MINI – Page 4 – Automobiles Review

The New Mini One D Clubman: What to Expect?

2016 MINI One D Clubman After the success of the MINI Clubman, launched in October 2015, the well-known brand decides to present to the world the new MINI One D Clubman.

Retaining the specifications for the whole Clubman range, including MINI Navigation, DAB, Bluetooth, Cruise control and MINI Connected, the new sweetie will also offer improved driving experience and further enhanced fuel economy, measured at 99g/km CO2 on the combined cycle.

But still we wonder what is so special about this one. Let’s check out!

2016 MINI One D Clubman

Featuring new mature and elegant design, this vehicle is larger than previous generations of Clubman: its 270mm longer and 73mm wider than the MINI 5-door Hatch and also offers a 100mm larger wheelbase.

Only some of the standard features include Sport leather steering wheel with multi-function control, Cruise Control, 16-inch alloys, Alarm and immobiliser, exclusive floor mats, front central armrest, front and rear ISOFIX, front foglights, automatic lights and wipers and many more.

Drivetrain system

2016 MINI One D Clubman

The new MINI family member is geared with the latest generation three-cylinder MINI TwinPower Turbo diesel unit that meets all EU6 requirements. With peak output of 116hp and 170Nm of torque, this one provides excellent agility, but also and smooth drive. It is paired to a six-speed manual gearbox that offers high level of internal efficiency and smooth shifts.

Utility and safety features

In addition to the agile drivetrain and the lightweight body, the new MINI One D Clubman comes with extensive protection of six airbags, 3-point automatic belts, ISOFIX child seat and much more.

2016 MINI One D Clubman

Source: MINI

March 11, 2016

MINI Open 150 Edition Celebrates the Exclusivity of the Convertible Kind

MINI Open 150 Edition Front View MINI Open 150 Edition is limited and so exclusive that it will be produced only in 150 units specifically intended for the UK market. The special edition car is based on the MINI Cooper S convertible and celebrates the actual launch of the latter.

Unique about this limited edition MINI is the wide range of standard equipment as well as the exclusive interior it sports. Speaking of the cabin, it is wrapped in Leather Chester Malt Brown upholstery, while the dashboard is mounted a specially designed Open 150 Edition plaque. Badges signifying the exclusivity of the model can be seen on the door entry strips.

A lot of standard equipment is included here, precisely the heated seats, MINI Yours Soft-top and 18-inch MINI Yours Alloys. The Chili Pack and Media Pack are too featured as a no cost option on the model as they offer popular options including satellite navigation and LED headlights.

MINI Open 150 Edition Interior

MINI Convertible and this limited edition also feature MINI Rain Warner function and MINI Always Open Timer, which have been developed exclusively for their type of model. How do they work? If the roof of the car is left open and the forecast is bad, MINI Rain Warner sends a message to warn the driver via their smartphone. This happens in cases the MINI is parked.

When one drives it and the weather is still bad, then the driver will be alerted on the centre console. On the other hand, the digital Always Open Timer registers the time spent driving with the roof down.

Other standard equipment features are just like those included in the MINI Convertible range, namely the MINI Connected, MINI Visual Boost Radio, Rear Parking Distance Control and Rear Reversing Camera.

MINI Open 150 Edition will be available to order this March. It will be priced from £29,990.

Source: MINI

February 23, 2016

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

MINI Releases 250 Units of the Countryman Special Edition

MINI Countryman Special Edition Front View MINI has launched a limited edition of the Countryman, specifically dedicated to the customers in the UK. The Special Edition has been developed in order to give people the chance for more exclusivity in this bigger type of MINI model. It is of course instantly recognizable via its unique styling features. Follow me to know more about it.

The first thing that grabs the attention is the exclusive Space Grey Metallic roof and mirror caps. They are complemented by 18-inch 5-Star Double Spoke alloy wheels that come in black and perfectly harmonize with the Absolute Black Metallic body paint finish.

Furthermore, the car also gets all benefits of the updated Countryman. This means that it receives abundant styling equipment including MINI Navigation System, Voice Control, MINI Connected, and enhanced Bluetooth with USB audio and multi-function steering wheel. But there is more to that: Front Seat Heating, Automatic Air Conditioning and Xenon Headlights are also standard.

