MINI One – Automobiles Review

Vilner Creates the Most Eccentric MINI One Cabrio in the Universe

Vilner MINI One Cabrio Side View This is one of the craziest, most adorable and coolest interiors I have ever seen! And I have seen many. Under the exquisite work done here stands the name of Vilner, which has recently opened a studio in China. By the way, this is the first official project of the Beijing Studio they have decided to show to the general public.

As Vilner says, this is literally “the most eccentric MINI One Cabrio in the Universe”. The project was commissioned by the young actress Tyan Lynn, who wanted to express her sensuality and her motto in life: “Success can be limitless, just like the Universe”. As a result the interior is so colorful, that it barely needs any description… Nevertheless we should tell you the details, because this car is so inspiring that the word should be definitely spread.

As a matter of fact, the interior also received elements of pure gold, like the hand crafted icons on the buttons under the speedometer, some of the controls and the console in front of the gearshift lever. The latter has also received gold plating just like the roll-bars behind the heads of the rear occupants.

Basically the actress wanted the interior of her R57 in the colors of the Universe. This is a very tough task that shouldn’t be underestimated. That’s why Vilnerapplied 25 layers of paint and varnish that cover all plastic parts on the dashboard and steering wheel, including the bezels of the vents.

Vilner MINI One Cabrio Interior

For the upholstery the tuning studio has utilized pure leather and Alcantara in eccentric color which emphasizes the Universe. The purple is a representation of the “sweetness of life”, while blue stands for the vastness of the human soul. White has been used for the stitching and the seat belts.

On the outside the car has received minor changes: white alloys and asymmetrical coloring for the new wheel arches. The front ones come in blue paint, while those at the rear are in white. This is probably the most extrovert MINI ever made, isn’t it?

And don’t miss our Top 5 Star Wars Themed Cars!

Vilner MINI One Cabrio From Above

Source: Vilner

December 21, 2015

The MINI Sport Pack adds style & boosts residual value

There is unquestioned presence of sportiness in the MINI’s DNA but now customers can get their compact cars with additional sporty flair. Thanks to the new Sport Pack, MINI 3-Door or 5-Door Hatch can reinforce their athletic appearance.

It is not a secret that MINI hatches are among the most wanted cars, with the 3-Door Hatch being a class-leading RVs. Available on all models, the MINI Sport Pack provides the automobiles with even more class-leading characteristics, refreshed styling and refined performance equipment. Some of the desirable features are: new bonnet stripes, sport suspension, 17-inch Track Spoke alloy wheels in silver or black, John Cooper Works steering wheel (with cruise and multifunction control) and John Cooper Works spoiler.

The full list of equipment included in the Sport Pack (in addition to existing Chili Pack content):

Cloth/leather Diamond upholstery
Multi-function controls for steering wheel
Bonnet stripes
Sport suspension (not for MINI One & One D)
17″ Track Spoke alloy wheels in silver or black
John Cooper Works steering wheel
John Cooper Works roof spoiler
John Cooper Works aerodynamic kit
Floor mats
Passenger seat height adjustment
Storage compartment pack
Anthracite headlining
Piano Black interior trim
MINI Excitement Pack
MINI Driving Modes
Rain sensor and automatic headlight activation
Air conditioning, dual-zone automatic
Interior lights pack
MINI John Cooper Works door sill finishers

Pricing of the MINI Sport Pack varies depending on which model it is being added to. The pack for One and One D is £4,500, for Cooper and Cooper D it costs £4,300, for MINI Cooper S and Cooper SD is £3,300.

Source: MINI

February 5, 2015

MINI Baker Street and Bayswater

Two new interesting models from MINI – Baker Street and Bayswater will hit the market in spring 2012. Both cars feature expressive design highlights and nice equipment.

The MINI Baker Street embodies the youthful, fresh and innovative trend-setting style of the brand, while the MINI Bayswater focuses primarily on the sporting verve and agile handling for which MINI is renowned.

