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 Paceman modified by Roberto Cavalli for annual Life Ball charity]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/mini-paceman-roberto-cavalli-life-ball-charity/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/mini-paceman-roberto-cavalli-life-ball-charity/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/mini-paceman-roberto-cavalli-life-ball-charity/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



This year's award for Life Ball Mini designer goes to Roberto Cavalli. The Life Ball is a charity event held in Vienna, Austria every year that raises money to fight the spread of HIV and AIDS. Since 2001, the year of its reintroduction, Mini has been involved with the ball, auctioning a car that has been made over by a world-famous designer. This year Cavalli gets the nod and a Paceman for a canvas.

The iridescent brown/black paint is the eye-catcher in the sketch above (click to enlarge), but don't forget to note Cavalli's logo on the roof. We're not sure what other flourishes he has in mind for the car, but those in attendance will find out on May 24 when it's unveiled at the Cavalli store opening in Vienna. The press release below has more details.

Continue reading Mini Paceman modified by Roberto Cavalli for annual Life Ball charity

Mini Paceman modified by Roberto Cavalli for annual Life Ball charity originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 May 2013 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>life ballminimini pacemanroberto cavalliFri, 10 May 2013 08:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20563901/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/10/mini-paceman-roberto-cavalli-life-ball-charity/20563901/article-detail.xml 20563901 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mini-roberto-cavalli-life-ball_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mini-roberto-cavalli-life-ball.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Mini John Cooper Works Paceman All4]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/14/2014-mini-john-cooper-works-paceman-all4-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/14/2014-mini-john-cooper-works-paceman-all4-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/14/2014-mini-john-cooper-works-paceman-all4-first-drive-review/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The One Mini Should Have Taken Rallying

2014 Mini John Cooper Works Paceman All4

It needs to be said: Mini using the Countryman as their World Rally Championship racer's bodystyle of choice has done them no favors on the marketing front. And that's what it's all about in motorsports these days: marketing and image. We have just driven the 2014 Mini John Cooper Works Paceman All4 through Frankfurt's surrounding rural areas, and even in thick snow where few souls dared to tread, it has singularly rekindled some faith in the John Cooper Works sub-brand - a glorious name whose credibility has been threatened by portly and somewhat pointless products like the JCW Countryman.

The JCW Paceman is a little quicker than its Countryman relative, a little lighter, hunkered down lower, and better looking. We can't say we're crazy anymore about the stock Chili Red details and black exterior they keep showing us at these launches, but that's just paint. Then there's that projected pricing of $36k-plus that puts us on the verge of yelling "¡No mas!" But the All4 system on our 215-horsepower Paceman worked extremely well when paired with a set of exceptional Pirelli Sottozero Winter 210 Serie II tires (sized 205/55 R17 91H all around). The combination of all-wheel drive and good rubber encouraged us to gradually up the average speed and enthusiasm the further we drove along.

And the JCW hunkers four-tenths of an inch lower on its standard sport-tuned dampers and springs. This is just the start of why the hip point and yaw point - and all those other points - render the Paceman JCW's driving so satisfying. Whereas the electro-assisted steering on some of the lower-slung Minis has suffered slightly since the very first incarnations of those models, the Paceman seems to work with it. We were forcing oversteer coming into several of the day's curves, and the steering and sheer physics of the chassis readily obliged. Just get your inner ear in sync with the 3,252-pounder's lateral momentum and you're golden. The odd center handbrake is calibrated not to really snap the car around at will, but we learned to muscle it and deal with the onboard chorus of chimes warning us that we were using the handbrake as a handbrake.

Continue reading 2014 Mini John Cooper Works Paceman All4

2014 Mini John Cooper Works Paceman All4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Mar 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 mini paceman john cooper works all4first driveFirstDrivejcwminipacemanpaceman jcwpaceman john cooper worksThu, 14 Mar 2013 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20501100/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/14/2014-mini-john-cooper-works-paceman-all4-first-drive-review/20501100/article-detail.xml 20501100 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-mini-jcw-paceman-all4-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-mini-jcw-paceman-all4-fd.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Mini Cooper S Paceman All4]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/14/2013-mini-cooper-s-paceman-all4-quick-spin-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/14/2013-mini-cooper-s-paceman-all4-quick-spin-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/14/2013-mini-cooper-s-paceman-all4-quick-spin-review/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 Mini Cooper S Paceman

In just over a decade, Mini has expanded its modern range from the singular Hardtop model (launched in 2002) to a full range of little runabouts. The latest of these is the Paceman, and while European Editor Matt Davis gave us the full scoop on this model late last year, we recently spent time with the all-wheel-drive model just outside of Ponce, Puerto Rico.

