62mph in 6.2 seconds, 149mph and a 208bhp turbocharged engine, all to be found inside the new… Mini? Amazingly, it’s true; the new coupe, which is the 5^th model to be released since the start of BMW’s MINI range in 2001, matches the trademark Mini looks with a sleek coupe body and staggering speed. Nearly 150mph in a Mini is nearly incomprehensible; I mean it’s even got a little spoiler on it!

I have to say I like the look of it. The smart coupe will be released on the 1^st of October according to BMW with entry level process starting at £16,640, not a hugely disproportionate sum for what you’re getting.

The creators stress that the Mini has been designed with the driver in mind and the most driving fun that they could possibly muster ahs been inserted into the coupe, with a ‘go kart like’ driving experience being promised to those who buy it. Boot space is 280 litres ensuring enough space for almost any cargo.

In true Mini fashion the car is very small, as long as the standard hatchback models but with a much lower sloping roof the car is a lot more compact and sleek, with the reduction in weight partly owing towards it major increase in speed compared to its sister models. In economic terms the coupe comes up well too, only churning out a reasonable 114g of CO2 per km with a combined fuel economy rate of 65.7mpg available with the 2.0 litre model. The car benefits from functions such as break energy regeneration, automatic engine start/ stop and a gearshift monitor to make sure it is a frugal and environmentally sound as possible.

The Mini also comes with exciting goodies such as air conditioning, parking sensors and DAB Digital radio all fitted as standard in all variants meaning that the coupe is not only potentially a fast, fun and stylist purchase but a highly technologically helpful one too.

I'm a Rocket Man...

The Mini is a landmark car in motoring history, identifiable around the world, but since the takeover by BMW the new production range including the Cooper and the Countryman haven’t exactly been, well, Mini.

The first released BMW Mini’s were a good 2 feet longer than the original car, with the Countryman coming in at over 3 feet longer. But all that’s set to change with the much anticipated release of the Mini Rocketman concept unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. The concept model is a return to the hugely popular small mini at just 11ft 3inches, only just over a foot a foot longer than the original 1959 Mini which produced 5.3 Million until 2000. In this respect at least, the Rocketman looks to return to Mini’s traditional roots.

The commercial declares the Rocketman as having “The heart of 1959” and as “the right design for the future”. Certainly they have tried to combine the past and the present here to create something modern and stylish whilst still maintaining the essence of the original classic Mini.

In terms of bodywork the classic mini can be seen lurking between the surfaces but there are definitely strong themes of the more recent models too. The lights are very similar to that of the cooper on the front, but the rear lights are an innovative hooped design which don’t light up but rather project the light onto the car’s bodywork which itself is changed to include elements of carbon fibre, used in order to reduce weight and maintain strength. The doors have a double hinge system which is supposed to allow ease of opening in tight spaces and the passengers are treated to a panoramic view of the sky through the glass roof etched with the union jack, a nod towards the Mini’s origins.

The concept also boast unique functions such as an easy access sliding drawer in the boot which can hold items or be used as a bike rack etc. whilst travelling and ‘mood lighting’ within the car itself which is said to be included to mirror the driver’s attitude. Practically the concept is a 3 + 1 seater, which should make it perfect for small families, and although there is no word on the engine spec, it has been promised to have a ‘enhanced sprinting ability’ and a fuel consumption of 94mpg.

Overall, then, an exciting prospect.

Unlike most Mini concepts the Rocketman isn’t particularly a pre production concept, but the reaction to it will be gauged by BMW and measured to see whether there is a positive reaction, with estimated release dates if successful being around 2013.

Marketing Director Ian Robertson announced “Mini has a great past, but the best is yet to come.”  Lets certainly hope so.

Perhaps the most immediately obvious thing about this new MINI is its size. It’s such that the name MINI Countryman is something of an oxymoron. This is the biggest model MINI have ever produced and the first to have four doors, seating for five adults and the first of their models to feature four wheel drive.

