Autoblog

Bang for Your Bark: AAA picks best canine-friendly cars

Zach Bowman — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST

Honda Element, one of AAA's best dog-friendly vehicles - Click above for high-res image gallery

Dog owners looking for a new set of wheels can take heart; the American Automobile Association has taken the time to pick a handful of vehicles best suited to moving your furry friend from one place to another. With around 45 million households across the country boasting at least one dog in the family, it should be no surprise that the ability to conveniently and safely move a pet plays a big role in which vehicle consumers choose to buy. A total of 11 SUVs, crossovers and wagons have made the AAA list, each divided into categories like luxury, active lifestyle and efficient and fun.

While we weren't surprised to see cars like the Subaru Forester and Honda Element make the cut, others, like the BMW 3 Series Touring and the ever fun-to-fling Mazda3 five-door were vehicles we wouldn't have necessarily thought of as doggie rides. Thrifty buys like the Kia Soul and Nissan Cube found particular favor on the AAA list, thanks in part to their ability to serve up plenty of space with their rear seats folded down. We still say a Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon would do just fine - at least for a low-profile dog like a dachshund or beagle. Hit the jump for the press release after checking out our complete gallery of canine-correct-carriers below.

Gallery: AAA Dog-Friendly Vehicles

[Source: American Automobile Association]

Continue reading Bang for Your Bark: AAA picks best canine-friendly cars

Bang for Your Bark: AAA picks best canine-friendly cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Minor facelift for 2011 Mini Cooper and Clubman spotted

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 07 May 2010 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, BMW, Mini

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.

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Report: BMW sues amusement park over Mini coaster

Michael Harley — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, BMW, Mini, Earnings/Financials

BMW gave us the Mini Cooper, Mini Convertible and Mini Clubman. We've also seen the Mini Countryman, Mini Coupé and Mini Roadster. Well, how about a Mini roller coaster?

According to The Sun News, Freestyle Music Park of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is operating a roller coaster with six-passenger cars that bear a striking resemblence to BMW's Mini Cooper - make that a near exact copy. Understandably, BMW is less than pleased as the park's owners don't have permission to be rolling unauthorized knock-offs around the rails (likely pulling more G's than the actual production models). Following an unanswered cease-and-desist letter back in November, BMW of North America LLC and Bayerische Motoren Werke AG filed a suit against FPI MB Entertainment Tuesday for trademark infringement and false designation of origin.

The owners of the park, who purchased it out of bankruptcy just last year, claim this is all just a misunderstanding. They understand BMW's position regarding the "Round About" coaster and expect to work something out with the German automaker in the near future. BMW, on the other hand, is not only looking for the cars to be pulled off the track, they're seeking damages, too. They had better get in line - there are reportedly more than a dozen liens filed against the financially-troubled park for unpaid services since July. Thanks for the tip, Mason!

[Source: The Sun News]

Report: BMW sues amusement park over Mini coaster originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jan 2010 17:29:00 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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Mini getting into the Halloween spirit for Motor-Tober

Dan Roth — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, BMW, Mini

Mini Motor-Tober ad - Click above for high-res image gallery

They call it Motor-Tober, and it's as made up as the R56 Mini's claims to the lineage of the original car. What's not fake are the deals you'll find on 2009 inventory. Before the snow flies, there's still time to enjoy the Mini's famed cheeky personality on foliage tours, and U.S. dealers would love to move out some stock to help fill the coffers going into the typically difficult holiday season.

Just as the car itself isn't the normal automotive fare, Motor-Tober isn't the run of the mill SUNDAY! SUNDAY! SUNDAY! sell-down. Dealers will be hosting test drive events so customers can try out the different flavors on offer, from convertible to Clubman. Takeaways like pumpkin carving stencils and temporary tattoos will be given out as reminders of the jack-o-lantern-faced vehicle.

To promote it all, there's a typically-Mini-clever marketing campaign. Tag lines such as "Save a pumpkin. Carve the road." Another spread shows one of the cars in the traditional sheet-based ghost costume. While the Openometer might not spin its needle much through the winter, if you head to your MINI store soon, there's still some days left before Thanksgiving to enjoy dry roads. High-res gallery below, press release posted after the jump.

Gallery: MINI Motor-Tober

[Source: Mini]

Continue reading Mini getting into the Halloween spirit for Motor-Tober

Mini getting into the Halloween spirit for Motor-Tober originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MINI to offer exclusive Rally Edition Clubman S in U.S.

Chris Shunk — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Mini

Mini Rally Edition Clubman S - Click above for image gallery

If you're into the Mini Clubman but would like to get something a bit more unique, the pint-sized automaker has something for you. Mini site Motoring File is reporting that the brand is building 70 USA-bound Rally Edition Clubman S models. That's 70 in total, or enough for just one Rally Edition Clubman S per U.S. Mini dealership.