It's weird, this Paceman. It slots in between the Hardtop and the Countryman (on which its based) in terms of size and functionality, and Mini says that it will appeal to a more style-conscious shopper. Key competitors range anywhere from the Nissan Juke on the low end to the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque on the high end.

After spending lots of time with the Countryman, we're convinced that maxi can still be Mini. And the same is true with this Paceman, too.

Driving Notes
  • The Paceman rides on the same platform as the Countryman, and from the A pillar forward, it's identical. That includes all versions of the 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, which range from the 121-horsepower Cooper spec up to the 208-hp John Cooper Works that was introduced in Detroit last month. Our Cooper S model with 181 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque falls right in the middle, and just like in the Countryman, it's a good pairing.
  • What we don't love is the six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. In the hills of Puerto Rico, the trans often struggled to keep us in the right gear, and the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters don't provide much in the way of engagement. Opting for the six-speed manual transmission will solve all of these problems, but we wish a proper dual-clutch setup were offered here for people who don't want to row their own.
  • Unsurprisingly, the Paceman drives exactly like the Countryman. That is, the steering is, for the most part, direct, though putting the car in Sport mode adds a false sense of involvement to the rack. Basically, it just feels heavier, not more engaging. But we're happy to report that the usual go-kart driving aspects have not been lost on this portly hatchback. The Paceman performed exactly how we expected. (That's a good thing.)
  • She's a heavy girl, though - 3,260 pounds here in Cooper S All4 spec. That weight is indeed noticed when you're hustling it through turns, though the excellent suspension setup and good steering feedback do a lot to convince you that the car's a lot smaller than it is.
  • We like the implementation of All4 in the Mini, and we could really feel it working as we wound the car around the twists and turns of Puerto Rico. Give the car a boost of throttle in a turn and you can actually feel the rear wheels working to propel the car forward with poise.
  • Inside, the front cabin hasn't changed from the larger Countryman, though new for the 2013 model year are the addition of window toggle switches on the doors. We're happy to have them in the correct place, though we'll admit to occasionally reaching toward the center stack to roll the windows up and down. Creatures of habit, we are.
  • The rear seats are perfectly spacious, though the more rakish roofline of the Paceman does cut into passenger headroom a bit. What's more, the bench seat option from the Countryman has not carried over to the Paceman, meaning you get two chairs and a center rail back there.
  • Pricing for the All4 starts at $29,200, excluding $700 for destination. But like all Minis, things escalate quickly, and you can very easily wind up with a nearly $45,000 example.
  • We'll be interested to see who actually buys the Paceman when it goes on sale next month. It seems like a weird niche to fill, but as we reported earlier this week, if there's a gap in the market, no matter how small, Mini will fill it. But as long as the products don't ruin everything we like about the brand, we don't suppose that's a bad thing.

2013 Mini Cooper S Paceman All4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Feb 2013 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 mini cooper s paceman all42013 mini pacemancooper s pacemanminipacemanquick spinquickspinThu, 14 Feb 2013 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20455486/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/14/2013-mini-cooper-s-paceman-all4-quick-spin-review/20455486/article-detail.xml 20455486 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/001-2013-mini-cooper-s-paceman-all4-quick-spin628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/001-2013-mini-cooper-s-paceman-all4-quick-spin628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Mini John Cooper Works Paceman is a potent little hot hatch in a fat suit]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/14/mini-john-cooper-works-paceman-detroit-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/14/mini-john-cooper-works-paceman-detroit-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/14/mini-john-cooper-works-paceman-detroit-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mini John Cooper Works Paceman

If there's one thing we're never going to complain about, it's that Mini has found it necessary to put the John Cooper Works treatment on every single one of its models. We love the JCW package across the board, and the final installment of the high-performance chapter (for now, anyway) comes in the form of the John Cooper Works Paceman, debuting here at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show.

The John Cooper Works formula hasn't been altered in any way here, and like the JCW Countryman on which the Paceman is based, it comes standard with Mini's All4 all-wheel-drive system. We're sure it'll be a total hoot, and with 218 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque on tap, how could it not?

Look for the Mini JCW Paceman to hit dealerships in March of this year. Need to know more? Scroll down.

