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Last month MINI Convertible of the previous generation reached the end of its production period.
Now images of the new (R57) MINI Convertible, scheduled to debut this winter at the Detroit Auto Show, have “leaked”. Main changes include black trip options on the headlights and on the belt-line trim that has been traditionally chrome.
Continue to read: 2009 MINI Convertible images and first details revealed
In July we wrote that BMW is working on electric Mini Cooper with a planned production of just 500 cars, that will be put into testing soon. What we have here is the first prototype spotted in Munich.
It looks just like all the other Mini Cooper’s out there except it has a sticker on the rear and sides saying “hybrid erprobungfahrzeug” which translates to hybrid test vehicle. It could be a Mini hybrid as well, but what gives it away being all electric is the fact that there is no exhaust.
Continue to read: All electric Mini Cooper prototype spotted
The MINI brand is continuing its overwhelming story of success - now taking a new approach with the MINI Crossover Concept. It is the fourth body variant, following the classic two-door, the MINI Convertible, and the MINI Clubman.
This is the first MINI to measure more than four metres in length. And measuring 1,830 millimetres/72.0″ in width as well as 1,598 millimetres/62.9″ in height, the MINI Crossover Concept goes beyond the existing production models from MINI also in this respect. Wheelbase, finally, is 2,606 millimetres/102.6″, again ensuring an even more powerful stance on the road.
Continue to read: Mini Crossover Concept revealed
For both, the MINI COOPER S and the MINI COOPER D, HAMANN offers powerful performance increase components by re-programming the serial Motronic. According to the ignition map optimisation, the Diesel-aggregate has 136 hp / 100 kW at 4,000 r.p.m. and a maximum torque of 300 Nm at 1,750 – 2,000 r.p.m. This equals an increase of 26 hp / 20 kW.
The HAMANN technicians achieved an even larger performance boost with the petrol version. Instead of 175 hp / 128 kW, the COOPER S then has sappy 204 hp/ 150 kW at 5,500 r.p.m. and a torque of 300 Nm at 1,600 – 5,000 r.p.m.
Continue to read: HAMANN presents its tuning programme for the current MINI
Rickshaws are still used in China to transport people. It is not just a type of transportation. It is more of a symbol and tourists love them. Now MINI China has created a pedal-powered Rickshaw that has Mini Clubmans rear part of the body. Now that is some good advertising! People do talk about the Olympic games and they also talk about the Mini Clubman Rickshaws that have been spotted around Beijing.
According to China Car Times, the body of the Clubman is from Germany and the conversion to rickshaw was carried out in Hong Kong, and then the rickMINI was taken to Beijing to ‘bring good luck’ to the Beijing Olympics.
Click here for more pictures
MINI Convertible of the current generation has reached the end of its production period.
As planned, the MINI plant in Oxford ceased production of the open-top four-seater.
The final specimen - a MINI Cooper S Convertible Sidewalk painted in metallic White Silver has been sold to a MINI fan in the USA.
Continue to read: The last MINI Convertible of the current generation comes off the production line
Two friends plan an incredible stunt on a construction site: One of them films, the other men sneaks up to a huge compaction crane.
He places a selfmade catapult next to the crane. The weight rushes down and the force hurls the guy high up into the sky.
Click here to see the video
Since production began in 2001 Plant Oxford has seen over one million MINIs leave the plant destined for customers abroad. The one millionth MINI for export has now left Plant Oxford.
More than 80 per cent of MINI production is currently exported to almost 80 countries worldwide with the largest export market being the USA.
Continue to read: A million MINIs exported from Plant Oxford
Over the next months, the BMW Group will be carrying out a series of tests on electric vehicles to evaluate alternative future drive trains.
Several hundred MINI brand vehicles are being prepared for this. The cars, built in the Oxford plant, will be modified accordingly in Munich and fitted out for trials.
Continue to read: BMW Group prepares for technical field trials with electric vehicles
In the wake of skyrocketing gas prices, MINI has experienced a record number of visits to its websites and a significant increase in Canadian sales.
MINI, which helped to establish the premium small car segment in the country, increased sales 50% compared to June last year, representing 621 MINIs sold in June. MINI saw a 69% increase in web traffic on MINI retailer websites and a 41% increase in MINI.ca visits in June compared to the previous year.
Continue to read: Rising gas prices in Canada spark historic interest in MINI
The search for a fast and agile getaway car for the latest edition of Robert Ludlum’s The Bourne Conspiracy video game led to the MINI Cooper S being featured in the game’s adrenaline-pumping driving sequences.
Developed by High Moon Studios for Sierra Entertainment, a global division of Vivendi Games, the highly anticipated video game for Microsoft’s Xbox(R) 360 and Sony Playstation(R) 3 made its U.S. debut earlier this month and will be distributed in Europe later this year.
Continue to read: MINI Cooper S plays feature role in Robert Ludlum’s The Bourne Conspiracy video game
The name “MINI” says it all: Physically, the Clubman is not one of the biggest out there, but it’s got a bigger heart than any other estate. And now AC Schnitzer provides that final endorphin surge.
With its new front spoiler, giving it a harder look than standard, the Cooper S Clubman doesn’t just catch the eye but demands respect. In terms of driving dynamics, the agile cornering master shouldn’t be underestimated.
Especially not when fitted with the AC Schnitzer spring kit or even the height-adjustable racing suspension made in Aachen.
Continue to read: MINI Cooper S Clubman by AC Schnitzer with up to 226HP
MINI performance is to be taken to new levels with the new MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE, a MINI Cooper S built specifically for track use and ready to race. Set for its first public appearance at the forthcoming IAA Motor Show in Frankfurt, deliveries of the new car will take place from spring 2008.
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