Mini Cooper – Automobiles Review

Mini Cooper SE Convertible

Following the positive feedback on the unique specimen presented in summer 2022, MINI is now going ahead with a small series of the all-electric MINI Cooper SE Convertible (power consumption combined: 17.2 kWh/100 km according to WLTP; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km) which represents another big step in the direction of electric mobility. The world’s first locally emission-free premium convertible in the small car segment shortens the transition period to the introduction of the next-generation all-electric model family. From April 2023, the MINI Cooper SE Convertible will be available in Europe in a limited number of 999 vehicles.

“Three years ago we launched the all-electric MINI Cooper SE, and today one in five MINI sold in Europe is an all-electric MINI. This success has spurred us to implement the small series of the MINI Cooper SE Convertible within only a few months. I’m delighted that we can offer 999 MINI customers an extraordinary and exclusive open-air go-kart feeling,” says Stefanie Wurst, Head of the MINI Brand.

The MINI Cooper SE Convertible is available in Enigmatic Black and White Silver. Door handles, side scuttles and the surrounds of the front and rear lights are finished in Resolute Bronze. The MINI logos and the model lettering feature in elegant Piano Black to match. The E logo familiar from the MINI Cooper SE is found on the front apron and on the rear, thereby visually underlining locally emission-free driving fun.

Further edition-specific equipment details also adorn the door sill trims and side scuttles and, with the 1 of 999 lettering emphasising the exclusive character of the limited edition open-air MINI.

MINI takes on a pioneering role with the edition-specific alloy wheels. The 17″ cast alloy wheels in Electric Power Spoke 2-tone design are made of 100 percent secondary aluminium. The combination of green electricity during production and the use of the secondary raw material can significantly reduce CO2 emissions compared to conventional manufacturing processes.

Extensive interior equipment with MINI Electric Design features.

The sports seats are in MINI Yours Leather Lounge design and feature seat heating and adjustable thigh support. The multifunctional sports leather steering wheel in Nappa leather finish contributes to the fun-to-drive atmosphere and stylish driving comfort and can also be heated. In the lower steering wheel spoke, the MINI Electric Badge highlights the limited character of the all-electric convertible. The exclusive Piano Black surfaces, which can be stylishly set off by the ambient lighting, also contribute to car’s exclusive status. The design of the interior emphasises the fully electric character of the open-top four-seater with yellow colour accents, such as the yellow start-stop toggle switch.

In addition to numerous other features, the high-quality equipment is complemented in the cockpit by the eDrive services familiar from the MINI Cooper SE. These provides the driver with information on current energy consumption, range and tips for an economical driving style. All essential information is summarised on the MINI Head-Up Display while driving. On longer journeys, the Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function and the MINI Driving Assistant, among other features, enhance the comfort of the limited MINI Convertible with all-electric drive as standard.

Pure electrified go-kart feeling.

With a length of 3,850 mm, a wheelbase of 2,495 mm, 1,727 mm width and 1,427 mm height, the dimensions, including the luggage compartment with 160 l load volume, remain unchanged compared to the conventionally powered MINI Convertible. The 135 kW/184 hp electric motor comes from the BMW Group’s electric mobility competence centres in Dingolfing and Landshut. Its small size enables particularly harmonious axle load distribution and favours agile and easily controllable handling. The electric drive accelerates the MINI Cooper SE Convertible smoothly from standstill to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds.

With a range of 201 kilometres determined in the WLTP test cycle, open-air excursions are possible well beyond the city limits. Up to 30 km/h, the fully electrically powered and thus particularly quiet textile soft top in MINI Yours style with typical Union Jack pattern can be opened, closed or set as a sliding roof.

From idea to small series.

With the MINI Cooper SE Convertible, MINI highlights its flexibility and has set up the production of a small series for the first time. The MINI Cooper SE Convertible will be produced in a limited edition of 999 vehicles alongside the conventional MINI Convertible in the Netherlands.

February 16, 2023

Mini Cooper SE Convertible Concept

Sunshine, rising temperatures, fresh green scenery: Right on time for summer, MINI is presenting the all-electric MINI Cooper SE as a convertible for the first time. Not as a series production version, but as a unique specimen that shows how the path to an all-electric premium brand could continue and also electrify classic sporty open-air driving in the future. As an open four-seater, the MINI Cooper SE Convertible is the world’s only premium convertible with a fully electric drivetrain in the small car segment. With this frontrunner, the British premium brand combines classic sportiness, maximum open-top driving fun and locally emission-free electric mobility for the first time.