The Rally Edition Clubman will feature a midnight black monotone paint job with silver racing stripes and matching black JCW aero kit. The Rally Edition Clubman also sets itself apart with hot-looking 17-inch black wheels and a roof rack. The special rally edition model will also receive "Rally Green" side mirror caps that pop, at least in the presumably Photoshopped pic above, when contrasted with the black paint. The Rally Edition Clubman S looks pretty damn good, and MINI knows it. Add up all those features and the exclusivity that comes with a limited production run, and you get an MSRP of $32,999.

Gallery: Mini Rally Edition Clubman S

[Source: Motoring File]

MINI to offer exclusive Rally Edition Clubman S in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: MINI GTI-fighter based on Crossover?

Dan Roth — Wed, 06 May 2009 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: BMW, Mini, Rendered Speculation, Rumormill

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

With the release of the Clubman, bigger MINIs have arrived and the MINI Crossover concept signals more are on the way. Lest you think that BMW's little guys have gone truckin' crazy, there's supposedly a sporty variant of the five-door MINI 'ute in the works. The butch wagon will have 180 hp on tap to fend off Volkswagen GTIs (Autocar's confusing assessment, not ours), and if that's not enough, a Works version will deliver around 220 hp. You can't have a high-performance version without high-zoot duds, and there's bound to be a distinctive body-kit to go along with the engine's fortitude. Interior upgrades will be aimed at keeping the driver planted and looking fancier, too. Expect the first Crossover to bow sometime next year, with the slightly hotter version coming towards the end of 2010, followed by the JCW variant in 2011.

Gallery: MINI Crossover Concept

[Source: Autocar]

Rumormill: MINI GTI-fighter based on Crossover? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 May 2009 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Retrofuturism: Mini and Airstream team up for one-off

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hatchback, Mini, Misc. Auto Shows, Lifestyle

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.

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Low-spec MINI One Clubman set for Geneva debut

Noah Joseph — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Mini, UK

Click on the image above to view a high-res gallery of the MINI One Clubman

It's exciting for us when we get to report on a new, more powerful version of a much-loved car, but this isn't one of those moments. Thankfully, we also like it when a much-loved car becomes available in a less expensive formula. What you see here is the soon-to-be minted entry-level version of the MINI Clubman.

The stretched version of BMW's MINI has until now been offered only in Cooper guises: The standard Cooper with 120 horsepower, the sportier Cooper S with 175hp and the diesel Cooper D with 110hp. The MINI One Clubman makes do with lower levels of equipment and a less powerful 95hp 1.4-liter four, mated to the buyer's choice of a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Despite the lower content, it also includes such green touches as regenerative braking and start-stop engine management, giving the One the second best fuel economy and emissions figures in the range, trailing only the Cooper D.

Naturally, the decontented Clubman will come in as the cheapest version of the MINI wagon, retailing in the UK for £13,290 (approximately $19,250). That's a comparable price to the smaller but more powerful MINI Cooper hatchback (£13,715), about a grand more than the MINI One hatchback, but more than a grand less than the Cooper Clubman. MINI will continue to offer the North American market the Cooper, Cooper S and JCW versions, while the MINI One Clubman makes its debut in Geneva this coming March. Details in the press release after the jump and plainly superimposed high-resolution photos in the gallery below.

Gallery: MINI One Clubman

[Source: MINI]

Continue reading Low-spec MINI One Clubman set for Geneva debut

Low-spec MINI One Clubman set for Geneva debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: MINI creates Bzzz for Clubman with new commercial

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 09:02:00 EST

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

MINI has a new commercial for the Clubman that looks like a teaser for a new Tim Burton film -- all it's missing is Johnny Depp. Detailing the arcane goings on at a funeral for a fly, we aren't sure how the commercial is supposed to make humans want to buy the car, but that's why ad guys get paid the big dollars and we don't. However, we do have to admit that the three-swatter salute was a nice touch. Follow the jump to watch the vid, and you can judge the... impact... for yourself. Thanks for the tip, Andreas!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: MINI creates Bzzz for Clubman with new commercial

VIDEO: MINI creates Bzzz for Clubman with new commercial originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Sep 2008 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MINI Clubman Rickshaws running around Beijing

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: China, Etc., Green, Marketing/Advertising, Mini

Click above for more shots of the MINI Clubman Rickshaws

The rickshaw is a time-honored method of transportation in China. While the vehicles were initially pulled around by men on foot, the pedal-powered versions have grown much more popular in recent years and are a symbol of Chinese culture. When Beijing MINI needed an interesting way to communicate that the Clubman model was being introduced in Chinese, especially in light of all the media attention on the Olympics, it back-halved a slew of new Clubmans, mounted a pedicab front-end and sent them out for business.