Continue reading Mini John Cooper Works Paceman is a potent little hot hatch in a fat suit

Mini John Cooper Works Paceman is a potent little hot hatch in a fat suit originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jan 2013 16:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 detroit auto showdetroitdetroit 2013john cooper worksjohn cooper works pacemanminipacemanMon, 14 Jan 2013 16:49:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20428433/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/14/mini-john-cooper-works-paceman-detroit-2013/20428433/article-detail.xml 20428433 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/001-2014-mini-jcw-paceman628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/001-2014-mini-jcw-paceman628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Mini John Cooper Works Paceman is a hot hatch crossover coupe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/13/mini-john-cooper-works-paceman-is-a-hot-hatch-crossover-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/13/mini-john-cooper-works-paceman-is-a-hot-hatch-crossover-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/13/mini-john-cooper-works-paceman-is-a-hot-hatch-crossover-coupe/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The Mini John Cooper Works Paceman, the seventh in the JCW line and called "the first Sports Activity Coupe in its class," is here. It takes its place at the top of the Paceman food chain with a 1.6-liter, twin-scroll turbocharged engine putting out 218 horsepower, with 201 pound-feet of torque on tap and 221 lb-ft available with overboost. Those numbers get the JCW Paceman from zero to 62 miles per hour in 6.9 seconds with either the six-speed manual or automatic transmission, but top speed with the automatic is one mile per hour shy of the manual's 140 mph. Fuel economy has been rated at a combined 35.8 US mpg on the EU cycle.

It earns its JCW stripes with a suspension that's been lowered by 10 millimeters over 18-inch lightweight alloys, Mini's ALL4 all-wheel drive, an aero kit to beef up its profile, plus a sports exhaust with dual chrome pipes. Inside, a sport steering wheel and plenty of contrasting materials represent the lineage, further emboldened by Chili Red accents to match the exterior.

The Mini JCW Paceman will say "'Allo, guv'nor" to the world at the Detroit Auto Show next month, then hit showrooms in March. The press release just below can tell you all you want to know about it until then.

Continue reading Mini John Cooper Works Paceman is a hot hatch crossover coupe

Mini John Cooper Works Paceman is a hot hatch crossover coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Dec 2012 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>detroitdetroit 2013detroit auto showjcwjcw pacemanjohn cooper worksjohn cooper works pacemanminimini john cooper works pacemanpacemanThu, 13 Dec 2012 10:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20401860/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/13/mini-john-cooper-works-paceman-is-a-hot-hatch-crossover-coupe/20401860/article-detail.xml 20401860 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/minijcwpaceman_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/minijcwpaceman.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Mini Cooper S Paceman [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/12/2014-mini-cooper-s-paceman-first-drive-review-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/12/2014-mini-cooper-s-paceman-first-drive-review-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/12/2014-mini-cooper-s-paceman-first-drive-review-video/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Not Too Odd, Not Too Maxi. Is This Mini Just Right?



We recently got our first time behind the wheel of the latest iteration of the Mini Countryman, the 215-horsepower John Cooper Works model, and were left less than enthused despite the inherent fun factor that a JCW badge brings. Our time with the crossover suggests the Countryman is just too weighty and soft to properly wear the badge.

We have also spent loads of time in various Mini Clubman trims and, despite the oddity of its configuration, this model may be our overall favorite in the current Mini lineup. But it is decidedly not a volume seller, which Mini needs.

Enter Paceman. At just over 162 inches, it's actually a smidge longer than a Countryman, though the wheelbase and track widths of both are identical. Overall height is down some 1.6 inches, 0.4 of that accounted for by the standard Sport suspension setup. The body, however, changes entirely.

Continue reading 2014 Mini Cooper S Paceman [w/video]

2014 Mini Cooper S Paceman [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Nov 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 mini cooper s pacemancooper s pacemanfeaturedfirst driveFirstDriveminipacemanpaceman first drivepaceman reviewpacemen photosMon, 12 Nov 2012 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20376734/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/12/2014-mini-cooper-s-paceman-first-drive-review-video/20376734/article-detail.xml 20376734 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/01-2014-mini-cooper-s-paceman-fd-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/01-2014-mini-cooper-s-paceman-fd-opt.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Mini Paceman is a good answer to a question nobody asked]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/27/2013-mini-paceman-paris-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/27/2013-mini-paceman-paris-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/27/2013-mini-paceman-paris-2012/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Look, much as we like the Mini Countryman - we did spend a year with one, after all - we find it hard to believe that people are clamoring for a less-functional version of it. That said, we had our doubts about the four-door Countryman, and it turned out to be a pretty sweet, if pricey, little package.