The MINI Baker Street is available in MINI One, MINI Cooper, MINI One D and MINI Cooper D guise, while the MINI Bayswater is available as a MINI Cooper, MINI Cooper S, MINI Cooper D and MINI Cooper SD.

The Bayswater model features Kite Blue metallic exterior paintwork, 17” light-alloy Sandblast wheels with high-gloss black surfaces and bright machined rim and spoke edges. There are also black contrasting roof and the likewise newly created Sport Stripes for the bonnet.

“Bayswater” lettering adorns the side indicator surrounds, door sills and seat tags. The Punch Leather seats come in the exclusive colour variant Rocklite Anthracite and include side bolsters sporting a metallic sheen and blue and grey contrast stitching. Two-tone contrast stitching also adorns the gearshift/selector lever and handbrake gaiters.

Other innovative design features in the interior include Piano Black cockpit trim strips, which continue the path set by the Sport Stripes over the bonnet, and the leather Colour Line elements in Rocklite Anthracite, whose classy character is emphasised by black stitching. The same leather variant is also used for the armrests, while the model-specific floor mats have anthracite-coloured edging and blue contrast stitching.

The MINI Bayswater also comes with stainless steel pedals and the Chrome Line Interior package, and includes the Pepper Pack in its range of equipment. Plus, the new special edition can likewise be specified with a wide variety of items from the optional equipment list if further individual touches are desired.

You can order Bayswater with Cooper – 122PS, Cooper S – 184PS, Cooper D – 112PS and Cooper SD – 143PS. The special-edition model is also delivered with a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard, while a 6-speed automatic features in the options range.

The Baker Street boasts Rooftop Grey metallic exterior paint combined with special bonnet stripes. It rides on 16” 6-Star twin-spoke alloys finished in high-gloss black matching the black mirror caps.

In the interior a fresh interpretation of the cloth/leather seats available for the standard MINI teams up with exclusive interior surfaces to create an unmistakable ambience. In traditional British style, the surfaces of the new seat variant in Cross Check Rooftop Grey light feature a diamond pattern. Light grey contrast stitching for the floor mats, gearshift/selector lever as well as the handbrake gaiters and seat tags which, like the door sills, bear “Baker Street” lettering, round off the array of bespoke interior features. The Chrome Line Interior package adds further lustre.

The Baker Street also includes the Pepper Pack, which brings with it air conditioning, an on-board computer, a leather steering wheel, the Chrome Line Exterior package, front foglamps, a lighting package and height adjustment for the front passenger seat.

It is offered with four engine variants – One with 98PS, Cooper with 122PS, One D with 90PS and Cooper D with 112PS. All the engines are mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard or an optional 6-speed automatic.

Source: MINI

January 19, 2012

2011 JM Cardesign Mini One R50

This Mini One R50 undeniably could win innumerable cups thank to its unique design. The latter is made by the talented creatives from JM Cardesign. The company from Bergheim is responsible for turning the mini from a serial car to a motorsport look show car. Moreover it has huge range of modifications and detail improvements!

First of all in the fascia of the MINI JM Cardesign integrated with the characteristic air inlet motor hood (which is usual for its big compressor brother Cooper S and its side indicator lights, including the red “S”). Furthermore a very special upgrade was made on the doors: with the LSD hinges installed by JM Cardesign, they now open upwards. In addition the company included as wee racing style side sills which are located below. Above the tail windscreen, there is a carbon tail wing of the series spear tip “John Cooper Works”. And as you can see, the car looks very similarly to a racing car form the mini cup. This effect is due to the many decals which were applied to the body.

Unfortunately, if you expect that with this car you can participate in racing competitions, well – you will be disappointed. This car is a show vehicle rather than a racing one. This means that the 1.6 litre four-cylinder motor was not changed, and still has an output of 90 HP (66 kW). However with its special exhaust system from the cat, the small motor will pretend successfully that it had at least twice its actual output.