The interior of the MINI Countryman Special Edition is also eye-catching. It is governed by interior surfaces in Piano Black and leather upholstery in Gravity-Carbon Black.

There are actually two model variants, between which customers can choose: MINI Cooper S ALL4 Countryman or MINI Cooper SD ALL4 Countryman. Either can be specified with manual or automatic transmission, but regardless of that each receives the ALL4 all-wheel drive system. MINI Countryman Special Edition can be ordered via UK dealerships now. And remember: there will be only 250 units made, so hurry up and get yours.

Source: MINI

December 3, 2015

Maxi-Tuner Offers Special Upgrade for 2016 Clubman S

2015 Maxi-Tuner MINI Cooper Clubman S As we all know, the latest Clubman model took MINI brand to whole new level. The vehicle has a lot to offer, a lot to demonstrate and a lot to give to customers and fans. But the fun does not stop here. Mini experts from Maxi-Tuner have just demonstrated the MaxPower-performance upgrade program for the Cooper S Clubman model.

Thanks to the intelligent control electronics, the MaxPower pack boosts the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit from the stock 192hp (141kW) to 225hp (165kW) and 340 Nm from the stock 280 NM. This grants the sweetie enough power to go from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in kust 6.8 seconds.

Furthermore, MaxPower equipment adds some more reliability and longelivity features, but at the same time keeps all the factory diagnosis, service and engine protection functions fully intact. In fact, anyone who is not that satisfied by the upgrade can quickly and easily remove it and return to the stock features of the Clubman.

2015 Maxi-Tuner MINI Cooper Clubman S

Also, Maxi-Tuner provides two-year warranty not only for the MaxPower box, but also for all the drivetrain system elements directly connected to the unit: engine, transmission and others.

In fact, Maxi-Tuner engineers are in the process of creating a special sports exhaust system that will be exclusively offered with the new MINI Cooper S Clubman.

Source: Maxi-Tuner

November 26, 2015

Essen Motor Show Welcomes the Stronger MINI JCW by AC Schnitzer [VIDEO]

2015 AC Schnitzer MINI John Cooper Works Front view AC Schnitzer has just sent us some information about the two MINIs it is currently presenting at the Essen Motor Show in Germany. Both are stylish and versatile and are a basically focused on performance. The models I am talking about are the MINI Cooper S and the John Cooper Works, both having very strong engines and sporting characteristics.

Performance Upgrades and More…

For both MINI variants, the tuning company is offering performance upgrades. Precisely, the change in power is from 192 hp (141 kW) to 235 hp (173 kW) and from 231 hp (170 kW) hp to 265 hp (195 kW).

The power of the cars just had to be communicated externally in terms of appearance and sound. Hence, AC Schnitzer added silencer systems that comprise of back box and two “Sport” or “Sport Black” tailpipes positioned centrally. This kit adds “Track Mode” flap system with remote control for optimized sound, too. The “Sport” and “Sport Black” tailpipe trims are also available.

Sports Handling

2015 AC Schnitzer MINI John Cooper Works Rear View

The driving behavior was further enhanced via the new suspension spring kits tat lower the cars 20 – 30 mm at the front and around 25 – 35 mm at the rear. There is nowhere to go without the proper rims, so the tuning team added 19-inch AC1 alloys, developed specifically for the new MINIs. They have double-spoke design and are fitted with tyres sized 215/35 R19.

In addition, AC Schnitzer’s front splitter now fits below the standard front skirt, thus delivering better downforce and a subtly sporting look. The rear skirt protective film, a Decor set and the rear “Technology & Design” logo complete the tuning.

In the video below you can hear the sound of the new exhaust of AC Schnitzer’s MINI. Enjoy!

httpv://youtu.be/SjSWDDOXtVk

Video Source: YouTube

Source: AC Schnitzer

November 24, 2015

MINI Announces Details for the 2016 Clubman

MINI USA announced details for the latest 2016 MINI Clubman. This is by far the most spacious and versatile MINI and it is the first MINI to enter the compact premium segment. This model is both longer and wider than its predecessors and offers premium quality components and exceptional craftsmanship.

