MINI – Page 5 – Automobiles Review

Krumm-Performance Uprates MINI John Cooper Works [VIDEO]

To be honest, Krumm-Performance is another German tuning company which I hear of for the first time. However, it has been present on the automotive market for ten years now and it specializes in customizing MINIs only. Performance uprating and chassis engineering is the field of work of the tuner. Under the spotlight today is a MINI John Cooper Works conversion.

The car received a Stage III kit, which boasted the engine power to 300 hp (213 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. The kit comprises of Hybrid Turbo, diverse heat protection shields, Akrapovic downpipe, racing intercooler with E-certification mark, Pipercross air filter element and more.

In addition to Stage III the engine of the MINI JCW received diverse intercooler air tubes without resonators as well as a custom exhaust system and intake. Furthermore, the gear box is delivered by Drexler LSD and has Krumm-Performance setup, while the racing clutch is from Sachs and features sinter pads and single mass flywheel.

The brake system is delivered by AP-Racing and comprises of 4-piston calipers, 330×32 mm floating wave brake discs with optimized sharp airing, PFC 01 brake pads and steel flex tubes. This MINI is running on 17-inch ATS-GTR rims which have been coupled with Dunlop Direzza 03G tires.

Left to mention are the Challenge front lip, the rear diffusor and the special wrapping by Camshaft. Oh, and let’s not forget to say something about the interior. It has been supplied with Recaro SPG XL seats, CAE-Ultra shifter, OMP Ultraleggero steering wheel, Schroth Profi 3FE 6-point belts and Wiechers Clubsport rollover bar.

Of course, don’t forget to check out the special short film about this exciting project:

httpv://youtu.be/Kr8qZsNgF8o

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Krumm-Performance

May 18, 2015

MINI Introduces the More Powerful John Cooper Works

MINI JCW front view Next to the 3 Series, BMW is also debuting the updated MINI John Cooper Works for the 2016 model year. The latest edition of the small car segment top athlete keeps the same sporting appearance and the race feeling, but now adds even more. New for this MINI edition are the technologies for the engine, suspension and aerodynamics, which have been directly taken from the motor racing. There are also model-specific design features for the exterior and interior, which make this three-door beauty even more individual.

Exterior

The specific design of the car is unmistakable. Just take a look of the new LED headlamps with white direction indicators or the wheel arch surround with distinctive contours. At the front, the radiator grille is emblematic for the JCW as are the side scuttles and tailgate JCW label.

In addition, the rear now features sports exhaust system with new special tailpipes. MINI is also offering an entirely new exterior color for the vehicle, and it is called Rebel Green. It comes exclusively for this car and won’t be featured in other MINI versions.

We must also mention that the body of the car has been aerodynamically optimized and now features JCW front apron with large cooling air inlets which also occupy the space allocated to the fog lamps. In the aero treatment are also playing big role the distinctive side sill and rear apron design as well as the John Cooper Works rear spoiler.

The car is running on exclusive 17-inch John Cooper Works Race Spoke light alloys behind which we see newly developed Brembo sports brakes.

Interior

The interior is as characteristic as the exterior, because of the special John Cooper Works treatment. It is visible through the sports seats in Dinamica fabric that also feature integrated headrests.

Moreover, there are JCW entry sills, steering wheel with multifunction buttons and shift paddles, and six-speed Steptronic sports transmission. JCW-treatment can also be seen on the gear lever or selector lever and is also featured on the cockpit displays and central instrument display surround. The pedals and driver footrest come in stainless steel.

Engine Range

The most powerful engine has been introduced for this MINI, and it is the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder spark ignition unit, coming directly from the MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology. The output has been increased to 231 hp (170 kW) and the torque to 320 Nm (236 lb-ft), but still delivers combined fuel consumption rated at 6.7 l/100 km and CO2 emissions – at 155 g/km.

The engine can be connected to a six-speed manual transmission or to a six-speed Steptronic sports one. With the first the car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds, and in 6.1 seconds with the automatic transmission. The top speed is electronically limited at 246 km/h.

John Cooper Works Accessories

Optional for this model are the John Cooper Works accessories, which will make it even more individual. First we must mention the MINI Head-Up Display with exclusive display content. Then, there are some special exterior features like the roof and exterior mirror covers in Chili Red or the available 18-inch JCW light alloys. Of course, we can’t go without the John Cooper Works bonnet stripes.

The updated MINI John Cooper Works will go on sale later this year with pricing to be announced near launch.

