MINI – Page 11 – Automobiles Review

MINI goes camping with MINI Cowley Caravan and MINI Swindon Roof Top Tent

MINI brand is announcing the arrival of very special modifications of the emblematic vehicle, which are perfectly suitable for camping: a sumptuously appointed caravan with two sleeping bays and a roof top tent (also designed for two) in the classic John Cooper Works color scheme.

After the debut of the MINI Clubvan Concept at Geneva Motor Show, now it is time to be offered a very MINI holiday experience as well.

First, the MINI Cowley caravan offers everything that one needs to pitch camp in comfort: two welcoming sleeping berths, a twin gas-stove, a water tank with pump and dish module to charge the on connection to supply the refrigerator, TV/DVD and hi-fi stereo system.

The silhouette of the MINI Cowley model brings to mind the sweeping circular curves of the door trim inside a MINI. Plus, both side doors have sliding windows, and this reminds of how things were back in 1969.

The trailer is only twelve centimetres than MINI Clubman mirror to mirror and weighs just less than 300 kilograms (661 lb). Indeed, with its outstanding agility and fleetness of foot, there’s no danger of the hallmark MINI driving fun being left behind over long journeys.

And if there isn’t any chance for trailer coupling, such as the models of John Cooper Works, then the MINI Swindon roof might be a preferable solution. The tent can be fitted comfortably and with no effort to the roof of a MINI, MINI Clubman or MINI Countryman. The tent also offers a sleeping space for two persons and basically relieves one from the stress to constantly look for accommodation.

MINI Cowley Caravan and MINI Swindon Roof Top Tent

In addition, the roof-top tent works a treat. What is very comfortable here is that the sleeping position is elevated and will keep any passing-by animals away from the tent.

The design of the roof-top tent box allows it to blend in seamlessly with the MINI when closed. Its lower shell is painted Midnight Black, the upper opening section in Chili Red, which is a combination previously reserved for John Cooper Works models.

Source: MINI

April 2, 2012

2013 MINI Countryman John Cooper Works

MINI has introduced the new 2013 Countryman John Cooper Works, which will make its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. This is the most powerful member of the new generation.

The Countryman JCW has a 1.6 liter four-cylinder turbocharged petrol with 218PS (160 kW) at 6000RPM and 280Nm (207 lb-ft) of torque at 2000RPM, and 300Nm in overboost mode. The engine sends all that power to 6-speed manual gearbox an ALL4 AWD system to the road. There is an option for 6-speed automatic transmission. The Countryman is heavy, but fast – 0-100 km/h in 7.0 seconds flat and a top speed of 255 km/h (140 mph). Furthermore, it needs 7.2 l / 100km on combined cycle (39.2 mpg UK) with 167 g/km CO2. The automatic version is more thirsty – 8.0 l/ 100km with 187 g/km CO2.

The exterior comes with complete aerodynamics package including front and rear bumpers and a pair of side skirts. Of course, there are also some JCW badges. The ride is lowered by installing a sports suspension and sits 18” alloy wheels fitted with low-profile tires (19” light-alloy wheels are available as an option). There is also a high performance brake system and a sports exhaust system bringing deeper and sporty sound.

The interior boasts sports leather seats, a sports multifunction steering wheel and piano black or Chili Red trim. The instrument cluster is revised and there are John Cooper Works door sills.

The price list is not announced, yet.

Source: MINI

February 29, 2012

Yet Another MINI – The Clubvan Concept

At MINI, a plan for an ultimate automotive integration is under development. We already have the MINI Roadster, Convertible, MINI E, Coupe, Countryman, Clubman and now a new concept: The MINI Clubvan – Moving out with style. Set to debut on the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, this fun yet professional MINI is targeted at an audience which, up until now, never had any use of the brand.

Simply put, the Clubvan is a Clubman with some more loading space and fewer seats. The cargo area starts at the hind split doors and goes all the way to the sole pair of seats at the front but not before being properly separated with a partition grille. As a whole it is well adopted for a variety of goods because of the completely flat floor and the elasticized straps of the six attachment loops recessed into the load compartment floor. That with the solid aluminum base partition and the mesh above make sure things on board do not move about and cause mayham.