And like every MINI vehicle, this sweetie will be offered with special bundle packages. This means that customers can decide for which features they will pay. And this has one more positive side: buyers won’t be forced to pay higher amount of money for equipment that they will not use. Smart, right?

The latest MINI Clubman will also feature a number of special upholsteries that have been crafted especially for this vehicle, including the smooth-grained Indigo blue-dyed leather with diamond stitching in the pattern of classic English Chesterfield sofas and rich Burgundy leather with the eco Dinamica trim. Classy and environmentally friendly. Now that’s a contemporary vehicle.

As you might know, the MINI Clubman will be powered by BMW’s three- and four-cylinder MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology engines and with all the trims are geared with efficient six-speed manual gearbox as a standard feature. But if customers are still not satisfied, the Cooper S variant can be geared with optional 8-speed automatic or 8-speed sport automatic system with paddle shifters.

The standard equipment for the latest Clubman will also include MINI Connected infotainment system with 6.5-inch display, leather-wrapped three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, dual zone automatic climate control, keyless ignition, 12-color ambient interior lightning, 16-inch forged alloy wheels and carbon black leatherette upholstery.

On the other hand, the Cooper S will offer MINI Connected infotainment system with 6.5-inch display, 17-inch forged alloy wheels, three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, MINI Driving models with Green, Mid and Sport settings, dual-zone automatic climate control and more.

The Clubman will go on sale in January 2016 across the US, but the most impatient customers can already preorder the Clubman.

Source: MINI

September 28, 2015

2016 MINI Clubman Will Demonstrate Style, Dynamics and Comfort at FIAA

2016 MINI Clubmaster The sweet MINI Clubman with four doors, five seats and spacious interior is one of these vehicles that bring back style and exclusivity on the road. And now this exclusivity is continued with the latest Clubmaster which is longer with 27 centimeters and is with 9 centimeters wider than the MINI 5 door model. Its luggage volume is further extended to 1,250 liters and the vehicle offers and highest levels of comfort and safety.

And for increased pleasure of driving, the latest MINI Clubman offers and features previously not included in MINI vehicles. There is now a special electric brake, 8-speed Steptronic gearbox and electrical seat adjustment and even more optional goodies.

And along with the latest model, there are and some additional packages just as is the MINI Excitement Pack which grants customers with LED interior and ambient lightning as well as projection of the MINI logo onto the ground from exterior mirrior on the driver’s side when the car is opened and closed. Sweet, right?

2016 MINI Clubmaster

But along with the comfort goodies, the latest MINI also comes and with nice performance stats. The vehicle is geared either with a 4-cylinder petrol unit that generates a total of 192 hp (141 kW) or with the 3-cylinder petrol engine with 136 hp (100 kW) or maybe with the 150 hp 4-cylinder diesel engine. It all depends on the particular model you have chosen.

The MINI Clubman will be launched worldwide on October 31st 2015.

Source: MINI

September 14, 2015

MINI Countryman Cooper D ALL4 Business Edition is What Every Fleet Customer Needs

2015 MINI Countryman Cooper D ALL4 Business Front View MINI Countryman Cooper D ALL4 Business has just been introduced specifically for fleet customers. It adds a lot of equipment as a standard, which broadens its appeal significantly. In addition, the new business edition of the Countryman will give corporate customers the opportunity to ride on a genuine MINI ALL4, company’s new all-wheel drive.

Speaking of which, the ALL4 is known for its perfect traction and fast reactions. It is so good that it gives effective commands in all road conditions and during any changes. And this is the reason why it is capable of delivering the MINI’s famous driving experience. Oh, and it is also extremely fuel efficient and has emissions as low as 123g/km.

Two Cool Things Anout This Countryman. Or More?

2015 MINI Countryman Cooper D ALL4 Business Rear View

There are two things that I specifically like about this car. Of course, they both come as a standard. The first one is the MINI Navigation System, which will assist business people find a new direction. The next one is the multifunction three-spoke sports leather steering wheel with cruise control.

Of course, the great things about the MINI Countryman Cooper D ALL4 Business can not stop to just two. To help in driving during long distances and make it more pleasurable, the car is fitted with parking sensors (Park distance control), automatic headlights and rain sensors. The latter automatically activate the wipers.

Moreover, the car will be rolling on 17-inch 5-Star Triangle Spoke alloy wheels and they will definitely make it stand out.