Source: MINI

May 8, 2015

MINI Demonstrates a Surfboard!

2015 Mini Surfboard On the first sight, there is nothing in common between the well-known MINI and Channel Islands brands. But, in fact, both brands decided to cooperate and create something never seen before. A surfboard. And not just an ordinary surfboard, but a board, that will also take its influence onto the MINI car.

The board was crafted at the Channel Islands factory in Santa Barbara. To be precise, the collaboration work is between the Head of Exterior Design for MINI Christopher Weil and professional surfer Kalani Robb. In fact, Robb himself had the idea about a surfboard, influenced by MINI vehicles. He explains: “To create this feeling of agility and speed, we’ve developed a board with a little extra tail volume. The board’s wider outline and low rocker really make it fly.” That is how “THE MINI” was created. The professional surfer ensures us, that “THE MINI” is ideal for summer surfing in France, Spain and Portugal.

In fact, you can customize the unique surf in a way, that perfectly fits your MINI. The team at Channel Islands is ready to take your order and create the ideal custom surf just for you. How cool is that? And this is not all. You can customize the board even online-there is a special online platform to help you create your personal surf.

Besides the MINI, tell me, how does your surf looks like?

Source: MINI

April 24, 2015

MINI Shines Bright with All-Chrome Exterior

Mini Chrome Line Exterior Deluxe Concept It’s small, sporty, with British attitude and has stunning appearance. It couldn’t be else but a MINI, right? Well, this deluxe edition is very special, since it is all-chrome. Although some might find it not that cool, it seems to me that this is a strike at the perfect score. The appearance of this car is irresistible and it is an immediate eye-catcher. This is because chrome was not only applied to the headlamps or rear light, and even the radiator grille surrounds, but also it has been used to cover the entire body.

The three-door car has unique visual stance and there is no second though on that. But how about the interior? It offers a go-kart feeling via the position of the central instrument in the cockpit. There are also several design features which are typical for the MINI. But there will be also the option of adding chrome elements throughout the cockpit as well. Nice, isn’t it?

However, there is this logical question about the working process. Since the reflection characteristics of the chrome material are very high, then it is obvious that the manufacturing process should be changed as well.

This MINI will be built in company’s plant in Oxford, UK, where everything will be taken under control. For instance, the hall lights will be automatically dimmed for the perfect and effortless assembly of the car. Even the conveyor belt’s speed will be slowed so that workers can check their clothing and hair. I would actually like to see this on a video. Or maybe for real. Why not? Or wait a minute, is all this an April’s fool joke?

Source: MINI

April 1, 2015

Mini Clubman Vision Gran Turismo: Small but Furious

MINI has officially unveiled the Clubman Vision Gran Turismo virtual racecar that will be available in the Gran Turismo 6 video game for PlayStation 3. It is based on the Clubman, as the title suggests, but with the notable difference that it has more distinguished design. Made for the virtual reality, the Clubman Gran Turismo concept is imagined to take its power from an unspecified engine which is capable of delivering 395 HP.

This power output is sent to a permanent all-wheel drive system using a six-speed sequential gearbox. With such figures, the car is able to speed up from 0 to 62 mph (0-100 km/h) in the impressive 3.5 seconds before hitting a top speed of 180 mph (290 km/h).

Visually, MINI’s Gran Turismo arrives with an appealing style which transforms driving into a real pleasure. The car features striking split doors, huge air inlets and air ducting surfaces, front splitters which are there to regulate airflow and to cool the engine.

Also, the carbon fiber front apron as well as the flat underbody serve to reduce air resistance. The aggressively-shaped front is complimented by LED headlights that feature an “X” layout while the back of the car is highlighted by LED taillights with an interesting filigree design.

Finally, MINI Clubman Vision Gran Turismo moves on wide 22-inch bi-color alloy wheels.

Source: MINI

February 26, 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 One First 5 Door Arrives with 75 HP

The world of MINI is enriched by a MINI One First 5 door model with a completely newly developed entry-level engine! Production is set to start on March this year.

Power arrives from a 1.2-liter TwinPower Turbo 3-cylinder engine with variable camshaft control on the intake and exhaust side (double VANOS). It is capable of generating 75 HP (55 kW) and a peak torque of 150 Nm (111 lb-ft) at 1,400 rpm which is enough for the car to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 13.4 seconds.

