Autoblog

Mini is readying its R56-based replacement for the current Cooper droptop, and it will retain its cloth roof. While there's been widespread adoption of retractable hardtops, the Coop is staying soft. That's good for weight and center of gravity, so the 'vert will still handle charmingly. True to the Cooper's retro mission, Senior VP of Brand Management, Kay Segler contends that the cloth roof offers an experience more true to classic alfresco motoring. The reasoning is that traditional convertible tops open wider than hardtops, so the skyward vistas are less impeded in the Cooper, which is why they pledge to never luxe up their car with metal origami. It could also be that there's no place to put the larger roof stack of a folding hardtop.

[Source: Inside Line]

Although the MINI Clubman has proved to be the worst kept secret from any automaker in recent memory, the one unknown is how BMW's boffins would engineer and design the interior of the stretched Cooper. We knew it would retain the same funked-up, yet toned-down aesthetic of the new R56 MINI, and these stellar shots provided by Gabe over at MotoringFile tell the tale.

Even thought the third, suicide-hinged door on the passenger side will aid ingress and egress, it's still a move best attempted with the front seat tilted and moved forward. The oval inset trim that defines the doors is present fore and aft, with the third door slicing into both shapes. The semi-circular handle allowing passengers inside to open the door seems a bit out of place among the other elements, but we'll reserve judgment until we see the whole package in the next few months.

We're digging the wood-rimmed wheel and brown leather chairs, but we're really looking forward to seeing the Clubman in its exclusive Chocolate hue. Clicking the image above will send you over to MotoringFile where several other photos await.

[Source: MotoringFile]

Click image for hi-res photo gallery

Longtime BMW performance specialist AC Schnitzer has turned its attention to the new R56 MINI Cooper S, and the result is the blue bomber pictured above. The big upgrade is the available Nordschelife-developed racing suspension (which can be combined with a separately-available spring kit) that takes the already athletic MINI and elevates it to new dynamic levels. AC Schnitzer can also improve the car's breathing on the exhalation side via a new sports muffler with a chromed double-tip. Visually, a host of appearance upgrades are on the table, with new skirting, spoilers, and a decal/stripe package available to owners, all of which add a decidedly racy look to the diminutive hatchback. Drivers can cap things off with a selection of alloy wheels and interior trim enhancements that allow additional personalization to taste.

[Source: AC Schnitzer]

click above image to view high-resolution versions of the MINI Cooper S JCW Tuning Kit

We reported yesterday that MINI might be developing two John Cooper Works Tuning Kits for the new R56 model. While we don't have confirmation that their will be two kits, news of one kit has been made official. Today, MINI previewed the official John Cooper Works Tuning Kit for its Cooper S model, which would be the "Stage One Kit" if there turns out to be two.

The JCW Tuning Kit bumps power of the Cooper S up to 192bhp and torque to 184 ft-lbs. Torque can be further bumped to 199 ft-lbs. with an "overboost" function. The power increases come mainly from a JCW exhaust, new intake and remapped ECU software. As for pricing, the kit will cost €1689,80. Prices for the U.S. aren't yet available, but we might learn that at the Geneva Motor Show next week. Being a MINI, the Cooper S JCW model can be personalized with thousands of additional options that include wheels, body kits, seats, etc. Stay tuned and check out the pics in our high-resolution gallery.

[Source: MINI, Motoring File]

There had been some rumblings recently that the Oxford plant, where the new R56 MINI is being produced, may be halting production of the new Cooper S model. Until today, it was just a rumor.

However, Motoring File got confirmation that due to a leaky fuel pump found on 3,000 Cooper S', a retooling of certain components in the production line has forced a manufacturing stoppage of the iconic hatch. Currently, the plant is closed for the Christmas and New Year's holiday, and no time frame has been set as to when production will begin.

How this will affect those of you with a deposit on the new, turbocharged Cooper S remains to be seen, but better to have the problem solved now, before delivery takes place.

[Source: Motoring File]

Paul Tan has just posted a pictorial tour of his recent visit to MINI's British manufacturing facility in Oxford. The all-new second generation '07 MINI Cooper looks to maintain its spot at the top of the segment, with significant changes under the hardly changed hood. Even though most people will confuse it with the previous generation, it is a different car bumper to bumper. Perhaps a tour of the assembly line will help some of us see the differences more clearly.

As Paul explains it, the R56 MINI Coopers are produced in what BMW calls the MINI production triangle. Apparently, the three plants used to produce it form three points of a triangle on a map. At the top of the triangle we find the Hams Hall engine plant. The Swindon plant, on the bottom left, is where the body pressing and sub-assembly manufacturing is done. The Oxford facility handles paint and final assembly and is on the bottom right.

Paul points out that the final assembly plant can configure a new Cooper in one of several quadrillion combinations starting with just four basic models -- left hand drive with sunroof, left hand drive without sunroof, right hand drive with sunroof, and right hand drive without sunroof. Add in two engine combos and more than 300 different interior options as well as an additional 300 exteriors and you can see how they claim no two MINIs are likely to roll out exactly the same in any given year. Make sure you follow the link to read Paul's great commentary and photos covering the MINI's new "triangle of production."

[Source: Paul Tan]