it, they confirmed that both are headed for production, expanding the Mini line-up to no less than six models: hatch, cabrio, Clubman, the upcoming crossover and the Roadster and Coupe in question.

Whether the hounds-tooth interior on the Roadster makes it to production, however, remains to be seen. It'll take them a little while to gear up the Oxford factory, but given that both are essentially the same as the existing models below the belt-line, it shouldn't take all that long.

Frankfurt 2009: Mini Coupe & Roadster Concepts originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: MINI Roadster Concept will join Coupe onstage in Frankfurt

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 03:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Convertible, Mini

MINI Roadster Concept - Click above for a high-res image gallery

MINI has officially revealed the Roadster Concept alongside the Coupe Concept we saw a couple of weeks ago, and like the rigid top version, the Roadster is a two-seater with a chopped roofline and tilted back windscreen. This is almost certainly the second new model that will be produced at MINI's Oxford UK assembly plant alongside the Coupe.

Also like the Coupe, the Roadster appears pretty much unchanged from the belt-line down compared to existing MINIs. For the Roadster, the roll-bar structure has been shifted forward so it sits directly behind the seats. For anyone who's driven the current Mini Convertible, this should improve the lil' coupe's structural rigidity, making the Roadster a more competent handler in the process.

Another functional advantage of the Roadster is the larger trunk thanks to the missing back seat. The volume grows from 5.7 to 8.8 cubic feet and the opening is now usably large, extending over the rear deck and down to the bumper. A lockable pass-through allows a passenger to reach items in the trunk. The gimmicky Openometer on the current convertible is also replaced by a multi-function display that still offers the open driving time in addition to five new indicators: the Nature Guard (how eco friendly you're driving), Highspeed Shifter (when to shift for maximum power), Gravity Indicator (lateral and g-forces), Heart Beat (engine speed visualized by beating heart) and Buddy Radar (shows where other Mini drivers are). Check out the full press release from Mini after the jump for all the details.

Gallery: MINI Roadster Concept

[Source: MINI]

Continue reading Officially Official: MINI Roadster Concept will join Coupe onstage in Frankfurt

Officially Official: MINI Roadster Concept will join Coupe onstage in Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: BMW in talks to use iQ platform for future models, Toyota to get Mini in return?!

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 09:57:00 EST

2009 Toyota iQ - Click above for high-res image gallery

Aston Martin may not be the only premium European automaker interested in Toyota's innovative iQ microcar. According to Inside Line and Autocar in the U.K., BMW and Toyota are in talks to collaborate on future small cars based on the Mini and iQ platforms. BMW may possibly use the interior and diminutive platform from the Japanese automaker's next-gen iQ for its long-rumored Isetta revival, possibly with an electric powertrain.

In return, Toyota would gain access to the German automaker's Mini division - specifically the Coupe and Roadster that were recently shown in concept form ahead of their expected debuts at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September - though its not currently clear what Toyota would do with them. Neither company has confirmed these reports, so we're currently taking this rumor with an appropriately large grain of salt.

Gallery: 2009 Toyota iQ

[Sources: Inside Line, Autocar]

Rumormill: BMW in talks to use iQ platform for future models, Toyota to get Mini in return?! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mini Roadster leaks out ahead of Frankfurt debut

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Crossover, BMW, Mini

Mini kicked off its 50th anniversary celebration with a birthday party in Nice, France where a select group of journalists were give an glimpse at Mini's plans for Frankfurt and beyond.

Matt Davis from Inside Line was in attendance and snapped a shot (right) of the Mini Roadster concept ahead of its Frankfurt Motor Show debut, and plugged some of the automaker's execs for information on Mini's plan for the future.

Aside from the Mini Coupe and Roadster, which will reportedly, "be produced for the 2011 model year and both will be available on all our world markets," the Mini Crossover has been delayed as the automaker rethinks its brand position. However, the 'ute is still supposedly a go and will be revealed in early 2010 (we're thinking Detroit) and likely go on sale late next year.

There's also rumors of a possible tie-up between BMW and a yet-to-be-named Japanese automaker (IL lists Toyota as the likely partner), although details on the deal are scarce... at best. And, of course, there's continued speculation surrounding the future of BMW's super-subcompact range, with a Mini-based Isetta revival that could arrive within the next two years. For now, it's merely conjecture, but at the Frankfurt show next month, we should have a clearer indication of what direction Mini will take in the coming years.

[Source: Inside Line]

Mini Roadster leaks out ahead of Frankfurt debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Rumormill: Mini Speedster coming to Frankfurt?

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 15 May 2009 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Rendered Speculation, Rumormill

While we're big fans of the Mini Cooper and Cooper S, the Convertible has left us wanting on several levels - visibility and weight being our biggest gripes. However, the remedy may be on the way this September when Mini takes the wraps of the Cooper Roadster at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

According to L'Automobile, the concept will nix the Cooper's laughable rear seats to become a true two-seater, but will still pack a retractable soft-top that attaches to the shortened, more steeply raked windshield. Weight reduction is supposedly one of the Roadster's raisons d'être, and the French pub contends the speedster could make it to production sometime in 2010. Naturally, we're suitably skeptical, but we're looking forward to seeing the Roadster on the show stand later this year.

[Source: L'Automobile]

Rendered Rumormill: Mini Speedster coming to Frankfurt? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 May 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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