MINI Files Patent Design for Paceman, the Three-Door Version of the Countryman Crossover

Last January at the Detroit Motor Show, MINI lifted the curtains on the not-so-mini Paceman concept study based on the Countryman crossover. During the presentation of the prototype, BMW board member Ian Robertson had then confirmed that the Paceman will join the MINI line-up in the very near future.
And while we’ve yet to capture a prototype version of the Paceman on the road, today we discovered these official patent images that were filed a couple of days ago.
Read more »Source URL: http://sparesomeribs.blogspot.com/search/label/MINI
Visit Spare Some Ribs for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection

Romeo Ferraris Introduces the MINI Countryman 150o Anniversario

The MINI Countryman may be, you know, British, but that hasn’t stopped Italian tuning house Romeo Ferraris from creating a special edition in celebration of Italy’s 150th anniversary as a nation.
The festive MINI is based on the flagship Countryman Cooper S that is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol churning out 184-horses and a peak torque of 240Nm. After Romeo Ferraris technicians remap the ECU and add a new intercooler, a sports air filter and a race-spec exhaust system, the aforementioned numbers grow to 227HP and 328Nm (241.9 lb-ft).
Read more »Source URL: http://sparesomeribs.blogspot.com/search/label/MINI
Visit Spare Some Ribs for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection

BMW Readying FWD 1-Series GT for 2014 Launch

*2012 BMW 1-Series Hatchback Pictured above

It’s no secret that BMW is getting ready to adopt a front-wheel drive layout for its smaller models including certain versions of the next generation of the 1-Series. BMW’s decision has already sparked a lot of discussions whether its front-wheel drive products will remain true to the brand’s “ultimate driving machine” motto or an insult to the company’s heritage.
Now it seems that the day we will see the first front-wheel drive BMW is closer than we thought. According to Autocar magazine, the 1-Series GT, which is said to be a more practical version featuring a high-rising tail like the 5-Series GT, will be the first BMW to adopt front-wheel drive. Its launch is scheduled for 2014.
Read more »Source URL: http://sparesomeribs.blogspot.com/search/label/MINI
Visit Spare Some Ribs for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection

BMW Boss Says Front-Wheel Drive Bimmers will be “The Ultimate Driving Machine”

The times, they are a-Changing sang Bob Dylan, and they did. And for the most part, it’s for the better –or we’d still be living in caves. But when one of the staples of the motoring world embraces a new philosophy, be prepared for the purists to cry “FAIL”. The news of BMW adopting front-wheel-drive for its future compact models is the perfect example.
For decades Munich has bombarded us with its naturally aspirated in-line engines, be that with 4, 6, 8 or 10 cylinders along with 50/50 perfect weight distribution and the “ultimate driving machine” tag.

Now turbos are all the rage, even in the M-division and they are trickling down to the rest of the lineup in the name of fuel economy and CO2 emissions. But a FWD BMW? Where is this world coming to?
Read more »Source URL: http://sparesomeribs.blogspot.com/search/label/MINI
Visit Spare Some Ribs for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection

Sportier MINI Countryman JCW Edition Spied Working out at the Nurburgring

Carscoop’s spy photographers have snapped some of the first images of the sportiest edition yet of the Mini Countryman bearing the John Cooper Works logo. The…high-hoon version of Mini’s urban crossover model will come with all the usual styling upgrades and performance modifications we’re used to seeing in the other JCW models.
First and foremost, the Countryman JCW will get a juiced up version of the Cooper S’ 1.6-liter twin-scroll turbo engine. Being that the Countryman is much heavier than the other Mini JCW variants, engineers may further hone the four-cylinder powerplant to deliver more than 211-ponies it normally produces, possibly approaching the 230HP mark.
Read more »Source URL: http://sparesomeribs.blogspot.com/search/label/MINI
Visit Spare Some Ribs for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection

All-Time Sales Record for BMW Group in the First Half of 2011

There’s a lot to be happy about in Munich these days. That’s because the BMW Group has had not only its best month ever as far as sales are concerned, but has also achieved an all-time sales record for the first half of the year.
This June, a total of 165,855 BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce cars were delivered, an increase of 15.9% compared to the same month in 2010 (143,156 units) and also a new record for the Group. BMW sold 134,432 cars (+12.3%) and Mini 31,111 (+34.1%).
Read more »Source URL: http://sparesomeribs.blogspot.com/search/label/MINI
Visit Spare Some Ribs for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection

U.K.’s Auto Industry to Young People: Be an Engineer!