So, the Paceman. It's pretty much exactly what you'd expect - offered in base and S versions, with naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions of the 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engine, respectively. And like the Countryman, if you want All4 all-wheel drive, you'd better want the turbo. Mini is said to be working on a John Cooper Works version of its new three door as well, falling in line with the recently introduced JCW Countryman.

European Paceman models (Pacemen?) will be offered with a choice of two diesel powerplants, and six-speed transmissions are found throughout the entire powertrain range in both manual and automatic forms.

Specific design cues that differentiate the Paceman from its Countryman brethren include a sloping roofline and redesigned rump, new interior details like awesome plaid seat inserts (check them out in our gallery) and window switches placed on the doors rather than the center console that give the car a slight dose of uniqueness, and a bit of welcomed rationality to the controls.

That said, it'll always be a two-door Countryman to us, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. Scroll down for all the deets.

Continue reading 2013 Mini Paceman is a good answer to a question nobody asked

2013 Mini Paceman is a good answer to a question nobody asked originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Sep 2012 16:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 mini pacemancountrymanminipacemanparisparis 2012paris motor showThu, 27 Sep 2012 16:21:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20335023/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/27/2013-mini-paceman-paris-2012/20335023/article-detail.xml 20335023 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/2013-mini-paceman-paris_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/2013-mini-paceman-paris.jpg <![CDATA[Mini Paceman debuts online, this time for real]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/14/mini-paceman-debuts-online-this-time-for-real/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/14/mini-paceman-debuts-online-this-time-for-real/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/14/mini-paceman-debuts-online-this-time-for-real/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



No more cleverly arranged leaks, this is the real thing: official info on the Mini Paceman and enough photos to choke Getty Images. More than merely a Countryman sans two doors, the Paceman is restylized with a sloping roof, horizontal taillights, it sits lower and gets sleek rear glass over pronounced haunches to play up its much sportier intentions. Anyone who wants a high-riding Paceman, however, can opt for the standard ride-height at no cost.

The inside's been fiddled with as well, the Paceman being the first Mini to have power window buttons on the doors instead of the toggles on the central console. There are two back seats, not a bench, with integrated armrests and Mini's Center Rail system for holding things. The seats can be folded down to triple the available load space.

Four versions are on the way when it goes on sale in the UK in March, 2013, each with its own engine: the 122-horsepower Paceman with a 1.6-liter gas engine, the 112-hp D Paceman and 143-hp SD Paceman with 1.6-liter diesels, and the S Paceman that uses the gas 1.6-liter but gets 184-hp. The S model will dash from naught to 62 mph in 7.5 seconds, three seconds faster than the standard Paceman for a penalty of less than one imperial mile per gallon. The John Cooper Works version in development should do even better, at least as far as speed is concerned. Gear changes will be via the six-speed manual as standard fitment, or a six-speed automatic if so desired. The ALL4 system is available on all models save the base car.

Just six months away from hitting showroom floors in the UK, the Paceman will run £18,970 ($30,727 U.S.) on the road. There's a press release below and that colossal image gallery above.

Continue reading Mini Paceman debuts online, this time for real

Mini Paceman debuts online, this time for real originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Sep 2012 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In most cases, when a car is leaked by a manufacturer, it is done by accident. Say, a toy manufacturer gets ahold of schematics to make a replica, or perhaps it is inadvertently placed in the background of a promotional video. Either way, seldom does an automaker intentionally leak photos of an upcoming product on its own. But when it comes to the Paceman, it looks like Mini has been going in the other direction.

According to a MotoringFile.com report, Mini's own fan magazine, cleverly-named Mini Space, was responsible for leaking fully uncloaked images of the new crossover-coupe in a story about a pair of foodies eating their way through London's gastro scene. Not your typical product release to say the least.

From what we can see, the Paceman has elements of the Countryman crossover, including the tall front end, higher ground clearance and chrome signal accent at the base of the A-pillar. There are also visual cues that point to the all-new Mini Cooper Coupe, in the form of the raked rear window and elongated roof spoiler- though thankfully not as large as that of the Coupe.

Be sure to sift through our gallery of images, which appear to be scanned from the print version of the magazine. The online post which contained these images appears to have since been taken down. We will have more on the Mini Paceman when it officially bows in Paris later this month.

