MINI – Page 13 – Automobiles Review

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

Romeo Ferraris MINI Countryman Anniversario

Romeo Ferraris has created a unique MINI Countryman S in honor of the 150^th anniversary of Italy’s unification. The tuned MINI comes with both performance and styling improvements.

MINI Countryman S is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, which received a high-flow air filter, a new intercooler, a re-mapped ECU and a sport exhaust system. The result is +43 PS (32 kW) and +88Nm (65 lb-ft) of torque. The total power is 230PS and 328Nm.

The exterior boasts a new matte blue finish with black accents, chromed racing stripes and 19” OZ Racing wheels with Yokohama Advan Sport tires – 225/40 R19.

All the products that make the Mini Countryman lallestimento 150 Anniversary sold separately and are suitable for all Cooper S.

Romeo Ferraris MINI Countryman Anniversario

MINI COOPER S 150th ANNIVERSARY COUNTRYMAN:

DESIGNDull blue paint
Chrome roof coating
Graphite paint mask
Graphite coating side badges
Paint headlights graphite frames
Decorative chrome strips
Chrome mirror caps
Headlights with black background

ENGINEAir Filter
Unit
Intercooler plus
Complete exhaust system consists of: downpipe with catalytic cells 200
Dual output terminal replication Mini Countryman WRC

INTERIORBlue stitching
Blue piping
RF is embroidered on the headrests Sagittarius
Embroidered Tricolore

ALIGNMENT AND BRAKESComplete set-up height adjustable
Brembo braking system consists of: floating discs perforated (or slotted) made to measure (328×28 mm),calipers with 4 pistons
OZ Racing Superleggera III Forged wheels disassembled into three pieces, 9×19 ”
Car paint to match the external canal
Yokohama Advan Sport tires 225/40/R19

Source: Romeo Ferraris

July 14, 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

Wetterauer MINI Countryman

Wetterauer has announced a special styling package for the Countryman. The car is based on Mini Cooper S All4 Countryman and also features a performance package.

The turbocharged petrol engine is boosted up to the impressive 235PS and 355Nm of torque, instead of the factory’s 184PS and 240Nm. The upgrades include carbon air box, sports exhaust system with 200 cells sports catalyst and of curse an ECU re-map.

The tuned Contryman stands on ATS light alloy rims – 8.5J x 18” fitted with Bridgestone Potenza tires in 225/45R18. The suspension is upgraded with a set of H&R suspension springs.

The exterior includes polished chocolate brown paint and matt colored ceramics end pipes of the exhaust system.

The interior boasts weight-reduced Cobra full-carbon fine English leather upholstered shell-type front and rear seats. There are also an iPad multimedia dock and some trim accents.

Source: Wetterauer

June 20, 2011

AC Schnitzer Eagle

Ac Schnitzer has introduced the Eagle based on John Cooper Works MINI. The hot hatchback features EfficientDynamics AC Schnitzer performance upgrade, which includes AC Schnitzer Motronic program, AC Schnitzer turbo, AC Schnitzer intercooler, AC Schnitzer sports clutch, AC Schnitzer limited slip differential, AC Schnitzer lightweight ion battery and some other upgrades.

The result is more than satisfying – 260PS (191 kW) at 5000RPM and 340Nm at 2900RPM. Accelaration – 0 to 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds and top speed of 250 km/h. The curb weight is just 1049 kg, so the EAGLE will be superbly fast at the race track.

ACS Eagle also features stainless steel exhaust system with racing catalyst, “Short Shift” Racing shorter gear selection, racing suspension – height-adjustable and special antiroll bars. Of course, all parts come from AC Schnitzer, so they are tested and approved.

The exterior package consists of carbon bonnet, carbon boot, carbon rear diffuser, carbon sports wings,carbon doors, macrolon panels, carbon roof spoiler and special paintwork “Racing Grey”.

The interior boasts AC Schnitzer sports steering wheel, roll cage, carbon racing bucket seats with EAGLE Logo, “Short Shift” gear knob, aluminium foot rests and pedals, “Black Line” handbrake handle, foot mats, velours with EAGLE Logo.