July 25, 2022

The MINI Cooper S Hardtop 2 Door in the Resolute Edition

2023 Mini Cooper S Hardtop 2 Door Resolute Edition

Expressive design, inspirational driving fun, premium quality and individual style: the MINI Cooper S Hardtop 2 Door combines all this with a classic body concept and the brand’s fascinating tradition. The new Resolute Edition of the original in the premium small car segment now captures the very essence of this unique combination. With its exclusive design and equipment features, it offers a modern re-interpretation of the authentic qualities embraced by the MINI Cooper S Hardtop 2 Door.

In the Resolute Edition, the MINI Cooper S Hardtop 2 Door is a prime example of traditional sporty flair. Its 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology has a peak output of 189 hp and a maximum torque of 206 ft-lbs. With the standard 6-speed manual transmission, this highly spirited small car sprints from standstill to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. When fitted with the optional 7-speed Steptronic transmission with double clutch, it moves a touch faster – in this case the standard sprint takes just 6.4 seconds. The car’s top speed is 145 mph.

Athletic talent is part and parcel of the MINI genes. The Resolute Edition echoes the brand’s early motor racing career, in particular with a body finish that is inspired by the classic color used for British racing cars: the exterior in the Rebel Green variant clearly expresses the sporting spirit of the premium small car – this finish was previously exclusive to the top athlete MINI John Cooper Works. The body color is combined with a finish in Pepper White for the roof and exterior mirror caps. Bonnet stripes with parallel lines in light and dark gold tones along with exclusive 18-inch light alloy wheels in Pulse Spoke Black round off the sporty appearance of the edition vehicle.

A clear commitment to the brand’s historic roots is also signaled by the “RESOLUTE” inscription on the bonnet stripes and door sill finishers. Hallmark design features are finished in exclusive Resolute Bronze. This includes the headlight surrounds, the radiator grille and rear lights, the side scuttles on the front side panels, the door and tailgate handles, the air intakes in the front apron and the fuel filler cap. An attractive contrast is provided by the brand logos and model inscriptions, which like the inner frame and crossbar of the radiator grille and the tailpipe trim of the exhaust system are finished in Piano Black.

An authentic interior atmosphere geared towards driving fun is ensured by the anthracite-colored roof liner and sports seats in exclusive Black Pearl/Light Chequered fabric/leatherette, which are combined with black armrests and knee rolls. The range of standard equipment also includes the Nappa sports leather steering wheel. An edition emblem is featured on the bottom spoke of the Nappa sports leather steering wheel and on the floor mats.

The high-quality and authentic style of the MINI Cooper S Hardtop 2 Door in the Resolute Edition is further highlighted by means of distinctive interior surfaces. Against the black background of these surfaces, parallel and evenly curved lines in a light golden tone form an exquisite pinstripe pattern, also echoing the structure of the bonnet stripes. The design features of the Edition are atmospherically showcased by the lighting package, with LED units that provide targeted interior illumination, as well as by the Ambient Light, which additionally includes such features as a laser-engraved ring for the central instrument and also light piping in the doors and cockpit area, as well as illuminated door handles and door entry areas. The MINI Driving Modes likewise form part of the equipment package for the MINI Cooper 2 Door in the Resolute Edition. A toggle switch can be used to activate more strikingly sporty characteristics in the vehicle’s drive and suspension systems.

The MINI Cooper S Hardtop 2 Door Resolute Edition, available from March 2022 production has begun to arrive at US MINI dealers.

Current US Edition Pricing for Model Year 2023*

Model	M INI Cooper S Hardtop 2 Door Iconic Trim MSRP	R esolute Edition Price	M INI Cooper S Hardtop 2 Door Resolute Edition MSRP Price
Cooper S Hardtop 2 Door (Resolute)	$34,900	$1,000	$35,900

April 13, 2022

Tradition meets the future: The 2023 MINI Cooper SE Resolute Edition

MINI Cooper SE Resolute Edition (2023) - Front Angle View

The recent announcement of three new MINI special editions extending across the full 2023 MY product range included a special version of MINI’s all-electric model, the MINI Cooper SE Resolute Edition. This new all-electric special edition is a bold statement of individual style and sustainable driving fun that blends heritage-inspired MINI design with forward-looking EV drive technology.