Inside, the MINI Countryman Cooper D ALL4 gets a lot of additional equipment. Here are included Radio Visual Boost, floor mats in velour, automatic air conditioning, on-board computer and interior lights pack. All this is coming to make business life easier. And at last, but not least, MINI also added storage compartment pack. All best things go to the business after all.

Source: MINI

July 8, 2015

Does OK-Chiptuning MINI John Cooper Works Have a Winning Formula?

OK-Chiptuning MINI John Cooper Works R56 is not a car we see everyday. First of all, it is because tuners rarely prefer to do modifications on ‘minis’ like the JCW. And secondly because the custom work here is so good, that one might think that this car will go immediately on the race track. And of course win all competitions. And here it is why we find this vehicle that attractive, excluding one little detail.

Exterior

Before indulging in more power and torque, this MINI JCW has been significantly changed in terms of exterior and interior styling. A lot of carbon fiber has been involved and what is even better, anyone can see it.

Precisely, the lightweight material has been used for the air scoop, outer rearview mirrors and hand grips. Even the MINI emblems received carbon treatment, just like the filler cap and antenna. Aero pack with brake ventilation has been also developed for the MINI. It complements the GP2 diffuser and underbody.

Continuing with the general picture, OK-Chiptuning MINI John Cooper Works has been entirely wrapped in foil. In fact, the tuners have used contrast foils – one in gloss black and the other in matt black. The latter can be seen on the head and rear lamp bezels and the radiator grill frame.

Wheels & Tires

Literally no one in today’s tuning world will leave a project without changing its wheels. It seems that this part of the customization is the easiest one and almost everyone is counting on it. However, sometimes the effects are not that good and we all have seen some crazy combinations.

Although the choice here isn’t ‘crazy’, this does count for the OK-Chiptuning MINI John Cooper Works. In fact, its wheels look a little bit boring with its gloss black multi-spoke design. They can’t get noticed easily and look like the designer has made a fast decision.

We find the choice of the type DTC Superlight Black Edition ATS rims not that impressive for the power enhancements done at a later time. Maybe, if they were bigger than 17-inch, the effect should have been more striking.

Anyway, the new ATS wheels come coupled with Federal RS-R 595 tires in the dimensions of 215/40 R17. Spacers sized 5 millimeters have been mounted on the front axel, and there is also the addition of Bilstein B14 chassis and adjustable strut bearings.

Power Uprating

OK-Chiptuning MINI John Cooper Works R56 Engine Tests

Continuing with the changes under the hood, the MINI JCW by OK-Chiptuning features several important modifications. The first is the Wagner Competition charge air cooler connected with a Turbo Forge tube. Then come the Forge divert-air valve and the original MINI Deleter sound generator.

At the other side of the car the experts have installed Akrapovic 100 cells downpipe with Evolution exhaust system. In fact, the latter looks really cool, because it features carbon fiber end pipes.

After the hardware part was implemented, the specialists proceeded with the software optimization. Luckily, everything was measured via Dynojet system and you can see the graphic with the results above.

The effect is spectacular: according to the EEC, the car generates 254 hp (187 kW) and 398 Nm (293 lb-ft), while according to the DIN these numbers were positioned at 262 hp (193 kW) and 407 Nm (300 lb-ft). A logical consequence is the improved top speed, which is now measured at 255 km/h (158 mph).

Interior

More and more companies rely on the standard production interior after they apply engine modifications. Nonetheless, OK-Chiptuning is on the other side of the coin. This MINI’s cabin has received some significant updates that need to be addressed.

Probably the most substantial modification is the change of the standard seats with Dynamica black Recaro Pole Position ones. Given this change as well as the engine uprating, I am almost sure that this car will be used in some sort of rally-competition. Even more, the rear seats were entirely removed and substituted with black Wiechers club sports bar.

Other important updates throughout the interior include gearshift lever and hand-brake dressed in carbon fiber, LEDs all over the cabin and black door grips in GT3 club sports design.

All in all, I like this project very much except for the wheels. After all such aggressive and substantial tuning must be implemented on the rims and rubbers as well. In fact, I’m envisioning black alloys with less spokes and red accents that mimic the contrast stitching found on the inside. How about you?