The power unit is matched to a newly developed 6-speed manual transmission that delivers reduced weight, better efficiency rates and ultimate shift comfort. The average fuel consumption of the MINI One First 5 door is 5.2 liter per 100 km while CO2 emission level is that of 121 gr/km.

Since MINI is all about practicality and convenience, the feeling of a good driving experience is achieved thanks to the extra doors and the extended by 72 mm wheelbase too. The three seats at the rear and the huge luggage compatibility is a combination which also guarantees comfort while traveling.

Finally, because of the addition of the recently-created 1.2-liter unit, the engine portfolio of MINI is expanded to four petrol and three diesel engines which cover an output range of 75 HP (55 kW) to 192 HP (141 kW).

Source: MINI

January 21, 2015

Meet the Spicy 2015 MINI John Cooper Works!

Meet the new 2015 MINI John Cooper Works Hardtop! The spicy little car is set to make a debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The event is starting on 12^th of January and we can’t wait to see all of the good stuff there. The launch of the new JCW celebrates MINI’s passion for motorsport for 55 years. This is evident via the most powerful engine that drives the car, the refined suspension technology and the desisn features which not only improve the aerodynamics but also highlights the styling.

Precisely, 2015 John Cooper Works Hardtop is powered by the 2.0- liter 4-cylinder engine. This unit was developed based on the MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology. Speaking in numbers, it produces a maximum output of 228 hp (168 kW) and a maximum torque of 320 Nm (236 ft-lbs).

They allow the MINI to sprint from standstill to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds when equipped with the automatic transmission. In case the car is equipped with the manual one, this number jumps to 6.1 seconds. In general, this is an increase in sprint capability of 0.3 seconds or 5 percent as compared to the previous generation hardtop.

Moreover, the technology for the engine, suspension, body and interior have all been derived directly from motorsport racing. In this way they define the exclusive and performance-oriented character of the 2015 JCW. Just take a look at the pictures of the interior. We have rarely seen such exquisiteness and craftsmanship in a production car.

Of course, the car has been created in order to appeal to those, who appreciate authentic race feeling. The 228 hp engine, the sports exhaust system and sports suspension are complemented by the 17-inch John Cooper Works light alloy wheels.

In addition, a special sports brake system was developed. For this MINI collaborated with the specialists at Brembo. The John Cooper Works aerodynamics kit comprises of a model-specific rear spoiler and newly developed John Cooper Works sports seats, which include integrated headrest.

This set of characteristics reflects not only in the high-speed acceleration capacity but also in car’s exceptional agility, a high degree of steering precision and precise handling on the road as well as excellent deceleration figures. Ever since John Cooper discovered the racing talent of the classic Mini in the 60’s, his name became a symbol of MINI’s success on the race track.

Source: MINI

December 11, 2014

MINI ALL4 Racing to Participate in the Dakar Rally

The MINI ALL4 Racing is returning in 2015 again to defend its Dakar Rally crown! This thrilling motor race takes drivers across 9,000km of the South American continent, thus passing through Chile, Bolivia and Argentina. The people who are going to fight for MINI’s trophy are the famous Nani Roma and his experienced co-driver Michel Périn. The latter is a four-time Dakar winner himself.

In relation to the race, the legend Nani Roma commented: “The Dakar Rally is the most physically and mentally challenging rally in the world. After doing it 18 times it runs through my blood. Winning the 2014 Dakar Rally in the MINI ALL4 Racing was very special to me because it came exactly ten years after my first Dakar victory.”

The MINI ALL4 Racing is said to be ready to demonstrate what is really locked in its nature. It is super powerful, really reliable and, above all, fast! Those are qualities that will definitely help the MINI justify its title of a winner.

More about the race now. The Dakar Rally represents an absolute orienteering challenge and endurance test. People who are taking part in it, drivers and co-drivers, are not aware of the exact route until the night before when the co-driver is presented with his Roadbook. This is the key to the race which provides information about the route, dangers highlighted courses and the different terrains the car is supposed to go through.

Most importantly though, the Dakar Rally tests the unique skills of the participants, their orientation and individual character.

Source: MINI

December 4, 2014

MINI Hardtop 4 Door Revealed in L.A.

MINI Hardtop 4 Door is debuting next to the Classic MINI and MINI Superleggera Vision roadster concept at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The aim of the company is to show its past, present and its future plans. The Hardtop model has space for five and also boasts more cargo space. However, it is as dynamic as the 2 door model, and keeps the go-kart, while adding functionality and interior space.

Being a little bit larger it is logical that the new model offers more space for the occupants. Precisely, there is more legroom in the rear, more shoulder space in the front and back and additional cargo space.

More importantly, the car will be the first four door MINI to be built on the shared front wheel drive global architecture with BMW Group. It will be driven by the same three- and four-cylinder MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology engines of the Hardtop 2 Door model.

The iconic brand will also use the event to showcase brand’s newest integration with Spotify. This is one of the world’s most popular streaming music services. Even more, it will be available in MINI vehicles with MINI Connected infotainment platform.

Looking forward to the future we see the MINI Superleggera Vision roadster. The past and future come together in this stunning concept car. It combines the tradition of classic coachwork construction with MINI’s authentic British styling.

Its timeless aesthetic appeal was first shown at Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Milan this year. The roadster exemplifies the potential future of the brand and it is also the first time the sporty roadster concept will be shown in the U.S.

MINI Hardtop 4 door is scheduled to go on sale in January next year with a price around $1,000 USD above the equivalent Hardtop 2 door.

Source: MINI

November 20, 2014

Enjoy a New Audio Experience with Spotify While Driving Your MINI

We are all well aware that the new MINI is one of the coolest ones in its range. We have seen it and we have read about it. Now there is even more to love about it due to the introduction of Spotify to the brand’s roster of third-party App integration. Get ready, MINI fans for you will be jazzed out with this additional extra on the car!

Undoubtedly, Spotify is the largest music streaming service in the world. It has more than 20 million songs available to be transmitted into customized individual playlists. For MINI drivers the access to this huge amount of tunes will be just one dashboard away from them. Using an App on their iPhone, people will be transported into a whole new audio experience while driving.

How exactly can this happen? Simply download the free Spotify App from the Apple App Store, plug in your iPhone to the MINI Connected system, and then you can browse around the impressive musical archives by reducing your search to a specific genre, artist, album or track. What is more, you are enabled to look into the newest album artwork on screen and create your own personalized playlists. This in-car access does not require any premium service subscription which really makes your life easier.

The only thing that is necessary is the vehicle to be equipped with the MINI Visual Boost Radio and MINI Connected or the MINI Media Pack. The integration of the App inside the vehicle’s operating system is dealt through the customer’s Apple iPhone.

Other apps which are available for MINI drivers include a great variety of services like Go-Pro, JustPark, Glympse, AUPEO!, Stitcher, Deezer, Audible, Napster, TuneIn and the Amazon Cloud Player. Furthermore, there are also the services built into the MINI Connected system such as a web radio and RSS news feeds as well as social media including Facebook, Twitter and foursquare. Some of the exclusive MINI online search and functions are comprised of Driving Excitement, Mission Control, Dynamic Music and MINIMALISM, as well as the new MINI Connected XL Journey Mate for interactive travel planning and support for Real Time Traffic Radar.

Source: MINI

November 18, 2014

The New MINI Superleggera Vision Concept Car at 2014 LA Auto Show

Having been first seen on the shores of Lake Como at Villa D’Este in May, MINI Superleggera Concept car is a collaborative product between MINI and the Italian design and body manufacturing specialist Touring Superleggera. It is a modern interpretation of classic proportions of a two-seater combined with groundbreaking efficiency. With its aesthetic attractiveness, the compact roadster brings together British style and Italian flair.

The vehicle will be presented at the 2014 LA Auto Show and will exhibit all the necessary characteristics of MINI productions highlighted and synchronized with the typical contours and surface finish of Touring Superleggera. Being put together as a precise superleggera (which in translation means “superlight”), the two-seater gets an allow space-frame chassis covered in allow sheets. In relation to this, Louis de Fabribeckers, Head of design of Touring Superleggera, points out that: “In this car all unnecessary equipment or decoration is sacrificed, as performance is gained through lightness and efficiency of the bodywork and interior. The Italian touch is in the proportions and the typical waistline.”

The selection of high-quality materials in combination with the brilliantly manufactured surface contribute to the charismatic appeal of the MINI Superleggera Vision Concept car. The emotional design and lightweight construction shape a car which is truly unique.

Even though there is not much information about the powerplants, the MINI Superleggera sports car is said to be electric-powered which contributes to the pure driving experience. It is also really significant for, well… electric vehicles are pretty much the future, so when this car is finally produced and released for sale it might just be the next big thing on the market.

Source: MINI UK

November 10, 2014

Tag: MINI

Exterior

Interior

Engine Range

John Cooper Works Accessories