Size does, apparently, matter. The Countryman is 374mm longer than a MINI Hatch (at 4097mm), 106 mm wider (at 1,789 mm) and 154mm taller (at 1561mm). It offers 190 litres more luggage space than the MINI Hatch offers even with its seats up, with a more-than-you’ll-ever-need total of 1,170 litres with the seats folded flat. The UK models will be built as five-seat cars, though customers will be able to opt for four seats at no extra cost.

These specifications are all designed to ensure that the Countryman offers the best of both worlds: practicality and versatility with no compromises made on “the fun that can be derived from driving”. Soft off-road ability and an interior built to be big enough to cope with all the various hobbies, shopping trips and sporting activities which form the basis of modern life.

MINI have issued a long list of such equipment that will come as standard. This includes Roof rails that facilitate various attachments like roof boxes or roof racks  Thatcham Category 1 alarm system, Air conditioning; Heated door mirrors and washer jets; RearParkDistance Control; MINI Centre Rail system; Dynamic Stability Control (DTC for models equipped with the ALL4 four wheel drive system); Electric power steering with Servotronic speed-related assistance; Six airbags; ISOFIX child safety seat mountings; Tyre puncture warning system; Standard Central Bass Hi Fi system with six speakers; DAB digital radio with Radio Boost; Bluetooth telephone preparation;USB connection, making it possible to plug in your MP3 player; Passenger Airbag deactivation; Preparation for a bicycle rack (including electrics); and non run-flat tyres.

Says Lee Connelly, Product and Planning Manager at MINI UK: “The Countryman models still pack in the driving thrills that put a grin on your face the way all MINIs do. But the Countryman also brings new levels of space and versatility to the range that will attract not only existing MINI owners but also new customers. We expect that the extra space will mean that around 80 per cent of Countryman sales will come from customers completely new to the MINI brand. Already we see the MINI Countryman being the benchmark in terms of residual values and lease company whole life costs.”

The MINI Countryman will go on sale in the UK from September 18. Seven models will be made available, two of which will feature the ALL4 four wheel drive technology. Prices will start at £16,000.

It’s been a while since MINI last updated their popular supermini range. Apart from the odd special edition model, it seems like MINI fans have been waiting a lifetime for a facelift to the iconic model. Finally the wait is over…

From August 2010, MINI will be making a whole host of changes across the MINI range including a design revamp, new model introductions, new paint and upholstery options and tons of new optional equipment.

And we’re not just talking a few MINI changes… we’re talking TONS of changes…

Revamped MINI Style:

Kick starting the 2010 changes, all MINI models will benefit from a design facelift including new front and rear bumpers, redesigned side repeater trim, new rear light design and 5 new alloy wheel designs. MINI First / One and Cooper models will boast a higher and more muscular bonnet as first seen on the Cooper D.

A number of changes have also been made to the interior including a redesigned centre console with new radio and function buttons, black centre console (which replaces the black and silver design on the current model) and black steering wheel trim. Improvements have also been made to the MINI Clubman model with the luggage compartment now boasting a new roller design.

All models will receive sound proofing measures to reduce cabin noise, Brake Force Display and additional light colours for interior lights packs. Standard features (with the exception of the MINI First model) will also now include heated windscreen waster jets and exterior mirrors and a new DAB radio.

Three New MINI Models:

Three new MINI models will be introduced in August including the MINI One D, MINI One D Clubman and the MINI Cooper Diesel Convertible.

The MINI One D Hatch and MINI One D Clubman are two new diesel models based on the Cooper D engine. Both MINI One D models boast a number of MINIMALISM features as standard including:

- Automatic Start / Stop Function
- Brake Energy Regeneration
- Gear Shift Point Indicator
- Low Rolling Resistance Tyres

The new MINI Cooper Diesel Convertible is the first time MINI has offered a Diesel Convertible. It boasts a wealth of benefits including low CO2 emissions, excellent fuel consumption and the highest torque offered in the Convertible range at 270 Nm.

New MINI Diesel Engines:

From August, all MINI Diesel engines will become BMW 1.6cc engines boasting more power, more torque, better fuel consumption, improved CO2 figures and improved sound acoustics.

The new MINI One D and MINI Copper D Hatch models will also boast CO2 emissions of just 99 g/km, benefitting from £0 road tax and exemption from the congestion charge.