Source: OK-Chiptuning via Miranda Media

June 30, 2015

Mini Clubman S and Mac Audio System. Musical Fairytale or Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing?

Mini Clubman S received a special attention by Mac Audio team. As you know, the boys of Mac Audio are the masters, when it comes to audio systems: it doesn’t matter, if you want to upgrade with larger speakers, subwoofers, amplifiers or anything else, the right place for you is the Mac Audio office. And now the Mini Clubman S comes with numerous upgrades and tweaks, that only the Mac Audio guys can install on a vehicle.

And with all the components on the Mini, the audio engineers created another masterpiece. Now, the lucky passengers can listen to music like never before. But not only with the high volumes and power. The quality of the sound also means dynamic characterization, high-quality components and of course, the superior abilities and craftsmanship. The audio system brings a crystal clear, fine tuned and authentic sound

The Mini and the Beast

The system comes with these components: 3 pieces of programmable computerized amps, digital sound processor and Mac Audio Reference 2.1 DSP, that brings the extra power and the boost for even more powerful and clear sound. And Apropos loudspeakers. Mac Audio Star X 2.16. Two of them. And all the system components are tamed and commanded by Audiovox VXE 7020 NAV unit. And the last component is a rear camera. Yes, the audio system comes with camera. Why? To prevent the eventual damage, when driving and parking backward. How cool is that?

mini

And of course, the system comes with highest quality cables and power supply units. In this case the Mini is geared with SP 1000 battery and two Mac Audio Cap 1.2 Farad condensers. Long story short, the whole audio system can confidently control the dynamics, which means even better audio experience.

But this is not all

Not only the inside of the Mini was shaped in the style of Mac Audio. The exterior of the vehicle also received numerous changes and upgrades. Now the Mini is geared with a John Cooper Works body kit. Furthermore, there is also a special painting and graphics, that cover all the body. There are numerous Mac Audio writings and logos, along with the interesting color scheme. Furthermore, the car comes and with Oxigin 15 rims in 8×18-inch fitted with Yokohama S-Drive AS01 tires.

mini

And along with the audio power, there is a also additional power in the drivesystem. The powerplant is optimized and now has a total output of 230 hp (169 kW) and 365Nm of torque. The top speed is also higher and it is measured at 239 km/h (148 mph). And with the high power comes and high-power brake system. The Stoptech 4 system makes sure, that the high speed and power will be tamed in every single moment.

Source: MINI

June 23, 2015

Maxi-Tuner MINI John Cooper Works is 260HP and 390NM Strong!

Maxi-Tuner MINI John Cooper Works is literally a supermini. It stands out with new exterior appearance and more power than ever. Based on the most powerful production MINI, the F56, this modified JCW has added numerous visual and performance upgrades. The package comprises of ‘MaxPower’ and ‘MaxSound’ kits and other additions to the exterior… but let’s see what has really happened here.

Exterior

The appearance of the Maxi-Tuner MINI John Cooper Works stands out due to some extra visual goodies. The car stands out as an extrovert due to its new front bumper with huge air intakes. The tuner also added sculpted side sills for more athletic appearance. At the rear we see a diffuser that frames its dual exhaust outlets.

Engine Uprated with MaxPower

The production version of the JCW F56 is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine, which is 231 hp (170 kW) and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) strong.

Thanks to the in-house made MaxPower plug and play auxiliary ECU with bespoke wiring harness, Maxi-Tuner achieved a power boost of 260 hp (191 kW) and a peak torque increase of up to 390 Nm (288 lb-ft). This is an addition of 29 hp and 70 Nm.

The bigger output also results in crisper e-gas throttle response, better driving dynamics and faster acceleration against the stopwatch. However, the intelligent control electronics in the MaxPower box do not change the factory diagnostic and service functions.

This means that the engine temperature reaches the factory limits, the system reverts to standard parameters, retarding the ignition to reduce power.

MaxSound

Maxi-Tuner MINI John Cooper Works is also fitted with custom MaxSound sport exhaust system. This one contributes to a louder voice to match the enhanced performance. It is made from high quality stainless steel and features sport exhaust features 70 mm tube diameters and a remote control for the flap system. At last, Maxi-Tuner left both tailpipes operating despite of the flap position.