Mini Cooper – Page 4 – Automobiles Review

MINI London 2012 Edition

MINI will launch 2 012 units of its new London 2012 special, limited edition model to celebrate the monumental London Olympic Games, next year.

There will be just 2,012 of these special edition models built, which are available in Cooper, Cooper D, Cooper S and Cooper SD trims and come in the Union Jack themed colours; Chilli Red, White Silver or Lightning Blue. All models boast white mirror caps and a white roof featuring the iconic London 2012 Olympic graphic.

The exterior boasts a Union Jack single sport stripe which runs over the bonnet, roof and rear tailgate of the car. The side scuttles also bear the London 2012 Olympic graphic. To finish off the dynamic look, the MINI London 2012 edition features unique grey 17” conical spoke alloy wheels – unavailable on any other MINI model.

The interior comes with piano-black dashboard. Silhouetting some of London’s most iconic landmarks, including Tower Bridge, Battersea Power Station and the London Eye, the dashboard also displays the words “London 1 of 2012”.

All London 2012 special edition models come packed with a bundle of extra options like Lounge Leather sports seats, DAB radio, air conditioning, cruise control and chrome interior touches. MINIMALISM technology also comes as standard; helping to make the 99g/km CO₂ emitting Cooper D models exempt from London Congestion Charging.

MINI Cooper Hatch                             £17,800
MINI Cooper D Hatch                         £19,080
MINI Cooper S Hatch                          £20,125
MINI Cooper SD Hatch                       £20,860

Source: MINI

September 29, 2011

2012 MINI Coupe Price – £16 640

2012 MINI Coupe is priced at just £16 640 on-the-road. The brand offers industry leading tlc servicing packages available on all MINI Coupe models.

The engine range includes outputs from 122PS (90 kW) to 211PS (155 kW) powering the flagship MINI John Cooper Works Coupe. There is also a 143PS (105 kW) Cooper SD – diesel engine.

Fuel economy on the combined cycle stretches from 39.8 mpg in the MINI John Cooper Works Coupe to a frugal 65.7mpg in the Cooper SD model while CO₂ emissions are as low as just 114g/km on the Cooper SD. Even the MINI John Cooper Works Coupe emits only 165g/km.

The standard equipment includes: Park Distance Control with rear sensors, height-adjustable sports seats (Cooper S upwards), air conditioning, electrically adjustable heated exterior mirrors, DAB digital radio and the MINI Radio Boost CD audio system with AUX IN connection. Standard safety equipment includes twin front and head-thorax airbags.

The options list is huge: automatic climate control, heated seats, multi-function steering wheel (standard on Cooper S, Cooper SD and John Cooper Works), automatically dimming rear-view and exterior mirrors, Harman Kardon hi-fi loudspeaker system, Bluetooth, USB audio interface, storage package and preparation for a rear luggage rack. Additional options are available from the John Cooper Works ranges.

Model	OTR Price	CO₂	MPG*	Insurance Group
MINI Cooper Coupé	£16,640	127g/km	52.3	18E
MINI Cooper S Coupé	£19,775	136g/km	48.7	31E
MINI Cooper SD Coupé	£20,510	114g/km	65.7	22E
MINI John Cooper Works Coupé	£23,795	165g/km	39.8	36E

MINI John Cooper Works Coupe:

Four-cylinder petrol engine with twin-scroll turbocharger and direct injection, plus numerous technological details carried over directly from motorsport.
Displacement: 1,598 cc

Output: 211hp/155kW at 6,000 rpm

Max torque: 260 Nm/192 lb-ft at 1,850 – 5,600 rpm

(280 Nm/207 lb-ft with Overboost at 2,000 – 5,100 rpm)

Acceleration: 0–62 mph: 6.4 seconds

Top speed: 149 mph

Average fuel consumption (combined cycle): 39.8 mpg

CO₂ emissions: 165 g/km

MINI Cooper S Coupe:

Four-cylinder petrol engine with twin-scroll turbocharger and direct injection.

Displacement: 1,598 cc

Output: 184hp/135kW at 5,500 rpm

Max torque: 240 Nm/177 lb-ft at 1,600 – 5,000 rpm

(260 Nm/192 lb-ft with Overboost at 1,700 – 4,500 rpm)

Acceleration: 0–62 mph: 6.9 seconds

Top speed: 143 mph

Average fuel consumption (combined cycle): 48.7 mpg

CO₂ emissions: 136 g/km

MINI Cooper SD Coupe:

Four-cylinder turbo diesel with aluminium crankcase, common-rail injection and variable turbine geometry.