Based on the purely electric MINI Cooper SE 2-door hardtop, its exclusive exterior design makes for an authentic appearance inspired by the brand’s history. In this way, the MINI Cooper SE in the Resolute Edition clearly conveys the message that locally emission-free driving fun has now become an integral part of the brand’s character and its more than 60-year history.

With its 135 kW/181 hp electric motor and thrillingly agile handling, the MINI Cooper SE transfers the brand’s hallmark go-kart feeling to the world of electric mobility. Its EPA range of up to 114 miles* enables locally emission-free driving fun, both in an urban setting and on outings beyond the city limits. These are the qualities that have made the fully electric MINI the brand’s most popular model variant, with global sales figures having almost doubled in 2021. * based on ’22 MY figures – ’23 MY figures pending

The exclusive design and equipment features of the Resolute Edition now give sustainable driving fun even greater appeal. With a body finish in Rebel Green – previously reserved for the high-performance John Cooper Works models – and the contrasting Pepper White finish for the roof and exterior mirror caps, the MINI Cooper SE Resolute Edition has a sporty look underscoring the brand’s British pedigree.

The deliberate avoidance of chrome elements on the exterior provides a look ahead to the future: instead, the hallmark design features are finished in exclusive Resolute Bronze. These include the surrounds of the headlights, radiator grille and rear lights, the side scuttles on the front side panels and the handles of the doors and tailgate. By contrast, the surrounding strip at the lower edge of the windscreen is finished in Piano Black, as are the inner frame of the radiator grille, the brand logos and the model inscription.

The unmistakable appearance of the MINI Cooper SE in the Resolute Edition is further enhanced by means of bonnet stripes in an exclusive design. Like the door sill trims, they feature a pattern made up of parallel lines with a color gradient that runs between a light and a dark shade of gold, along with the inscription “RESOLUTE”. The edition model features 17-inch alloy wheels in Electric Collection Spoke design.

In the interior of the MINI Cooper SE Resolute Edition, the sense of hallmark driving fun is further reinforced by means of seats with a Light Chequered fabric/ Black Pearl leatherette finish, and an anthracite-colored roof liner, as well as black armrests and knee rolls. The sports leather steering wheel in Nappa finish bears an edition-specific MINI Resolute logo on the lower spoke. With evenly curved lines in a light golden tone, the graphic design forms an exquisite pinstripe pattern on the interior surfaces. The Resolute Edition’s exclusive design features go together to form a perfectly balanced overall package for premium exterior and interior style.

While the car’s look clearly conveys a sense of tradition, this can be combined with state-of-the-art equipment features in the areas of driver assistance, infotainment and connectivity. The MINI Cooper SE Resolute Edition comes standard with MINI’s Driver Assistance Package that includes a Heads-up Display for added visibility of vehicle read-outs, Park Assist help safely maneuver in parking situations, Lane Departure Warning which alerts the driver to unintentional lane drifting by vibrating the steering wheel, and Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function. This technology offered increased safety, convenience and comfort whether navigating tight spaces, in stop and go traffic, or on the open road.

With its modern graphic display on an 8.8-inch touchscreen, the latest generation of the MINI operating system is optimized for quick and intuitive control of the vehicle functions, audio program, communication, navigation and apps. In addition, numerous digital services are available, including Apple CarPlay which comes standard, all to enhance driving fun by means of high-quality convenience and entertainment functions.

The MINI Cooper SE Resolute Edition will be available from March 2022 production and should be arriving at US dealers shortly thereafter.

US Edition Pricing for Model Year 2023*

Model	MINI Cooper SEIconic TrimMSRP	Resolute EditionPrice	MINI Cooper SEResolute EditionMSRP
Cooper SE Hardtop 2 Door (Resolute Edition)	$36,900	+$1,000	$37,900

*Plus $850 destination and handling

February 17, 2022

MINI Cooper Cabrio

2021 MINI Cooper Cabrio1

With the large-scale revival of the MINI brand from 2001 onwards, BMW achieved a real coup. The portfolio includes not only the original small cars, but also, as is well known, various other variants that have clearly outgrown this class – such as Clubman and Countryman. What all versions have in common is that they are extremely popular and celebrate impressive successes. In the tuning area, the sporty versions Cooper S and John Cooper Works in particular met with a great response. But the convertible shown here shows that the slightly more well-behaved MINI Cooper can also be customized in the form of a high-quality wheel set from Barracuda Racing Wheels.