Mini Paceman photos leaked ahead of debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Sep 2012 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 mini pacemancooper pacemancountrymancoupecrossover coupeminipacemanFri, 07 Sep 2012 10:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20318033/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/07/mini-paceman-photos-leaked-ahead-of-debut/20318033/article-detail.xml 20318033 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/02-mini-paceman-leak-1347026323_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/02-mini-paceman-leak-1347026323.jpg <![CDATA[Mini previews Paceman with new 'spy shots']]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/31/mini-previews-paceman-with-new-spy-shots/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/31/mini-previews-paceman-with-new-spy-shots/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/31/mini-previews-paceman-with-new-spy-shots/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2013 Mini Paceman official 'spy shots'

Look at this: Mini has posted official 'spy shots' of the 2013 Paceman to its Facebook page. Cheeky Germans.

As we know, the Paceman is coming early next year as a late-to-market 2013 model. Despite reports that Mini would be dropping the catchy name that christened its original concept in favor of the more literal Countryman Coupe moniker, none other than Dr. Kay Segler, senior vice president of Mini brand management has gone on record saying that the Paceman name is for real.

Also for real is the rest of the Paceman concept's design, starting with the rear-slanting roofline, which strikes us as a better-executed take on the Mini Cooper Coupe design. In fact, to our eyes, the entire back half of the Paceman looks better proportioned and more Mini-like than the awkwardly large Countryman.

Be sure to check out all the high-res images of the mildly disguised Paceman in our gallery.

Mini previews Paceman with new 'spy shots' originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Jul 2012 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 mini pacemancountrymancountryman coupeminipacemanspy photosspy shotsTue, 31 Jul 2012 15:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20290051/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/31/mini-previews-paceman-with-new-spy-shots/20290051/article-detail.xml 20290051 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/2013-mini-paceman-official-spy-photos-01-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/2013-mini-paceman-official-spy-photos-01-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Mini Takes The States: Brits re-invade Washington on 200th anniversary of War of 1812]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/05/mini-takes-the-states-brits-re-invade-washington-on-200th-anniv/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/05/mini-takes-the-states-brits-re-invade-washington-on-200th-anniv/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/05/mini-takes-the-states-brits-re-invade-washington-on-200th-anniv/#commentsFiled under: ,



Only a German-owned British brand could storm Washington D.C. on the Fourth of July and be greeted with waves, grins and the occasional thumbs up.

Minis just make people smile.

More than 300 Mini models of all shapes, sizes and years began the first leg of the 11-day Mini Takes the States 2012 campaign on America's birthday, stopping in Philadelphia and then going on to take in the fireworks in the nation's capital.

This is the fourth run of the cross-country trek of Minis, this time celebrating Mini's 10th anniversary since returning to America. (Note: 2012 is also the 200th anniversary of the original British Invasion in which the King's troops burned much of Washington D.C., including setting the James Madison-occupied White House ablaze, before being repelled in the War of 1812.)

Continue reading Mini Takes The States: Brits re-invade Washington on 200th anniversary of War of 1812

Mini Takes The States: Brits re-invade Washington on 200th anniversary of War of 1812 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jul 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coopercountrymanminimini takes the statesmini takes the states 2012pacemanThu, 05 Jul 2012 16:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20272116/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/05/mini-takes-the-states-brits-re-invade-washington-on-200th-anniv/20272116/article-detail.xml 20272116 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/00-2012-mini-takes-the-states-day-1-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/00-2012-mini-takes-the-states-day-1-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Mini Paceman arrives next year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/05/mini-paceman-arrives-next-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/05/mini-paceman-arrives-next-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/05/mini-paceman-arrives-next-year/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mini Paceman concept live at 2011 Detroit Auto Show

The Paceman will join the ever growing American Mini family next year, company officials confirmed Wednesday as they kicked off the first day of this year's Mini Takes the States cross-country rally.

"You are the first to hear this, even before the press" Dr. Kay Segler, senior vice president of Mini brand management told the crowd of 1,000 Mini fans ready to start their engines at the rally. "The Mini Paceman is the official name of the brand's seventh model, which will be launched next year in the U.S."

The Paceman is basically a coupe version of the Mini Countryman, though no specifics were provided on Wednesday. It was shown last year as a concept vehicle in fully loaded John Cooper Works trim at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show.

Mini officials promised to reveal the vehicle sometime this year, so it's easy to speculate that it will be be on the floor at the Paris Motor Show this September. Car and Driver did just that a few weeks ago, though it said the car would be named the Countryman Coupe.