From the outside, one notices that the Clubvan still has the mad 5-door set up – one for the driver, two scissor doors for the passenger (despite being rather redundant here) and two rear hinged doors at the back. The Clubvan Concept leaves an impression the way only a MINI can – it lets people know that it is what it is. However, people do not need to know what hides at the back, hence the rear side windows which are mere body panels, Polycarbonate sections coordinated with the body color. At the same time, the backdoor windows are heavily tinted to keep prying eyes away from the precious cargo. That way, more opportunities for customization open as seen in this instance where on the side panels there is the logo of a local company which does signwriting and can write pretty much anything on the car. That makes the Clubvan ideal for small and medium-sized businesses. Imagine a fleet of zippy, frugal and stylish Clubvans going around doing catering or mail deliveries. Electricians and photographers can also use it as a type of personal transport with enough space for personal equipment. This is the new target audience, MINI has been talking about. It is a vision of streets swarming with MINI cars.

Source: MINI

February 20, 2012

History on Wheels: MINI (Part 2)

When the first ever MINI went out on the market on 26^th of August, no one expected its future success. There is even no clue how many different variations were to follow the original MINI. For five years since its production, MINI made a great success Till 1964 the car underwent through different modifications and had been transformed in many versions (for example an estate version, a pick-up on or a van version). In 1961 Issigonis’ friend John Cooper, who was the owner of the Cooper Car Company saw a big and special potential for the MINI. Since he was an expert in designing and building Formula One and rally cars, he was drawn immediately to MINI’s racing potential. And this is how the famous MINI Cooper appeared. The first ever Austin Mini Cooper and Morris Mini Cooper made their world first appearances in 1961. The standard 848cc engine which delivered 34bhp (25 kW) was now replaced by 997cc engine putting out there the 55bhp (41 kW). In addition, the car featured a racing-tuned engine, twin SU carburetors, a closer-ratio gearbox. More importantly, it also included for the first time front disc brakes, uncommon at the time in a small car. Later in 1964, its engine was replaced by a shorter stroke 998, which delivered a top speed close to 100 mph. Then the model MINI Cooper S came about and captured many cars as being an outstanding rally car. In details, the “S” model won the Monte Carlo Rally three times. Later, in 1964, this version was equipped with new 1275cc version of the A-series engine. All other MINIs were produced with the same 998cc engine. In this year debuted the MINI Moke model, which was very simple and lightweight vehicle, and was originally intended for military applications. Also in 1964 in the production of the MINIs were featured the interconnected Hydrolastic gas/fluid suspension system.

Mark II MINI was born in 1967 when it was introduced for the first time. The transformed new version featured small face lift, new radiator grilles, bigger rear windows, and other cosmetic changes. More importantly, the standard models now got the 998cc engine instead of the 848cc one. And this is when the MINI became famous for its name. The Austin and Morris names were replaced by the name MINI, which now became established as a brand in its own right. Enhancements included wind down windows replacing the original sliding door windows, and new concealed door hinges. The exterior now featured different front end design, and also was introduced for the first time the new 1275 GT model. The first million production vehicle came out of the factory in 1965 and the second million – in 1969.