MINI Eagle stands on AC Schnitzer Mi2 BiColor wheels 7.5J x 18″ fitted with tyres 225/35 ZR 18.

The price for this pleasure is devil to pay – 62 000 Euro.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuVGo8OOQiE

Source: AC Schnitzer

June 16, 2011

2012 MINI Coupe

MINI is going to offer a new product – Coupe. The car was eagerly awaited, because of the nice forms and sporty spirit, which it carries. Furthermore, it will provide a shot in the arm for the super-compact sports car class. MINI Coupe will offer a number of engines, chassis set-ups, nice weight distribution and aerodynamic properties for perfect performance.

MINI Coupe will feature the latest generation of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. The outputs start from 122PS (90 kW) of the MINI Cooper Coupe to the Cooper S Coupe with 184PS (135 kW) and the top-of-range John Cooper Works Cupe with the hefty 211PS (155 kW).

The aerodynamics include integral roof spoiler and an active rear spoiler. The whole shape of MINI Coupe is very innovative and last, but not least – good looking.

MINI Coupe

2012 MINI Coupe:

Exterior dimensions:
Length: 3,728 millimetres (MINI Cooper S Coupé,
MINI John Cooper Works Coupé: 3,734 millimetres)
Width: 1,683 millimetres
Height: 1,378 millimetres (MINI Cooper S Coupé,
MINI John Cooper Works Coupé: 1,384 millimetres)
Wheelbase: 2,467 millimetres

MINI John Cooper Works Coupé:
Four-cylinder petrol engine with twin-scroll turbocharger and direct injection, plus 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 1,700 – 4,500 rpm).
Acceleration: 0–62 mph: 6.4 seconds,
Top speed: 149 mph.
Average fuel consumption according to EU standard: 39.8 mpg (7.1 litres per 100 kilometres),
CO₂ emissions: 165 g/km.

MINI Cooper S Coupé:
Four-cylinder petrol engine with twin-scroll turbocharger, direct injection and fully variable valve management based on the BMW Group’s VALVETRONIC 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 1,700 – 4,500 rpm).
Acceleration: 0–62 mph: 6.9 seconds,
Top speed: 143 mph.
Average fuel consumption according to EU standard: 48.7 mpg (5.8 litres per 100 kilometres),
CO₂ emissions: 136 g/km.

MINI Cooper Coupé:
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: 0–62 mph: 9.0 seconds,
Top speed: 127 mph
Average fuel consumption according to EU standard: 52.3 mpg (5.4 litres per 100 kilometres),
CO₂ emissions: 127 g/km.

MINI Cooper SD Coupé:
Four-cylinder turbodiesel with aluminium crankcase, common-rail injection and variable turbine geometry.
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: 0–62 mph: 7.9 seconds,
Top speed: 134 mph
Average fuel consumption according to EU standard: 65.7 mpg (4.3 litres per 100 kilometres)
CO₂ emissions: 114 g/km.

Source: MINI

June 6, 2011

DSQUARED Life Ball MINI 2011

DSQUARED is a Canadian design studio created by Dean and Dan Caten. The twin brothers have announced a restyled version of MINI Cooper S.

It features front guard, rally headlamps, tinted side windows with grilles and the spare tyre on the tailgate. There are also a set of deep-tread all-terrain tyres, a compass and floormats made of structured aluminium. All these elements antly evoke a sense of adventure.

Every year, MINI supports Europe’s biggest AIDS charity event. And every year a one-off MINI is created for the Life Ball, the proceeds of which support projects combating HIV/AIDS. Since 2001 more than half a million euros has been generated by these specially styled Life Ball MINI models on behalf of Aids Life.

“MINI has been a partner of the Life Ball for 11 years and each year it demonstrates anew its creativity, enthusiasm and passion for this good cause. This year’s Life Ball MINI designed by DSQUARED² provides further persuasive evidence of this.”, commented Gery Keszler, the founder and organiser of the Life Ball.

DSQUARED Life Ball MINI 2011

Source: MINI

May 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

Tag: MINI