Mini Paceman arrives next year originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jul 2012 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>countrymancountryman coupeminimini pacemanmini paceman conceptpacemanThu, 05 Jul 2012 10:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20271875/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/05/mini-paceman-arrives-next-year/20271875/article-detail.xml 20271875 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/03-mini-paceman-detroit-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/03-mini-paceman-detroit-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Mini confirms Countryman Coupe coming in early 2013]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/22/mini-confirms-countryman-coupe-coming-in-early-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/22/mini-confirms-countryman-coupe-coming-in-early-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/22/mini-confirms-countryman-coupe-coming-in-early-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Mini Paceman Concept

Car and Driver is reporting that Mini has confirmed the three-door version of the Countryman will debut at the September Paris Motor Show. Rechristened "Countryman Coupe," the production version of Mini's 2011 Detroit Auto Show Paceman Concept will go on sale early next year as a late-arrival 2013 model.

C&D doubts that the real deal will have the bronze accents of the concept, but says the rest will be "nearly identical." The Countryman Coupe specs and options lists will likely follow suit with the four-door version of the crossover, according to the report.

If you need a refresher on the Paceman, be sure to click through our gallery.

Mini confirms Countryman Coupe coming in early 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Jun 2012 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 mini countryman coupecar and drivercountrymancountryman coupeminipacemanpaceman conceptFri, 22 Jun 2012 18:40:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20264456/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/22/mini-confirms-countryman-coupe-coming-in-early-2013/20264456/article-detail.xml 20264456 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/08-mini-paceman-detroit-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/08-mini-paceman-detroit-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Mini <strike>Paceman</strike> Countryman Coupe spotted testing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/03/mini-paceman-countryman-coupe-spotted-testing/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/03/mini-paceman-countryman-coupe-spotted-testing/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/03/mini-paceman-countryman-coupe-spotted-testing/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mini Countryman Coupe spy shots

Mini will launch its seventh model - a two-door version of the Countryman crossover - at the Paris Motor Show later this year, and our trusty spy photographers recently spotted this prototype out testing. Many sources have stated that the car will be dubbed Countryman Coupe when it hits the market, but we've also heard rumors that the vehicle will wear the Paceman name that was given to the original concept that debuted at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show.

Whatever it ends up being called, the two-door Countryman formula is pretty simple. The rear doors have been removed, allowing for a more swept-back roofline that integrates into an updated rear fascia. The rear end design - as previewed in these spy shots, anyway - is immediately reminiscent of the Land Rover Evoque, the Countryman's main competitor.

Mum's the word on powertrain choices, though we'd expect the four-door Countryman's range of naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines to carry over largely unchanged, mated to both front- and all-wheel drive. Stay tuned for the car's official unveiling in Paris later this year.

Mini Paceman Countryman Coupe spotted testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 May 2012 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>countrymancountryman coupeminipacemanparisparis 2012paris motor showspy photosspy picsspy shotsThu, 03 May 2012 14:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20230029/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/03/mini-paceman-countryman-coupe-spotted-testing/20230029/article-detail.xml 20230029 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/paceman628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/paceman628.jpg <![CDATA[Mini changing Paceman name to Countryman Coupe for production]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/13/mini-changing-paceman-name-to-countryman-coupe-for-production/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/13/mini-changing-paceman-name-to-countryman-coupe-for-production/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/13/mini-changing-paceman-name-to-countryman-coupe-for-production/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Mini Paceman Concept

It's pretty obvious that automakers' definition of the word 'coupe' these days is a far cry from the traditional meaning. (We do live in the world of the "four-door coupe," after all.) That said, Car and Driver reports that Mini will call the company's two-door Paceman Concept the Countryman Coupe once it hits production.

While it's true that both the Paceman Concept and most coupes have two doors, the vehicle is more of a CUV/hatchback/crossover, at least to our eyes. Even so, the fact that the vehicle will reportedly share the Countryman moniker is no shock. Both vehicles wear the same nose front fascia, grille, headlights, fenders and hood. Even so, based on the automaker's current naming convention, that means we'll have to get used to saying something like "Mini Cooper S Countryman Coupe." Because that won't get confusing or anything.

Last we heard, the three-door Countryman will go on sale in 2013 as a 2014 model, and rumor has it that the production model will debut at the Paris Motor Show later this year. A few patent drawings have already made their way to the web, indicating the final version will be remarkably similar to the concept we've already seen.