In 1969 Mark III MINI appeared on the marked. It got modified bodyshell, larger doors with concealed hinges, winding windows, rubber cones suspension. Ten years later and the MINI got enormous attention and already made a world-wide success. However, it got new rivals in the face of for instance Ford Fiesta, Fiat 127, Volkswagen Polo or Peugeot 104. Mark IV MINI debuted in 1976 and had new front rubber mounted subframe with single tower bolts, the rear frame had some larger bushes, the twin stalk indicators were introduced with larger foot pedals, the rear indicator lamps had the reverse lights incorporated in them. Nonetheless, by the beginning of the 80’s the Mini was beginning to fall out of favor in many export markets.1981 was the last year for the brand to be in the ten of Britain’s top selling cars. Mark V MINI was born in 1984 and it now featured a 8.4-inch (210 mm) brake discs and plastic wheel arches, although it retained the same Mark IV body shell shape. The production of Mark V lasted till 1990, when the Mark VI MINI Version appeared. In it, the engine mounting points were moved forward to take 1275 cc power units. Moreover, it featured HIF carb version, plus the single point fuel injection. Its production lasted six years and in the beginning of 1996 the Mark VII MINI was launched. This was the final version of the famous car. It included twin point injection with front mounted radiator, full-width, internal bonnet release, and for the first time – an airbag on driver’s side.

During the 80’s the MINI received many “special editions” which made it a real fashion icon. This aspect of the car got a lot of attention from other companies, especially a particular one – BMW. The latter bought later the remnants of BMC and took control of it. BMW retained the Mini name and the planned new model. And later in 2000 the range of the MINI models consisted now of four versions: MINI Classic Seven, MINI Classic Cooper, MINI Classic Cooper Sport, MINI Knightsbridge. The new BMW MINI has technically nothing to do with the old car. However, it has the same classical transverse 4-cylinder, front-wheel-drive and the iconic appearance of the original model. The new MINI is larger than the original one: 58 cm (23 in) longer, 50 cm (20 in) wider, 7 cm (2.8 in) higher. It has a total weight of 1,144 kg (2,522 lb). In addition, it is now being classified as compact car rather than city car.

By this date there are a lot of new versions, which the BMW produces. One of them is the absolutely new 2012 MINI Roadster which is the first open-top two seater model in MINI history! In addition, the car has a 240-litre boot which offers versatility of loading options. The model variants got the whole 211 hp (157 kW, which requires just 4.5 litres of fuel per 100 km (62.77 mpg imp)! Other new models are 2012 MINI Baker Street and 2012 MINI Bayswater, which have a lot of innovative technologies featured, but also are retaining the excellent stance of the classical MINI. 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. And this is how the iconic vehicle continues writing the history of the automotive world.

February 19, 2012

HISTORY ON WHEELS: MINI (Part 1)

Another iconic car which deserves a thorough examination is the legendary MINI. This vehicle, since day one till now, is absolutely groundbreaking subcompact coupe. It was born in the United Kingdom and achieved astonishing success around the world. The reasons for this are numerous, but it gained popularity mostly because its affordable price, compact exterior dimensions with surprisingly amount of interior space, and at last, but not least – because its unique design bringing the British style to life. With this car every customer experiences the true fun of exciting driving, and moreover he or she could easily park it literally anywhere. But let’s see where it all began.

The Beginning – creation of a masterpiece

The creator of the MINI is Sir Alec Issigonis who undoubtedly was a genius. One beautiful day he had this great idea for cheep, small and fuel-efficient car, which in addition had a safe handling. Issigonis had the ability to visualize the whole process, starting from draft … literally! He first drafted the simple lines of the future MINI on a restaurant table cloth and everything else later fell into place. It is interesting that the car was entirely his work, because he had this unique ability of visualizing the whole process of creation. He had a vision, which later became manifestation of success. Another interesting fact is that his sketches were used for the initial assembly of the first models of the car. Who does this nowadays?

Sir Alec Issigonis and MARK I MINI (1959)