Another detail which probably reminds you for the racetrack is the white-painted CR Kai light metal wheel rims from Work Wheels. The Bergheim tuner combined the 7.5×18-inch racing look one-part wheel rims with Dunlop rubbers in 215/35ZR18. And if you wonder whether there’s something improved behind the wheels, this time you will be content to hear that there are perforated Brembo braking discs that look decorative while also enhancing the deceleration performance. And the perfect road adhesion of the mini, was achieved by installing an H&R threaded chassis. Between the two front strut towers, a red Wiechers bar was installed to improve stiffness.

The interior of the One is also made in racing style. For instance there are two Recaro pole position shell seats, which are placed in the white Wiechers roll cage, securing passengers with 3.5 inch wide Schroth-4-point belts. To match the car body great parts of the dashboard cover were painted in the car’s colour and decorated with decals. In the current modification of the MINI the back seat was removed, and an original mini cup racing tank is placed behind the back of the roll cage. In addition, the mini was given a basic multimedia system in the form of a Clarion-Head unit with Flip-Monitor and connected reversing camera.

Source: JM CarDesign

December 22, 2011

2011 MINI Countryman combines versatility, comfort and exclusiveness

2011 MINI Countryman takes the driving pleasure into a new dimension. This is the first MINI with four doors and big tailgate while the a versatile interior offers space for up to five people. The body length is more than 4 metres so there is plenty of inside space. Furthermore, the seating position is raised and the ride comfort is optimised.

There are three petrol and two diesel engines in the range. The puniest petrol variant is in MINI One Countryman developing 98hp. The next is MINI Cooper Countryman with 122 hp and the top-of-range 184 hp MINI Cooper S Countryman, whose 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine is the most efficient unit in its displacement class. (more…)

July 13, 2010

Coutryman is added to the MINI range

This is the fourth variant in the model family of MINI. The Countryman crossover filled the gap between the classic MINI concept and contemporary SAV. The vehicle features four door and wide-opening tailgate, so it offers more space. The most important innovation is the optional MINI ALL4 AWD system. The MINI Countryman offers exceptional design, quality, handling, efficiency and awesome performance. Furthermore, the vehicle can be individualized to your specific taste. (more…)

May 20, 2010

2010 MINI – new engines and more custom features

For model year 2010, MINI is expanding its range of petrol engines by offering more power and torque while reducing both emissions and fuel consumption. (more…)

January 15, 2010

MINI One D – A mixture between power and economy

The MINI model family is set to welcome another new arrival. A new entry-level diesel model will be launched in September 2009 and promises to deliver exceptionally economical driving fun. (more…)

July 2, 2009

MINI One Clubman

New basic models of the MINI and MINI Clubman, new equipment package with attractive price benefit – world premiere at the International Automobile Salon in Geneva, market launch in March 2009.

Munich. The MINI Clubman provides additional ways of enjoying driving pleasure so typical of the brand. Now the capabilities of this model can be experienced in a particularly economical way. The MINI One Clubman is to be launched as the new basic model. It is powered by a 70 kW/95 bhp 4-cylinder petrol engine which already impressively demonstrated its efficiency in the MINI One. Parallel to this, a new entry-level version is also being presented for this model: the MINI One with 55 kW. With these two new models, presented for the first time at the International Automobile Salon 2009 in Geneva, entry into the MINI world is now even more attractive. Both models combine the fascination of MINI’s characteristically agile handling and the unmistakable style of the brand with maximum economy. With fuel consumption and CO2 emission levels as per EU test cycle of 5.4 litres per 100 kilometres and 130 grams per kilometre for the MINI One Clubman and 5.3 litres and 128 grams for the MINI One with 55 kW, the two models highlight the brand’s aspiration to combine product substance, safety and driving fun at premium level with ecological and economical qualities which are in line with contemporary needs.