The British open-air fun-maker, painted in bright red, has the trendy Tzunamee EVO alloy wheels in the dimensions 8×18 inches with a dark gunmetal finish, including partially brushed fronts. The mounted tires measure 215/40R18. In order to adjust the new wheel / tire combinations harmoniously under the fenders, H&R lowering springs were installed on both axles, which reduce the ground clearance by around 35 millimeters.

February 8, 2021

MINI Paddy Hopkirk Edition

2020 MINI Paddy Hopkirk Edition1

MINI launches the Paddy Hopkirk Edition, a limited edition of 100 cars available to order now in the UK and based on the MINI Cooper S 3-door Hatch. In honor of the Northern Irish rally driver and inspired by the historic rally winning model, the special edition is Chili Red with a white contrast roof and features the famous starting number 37 livery.

Patrick ‘Paddy’ Hopkirk clinched the first victory behind the wheel of the classic Mini Cooper S number 37 at the legendary Monte Carlo Rally in 1964. Driving the small British car with his English co-pilot Henry Liddon, Hopkirk overcame the odds against competitors with significantly greater engine power. The surprise win in Monte Carlo made Paddy Hopkirk the UK’s most famous rally driver overnight and the classic Mini advanced from outsider and crowd-pleaser to becoming a motor racing legend. Hopkirk’s Finnish teammates Timo Mäkinen and Rauno Aaltonen added two more outright victories to the title collection in the Mini Cooper S 37 in 1965 and 1967.

The winning streak at the Monte Carlo Rally continues to inspire MINI fans all over the world to this day. With the MINI Paddy Hopkirk Edition, they now have the opportunity to express their passion for racing. In the style of the historic rally winner, the edition model features the car’s start number 37 on the driver and passenger doors. It also has 17-inch John Cooper Works light-alloy wheels in Track Spoke Black design and numerous other accentuations in dark colors. The frame and horizontal brace of the radiator grille are finished in high-gloss black, as are the inserts for the lower air intakes, the bonnet opening, door handles, fuel filler flap, tailgate handle, the MINI logos at the front and rear as well as the surrounds for the headlights and rear lights. On the inside, the car features the motorsport-inspired Alcantara John Cooper Works steering wheel.

The start number 37 also appears on the side indicator elements known as side scuttles. Other features on the exterior are stickers with the inscription “Paddy Hopkirk Monte Carlo” and a single white bonnet stripe on the driver’s side which bears the signature of the 1964 “Monte” winner. In addition, the famous number and letter combination 33 EJB of the number plate of the 1964 Monte Carlo winning car is shown on the bonnet strip using 3D effect graphics.

Hopkirk’s signature also appears on the decorative trim strip on the passenger side, which forms part of the Piano Black high-gloss interior surfaces. Another exclusive design feature is the MINI LED “Paddy Hopkirk” entry sills.

The MINI Navigation Pack and Comfort Pack are included in the MINI Paddy Hopkirk Edition as well as auxiliary headlights in Piano Black, a keycap with the start number 37, and the Waistline Finisher in Piano Black for the trim strips between the body and the greenhouse.

The MINI Paddy Hopkirk Edition is available to order now at retailers nationwide and is priced from £27,405 RRP. Customer deliveries will begin in November 2020.

October 8, 2020

B&B team shows off with a monstrous MINI Cooper! Check it out!

2017 B&B Automobiltechnik MINI Cooper S Countryman As it seems, B&B Performance team is somehow attracted to gearing ridiculous amounts of power in relatively small packages: we have seen he 300hp VW Lupo RS, the 385hp Audi S1 and the 400hp VW Polo VR6 Turbo. But there was still something missing. Indeed, we are talking about a MINI vehicle that has undergone a comprehensive tuning program and now can proudly stay next to its brothers as a small machine with tons of power.

The lucky MINI is a Cooper S Countryman that can be specified with three levels of engine upgrade. The first level, or also known as Stage 3, offers a total of 275hp (205kW) and 385kW of torque. A neat gap, given that the original setup was capable of producing „only“ 192horsepower and 280Nm. This machine also reaches 100km/h (62mph) in mere 6.2 seconds and has a top speed of 240km/h (the stock model was dealing with 222km/h).

2017 B&B Automobiltechnik MINI Cooper S Countryman

What is special about this one is that B&B team has included an exclusive high-performance air-to-air intercooler, a large diametral exhaust downpipe and some comprehensive ECU remap tweaks. Sweet, isn’t it?

The next stage, so called Stage 2 delivers a total of 245hp and 350Nm of torque and deals with the same exclusive upgrades: air-to-air intercooler, large diametral exhaust, ECU remapping and more.

And the last and most advanced pack one can get is the Stage 1 upgrade. This is the so-called flagship model of the tuning project and offers super-comprehensive ECU software remap of the fuel and ignition curves, adds a turbo boost pressure of about 0.2 bards and offers these same power output as the Stage 2, but the difference is in the revising the air intake system, along with the air ducting in order to increase the ram airflow.

2017 B&B Automobiltechnik MINI Cooper S Countryman

Furthermore, all Stage levelscan be specified with B&B’s own high flow oil cooler system, also optional exclusive sporty spring kit, coil-over suspension pack and B&B high-performance braking system. And let’s not forget the wheels: these are neat B&B 8,5×20-inch B10 light alloys with 225/30ZR20 tires. Sweet, aren’t they?

Long story short, these improvements altogether show how a sweet and beautiful MINI can become a rather menacing beast. But tell me, what do you think? Write down in the comment section below!

Source: B&B Automobiltechnik

May 4, 2017

Sporty and passionate: 2017 MINI Clubman is revealed!

2017 MINI John Cooper Works Clubman MINI USA has revealed the latest family member: the new 2017 John Cooper Works Clubman. Inspired by the motorsport and rally thrills, the sweetie offers new turbocharged power unit, latest generation of drivetrain system improvements and these sweet visuals. So, let’s check it out!

Exterior styling

2017 MINI John Cooper Works Clubman

As it comes to exterior and looks, this is a 100% MINI vehicle. All signature features are present: the expressive font eyes, the stupid-looking face, well-proportioned body and tight stance. All this is topped with neat chrome black body finish and red components: there are neat sporty stripes that go through the front-end and sides. There is also a sweet red line that crosses horizontally the grille and a red top that enhances the presence of passion and aggressiveness. Sweet.

Also, there is special aerodynamic body kit with improved cooling system and distinctive black 18-inch JCW Grip Spoke Wheels

Interior styling

2017 MINI John Cooper Works Clubman

Completely resembling the exterior styling concept, the interior is dominated by black components and red additions: there are sporty seats, covered in Alcantara, futuristic central console and neat ambient lightning. In fact, this lightning is not that needed, but hey, who cares?! It is a mini with shiny interior, right?

What catches the eye are the many small rally-inspired details. For example, look at the speedmeter: there is this famous black and white flag appearing if the driver decides to push the vehicle to its limits and reach speeds above 200km/h. This same flag concept can be seen on some places on the body and some more places in the cabin. And it is freaking cool!

Drivetrain system

2017 MINI John Cooper Works Clubman

Now we are talking! The heart of the beast is a 2.0-liter MINI TwinPower Turbo system that can produce a total of 228hp (170kW) and 258lb-ft of torque through the special ALL4 all-wheel-drive system. In fact, the engine is enhanced by BMW Group technology and architecture. Cool, right?

Furthermore, there is a special exhaust system, fine-tuned to enhance the sporty performance, fine-tuned suspension system and neat Brembo brakes with red-painted calipers that completely resemble the exterior color scheme.

The new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman will be available for purchase this December. More information is yet to be revealed. Meanwhile, stick with us!

Source: MINI

September 21, 2016

2016 MINI Cooper Works Challenge: a menacing beast or a sweet wanna-be?

2016 MINI Cooper Works Challenge MINI Cooper John Cooper Works Challenge comes with tons of ambition to set new benchmark to the track-oriented segment. It also tries to be impeccable on the road without sacrificing comfort and smoothness of a traditional city car. So, let’s see what this sweetie has to offer.

The vehicle was created by small team at MINI Plant Oxford in UK in partnership with some race suppliers and engineers. Indeed they added the grippy Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tire set and fine-tuned the suspension and the slip differential. Also, there are additional personalization features like exterior color scheme combinations, MINI Accessories and more.