From March 2011, the diesel models will be improved even more with the option of an automatic gearbox becoming available.

MINI SOHO Clubman – Special Edition Model:

In addition to the facelift changes, MINI has announced the introduction of a special edition model named the MINI SOHO Clubman. The special edition SOHO Clubman model boasts a range of additional features including White Silver paintwork and 17’’ Black Star Bullet alloy wheels.

MINI Option Packages:

Finally (deep breath), from August, a host of new options will be available across the MINI range including new paintwork colours and technology packs. New paintwork options include British Racing Green, Ice Blue, Spice Orange, Eclipse Gray, and Velvet Silver. A range of new upholstery materials, interior options and alloy wheels will also become available.

And if you still want more, two new technology packages are available including the MINI Visual Boost package and the MINI Connected package.

The Visual Boost package boasts:

- 6.5’’ High-resolution Widescreen display unit
- New MINI MMI Display layout
- Bluetooth functionality
- Video Playback when used with iPhone or iPod
- On Board Computer
- MINI Joy Stick Controller
- AUX-IN / USB Connection

The MINI Connected package gives greater connectivity with your iPhone and includes:

- Web Radio
- Facebook Access
- Twitter Access
- RSS News Feed
- Google send-to-car
- Google local search
- Video Playback
- Text-to-speech function.

Prices for the new facelifted MINI start from £11,560 for the MINI First model, rising to £24,275 for the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible model.

Nationwide Vehicle Contracts have some fantastic leasing rates available across the whole MINI range including great deals on the new MINI Clubman and MINI MINIMALISM models.

One thing that we haven’t seen from any of the startup green car makers to date is traditional television advertising. That’s partly because most of these companies are operating on minimal budgets and what money they do have is being dedicated to trying to get their vehicles on the road. Fisker Automotive is a different case. With a star designer at the helm and venture capital cash in the bank (for now at least), the fledgling manufacturer has begun running its first TV spots. The initial ads appeared on local Los Angeles stations last week. If a company like Fisker is going to advertise, LA would be the place to do it. The area is home to large numbers of high dollar, high performance cars and plenty of environmentally aware people with money (or it did until about six months ago). These are precisely the people to whom a car like the Karma would appeal. With a goal of 15,000 sales a year, Fisker is going to have its work cut out finding buyers in in this economy. Watch the ad after the jump.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Fisker runs first Karma TV ads in LA

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Fisker

VIDEO: Fisker runs first Karma TV ads in LA originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 13 Mar 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Fisker runs first Karma TV ads in LA – Green Cars

Of course, we’ve heard similar claims from automaker officials many times over the years and then waited fruitlessly as nothing happened. If MINI does indeed produce a JCW diesel it would likely bump power from the current 110 hp to something in the region of 150-160 hp. Even at that level, real world mileage would likely remain somewhere in the mid-40 to 50 mpg (U.S.) range.

All Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Filed under: Diesel, MINI

Will MINI build a John Cooper Works diesel? “Good Idea” originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 12 Mar 2009 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Will MINI build a John Cooper Works diesel? "Good Idea" – Green Cars

Fast Lane Daily on location at the 2008 L.A. Auto Show. Derek takes…

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2008 L.A. Auto Show Day 1 – Fast Lane Daily – 11/20/08

Five years on from its launch, the Mini is preparing for its first new generation model. Due for launch in late 2006 (Cooper and Cooper S) and early 2007 (One), the new car features only modest styling changes, the designers sensibly sticking to the formula which has helped make the model such an international success. It is slightly larger, in order to meet future safety requirements.

The principle changes are a revised suspension system and the introduction of new (British-built) 1.6-litre petrol engines for the Cooper and Cooper S versions. The Cooper will use a 120hp unit and the S a twin-turbocharged version of the engine, increasing power to 175hp, enabling 0-62mph acceleration in 7.1 seconds. Notable improvements in fuel consumption and exhaust emissions are also achieved. Mini One will use a revised version of its current 1.4-litre petrol engine and a new diesel engine sourced from Peugeot-Citroen. Prices will range from £11,595 for the One to £15,995 for the Cooper S.