Mini changing Paceman name to Countryman Coupe for production originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conceptcountrymancountryman coupecoupeminimini countryman coupemini paceman conceptpacemanpaceman conceptTue, 13 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20192454/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/13/mini-changing-paceman-name-to-countryman-coupe-for-production/20192454/article-detail.xml 20192454 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/mini-paceman-concept-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/mini-paceman-concept-628.jpg <![CDATA[Mini to expand lineup to ten with three new versions by decade's end]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/18/mini-to-expand-lineup-to-ten-with-three-new-versions-by-decades/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/18/mini-to-expand-lineup-to-ten-with-three-new-versions-by-decades/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/18/mini-to-expand-lineup-to-ten-with-three-new-versions-by-decades/#commentsFiled under:

Mini Beachcomber concept

Think there are a lot of Mini variants already? Hold on to your hats, because BMW is showing no signs of slowing down any time soon. Next month the new Mini Roadster will hit American showrooms, and next year, a two-door crossover (presaged by the Paceman concept from Detroit last year but carrying the Countryman Coupe in production form) should be available as well. But that's only the tip of the proverbial iceberg.

With the third-generation Mini Cooper hatchback set to arrive in 2014, the Anglo-German automaker will soon begin the whole process anew. And when all's said and done by the end of the decade, the Mini range will have - according to reports - grown by another three bodystyles for a total of 10.

The current lineup includes six bodystyles: the standard Cooper hatchback, the Mini Convertible, the Coupe, the Roadster, the Clubman wagon and the Countryman crossover. Throw the Countryman Coupe into the mix and you've got seven. What Mini will come up with next for three additional versions remains to be seen - we wouldn't be surprised to see a minivan, a slant-back crossover or maybe a convertible crossover (like the Beachcomber concept pictured above) - but if anyone can milk the bodystyle cow for all it's worth, we're confident its initials are B-M-W.

Mini to expand lineup to ten with three new versions by decade's end originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clubmancoopercooper coupecountrymancountryman coupeminimini beachcombermini coopermini designsmini pacemanWed, 18 Jan 2012 11:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20150499/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/18/mini-to-expand-lineup-to-ten-with-three-new-versions-by-decades/20150499/article-detail.xml 20150499 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/minibeachcomber004_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/minibeachcomber004.jpg <![CDATA[Prodrive working on WRC-inspired Mini Countryman]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/19/prodrive-working-on-wrc-inspired-mini-countryman/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/19/prodrive-working-on-wrc-inspired-mini-countryman/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/19/prodrive-working-on-wrc-inspired-mini-countryman/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Autocar reports that Mini may be working on a more sinister version of Countryman. The hotter crossover would receive the once-over by the rally kings at Prodrive using lessons learned from the Mini WRC effort. Dave Richards, the head honcho at Prodrive, has made it clear that road-going versions of the Countryman WRC are a possibility, and Autocar was able to snag a few photos an aggressive Countryman wearing a fixed carbon fiber wing and custom alloy wheels. The report dishes on further details by saying that the vehicle will pack a Prodrive Milltek exhaust and a more potent version of the turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder currently available in the Mini Cooper S.

That's interesting and all, but we hear word that Prodrive is focusing its efforts on creating a powerful version of the three-door Paceman. Is it possible that Mini and Prodrive are currently working on more than one model? Hoping certainly doesn't cost us anything at this point. Head over to Autocar to check out the photos for yourself.

Prodrive working on WRC-inspired Mini Countryman originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>countrymancountryman prodrivecountryman wrcmini countryman prodrivemini prodrivemini wrcpacemanpaceman prodriveprodriveprodrive countrymanprodrive pacemanwrcWed, 19 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20085453/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/19/prodrive-working-on-wrc-inspired-mini-countryman/20085453/article-detail.xml 20085453 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/01-mini-countryman-longterm_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/01-mini-countryman-longterm.jpg <![CDATA[Mini Paceman confirmed for production]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/29/mini-paceman-confirmed-for-production/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/29/mini-paceman-confirmed-for-production/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/29/mini-paceman-confirmed-for-production/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mini Paceman Concept

Car and Driver is reporting that the Mini Paceman has been given the go-ahead for production. The news comes courtesy of company chief Kay Segler, who said that the high-riding three-door is headed to the States.

The Paceman is based off of the tall Countryman CUV, which means that buyers will probably be able to snap up the vehicle in all-wheel drive if they feel so inclined. Even so, it will be a while before the Paceman makes it to dealers. Car and Driver says it will likely land in 2013 as a 2014 model.

What can we expect in terms of styling? If Mini patent drawings are any indication, the wee beastie will stick as close as possible to the Paceman Concept, though the name may change before the production car lands. We think the long roof line and upright nose on the Paceman is plenty becoming, though we have to wonder how many consumers are looking at the Countryman and thinking, "Just like that, but can you make it less functional?"

