Jan 17th, 2010
We just got confirmation from sources within Oxford that an R56 Cooper S was produced on Friday with a unique exterior color called Eclipse Grey Metallic. Our sources are implying that it’s part of the 2011 model year refresh. If correct you’d have to assume it’ll be replacing one of the current colors. Dark Silver could be a candidate considering it’s been around since launch.
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Jan 17th, 2010
Starting with March production, MINI will be upping the power on all models with revised engines. We reported the details earlier this week but we thought we’d go into the insane detail (Via a few internal PDFs) that you have come to know and expect from MF. So let’s get started. For starters outputs are up across the board.
- MINI One: 96 hp (Up 2 hp)
- MINI Cooper: 120 hp (up 2 hp)
- MINI Cooper S: 179 hp (up 7 hp)
- MINI JCW: 208 hp (unchanged so far)
For some reason MINI either has decided to delay the uprated engine on the JCW. Because of this we’re not going to focus on this model for the time being. Look for an upgrade later this year.
So with that said, let’s get into the details on our two favorite updated models.
The 2010 Cooper
BMW already had VALVETRONIC in the naturally aspirated Cooper so the extra power would have to be made up with other techniques. Specifically BMW has optimized the ECU and in turn the engine’s output has gone up 2 hp in total. You can read the entire specifications list below in the official PDFs.
+ MINI Cooper PDF (03/2010)
+ MINI Cooper Clubman PDF (03/2010)
+ MINI Cooper Convertible PDF (03/2010)
The 2010 Cooper S
The 2010 MCS has added a fully variable valve control known in BMW speak as VALVETRONIC. What this does is optimize the engine’s responses and enables a significant reduction in fuel consumption and emissions. It does so by adjusting the lift and opening period of the intake valves to the driver’s power requirements within fractions of a second.
All this adds up to more power but also noticeably more efficiency. Technically the 1.6L turbo is now the world’s most efficient unit in this displacement class. You can see the entire list of specifications in the official PDFs below.
+ MINI Cooper S PDF (03/2010)
+ MINI Cooper S Clubman PDF (03/2010)
+ MINI Cooper S Convertible PDF (03/2010)
Jan 16th, 2010
While the Beachcomber is a concept, there are many items on the car that are lifted straight from the production version of the R60 crossover. We’re going to set the record straight on what is and what is not part of the R60.
Starting in the front, the hood (sans the reverse air inlet) and headlights are all taken straight from the R60. The bumper? Purely part of the concept meant to invoke the Moke. The size indicators? Those will be carried over with the exception of the “Beachcomber” badge.
Moving from front to back the mirrors are production albeit moved from the original position due to the Beachcomber having no doors. On the side of the car you can clearly see where the doors’ shut-lines are and in turn get a feel for the size of the openings of each. Finally around back the taillights are also production ready and taken from the R60. However one thing to note, the satin finish trim will be replaced with chrome on the final production R60. continued →
Jan 16th, 2010
Official Release: MINI is proud to accept the Polk Automotive Loyalty Award for highest loyalty in the compact car segment. The 2009 MINI Cooper was named as the winner at Tuesday night’s ceremony held at the Automotive News World Congress during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
“Our existing customers are a top priority for this company, and owner loyalty has been fundamental to MINI’s success here in the U.S.,†said Jim McDowell, Vice President of MINI USA. “We are very pleased to accept the Polk Automotive Loyalty Award, and are grateful to our customers for their enthusiasm and commitment to the MINI brand. Our goal for the coming years will be to steadily increase owner loyalty rates by continuing to ensure a high-quality motoring experience.†continued →
Jan 15th, 2010
These new range of colors follow along the lines of the previous versions which were known “Fip Colours” in 2004 and then “Dreamline Colours” in 2007. This year MINI UK is back again with the same concept and three tweaked colors. The new marketing name is “Rainbow” paint options. For those that remember our report on the Dreamline colours in 2007, these typically cost around 8,000 pounds or over $14,000. Not a cheap option clearly.
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Jan 15th, 2010
Last year MINI finally solved the dreaded cold start issue that afflicted the R56 Cooper S. Or so they thought. As it turned out, while the issue was eliminated in some cars but only alleviated in others. So MINI went back to the drawing board and looked the issue with fresh eyes. After further research they believe they have finally (and definitively) solved the issue for all cars with a modified timing chain. Specifically they’ve made the chain very slightly longer which has eliminated the chatter that was known as the “death rattle”.
The new components should come online at the Oxford Plant in time for March builds. For those with older R56s still afflicted with the issue, MINI will be offering an official fix for your car. Of course keep in mind that this will be a case by case process and you should work through your dealer.