Twenty-three of the U.K.’s car and component factories have opened their doors to teachers and students alike in a renewed bid to entice young people into automotive and manufacturing engineering. At the annual summit of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), Tony Walker – Toyota Motor Manufacturing U.K.’s deputy managing director – said:
“The industry today is hi-tech. There are no oily rags. There are no smoke stacks. It is an inspirational and an aspirational place to be.”
In fact, carmakers are eager to point out just how fun and lucrative engineering can be. It’s all part of the U.K. government’s push to shift its focus away from financial services after the deadly Global Financial Crisis of 2007.
Read more »Source URL: http://sparesomeribs.blogspot.com/search/label/MINI
Visit Spare Some Ribs for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection

New MINI Roadster in John Cooper Works Guise Scooped

With the new Coupe out in the open, MINI is now turning its focus on the soft-top roadster version of its two-seater model, which was snagged here by our scoop photographers in John Cooper Works [JCW] guise while testing on the Nurburgring.
Thanks to the prototype’s minimal camouflage, we see that, like the Coupe, the Roadster model remains rather faithful to the original concept that debuted at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.
Read more »Source URL: http://sparesomeribs.blogspot.com/search/label/MINI
Visit Spare Some Ribs for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection

MINI Inspired by Goodwood Carries…Rolls Royce Inspired Price Tag at £41,000 or US$65,700!

Apparently, Aston Martin isn’t the only British automaker to lose contact with reality when it comes to pricing special edition models. Soon after Aston Martin slapped a €48,995 (equal to £44,100 and US$70,700 at the current exchange rates) sticker on its Colette-trimmed Toyota iQ…err… we mean Cygnet, the BMW Group division announced that its new MINI Inspired by Goodwood is priced at £41,000 (€45,600 or US$65,700). Read more »Source URL: http://sparesomeribs.blogspot.com/search/label/MINI
Visit Spare Some Ribs for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection

U-Spy: New MINI Coupe and BMW 1-Series Hatchback Spotted on the Road

Eagle-eyed Carscoop reader Michael from Germany is always on the lookout for any new cars and prototypes on the road. His latest catch is the freshly revealed MINI Coupe in a blue suit with silver stripes, while he also seized a couple of shots of the new BMW 1-Series hatchback, both of which were spotted in Munich.
The new MINI Coupe was only just unveiled online a couple of days ago, so we assume the car pictured is most likely an early production version used for testing.
Read more »Source URL: http://sparesomeribs.blogspot.com/search/label/MINI
Visit Spare Some Ribs for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection

New MINI JCW Coupe Racer to Debut at 24h of Nurburgring

Well, that was quick. Just three days after unveiling the MINI Coupe, the firm’s first-ever two-seater coupe model, and even though its flagship version won’t be available to the public before autumn, the company presented the MINI John Cooper Works Coupe Endurance (yes, that’s quite a mouthful, so we’ll just call it JCW) racer.
And, what’s more, its public debut will be in one of the most demanding endurance races of the world, the Nürburgring 24 hours at the legendary Nordschleife, the place which Jackie Stewart has famously christened “the Green Hell”.
The MINI JCW Endurance is powered by a tuned version of the standard 4-cylinder, 1.6-litre engine that features a twin-scroll turbocharger as well as direct injection.

Read more »Source URL: http://sparesomeribs.blogspot.com/search/label/MINI
Visit Spare Some Ribs for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection

MINI Takes New Coupé for a Trip Around the World in its First Promo Film

The new two-seat Coupé from MINI has just landed on the internet, but the British firm is already pushing out its new marketing campaign with the release of the first promo clip.
The campaign builds around a new slogan titled “Another Day. Another Adventure.” with the film shot in the style of a movie trailer showcasing the Coupé in exotic locations, such as Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, Iceland and Hong Kong.
Read more »Source URL: http://sparesomeribs.blogspot.com/search/label/MINI
Visit Spare Some Ribs for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection

New MINI Coupe Debuts in Production Trim: 65 High Res Photos and Pricing

No more hiding under conceptual suits and swirly camouflage for MINI’s all-new 2012 Coupé as the firm’s parent company, the BMW Group, officially lifted the veil off the production model on Monday. The sportiest-looking MINI to date is a coupe-flavored version of the hatchback with seating strictly for two.
The Coupé’s appearance was previewed by the 2009 concept car of the same name and is distinguished by the backwards “helmet roof” design and the more sharply raked A-pillars.
The first “three-box” MINI also sits 52mm or 2.05-inches lower than its three-door hatchback counterpart. Notably, it also features an active rear spoiler that extends automatically at 80 km/h (50 mph) to optimize airflow at highway speeds.
Read more »Source URL: http://sparesomeribs.blogspot.com/search/label/MINI
Visit Spare Some Ribs for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection

Wetterauer Reinterprets MINI Countryman Cooper S

From the depths of Germany’s tuning industry comes our next custom build, based on the MINI Countryman Cooper S. Wetterauer Engineering GmbH, one of the lesser-known design shops, has come up with a new package for MINI’s first all-wheel drove model.
The aesthetic treatment starts with a new foil wrap in a matte brown color for the body and in carbon fiber for the roof, side skirts, front and rear aprons, exterior mirrors, spoilers and air vents. The package also gives the Countryman a matching set of 18-inch wheels from ATS shod in 225/45 R18 rubber and matte exhaust tips.
Read more »Source URL: http://sparesomeribs.blogspot.com/search/label/MINI
Visit Spare Some Ribs for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection

Goodwood Festival of Speed: Win a Ride in the MINI WRC

One very lucky person will have the opportunity to enjoy a ride in the MINI John Cooper Works WRC at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, which takes place at the estate of Lord March on the 1st - 3rd July this year. Read more »Source URL: http://sparesomeribs.blogspot.com/search/label/MINI
Visit Spare Some Ribs for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection

AC Schnitzer Claims to have Built the Fastest MINI with its New Eagle Concept

Is an impressive run around the Hockenheim Circuit enough to crown a car the fastest of its kind? Well, according to BMW Group tuning specialist AC Schnitzer, the answer to the above question is yes. The German company raced its John Cooper Works MINI-based Eagle Concept car at the Hockenheim Circuit recording a lap time of 1:13,341 minutes.
AC Schnitzer says the Eagle beat several thoroughbred sports cars such as the Ferrari California (1:13,5 minutes) and the Porsche 911 Turbo (1:14,6 minutes), and was left behind only by specially tuned or hardcore models like the KTM X-Bow and the BMW M3 Kompressor.
Read more »Source URL: http://sparesomeribs.blogspot.com/search/label/MINI
Visit Spare Some Ribs for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection

MINI Recalling MY'07-'08 Cooper S for... Protruding Tailpipes

Well, here's a new one. BMW Group is recalling 28,450 MY2007-2008 MINI Cooper S models in the States because the vehicle's centrally located exhaust tailpipes protrude slightly beyond the rear bumper. And what is the problem with that, you may ask. The problem is -according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)- that it is possible for inadvertent contact to occur with a person's leg. If this happens when the tailpipes are hot, then a burn could occur - and we can all imagine what a painful experience that could be. To solve this minor 'problem', BMW / MINI dealers will replace the tailpipe with a new shorter one free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during January 2009.

Source URL: http://sparesomeribs.blogspot.com/search/label/MINI
Visit Spare Some Ribs for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection

BMW Group Global Sales Plummet 25.4% in November

The continued market downturn resulted in a significant decline in sales in November for the BMW Group that consists of the BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands. The automotive group saw its global sales in November plunge by 25.4% to 96,570 units compare to 129,459 the same month a year ago. From the beginning of the year, the BMW Group has delivered a total of 1,323,572 vehicles, down 1.8% from the first 11 months of 2007. In November, BMW brand car sales were down 26.2% to 81,357 units, MINI sales fell 20.8% to 15,103 while Rolls Royce reported a 18.5% decline to 110 vehicles.

For the first 11 months of the year, global sales of BMW brand vehicles are down 3,5% to 1,105,112 units while MINI's are up by 7.6% to 217,405 as are Rolls Royce's by 28,5% to 1,055 vehicles .