The market launch of the two new models will take place in March 2009. The MINI One with 55 kW will then be offered in Germany at the price of 15,200 euros. The price for the MINI One Clubman is 18,200 euros.

With the market launch of the MINI One Clubman and the MINI One with 55 kW in March 2009, a new equipment package will also be presented. The Earl Grey Package includes a metallic paint finish in Dark Silver, sporty decor stripes at the body sides, specially designed wheel trim panels and white direction indicators. It is offered at a particularly attractive price not just for the MINI One with 55 kW, but also for the MINI One, the MINI Cooper and the MINI Cooper D as well as for the MINI One Clubman, the MINI Cooper Clubman and the MINI Cooper D Clubman.

MINI One Clubman: perfect entry – in both senses of the word.

The MINI Clubman has become established as a member of the MINI model family within a short period of time. Its unique body concept offers completely new ways of enjoying characteristic MINI driving fun. The MINI Clubman re-interprets the classic shooting brake concept in a modern way, highlighting sporty flair and functionality with its strikingly elongated roof line and unique door arrangement. As compared to the MINI, the MINI Clubman has a wheelbase which is 80 cm longer. At the rear of the vehicle, passengers enjoy exactly this amount of additional leg space. Entry into this “lounge” is facilitated by an additional door, the Club door at the rear on the right-hand side of the vehicle. The rear seat is offered as a three or two-seater for the MINI One Clubman, too. At the rear of the MINI One Clubman, the dual section split door with wings opening to the right and left enables very easy loading of the generous luggage compartment.

The 4-cylinder engines available for the MINI Clubman are in line with the current status of engine development. In the vehicle segment of the MINI and the MINI Clubman, they set worldwide standards for impressive power delivery and efficiency. This also applies to the 1.4 litre 4-cylinder in-line engine now used in the MINI One Clubman. It was derived from the 1.6 litre engine of the MINI Cooper Clubman and like the latter has a fully variable valve control system which was developed on the basis of the unique VALVETRONIC technology of the BMW Group. What is more, in order to increase efficiency the aluminium engine has been fitted with a volume-flow-controlled oil pump and a coolant pump which can be deactivated and is only powered when the engine of the new MINI One Clubman has reached optimum operating temperature. As in the MINI One, the 4-cylinder of the MINI ONE Clubman reaches its maximum output of 70 kW/95 BHP at an engine speed of 6 000 rpm. Its maximum torque is 140 Newton metre as is available at 4 000 rpm.

As standard the, the new MINI One Clubman is fitted with numerous measures to increase efficiency which have a positive effect on fuel consumption and exhaust emission levels as well as on driving performance. This includes brake energy regeneration, where the generation of electrical power for the vehicle power supply is focused on periods during which the vehicle is braking and coasting, the Auto Start/Stop Function which switches off the engine when the vehicle comes to a halt at traffic lights and at crossroads, and shift point display. For acceleration from zero to 100 km/h the MINI ONE Clubman requires 11.6 seconds. Its forward thrust ends at a top speed of 183 km/h. The average fuel consumption based on the EU test cycle is 5.4 litres per 100 kilometres, with CO2 output at 130 grams per kilometre.

6-speed automatic transmission as an option for the MINI One Clubman.

The new MINI One Clubman is fitted as standard with a precise and smooth 6-speed manual transmission. For the market launch, a 6-speed automatic transmission is also available as an option. The automatic transmission is characterised by a particularly direct link to the engine, providing sporty and sharp gear shifts. In manual mode it gives the driver the opportunity to influence gear selection by use of the selector lever.

The MINI One Clubman gains its visual distinctiveness from the individual design of its front section. Like the MINI One it has a specific version of the characteristic hexagonal radiator grille. The frame of the grille is in chrome, and the MINI One Clubman is also distinguished from other models by its black cross ribs. Its air intake is the same as that of the MINI Cooper Clubman. It is three-dimensional in style and shows a slight upward incline. As standard, the exterior mirror caps of the MINI One Clubman are in black.