Issigonis with his design fellows continued the work on the vision of making the smallest car on the market. His goal was provocative too, because not only had it to be a real mini car, but also it got to accommodate four adults and some luggage. First he started by figuring out the basic dimensions this car. His design requirements were the car to be contained within a box that measured 10×4×4 ft (3×1.2×1.2 m). Moreover, the passenger accommodation should occupy 6 ft (1.8 m) of the 10 ft (3 m) length. Then on the verge came the question about the engine which is going to fit these sizes. In addition, it had to be an existing one. Before leaving Morris in 1952, Issigonis has created and built the Morris Minor, which was a front-wheel drive with transverse engine. This was the perfect idea to be featured in the new prototype. More importantly, the engine was mounted thank to the idea of putting the gearbox in the sump of the engine. This resulted in terms of saving more space. In addition, the tiny 10 inch wheels. The suspension system, designed by Issigonis’s friend Dr. Alex Moulton at Moulton Developments Limited, used compact rubber cones instead of conventional springs. This also resulted in space-saving. In addition, it included rising progressive-rate springing of the cones, and provided some natural damping. The prototype was built into the subframes. Moreover, the rubber cone system gave a raw and bumpy ride. The seats were with woven-webbing. However, but the rigidity of the rubber cones combined with the wheels being pushed out to the corners of the car, gave the vehicle kart-like handling. Little did they know back then that this handling will become famous. And eventually in October 1957 was born the first prototype, which carried the name “The Orange Box” due to its colour.

And there it was, on 26^th of August 1959 the modern MINI as born. Actually this is the exact date, when BMC (British Motor Corporation) launched the MINI. The production version of the Mini was shown to the press earlier in April. The iconic now name MINI, wasn’t put on the first vehicle produced. The first models carried the name Austin Seven (sometimes written as SE7EN) and the name Morris Mini-Minor. However, they later became famous under the name MARK I MINI. The modles were characterised by its sliding windows, external door hinges and “moustache” grille. In the United Kingdom the Mark I was produced between 1959 and 1967, with production in Australia continuing until 1970. Furthermore it developed a top speed of 72.4 mph (116.5 km/h) and could accelerate from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in 27.1 seconds. The fuel consumption was at that time really impressive and unmatchable in numbers: Mark I MINI had 43.5 miles per imperial gallon (6.49 L/100 km; 36.2 mpg). In addition to all these technological advantages, the price of the car cost only £537.

Austin Seven and Morris Mini Minor (1959)

February 18, 2012

2012 MINI Roadster: the first open-top two-seater model

2012 MINI Roadster will be launched this spring. It is the first open-top two-seater in MINI history and aims to bring more elegance, sportiness and compactness to the customers. Next to the stylish exterior design, the vehicle is also equipped powerful engine and precision suspension.

MINI has made a significant reproduction of its hallmark design language within the proportions of a roadster, bestowing on the open-top two-seater. Moreover the MINI Roadster’s soft-top can be easily opened by hand. In addition, the car has a 240-litre boot which offers versatility of loading options. The padded stainless steel roll-over bars and the windscreen frame are making the MINI look even more elegantly, while at the same functioning in safety terms.

What is more here, are the powerful engines in tandem with precisely tuned suspension systems. The front-wheel drive works in collaboration with the chassis technology thus ensuring excellent driving fun. In addition there is also included a standard-fitted Dynamic Stability Control system and optimal aerodynamics. And can you believe that even with the top down the MINI Roadster reaches 80 km/h (50 mph). This is due to the active rear spoiler.

The new MINI Roadster comes with an enhanced range of standard equipment, which features air conditioning, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, Park Distance Control, height-adjustable seats and an MP3-capable audio system with CD player and AUX IN connection. The paintwork on the front of the exterior has a palette of two non-metallic and six metallic shades to choose from, as well as three Sport Stripes variants for the bonnet, boot lid and rear aprons. The soft-top is of course in black. On the other hand, on the inside, the MINI Roadster delivers again a big range of design options, with seat and upholstery variants ranging from sporty, to compact, to elegant. They include exclusive piped sports seats in the color shade Toffy, as well as black sports seats in Punch Leather with beige perforations, and any of six different trim strip options.

The model variants which are going to be available on the market are in four sporty versions, which feature: the ultra-sporty MINI John Cooper Works Roadster with a handsome 211 hp (157 kW), the elegant MINI Cooper S Roadster, the MINI Cooper Roadster, and MINI Cooper SD Roadster, which requires just 4.5 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres (62.77 mpg imp)!

Source: MINI

February 7, 2012

2012 MINI Highgate Special Edition Convertible Price – £20 665

2012 MINI Highgate is special edition convertible which is the third of the trio from special editions, standing next to MINI Baker Street and MINI Bayswater. It also continues the brand policy of taking the names of fashionable areas of London. The Highgate model is a sophisticated new version of the drop-top Convertible. Furthermore, this special edition MINI offers unique exterior and interior style, and even brings more fun and excitement. The car is finished in a metallic ‘Iced Chocolate’ body color. The fabric roof is in ‘Silvertouched Truffle’. The appearance is improved by truffle bonnet stripes with blue edging. Midnight Black metallic or White Silver metallic paintwork can be specified as an option.

Next, the MINI Highgate sits on 17-inch ‘Double Cross Turned’ light-alloy wheels in a subtle aluminium color. The interior of the MINI is equipped with ‘Dark Truffle’ Lounge Leather seats with blue piping and contrasting stitching. In addition there s also included the famous Chili Pack, which is also filled with extras such as automatic air conditioning, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, multi-function steering wheel, multi-colored interior lights. More importantly it comes as a standard on the Highgate special edition. You can also see sun-touched Brushed Alloy detailing on the dashboard. The Chrome Line Interior and Exterior packages are also included. Of course, customers can add to the appeal of the MINI, according to their taste by further using the extensive options list of comfort, convenience, design and technology features.

The MINI Highgate is available with four engine options: the MINI Cooper (90 kW/122 hp), MINI Cooper S (135 kW/184 hp), MINI Cooper D (82 kW/112 hp) and MINI Cooper SD (105 kW/143 hp). All are linked to a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, with a six-speed automatic available as an option. The price of the 2012 MINI Cooper Highgate Convertible starts at £20 665.

Source: MINI

February 3, 2012

2012 MINI Roadster US Price – $24 350

MINI has announced the US price list for the Roadster model, which starts at just $24 350 for the entry level and rising all the way up to $27 350 for the top-of-range Cooper S Roadster. The prices exclude destination tax.

2012 MINI Roadster is powered by a 1.6 liter four-cylinder petrol with VALVETRONIC delivering 122PS (90kW) at 6000RPM and 160Nm (118 lb-ft) at 4250RPM. From 0 to 100 km/h in 9.2 seconds and a top speed of 199 km/h (124 mph). It is pretty decent performance for cheap roadster with small engine. Furthermore, it returns 49.6 mpg (5.7 liters per 100 km) and 133 g/km of CO2.

The top-of-range Cooper S Roadster has a 1.6 liter turbocharged petrol with 211PS (150 kW) at 6000RPM and 260Nm (192 lb-ft) at just 1850RPM. From 0 to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 237 km/h. With this engine, the open-top MINI becomes a real sports vehicle. The average fuel consumption is 7.3 liters per 100 km (38.7 mpg) and 169 g/km of CO2.

Specifications:

MINI John Cooper Works Roadster:

Four-cylinder petrol engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo technology and numerous technological details carried over directly from motor sport.
Displacement: 1,598 cc, output: 155 kW/211 hp 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 0–100 km/h (62 mph): 6.5 seconds, top speed: 237 km/h (147 mph). Average fuel consumption according to EU: 7.3 litres/100 kilometres (38.7 mpg imp), CO2 emissions: 169 g/km.

MINI Cooper S Roadster:

Four-cylinder petrol engine with
MINI TwinPower Turbo technology. Displacement: 1,598 cc,
output: 135 kW/184 hp 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 1,730 – 4,500 rpm). Acceleration 0–100 km/h (62 mph): 7.0 seconds,
top speed: 227 km/h (141 mph). Average fuel consumption according to EU: 6.0 litres/100 kilometres (47.1 mpg imp), CO2 emissions: 139 g/km.