According to China Car Times, MINI's publicity stunt is working exactly as planned. Though the vast majority of media coverage is centered on those games from Greece, the MINI Rickshaws have managed to make some headlines of their own. We think the cabs turned out pretty cool, even incorporating the sunroof into the final design.

Gallery: MINI Rickshaws

[Source: China Car Times]

MINI Clubman Rickshaws running around Beijing originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Aug 2008 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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No new MINIs for '08? Manufacturers tapped, dealers sold out

Chris Shunk — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 17:57:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Hatchback, Mini

Click above for a gallery of the 2008 MINI Cooper S.

If you were planning on hitting one of the 82 U.S. MINI dealers to get your hands on a fuel-efficient Cooper or Clubman, it looks like you'll need to look at plan B. Skyrocketing fuel prices has lifted demand of the little British icons to the point that, with the except of pre-orders, all 2008 models are pretty much sold out. The MINI's cute looks and thrifty petrol-sipping discipline have made the retro hatch more attractive than ever. Year over year sales increases of 39%, 52%, and 24% from April-June have all but wiped clean the MINI's already tight inventory.

Although sales really picked up in April, the MINI has been on fire all year, as the 26,400 MINIs sold in the first half of 2008 represents a 33.6% increase over the same sales period in 2007. And thanks to the MINI's already tight world-wide demand, the BMW-owned automaker can only up US shipments by 2-3k units for the rest of the year.

Team MINI wants to keep its new-found fortune coming, too, as it plans to increase its dealer count to 95 stores by 2011. The British automaker will also introduce a diesel MINI once it can pass emissions in all 50 states.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 MINI Cooper S

[Source: Green Fuel Forecast]

No new MINIs for '08? Manufacturers tapped, dealers sold out originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: MINI Clubman vs. Go Kart

Chris Shunk — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Mini

The MINI Clubman is everything the MINI Cooper is and more -- nine inches more. It has a passenger-side suicide door and that wide-mouth split rear gate, but everything else from its retro looks to the 172-hp turbocharged four-cylinder underhood is the same. But is it the same? Does nine inches of wheel base ruin the go kart-like handling we love so much in the MINI Cooper S? The folks over at Web Rides TV were itching to answer exactly that question, so they pitted the Mini Clubman S against a real, 9-horsepower go-kart. To give the kart a chance, the race was performed on an actual go-kart track, squeaky floors and all. The winner? You'll have to hit the jump to find out, but the race is more exciting than the finish.

[Source: Web Rides TV]

Continue reading VIDEO: MINI Clubman vs. Go Kart

VIDEO: MINI Clubman vs. Go Kart originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chateau Clubman: Aznom's rolling MINI wine cellar

Noah Joseph — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:26:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Wagon, Mini, Lifestyle, Specialty

Click for high-res gallery of the Aznom MINI Chateau

Mothers Against Drunk Driving are not going to like this one. Italian coachbuilder Aznom, which has previously rolled out custom MINIs like this pickup "tender", has now produced a Clubman inspired by a vintage of another sort. The Aznom MINI Chateau is distinguished by a mobile wine cellar installed in the trunk, capable of housing six wine bottles in isolated comfort, along with six wine glasses with which to enjoy them. Aznom's wood veneer finish decorates the exterior and cabin, which also gets a unique leather trim. Riding on 18-inch TSW Pace rims shod with Yokohama rubber, Aznom will only produce 12 examples, each one individually numbered and personalized for their owners. We'll have to wait a few years to see if the Chateau gets better with age like the vino it transports.

Images in the gallery below and press release after the jump. Please enjoy responsibly.

Gallery: Aznom MINI Chateau

[Source: Aznom via Luxurylaunches.com]

Continue reading Chateau Clubman: Aznom's rolling MINI wine cellar

Chateau Clubman: Aznom's rolling MINI wine cellar originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Agent Provocateur MINI Clubman sells for $70k on eBay

Noah Joseph — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Auctions, Europe, Hatchback, Mini, Lifestyle

Click for hi-res gallery of the Agent Provocateur MINI Clubman

Back in April we brought you initial news of the special-edition MINI Clubman designed by British lingerie house Agent Provocateur, and gladly brought you updates with more photos and made cracks at the expense of Max Mosley along the way. The vehicle has now been sold on eBay in Austria as an AIDS fundraiser - which, as one of our commenters noted, seems a little at odds with the overtly sexual theme of the vehicle - for a whopping €45k (equivalent to about $70,000) after no fewer than 77 bids were placed over the course of the ten-day auction.

Of course, the identity of the buyer - listed as rene181066 - was not disclosed. We'd think it was a certain head of a certain motorsport body, but the buyer's feedback is flawless at 100%, so there goes that theory.

Check out the vehicle's stats after the jump and peruse the NSFW images in the gallery below.