With the market launch of the new model version, new colour variations of the MINI Clubman are also offered for all engine types. In future it will be possible to combine a rear door surround either in black or silver with the relevant body colour. This means that a more homogeneous colouring is now available as an alternative to the attractive contrast effect which was previously obligatory. In terms of interior design and special equipment features, extensive and high-quality individualisation options are available for the MINI One Clubman which enable every MINI to be turned into a personally configured, unique specimen.

MINI One with 55 kW: maximum efficiency in a new performance category.

The new MINI One with 55 kW likewise lines up for its market launch offering genuine driving fun in the unmistakable style of the brand. In addition to its visual appearance it also shares the chassis technology and all other equipment features of its 70 kW/95 bhp sibling in the same model series. Only the 6-speed automatic transmission, optionally available for the MINI One and the MINI One Clubman, is not available for the MINI One with 55 kW. The new entry level model thus not only provides even greater variety in the MINI World, it also places a new emphasis on efficiency in yet another performance category of the small car segment. Among the comparable petrol engine models of its class, the MINI One 55 kW has the lowest fuel consumption and the lowest level of exhaust emissions, combining this leading position with the unique qualities of a premium automobile.

The MINI One with 55 kW is powered by 4-cylinder petrol engine whose technical components are identical to those of the engines in the MINI One and MINI One Clubman. High revving qualities, low weight and an outstandingly high level of efficiency are typical of this 1.4 litre aluminium engine. Its technical features also include fully variable valve control, a volume-flow-controlled oil pump and a coolant pump which operates according to needs. In this new specification, the engine achieves its maximum output of 55 kW/75 bhp at an engine speed of just 4 000 rpm. The maximum torque of 120 Newton metres is available at 2 500 rpm.

In order to optimise its efficiency level, the MINI One with 55 kW is also fitted as standard with brake energy regeneration, Auto Start/Stop Function and shift point display. A 6-speed manual transmission is provided to transfer engine power to the front wheels in characteristic MINI style. The MINI One with 55 kW accelerates in 13.2 seconds from zero to 100 km/h, its maximum speed is 175 km/h. With these performance figures together with an average fuel consumption on the EU test cycle of 5.3 litres per 100 kilometres and a CO2 output level of 128 grams per kilometre, it is not only the sportiest but also the most economical representative of its performance category.

Attractive combination: the equipment package Earl Grey.

The standard fittings of the new entry-level model are the same as those of the MINI One. The wide range of special equipment features and accessory options enables individualisation of the MINI One with 55 kW, too. Parallel to the market launch of the MINI One with 55 kW, the new equipment package Earl Grey is also available. In this package, attractive individual options are combined at particularly low prices. In addition to a metallic paint finish in Dark Silver, the Earl Grey Package includes specially designed wheel trim panels and white direction indicators. A striking addition is provided by the black-and-white decor stripes at the body sections which were exclusively designed for the Earl Grey Package. They emerge from the side direction indicators and stretch dynamically to the rear light clusters, with the two black stripes tapering off into the area of the rear side panel.

The Earl Grey Package is a particularly attractive way of individualising the MINI and the MINI Clubman. It is not only available for the MINI One with 55 kW, but also for the MINI One, the MINI Cooper and the MINI Cooper D as well as for the MINI One Clubman, the MINI Cooper Clubman and the MINI Cooper D Clubman.

January 15, 2009

Mini Cooper D

The new MINI hatch line-up will soon be complete, when the new MINI One and MINI Cooper D models are unveiled to the public at the International Geneva Motor Show on 8 March 2007. The entry-level One features a perky 95hp 1.4-litre petrol engine, while the Cooper D boasts performance and fuel efficiency from an all-new 1.6-litre 110hp turbodiesel powerplant.

(more…)

January 16, 2007

Tag: MINI One