Mini Paceman confirmed for production originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Aug 2011 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>minimini pacemanmini paceman conceptmini paceman productionpacemanpaceman productionMon, 29 Aug 2011 15:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20029503/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/29/mini-paceman-confirmed-for-production/20029503/article-detail.xml 20029503 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/web630-paceman-drop1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/web630-paceman-drop1.jpg <![CDATA[Mini files Paceman design patent drawings]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/21/mini-files-paceman-design-patent-drawings/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/21/mini-files-paceman-design-patent-drawings/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/21/mini-files-paceman-design-patent-drawings/#commentsFiled under: ,

Mini Paceman

You know, the Mini Countryman is pretty excellent. We weren't sure about how a Mini-badged crossover would be received, but after spending some time behind the wheel, we're pretty impressed with the overall package. That in mind, we wouldn't necessarily frown at the notion of a production version of the two-door Paceman concept from the 2011 Detroit Auto Show.

The folks at CarScoop have stumbled upon what appear to be official patent filings for the Paceman's design. Of course, without receiving any official word from Mini (or parent company BMW), it's still unclear if the Paceman will go into production, though we're betting that the Countryman-based two-door will, in fact, come to market.

As far as design goes, these patent filings still stand true to the design of the original concept car that debuted back in January. Fine by us, as we were pretty smitten with the pint-sized soft-roader when we first laid eyes upon it. If produced, we'd bet that the Paceman will share powertrain options with the Countryman, and that Mini's All4 all-wheel-drive system will be available.

Check out the full slate of patent filings in our high-res image gallery, and compare them to the original Paceman concept in the secondary gallery below.

Mini files Paceman design patent drawings originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 13:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conceptminimini pacemanmini paceman conceptpacemanpatent filingThu, 21 Jul 2011 13:06:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19996747/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/21/mini-files-paceman-design-patent-drawings/19996747/article-detail.xml 19996747 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/01-mini-paceman-patent-filings630opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/01-mini-paceman-patent-filings630opt.jpg <![CDATA[Mini: "The 500 is a darling little car... but we're a premium brand"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/16/mini-the-500-is-a-darling-little-car-but-were-a-premium-br/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/16/mini-the-500-is-a-darling-little-car-but-were-a-premium-br/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/16/mini-the-500-is-a-darling-little-car-but-were-a-premium-br/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

http://www.autoblog.com/photos/mini-paceman-concept-detroit-2011/

Mini showed off the Paceman Concept at this year's Detroit Auto Show and announced not long afterward that it would spawn a production model. Tom Salkowski, who recently moved from BMW USA to Mini USA to fill the role of marketing manager, will be the man charged with getting the word about about Mini's eighth model and the ones beyond. Here's what he had to tell us.
  • The small car segment has erupted over the past couple of years and "Mini has prospered" even though it "faced significantly more competition." But when asked what kind of head-to-head competitors the brand thinks it faces, Salkowski said "maybe Volkswagen, Mazda, Scion in the small-car segment," with the caveat that since "Mini is very much a mindset, it's different than other vehicles," so "for the time being we don't see anything." Head of product management Oliver Friedmann confirmed the assessment with, "We don't see any one-to-one competition, maybe the Evoque could be" for the Countryman.
  • Salkowski offered his thoughts on the Fiat 500 with, "The 500 is a darling little car, but Mini is a premium brand."
  • On the discussion of roots and heritage at other emotional brands like BMW and Lotus, when asked how big the Mini brand and Mini cars could get and still be considered Minis, Friedmann said, "That's what we try to find out at the moment. We just jumped over the four-meter line with the Countryman," but reaction in the three months that the crossover has been on sale in Europe has been "very positive."
  • Nevertheless, it's not about creating an acceptance of a Mini of any size. Friedman said, "The competitors for the Countryman are significantly larger. We will always stay the smallest in the segment." But the number one rejection of Mini is due to size and space, so the company had to do something.
  • Mini's been known for its irreverent advertising, and it doesn't sound like much will change under Salkowski, with a "bigger spend on television - you only get one chance to launch a car." There will also be a huge billboard in Times Square, and a take-off on Mini's original U.S. launch when they had a roving Ford Excursion driving around with a Mini on its roof. This time it will be a roving Countryman with a vintage Mini, Alec Issigonis' original, on its roof.

Gallery: Mini Paceman Concept: Detroit 2011

Mini Paceman ConceptMini Paceman ConceptMini Paceman ConceptMini Paceman ConceptMini Paceman Concept

Live photos copyright (C)2011 Jeremy Korzeniewski / AOL

Mini: "The 500 is a darling little car... but we're a premium brand" originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 16 Jan 2011 09:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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