MINI Cooper Roadster:

Four-cylinder petrol engine with fully variable valve management based on the BMW Group’s VALVETRONIC technology. Displacement: 1,598 cc, output: 90 kW/122 hp at 6,000 rpm, max. torque: 160 Nm/118 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm. Acceleration 0–100 km/h (62 mph): 9.2 seconds, top speed: 199 km/h (124 mph). Average fuel consumption according to EU: 5.7 litres/100 kilometres (49.6 mpg imp),
CO2 emissions: 133 g/km.

MINI Cooper SD Roadster:

Four-cylinder turbodiesel with MINI TwinPower Turbo technology. Displacement: 1,995 cc, output: 105 kW/143 hp at 4,000 rpm, max. torque: 305 Nm/225 lb-ft at 1,750 – 2,700 rpm. Acceleration 0–100 km/h (62 mph): 8.1 seconds,
top speed: 212 km/h (132 mph). Average fuel consumption according to EU: 4.5 litres/100 kilometres (62.8 mpg imp), CO2 emissions: 118 g/km.

Exterior dimensions:

Length: 3,734 millimetres (MINI Cooper Roadster: 3,728 millimetres, MINI John Cooper Works Roadster: 3,758 millimetres)
Width: 1,683 millimetres
Height: 1,390 millimetres (MINI Cooper Roadster: 1,384 millimetres, MINI John Cooper Works Roadster: 1,391 millimetres)
Wheelbase: 2,467 millimetres

Source: MINI

January 28, 2012

Renntech MINI ECU Upgrade

RENNtech Tuning usually deal with ECU tunings and exhaust system fiddling. Now the Mini Cooper has been introduced to them and it wont be an exception.

ECU upgrades will be available for both Mark 1 (2006-2010) and 2 (2010-present). The RENNtech people have an already developed tuning program for BMW so why not MINI? Significant change after the upgrade, can be felt in the “S” and John Cooper Works editions. By modifying the ignition timing and throttle mapping, optimizing air/fuel ratio, overriding the top speed limiter and tinkering with the turbo where possible, RENNtech’s ECU upgrade has managed to extract 45 hp more from the standard engine. On Mark 2 MINI that ECU boost can be initiated by the press of a button (the sport button) so that the driver can have full control on the engine works.

To round things up, RENNtech have thrown in an Akrapovic Evolution Exhaust system and an optional down pipe for the additional 8 hp and 10 lb/ft of torque. Who says toy dogs can’t bite?

Source: RENNtech

January 27, 2012

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

MINI All4 Racing Wins Dakar 2012

Stéphane Peterhansel has just won Dakar 2012 with MINI ALL4 Racing in Lima, Peru. This is his tenth victory in the Dakar. However it was the first triumph for the MINI ALL4 Racing and the X-raid Team. The team confirmed that the goal has been finally achieved: the first win in the Dakar Rally. In the racing, the MINI ALL4 Racing clearly demonstrated its outstanding potential and reliability. Stéphane Peterhansel who now has got 10 Dakar wins under his belt, said that there was a lot of hard work involved in order this achievement to be possible. But the success story continues because as all the five MINIs ALL4 Racing entered by the team made it to the top 10. Nani Roma (ESP) ad Michel Périn (FRA) impressed by celebrating three special-stage wins and finished runner-up, thus giving the Monster Energy X-raid Team a one-two, in the 2012 Dakar. Meanwhile, Russia’s Leonid Novitskiy and his German navigator Andi Schulz won the first special stage. Finishing fourth in the overall rankings represented the well-deserved reward – and the best Dakar result ever secured by a Russian driver in the Dakar’s car ranking. In addition, Novitskyi also was the best-place semi-professional driver in the 2012 edition of the event. The fifth Monster Energy X-raid Team pairing, the Portuguese Ricardo Leal dos Santos und Paulo Fiuza, completed the outstanding team success by taking their red MINI ALL4 Racing to eighth position in the overall rankings. The secret behind this great success lies in the mastery of the engineers and mechanics, which obviously did a fantastic job preparing the cars on every single day.