Ian Robertson, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Sales and Marketing, said "Global automotive market demand fell once again in November. However, during the period to the end of November the BMW Group performed better than the overall premium segment and has increased its market share in the segment. In addition two of our three premium brands – MINI and Rolls-Royce – continue their growth over the 2007 sales results. The MINI brand is still the world's fastest-growing premium brand."

Source URL: http://sparesomeribs.blogspot.com/search/label/MINI
Visit Spare Some Ribs for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection

Video: 2009 MINI Convertible on the Road

MINI took the wraps off its second-generation Convertible model well ahead of the car's scheduled premiere at the Detroit Show in January 2009. The latest MINI Convertible is distinguished by a range of features such as the new generation naturally aspirated and turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder petrol engines, a newly developed electrohydraulical softop as well as a variety of styling and design components. Hit the jump to watch the video or click here for more detailed information and a high-res photo gallery of the 2009 MINI Convertible.




Source URL: http://sparesomeribs.blogspot.com/search/label/MINI
Visit Spare Some Ribs for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection

2010 MINI Convertible: Second Generation Model Breaks Cover - U.S. Pricing Included

The next-generation MINI Convertible has been revealed ahead of its worldwide debut in January at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Scheduled to hit dealerships worldwide in late March 2009, the new MINI Convertible follows in the footsteps of its hatchback sibling, meaning that you'll find a hard time distinguishing it from its predecessor. Nevertheless, the Convertible's exterior has been updated with new details like the headlamps, tail lamps and front/rear bumpers while the four-pivot hinges for the luggage compartment top are now mounted inside the car.

The new MINI Convertible's soft-top that comes with an integrated sliding roof function can open or close automatically in 15 seconds flat, even when the car is in motion up to 20 mph or 40km/h. In what could be one of the most useless gadgets of the year, MINI has equipped the four-seater with an "Openometer" gauge next to the tachometer that records how many hours have been spent with the top-down.

With the roof down, the vehicle's luggage capacity has been slightly increased to 23.10 cu.ft / 170 lt (+1.93 cu.ft or +5 lt). Like its predecessor, the new MINI Convertible again comes with an Easy-Load system. With the rear lid down, the entire lid also serves as a storage tray able to carry a load of up to 176 lb or 80kg.

MINI said that even though it has improved the new Convertible's body stiffness over the former model, it has also achieved a reduction in vehicle weight by 22 lb or 10 kg. In terms of safety, the 2010 model has gained a new single-piece rollover protection bar behind the rear seats that spans the entire interior width of the car, without obstructing the driver's visibility, and moves into position automatically in the event of a potential rollover

The new MINI Convertible will be available in two engine variants: the Cooper Convertible equipped with a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine producing 118HP at 6,000 rpm and the Cooper S Convertible powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with a Twin-Scroll turbocharger and direct gasoline injection delivering 172 HP at 5,500 rpm. It is most likely that MINI will enhance the Convertible's range with a diesel variant in late 2009.

Both the Cooper and Cooper S will be equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard with optional six-speed automatic transmission.

The British firm also said that the 2010 model will be offered with a wider range of paint colors, roof colors, wheels, and upholstery and interior trim choices

Orders for the MINI Convertible in the U.S. are being taken now with the price for the MINI Cooper Convertible set at $24,550 and for the MINI Cooper S Convertible $27,450, including the $650 destination and handling charge. Delivery of the first MINI Convertibles in the States will begin on March 28, 2009.



MINI Cooper S Convertible:

Four-cylinder gasoline engine with Twin-Scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection.

Capacity: 1,598 cc, max output: 172 hp at 5,500 rpm.

Max torque: 177 lb-ft from 1,600–5,000 rpm (192 lb-ft with Overboost).

Acceleration 0–60mph: 7.0 sec Manual, 7.2 Automatic, Top speed: 138 mph Manual, 135 mph Automatic.

MINI Cooper Convertible:

Four-cylinder gasoline engine with VALVETRONIC technology.

Capacity: 1,598 cc, max output: 118 hp at 6,000 rpm.

Max torque: 114 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm.

Acceleration (0–60 mph): 8.9 sec Manual, 10.2 Automatic, Top speed: 124 mph Manual, 119 mph Automatic.


















Source URL: http://sparesomeribs.blogspot.com/search/label/MINI
Visit Spare Some Ribs for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection