MINI – Page 6 – Automobiles Review

MINI 5-door Model Debuts at Los Angeles Auto Show 2014

Now MINI is expanding the brand with its new volume-chasing five-door model, which is a pioneer if we don’t count the Countryman crossover launched in 2010. The latest generation of MINI transforms its very successful concepts through a more innovative prism which, sort of, changes the traditional aspects of the brand.

Being the latest addition to the family, which is formed of seven members by now, MINI 5-door will be revealed to visitors at the Los Angeles Auto Show from November 21st till the 30^th, 2014 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. There are also going to be presented currently running new products in terms of equipment, accessories and MINI Connected.

2015 MINI 5-door shines with an individual character, flexible qualities and authenticity. The car comes with two more doors facilitate entry to the rear, where there will be three seats available. Additionally, the wheelbase has been extended by 72 millimeters which results in providing more space for luggage and occupants. The rear backrest has a 60:40 folding split and expands the luggage compartment volume to approximately 941 liters.

The new model MINI will be powered by remarkably efficient engines with either three or four cylinders. The base Cooper receives a turbocharged 1.5 liter three-cylinder gas engine that offers either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. It is able to deliver 134 HP (99 kW) and 219 Nm (162 lb-ft) of torque. MINI Cooper S mates the same six-speed gearboxes to a 2.0-liter turbo four engine, producing 189 HP (140 kW) and 280 Nm (207 lb-ft) of torque.

Finally, the car is equipped with a large selection of innovative driver assistance technologies, comprising of an optimized head-up display, road-sign detection for speed-limit placards, camera-based adaptive cruise control, collision and pedestrian-impact warnings, and an automatic braking function.

Source: MINI UK

November 10, 2014

Mini F56 with a New KW Coilover Kit

This summer Thomas Fürst and Fritz Kreis from Gigamot Racing took the new MINI F56 for a round-the-world tour titled “MINI goes all around” and tested its new KW coilover kit. Covering a distance of 22.000 km and passing the deserts of New Mexico, the mountains of Japan and overcoming severe weather conditions in Siberia, the MINI F56 with the installed kit demonstrated astonishing performance.

The KW coilover kit was used on the MINI during the trip around the world and enables a continuous lowering of about 20 to 45 mm on the front and on the rear side. The dampers are adjustable and they can be altered depending on the road conditions so that the driving is as smooth and comfortable as possible.

There are three KW coilover kit variants – V1, V2 and V3, all of which are made of stainless steel. KW coilover kit V1 has a sporty, balanced damping setup which is set beforehand by KW at the factory. KW coilover kit V2 and V3 feature rebound adjustments. In addition, apart from being offered with separately adjustable compression, V3 coilover comes with rebound damping and is able to minimize harsh rides. The adjustable compression can be implemented at the lower end of the stainless steel strut without the need of using any tools. In consequence, the driver is enabled to control the pitch and roll of the body without making any changes to rebound damping.

As a result, with the new KW coilover kit the MINI F56 displays better performance, bigger comfort and improved driving-experience.

Source: KW automotive

November 3, 2014

MINI Cooper D 5-Door Hatchback

Before the new many first-ever five-door hatchback makes an official world debut at the Paris Motor Show 2014, the company decided to unveil their pricing strategy for the UK, the new model will start at £14,350 ($23,545), the company’s second-biggest market worldwide. Compared to the 3-door, the car with two extra doors is just £600 more expensive. A more than reasonable increase, considering the advantages you get. If you put the two cars side by side, you will notice the new model has a longer wheelbase and a bigger trunk. Those extra 72-mm in between the wheels, translate into more room in the back, critical for rear seat passengers.

As for the technical specs, the exact same configurations are available. The range starting with the MINI one which is also the cheapest one, priced at at £14,350 ($23,545), with that kind of money you get a 12-liter 3-cylinder turbo-charged engine making 102 hp (76 kW) and a maxing torque of 133 lb-ft (180 Nm), more than enough for a car that weighs just over 1.2 tons. The MINI one D comes with a similar 12 liter 3-cylinder diesel engine making 95 hp (70 kW), and maximum torque power of 163 lb-ft (220 Nm) and better fuel consumption. But it’s more expensive, starting at £15,480 ($25,414). The Cooper comes with a new generation of 1.5 liter 3-cylinder engines. Depending on your choice, you can get a petrol or a diesel one. The petrol engines makes 136 hp (101 kW), 162 lb ft (219 Nm) of torque, while the Cooper D makes 116 hp (86 kW) , 200 lb-ft (271 Nm) of torque feed. Prices for the petrol model start at £15,900 ($26,096). While the more frugal choice is more expensive, starting at £17,050 ($27,974).

The top tier models are the Cooper S and the Cooper SD. The SD will be using a new engine that will be making its first appearance on the MINI, its 2-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel making 170 hp (126 kW) , 266 lb-ft (360 Nm) of torque.

Source: MINI

September 25, 2014

Arden Individualizes MINI’s Interior

The German based Arden tuning company has just released some details and pictures of its latest project. The customization specialists have worked this time on the enhancement of a MINI in cabrio form. And given the fact that driving pleasure is not just a question of technical parameters, but also depends upon interior design, they have disclosed primarily details of what they have done inside the car.

There are almost limitless possibilities to individualize the vehicle’s interior. Of course, Arden has done this with handcrafted perfection. Every working process, including this MINI, is performed in the in-house saddlery of the company, which is positioned in Krefeld.

In this particular project, they have utilized only the finest materials such as Conolly leather and Alcantara. Carbon fiber, chrome, precious wood and even a complete leather conversion – all this is what makes MINI’s interior individualized. This contributes to a very unique ambiance inside the car. Arden also included wide range of attractive accessories and individual interior features such as extensive entertainment and audio systems, or a pedal set.

From the outside, we can see that the car has been also customized: from the handmade and electro polished stainless steel grille to the brand new wheels. The unique bi-color paint scheme further contributes towards the charming appearance of the car.

This MINI runs on “Mini Challenge rims” in the dimensions of 8 x 18 inches. They are made from solid block thus weighing only 6,9 kg. In addition, they provide the necessary traction and guarantee optimum driving characteristic and excellent smoothness.

Source: Arden

August 21, 2014

MINI teams with JustPark to make parking easier

MINI-JustPark_thumb MINI-JustPark_651

Having a car brings many benefits to your life but in many cases you may find it really hard to find a parking spot. In fact statistics shows worrying facts – motorists waste 106 days of their lives just looking for a spot. There’s light in the tunnel, though – British Motor Corporation (BMC) and its brand MINI have teamed up with the online service JustPark to provide a service that allows drivers to secure a parking spot in advance directly from their dashboards.

The only thing you have to do now in order to take advantage of the new service is to drive a MINI and then download a special application from the Apple App Store. By using the app, JustPark-registered drivers can find, book and navigate to a parking spot, choosing from more than 100,000 spaces across the United Kingdom.

This is how the whole thing works – drivers can download and then integrate the app in the vehicle’s navigation system and then they can choose whether to input their final destination or look for a parking spot around them while on the go. The app provides drivers with a number of conventional parking spaces, from car parks and hotels to homes and pubs. In addition to that they can look for location details, pricing and reviews left by previous drivers.

Once you choose and pay for a parking space you will be navigated to the destination by the vehicle’s navigation system. The best part is that the app has been designed for use while on the go and it has also undergone extensive testing by BMW laboratories in Germany.

The app is the latest product of the partnership between JustPark and BMW Ventures, the venture capital arm of BMW that invests in startups working to improve mobility in urban areas and took a strategic stake in JustPark – formerly known as ParkatmyHouse – in 2011.

JustPark founder, Anthony Eskinazi, said: “In 2014, no driver should have to experience the stress and uncertainty of circling the streets for that elusive parking space. JustPark gives drivers the convenience of finding and reserving an affordable parking space in moments. Just as we use apps to order taxis and takeaways, parking is finally being brought out of the dark ages.”

The MINI will be the first car to enjoy the new service but JustPark expects to be able to offer the service to many more car brands in the near future.

Source: MINI UK

August 7, 2014

Maxi-Tuner MINI Cooper S F56

Maxi-Tuner has unveiled performance package for the new MINI Cooper S. The hot hatchback comes with a number of upgrades including both – styling and performance modifications.

The exterior boasts a set of Schmidt Shift rims – 8J x 18” fitted with Goodyear tires in size 215/35 R18. There is also a set of lowering sport springs improving not only the stance, but the handling as well. The lowering springs are provided by H&R.

The 2015 MINI Cooper S is powered by a 2.0 liter turbocharged petrol engine with 192HP (141 kW) at 4,700RPM and 300Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque at just 1,250RPM. The engine is connected to a 6-speed manual gearbox. 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 232 km/h (144 mph). Maxi-Tuner boosts the small engine to 220HP (162 kW) and 340Nm (252 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 240 km/h (150 mph).

The tuning specialists also provide different tail pipe designs for the regular exhaust system as well as a valve sports exhaust system or a cup exhaust system. The valve system can be licensed through individual technical inspection directly in Maxi-Tuner’s workshop. The cup version is meant solely for export or usage on the race track, because of the extreme noise.

The prices

Performance boost package: €899

Exhaust systems: from €699

Wheel set: from €1,498

Lowering spring set: €279

Source: Maxi-Tuner

July 25, 2014

2014 MINI Cooper SD – 170HP and 370Nm

MINI has revealed the new powerful Cooper SD, which is the most powerful diesel ever in a vehicle of the brand. After its successful market launch, the engine range for the new original in the small car premium segment continues to expand as of July 2014.

2014 MINI Cooper SD is powered by a 2.0 liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder diesel engine – 170HP (125 kW) and 360 Nm (265 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 7.3 seconds (or 7.2 seconds with the optional 6-speed Steptronic transmission). The small car is able to cover 100 km with just 4.0 liters – 58.8 mpg US or 70.6 mpg UK with CO2 emissions of 104 g/km.

MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology has a turbocharging system with variable turbine geometry and common rail injection with magnet valve injectors operating at a maximum pressure of 2 000 bar. This combination enables both highly spontaneous power delivery as well as a precisely controlled fuel supply.

MINI also offers a One First model powered by a a 1.2 liter TwinPower Turbo three-cylinder diesel engine – 75HP (55 kW) and 150 Nm (110 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 12.8 seconds and an average fuel consumption of 5.0 liters / 100 km – (47 mpg US or 56.4 mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of 117-122 g/km.

Both models will hit the market in July and in the United Kingdom the Cooper SD will be priced from £19,450 OTR.

Source: MINI

June 10, 2014

2015 MINI 5-door Hatchback

MINI has officially unveiled the first 5-door Hatchback model, which is expected to hit the market this fall. The more practical 5-door body style which compared to the regular model has a 72 mm longer wheelbase (2,567 mm) is going to increase rear legroom and foot space by 72 mm while headroom has increased by 15 mm.

The bigger MINI also provides 61 mm additional interior width at elbow height while the trunk capacity now stands at 278 liters, which is 67 liters more than the 3-door model. The rear seat can be folded down to create a cargo volume of 941 liters.

The engine range includes: a 3-cylinder 1.5-liter TwinPower Turbo – 136HP and 220Nm (230 Nm with power boost), a 3-cylinder 1.5-liter TwinPower Turbo diesel with 116HP and 270Nm in the Cooper D, a 4-cylinder 2.0-liter TwinPower turbo diesel with 170HP and 360Nm in the Cooper SD and a powerful 4-cylinder 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo with 192HP and 280Nm (300 Nm with power boost) in Cooper S.

Depending on the engine choice, MINI is offering a 6-speed manual gearbox, a 6-speed Steptronic transmission or a Steptronic sports unit.

The base model starts at just £15,900 in the UK, while the Cooper D has a price tag of £17,050, the Cooper S costs £19,255 and the Cooper SD is £20,050.

Source: MINI

June 5, 2014

Minitune Enhances Mini Cooper S R56

Minitune Mini Cooper S R56 is a project of a brand new company, which is committed completely to the enhancing of vehicles of the model portfolio of the German premium compact car producer with British roots. Via a new body kit, wheels and performance boost the tuners have tailored a fashionable outfit for this Mini. To be more precise, the company’s Minitune body kit consists of a front spoiler bumper bar with big inlets, a black front grill, side skirts and a rear apron in diffuser optics and roof spoiler in racing looks.

In addition, Minitune integrated an air inlet with a formed scoop in the engine hood. Every reflective surface of the car has been lacquered in glittering black, in order an unmistakable sportier appearance to be achieved.

At the back, we can see dark LED rear lights and fog tail lamps in Union Jack design. To match the color of the bodywork, Minitune endowed the Cooper S R56 with a set of Motec Nitro single piece wheels in black with outline in matching car color. They come in the size of 8×18-inches and are covered with Kumho tires of the dimension 215/35R18.

The brake calipers have been also painted in the matching car color. Perforated EBC turbo groove brake disks on the front axle with EBC red stuff brake pads are also at hand. The brake upgrade is a reasonable counterweight to the performance boost.

The car’s power has been enhanced from 174 horsepower (128 kW) and 240 Nm (178 lb-ft) to the present 218 horsepower (160 kW) and 319 Nm (235 lb-ft). Minitune also mounted a better high-performance charging air intercooler.

Furthermore, a sports exhaust system made of stainless steel including the 200-cell sports catalyzer has been added. It features a centrally positioned double tailpipes that ensure the sound background to match the evolved performance. At last, Minitune Cooper S also features a sports chassis frame from the specialists of Koni. It delivers more agility and excellent driving comfort.

Source: Minitune

May 26, 2014

BMW And MINI Vehicles Beautified With AC Schnitzer Type VIII Anthracite Alloys

AC Schnitzer is offering an exquisite Type VIII alloy rim in Anthracite finish. The new wheel type is supplementing the Type VIII wheel range. The latter also features Type VIII forged racing wheels, lightweight forged rim and the light alloy wheel Type VIII BiColor in black and silver. The new offering has undoubtedly a beautiful but “easy care” look.

As a matter of fact, the Type VIII alloys are made in the low pressure process and afterwards – subjected to casting and heat treatment. The high quality casting process contributes towards the delicate and lightweight design of the new five double spokes of the wheels.

Furthermore, the perfect “anthracite” finish, gives the Type VIII alloy wheel a sophisticated sporting look, suitable for many current and classic BMW models. The wheels can also perfectly be fitted in the wheelarches of the MINI Countryman and MINI Paceman.

AC Schnitzer’s Type VIII Light Alloy Wheels are available for BMW 1 to 7 series, as well as for the Z4, X1, X3, X5 and X6 models. They are also perfect for MINI Paceman and Countryman as mentioned.

Source: AC Schnitzer

May 12, 2014

MINI Makes One-off Paceman Adventure

MINI Paceman Adventure is a concept project that resulted from the joint work of the young apprentices and their instructors at the BMWs plant in Munich. This Paceman has completely one-off vision. As a basis the students have used the current MINI Cooper S Paceman. They have transformed it into a two-seater with a pickup style cargo area. This MINI pick-up features all necessary off-road characteristicis, including a powerful engine, all-wheel drive, big tyres, modified suspension and much more.

To go further into details, this Paceman Adventure is powered by the Cooper S Paceman’s engine which produces 184 horsepower (135 kW). In addition, it is equipped with MINI’s ALL4. The passenger compartment features only two front seats. Behind them is positioned the cargo area that is suitable for luggage, tools and equipment begins. A solid roof rack can accommodate a spare wheel.

Furthermore, the pickup has the typically MINI short overhangs, but includes a modified chassis with extended ground clearance and higher front and rear clearance ramps. This MINI concept also features a snorkel-like roof level air intake, thus meaning that it could tackle a river crossing.

On the front cross member of the roof rack are mounted additional lights. The car has been fitted with off-road tyres, which prepare the concept for the perfect off-road experience.At last, the exterior paint finish is Jungle Green metallic. Unfortunately, MINI has no plans for a production version of the Paceman Adventure.

Source: MINI

April 28, 2014

MINI Unveils 2015 Paceman Range

2015 MINI Paceman offeres fresh design, optimised aerodynamics and revised engines. The Sports Activity Coupe was unveiled at Auto China in Beijing. The new model includes a distinctive and highly expressive body design. Of course – it carries all of the characteristics typical for a MINI. At the front it is equipped with large headlamps and hexagonal radiator grille contour. Its elongated silhouette on the other hand reinforces its sportiness. At the rear we see lights which are horizontally arranged for the first time on a MINI.

New trim color is available – it is caled Piano Black. Chrome Line Exterior trim is also available as a no cost option. New colours for the MINI Paceman include Jungle Green metallic and Midnight Grey metallic. Black or white white contrasting roofs are also available. On the other hand, the contrasting Chilli Red roof is offered exclusively for the MINI John Cooper Works Paceman. Vaarious colors are also available for the sport and bonnet stripes.

As a standard, MINI offers a range of new light alloy wheels with reduced weight and LED fog lights. Precisely, the Cooper and the Cooper D Paceman come equipped with the 16-inch light alloy wheels in 5-Star Air Spoke Design. In addition, the 17-inch light alloy wheels in the new 5-Star Triangle Spoke Design were specifically created for the Cooper S and the Cooper SD Paceman. They are also available in a two-colour design. MINI John Cooper Works Paceman runs on 18-inch light alloy wheels in Twin Spoke Black Burnished Design as standard.

Inside, 2015 Paceman benefits from acoustic optimization. Speed and display dials are now anthracite-coloured in the style of the MINI John Cooper Works Paceman across all models. In addition, the model will also include the new ALL4 all-wheel drive system. MINI ALL4 distributes drive power at continuously variable levels between the front and rear axle by means of an electromagnetic centre differential.

The engines offered in the range are listed below along with their details. They can be combined with an optional six-speed automatic transmission instead or the standard six-speed manual. The suspension technology included in the car features the combination of McPherson spring struts and forged wishbones on the front axle, a multilink rear axle and electromechanical power steering.

Figures for 2015 MINI Paceman range:

Model	Power	0-62 mph	Fuel Consumption	CO2
Cooper	122 hp	10.4 (-0.1)	47.9 mpg	137 g/km
Cooper D	111 hp	10.9	67.3 mpg	111 g/km
Cooper S	190 hp	7.5 (-0.1)	47.1 mpg	139 g/km
Cooper SD	143 hp	9.2 sec (-0.1 sec)	62.8 mpg	119 g/km
John Cooper Works	218 hp	6.9 sec (- 0.1 sec)	39.8 mpg	165 g/km

Source: MINI

April 24, 2014

Tag: MINI