Displacement: 1,995 cc

Output: 143hp/105kW at 4,000 rpm

Max torque: 305 Nm/225 lb-ft at 1,750 – 2,700 rpm

Acceleration: 0–62 mph: 7.9 seconds

Top speed: 134 mph

Average fuel consumption (combined cycle): 65.7 mpg

CO₂ emissions: 114 g/km

MINI Cooper Coupé:

Displacement: 1,598 cc

Output: 122hp/90kW at 6,000 rpm

Max torque: 160 Nm/118 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm

Acceleration: 0–62 mph: 9.0 seconds

Top speed: 127 mph

Average fuel consumption (combined cycle): 52.3 mpg

CO₂ emissions: 127 g/km

Exterior dimensions :

Length: 3,728 millimetres (MINI Cooper Coupé)

3,734 millimetres (MINI Cooper S and Cooper SD Coupé)

3,758 millimetres (MINI John Cooper Works Coupé)

Width: 1,683 millimetres (1892 millimetres including door mirrors)

Height: 1,378 millimetres (MINI Cooper Coupé)

1,384 millimetres (MINI Cooper S, Cooper SD and John Cooper Works Coupé)
Wheelbase: 2,467 millimetres

Source: Mini

September 26, 2011

CoverEFX MINI R53 Project One

CoverEFX has introduced their tuning program for MINI R53. The German tuning house offers both styling as well as a performance package.

The exterior boasts a full metal coating of the car using the special CoverEFX paints such as “teflon-gray-metallic” and “electro-red-metallic”. There are also some elements covered with shiny black lacquer.

R53 ProjectONe stands on 17” Multispoke alloy wheels finished in matte black with an orange rim. The stance is further improved by a lowered sports suspension.

The performance package boosts the small 1.6 liter turbocharged petrol engine to whopping 240PS. There is no data for the performance, but there is no doubt that this will be one fast MINI Cooper.

The price for these upgrades was 8 000 Euro.

All parts are tested and approved.

Source: CoverEFX

August 1, 2011

New vs Old – what changed through the years?

Most of you have strong memories from your father’s or grandfather’s car. “One day I will have one for myself”– we thought. Unfortunately most cars have no more than 10 years on the production line meaning that whatever it was that you fancied as a kid is now about 30-40 years old and looks like(or actually is) scrap or costs an amount of money with a lot of zeroes. Luckily someone thought of all these enthusiasts. So, who did?

Chevrolet Camaro

The first Camaro was built back in 1966/1967. Very long front end, massive rear tires and wide arches made the Camaro look really inspiring. It also had engines to make the picture even better. Top versions boasted 8 cylinder engine, 7+ litres and more than 400 hp. How about 5.2 seconds for 0-60 and less than 13 seconds for a quarter mile – impressive results for its time and not only. So back to reality, what is available today? In 2009 the fifth generation Camaro was introduced.

Having plenty of new gadgets and modern stuff, it has something very important – the spirit of Camaro – 550 hp, V8 and shares a lot of the curves from its predecessor – same large arches, same aggressive and appealing look – you can simply never mistake this car. If you want to celebrate Camaro’s 45^th anniversary, wait for the special edition in 2012 – one-of-a-kind badges, unique interior and something more maybe.

Volkswagen Beetle

This model has about 73 years of history and has played a huge role in German car manufacturing as a whole. This car was ordered by Adolf Hitler and its task was to be a car for the people (Volks Wagen – German). Being almost airtight, this car could even stay afloat for a couple of minutes and its aircooled flat-4 engine turned to be very suitable for the conditions in Africa’s deserts. The beetle was not meant to beat records.

The 1200 model was capable of 100 km/h in 37 seconds and the diesel model with 1,3 N/A did 100 in 1 minute! What not too many people know is that the last year of manufacturing of the Beetle as we know it from black and white pictures is 2003 – In Mexico. The entirely new Beetle was announced in 1997 and the design was definitely inspired by the original. Apart from this however it does not share too much – Engine is in the front, the car is FWD. What is more, this is no more a car for the people – the top model costs $ 58 000 – not something everyone can afford.

Mini Cooper

The original was introduced in 1959 and was a great hit back then. This was a really small car with wheelbase of just 2 metres and the FWD set up would save a lot of space for passengers and luggage. There is a reason why this car was voted the second most influential car of the 20^th century after the Ford Model T.

The weight distribution and the size of the car made it also very successful in sports. Not too many cars have won the Monte Carlo rally 4 times in a row. A famous car magazine awarded the Mini “Car of the century” in 1995. More than 5 000 000 were sold on the market making it the most successful UK car for the moment. The main drawback of the Mini Cooper is its safety – it also has some awards about this – in the negative aspect. In 2000 BMW (the new owner) presented the new Mini. Take a magnifying lens, look at the old one and you will see the new one. Exterior is quite similar, yet the new one is really sleek and has modern curves and styling. In terms of power the new generation offers a good range of engines 75-204 hp. Similar to the original, the new Mini Cooper will try to participate in the world rally championship and be just as successful. Good luck!