Gallery: MINI Clubman by Agent Provocateur

[Source: eBay.at via WCF]

Continue reading Agent Provocateur MINI Clubman sells for $70k on eBay

Agent Provocateur MINI Clubman sells for $70k on eBay originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jun 2008 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Naughty Pics Aplenty: Agent Provocateur MINI Clubman

Noah Joseph — Thu, 22 May 2008 19:32:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Wagon, Mini, Police/Emergency, Specialty

Click to view the Agent Provocateur MINI Clubman in hi-res

At first glance, we couldn't help but wish we had had one of these when we were in high school. But on second thought, a pink-accented MINI might not have been the babe-magnet Agent Provocateur would have us believe. At least, not for any girls we know, but if this is what it takes to inspire impromptu gatherings of scantily-clad lingerie models, then who are we to argue.

Sorry, we got a little distracted there. And so can you, just check out the images in the gallery after the jump. Most of them are perfectly safe for your puritanical work environment, but for those few that aren't, we'd suggest waiting until you get home. And the kids are asleep. And your significant other isn't "in the mood", whatever that means.

Gallery: MINI Clubman by Agent Provocateur

[Source: MINI]

Naughty Pics Aplenty: Agent Provocateur MINI Clubman originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 May 2008 19:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MINI gets its panties in a bunch for charity

Noah Joseph — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 07:27:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hatchback, Mini

For the eighth year running, a designer MINI will be auctioned off to raise money for the cause of AIDS. The annual charitable event is organized by Life Ball, Europe's largest AIDS fundraiser event. Previous years saw MINIs designed by fashion houses like Missoni, Versace and Diesel, but this year's designer is the tits (so to speak): lingerie brand Agent Provocateur.

The one-of-a-kind MINI Clubman is treated to a uniquely kinky police-style paint scheme that would make Max Mosley weak at the knees. Pink police stripes run down the side over the black paint job, with a fishnet stocking pattern on the roof, a mirrored rear window, prison bars on the side windows and a tantalizing black leather interior. The car, which once again redefines the term "auto erotic", will be sold on eBay from June 5-15.

[Source: MINI]

Continue reading MINI gets its panties in a bunch for charity

MINI gets its panties in a bunch for charity originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Apr 2008 07:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2008: Mini gives us the Works!

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 09:53:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Mini

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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Brussels 2007: MINI makes The Other Ranch for Clubman debut

John Neff — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Mini, Misc. Auto Shows

click above for more pics of the The Other Ranch by MINI

Last year at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, MINI debuted the production version of its larger Clubman model and, as MINI's marketing agency is wont to do, created a spectacle with this installation called The Other Ranch. We've learned that it's gone on the road and been installed in Brussels for this year's European Motor Show. It's inspired by the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, TX where a man half-buried 10 old Cadillacs in the ground at the precise angle of the Great Pyramid in Egypt. The Other Ranch by MINI is comprised of four Clubmans and is so named because we're supposed to consider the new Clubman the "Other MINI". We didn't see The Other Ranch in Frankfurt while covering the show there, but this spectacle was too interesting not to share. Check out the pics in our gallery below and have fun coming up with captions for four Clubmans buried up to their windshields in dirt.

[Source: BMW]

%Gallery-14012

Brussels 2007: MINI makes The Other Ranch for Clubman debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jan 2008 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2008: MINI Cooper S Clubman makes it Stateside

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 12:11:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Wagon, Mini

Click image for live shots of the US-spec MINI Clubman

The U.S. version of the 2008 MINI Cooper S Clubman debuted at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit today. We saw the European Mini Cooper Clubman in Frankfurt in both base Cooper and the sportier "S" model, but here are some live shots of the American offering. Nothing surprising: same five doors, same cute styling. The Clubman will go on sale beginning February 16th, 2008 in both Cooper Clubman and Cooper S Clubman models. Base price for the MINI Cooper Clubman will be just $20,600, with the MINI Cooper S Clubman starting at $24,100.

The slightly stretched MINI with its right-hand suicide door and funky barn-door cargo ports out back has been getting pretty good reviews. We'll try to get our hands on one for the garage to confirm those feelings ourselves. While the concept of a "big" MINI is sacrilege to some, we tend to like the idea of actually being able to use that back seat and still have a little room for some baggage as well. Our one gripe? The naming. MINI Cooper Clubman and MINI Cooper S Clubman are a mouthful. We'll stick with the more natural sounding MINI Clubman and MINI Clubman S in casual conversation. You can read the MINI's press release after the jump, and don't forget to check out the gallery by clicking above or below.

[Source: MINI]

Gallery: 2008 Detroit: US MINI Cooper Clubman

Gallery: 2008 MINI Clubman

Continue reading Detroit 2008: MINI Cooper S Clubman makes it Stateside

Detroit 2008: MINI Cooper S Clubman makes it Stateside originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jan 2008 12:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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