From 2011 to 2012, the number of MINIs All4 Racing contesting the Dakar increased from one to five. In colors of green, yellow, orange, red and red/blue/white they made the desert more colorful and cheerful place. From the very first special stage and throughout the event, the overall lead was held by one of the MINIs ALL4 Racing. Dakar record winner Peterhansel switched to Team x-raid following the 2009 Dakar. Up to that point in time, Mr. Dakar had celebrated 6 motorbike wins (1991, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1997, 1998) and three on four wheels (2004, 2005, 2007), in the legendary event. Now, with this achievement he added the 10^th triumph. Thanks to the approach of consistency and a matured style of driving, Peterhansel avoided getting involved in any major problems and on day three, he took the lead for the second time to defend it until the rally was over.

2012 Dakar Rally – result:

1. S. Peterhansel (FRA) / J.-P. Cottret (FRA) MINI ALL4 Racing – 38h 54m 46s

2. N. Roma (ESP) / M. Périn (FRA) MINI ALL4 Racing – 39h 36m 42s

3. G. De Villiers (RSA) / D. von Zitzewitz (GER) Toyota – 40h 08m 11s

4. Novitskiy (RUS) / A. Schulz (GER) MINI ALL4 Racing – 41h 06m 40s

5. R. Gordon (USA) / J. Campell (USA) Hummer – 41h 11m 39s

…

8. R.D. Dos Santos (POR) / P. Fiuza (POR) MINI ALL4 Racing – 43h 58m 04s

…

10. K. Holowczyc (POL) / J.-M. Fortin (BEL) MINI ALL4 Racing – 45h 54m 24s

…

12. B. Garafulic (CHI) / G. Picard (FRA) BMW X3 CC – 47h 43m 11s

…

16. A. Mironenko (RUS) / S.Lebedev (RUS) BMW X3 CC – 51h 46m 38s

…

31. S.Schott (GER) / H.Schmidt (GER) BMW X3 CC – 61h 33m 33s

Stéphane Peterhansel the winner of Dakar 2012

Source: MINI

January 17, 2012

2012 AC Schnitzer MINI Cooper Coupé

What would make a MINI Cooper Coupé more sporting? The correct answer is – tuning experts from AC Schnitzer. Yes, they are working with the aim to deliver some impressive tuning highlights for the two-seater vehicle.

First of all there are some performance upgrades included. The modifications for the MINI Cooper SD Coupé and S Coupé are currently in development and planning respectively. More importantly is that there is already guaranteed a balanced handling on the exit from tight corners thank to the AC Schnitzer limited slip differential with locking up to 75%.

Moreover the perfect dynamic driving experience is improved by the acoustic qualities of the AC Schnitzer sports rear silencer of stainless steel with chromed Racing tailpipe trim. In addition the AC Schnitzer sports exhaust system balances the complete exhaust system to the demands of higher power and tuned engines. And to make the driving even more exciting there is also featured the AC Schnitzer high performance brake system. It includes 4-piston fixed caliper brakes (left/right) with slotted discs (left/right), the set of brake pads, caliper holder and steel flexible brake lines. In order to give the MINI Cooper Coupé high performance “movement gear“, the experts from AC Schnitzer have included a height-adjustable racing suspension (or the AC Schnitzer suspension spring kit), an aluminium strut brace and special antiroll bar for the rear axle.

Of course AC Schnitzer hasn’t forgotten how important the outer look is for the MINI. Hence, there is an AC Schnitzer decor set available in various designs, together with the rear “Technology & Design“sticker. Not forgetting the interior too, the MINI Cooper Coupé by AC Schnitzer can be enhanced by the AC Schnitzer gear knob with digital gear display, aluminium pedal set, foot rests, “Black Line” handbrake handle and velours foot mats. Furthermore a sporting stance on the road is provided by the AC Schnitzer Mi2 BiColor wheels in 18 inch or the Mi 1 silver wheels in 17 inch with corresponding tyres. At last this sporting car features the impressive chromed AC Schnitzer exhaust trim, which makes the final touch to the overall look of the MINI.

Source: AC Schnitzer

January 4, 2012

Tag: MINI