July 12, 2011

Cars in movies – top 5

Each car enthusiast has a movie that makes them smile just thinking of it. You will have the opportunity to read a little more about some of the most cherished cars used in movies.

Number 5

AUDI A8 W12- Transporter 2

This car is taking a serious part in the plot of the movie. Jason Statham needs to chase the bad guys all over the place and the Audi is a serious partner in his mission. The movie is abundant with stunts that the A8 has to perform. Thanks to the massive twelve-cylinder 6.0 liter engine and some driving skill of course, it almost looks easy to do.

Number 4

Nissan Skyline R34- The Fast and the Furious

One of the fastest cars in the world, the dream of the PlayStation generation. The Skylines used in the movie are GTRs but not quite – the purpose of these cars was to draw attention and being all wheel drive, the grip was too much for burnouts and fun. That’s why the Skylines used, had their front driveshafts excised and the magic was done. As you already know the GTRs are claimed 280 hp from the factory, which is ridiculous for a 6 cylinder 2.6 twin-turbo engine. Still one of the two fastest skylines used in the movies is claimed 505 hp, which is enough to do 12 seconds in the quarter mile run. The main car used in the movie has been equipped with HKS tuning parts, JIC’s suspension and 3 NOS bottles, neither of which had something to do with the engine. Being so full of “extras”, AWD and AWS removed, the performance is not quite as what is expected from a skyline though.

Number 3

Mini Cooper S John Cooper Works – The Italian Job

Complicated relations, a lot of money, a lot of thrill and a couple of Mini Coopers as a final touch. In the plot several old friends are trying to get to a huge amount of gold. For the purpose they need small, maneuverable and still fast cars. The Mini Cooper turns out to be the best option for the job. The Aero body kit makes the cars look stunning. Did you know that gasoline-powered vehicles were not allowed in the subway system of LA, that’s why a couple of electric cars were built for these scenes? In total 32 Minis were used in the movie, some of them specially customized to make some of the incredible stunts possible.

Number 2

Volkswagen Beetle – Herbie Fully Loaded

This is a car with a lot of history in the movie world. It has participated in a couple of Disney movies starting in 1968 – The Love Bug. What is strange and interesting about Herbie is that it is almost a human being – has his own thoughts, soul and drives himself. 30 Beetles were used for the footage of the last movie of the series – “Herbie Fully Loaded”. One of the beetles has a 200hp engine that is capable of getting the car to over 135 mph. Unfortunately having all the effects of modern cinema, the car looks normal no more. It moves its bumper, blinks, gives out noises etc. Unlike the first movies from the series, where you could just feel that there was something special about the car, some kind of emotion, without making it look human.

Number 1

Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 ‘Eleanor’ – Gone in Sixty Seconds

The dream machine from “Gone in 60 seconds”. Alike the movie, this car is a true masterpiece and quite a mystery. The car is named Eleanor, but initially the plan was not to use a mustang at all. At first the idea was to have a GT40 grabbing the attention. However, it turned out that building one would cost a fortune even considering what the purpose was. Basically it was all making a car from scratch – literally. The car was first put on paper and then various specialists started creating the separate parts and adapt them to fit the Mustang. What not too many people know is that the side exhausts are not functional and neither are the side air feeds. The car in the movie is shown so fast that the driver was scared of it and would talk to it prior to driving. The car ended up in a private collection, $216 700 were paid for the beauty. Still, there are garages that can build another one for you for some (in) decent amount of money.

July 4, 2011

MINI John Cooper Works Coupe Endurance

MINI has introduced a specially prepared Endurance version of the new John Cooper Works Coupe. It will line up at this year’s 24-hour race at the Nurburgring-Nordschleife circuit, previewing the series-production version of the car due to be unveiled to the public in autumn 2011.

It is powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder unit with a twin-scroll turbocharger and petrol direct injection. The total power is 250HP and 330Nm in Overboost. Top speed is over 240 km/h.

The John Cooper Works Aerodynamics Package further enhances the Coupe’s already supreme handling; the front spoiler, rear diffuser and adjustable rear wing generate downforce, optimising the balance between the front and rear axle.

The MINI John Cooper Works Coupe Endurance achieves an exceptionally high level of safety thanks to features including a roll cage welded to the body and a sports bucket seat with six-point safety belt and Formula One-style HANS (Head And Neck Support) system.

It is also equipped with with Race ABS from MINI Challenge and specially tuned DSC dynamic control system.

Technical data. MINI John Cooper Works Coupé Endurance
Engine	Tuned version of series-produced MINI John Cooper Works engine with adapted engine management. Four-cylinder in-line engine (front/transverse-mounted) with twin-scroll turbocharger and petrol direct injection. Racing exhaust system
Displacement	1,598 cc
Output	Approx. 184 kW / approx. 250 hp
Max. torque	Approx. 330 Nm (incl. Overboost)
Top speed	> 240 km/h
Power transfer	Front-wheel drive, sequential six-speed gearbox with electronic differential lock
Suspension	Independent race suspension (KW Suspension) with adjustable compression and rebound, adjustable front strut brace
Tyres	Racing tyres (Dunlop) / slicks: 215/45 R17, wets: 205/620 R17, 17-inch racing rims (Borbet)
Body	John Cooper Works Aerodynamics Package, adjustable rear wing, rear diffuser acc. to regulations, pneumatic jack
Safety	MINI Challenge braking system with Race ABS, race-tuned DSC, welded-in roll cage, six-point safety belt, racing seat (Recaro) with HANS system, main switch concept with electronically controlled fire extinguishing equipment
Interior	Racing steering wheel (Sparco), Drive Data Display with shift display
Weight	965 kg
Wheelbase	2,467 mm
Tank capacity	100 litres

Source: MINI

June 23, 2011

Superchips MINI Cooper S R56

Superchips has revealed a tuning program for the performance R56 MINI Cooper S Turbo. The ECU re-map for “Phase 2” versions of the hot hatchback boosts the 184PS 1.6 litre turbocharged engine, produced from 1st March 2010 onwards.

The ECU re-map adds 25PS at 5444RPM and 32Nm at 3765Nm. The total power of the vehicle is 209PS and around 290Nm of torque.

Of course, the fuel economy remains the same – 48 mpg on combined cycle.

Customers can be assured the Superchips conversion is covered by a full Customer Service Guarantee and an industry-leading 12 month / 30,000 supplementary full vehicle warranty.

The ECU re-map is suitable for all “Phase 2” 184PS R56 MINI Cooper S models produced from March 2010 onwards. The performance package is now available directly from Superchips and its UK dealer network. The price tag is at £455.00, including VAT. Really, a great price for such modification.

So, if you have Phase 2 R56 MINI – don’t compromise, optimise.

Superchips MINI Cooper S R56

Source: Superchips

May 19, 2011

MINI INSPIRED BY GOODWOOD

At the display of Auto Shanghai 2011, MINI is about to celebrate the world premiere of a specially styled, ultra-premium packed MINI Cooper dubbed MINI INSPIRED BY GOODWOOD. (more…)

April 14, 2011

2011 MINI WRC

MINI WRC Team will compete in six rounds of the FIA World Rally Championship. The team will use the MINI John Cooper Works WRC race car, which will be tested at the Rally d’Italia Sardegna from 5th to 8th May 2011 for the first time. The aim of the team is to gain a lot of experience to be perfectly prepared to take on the entire 2012 WRC.

“On the one hand, MINI can look back on a unique success story,” commented Ian Robertson, Member of the Board of Management of the BMW AG for Sales and Marketing.

“On the other hand, MINI is the epitome of excitement for millions of fans around the world and thrills them with its energy. This is precisely what we are able to authentically represent through our motorsport involvement in the World Rally Championship. Thrilling rally events, ultimate performances by man and machine, and as much success as possible, of course: motorsport is pure emotion – just as MINI is for its fans.”, Mr. Robertson added.

2011 MINI John Cooper Works WRC has a 1.6 litre turbocharged petrol engine, which is used in the road cars, but the power unit was specially prepared by BMW Motorsport to meet FIA Super 2000 regulations, including the World Touring Car Championship.

We wish luck to Meeke and Sordo during the 2011 WRC season!
2011 MINI WRC

Source: MINI

April 13, 2011

MINI John Cooper Works S2000

MINI has exhibited the new John Cooper Works S2000 WRC, which actually will be driven by Dani Sordo (ES) and Kris Meeke (GB) in its rally debut at the Rally Italy from 5 – 8 May 2011.

The car will also enter the competition in various other events which will take place in Finland, Germany, France, Spain and Great Britain. (more…)

March 1, 2011

MINI Clubman Hampton

MINI Clubman Hampton special-edition model is the brand’s latest exclusively styled compact ride, which represents the perfect embodiment of MINI’s all-new MINI Yours individualization program. (more…)

February 7, 2011

CoverEFX MINI Cooper Works

CoverEFX, the well known Germany-based tuner has released an astonishing and at the same time extremely different conversion of Mini Cooper Works. Showcasing upgrades in both tuning aspects – performance and styling, the CoverEFX MINI stands out as a true masterpiece, with own individuality and impact. (more…)

February 7, 2011

Tag: Mini Cooper