Feb 18th, 2010
With the success of MINI USA’s recent (ultra) limited edition Rally Clubman, MINI’s US division is releasing another run of limited edition models. The Lauren Sport edition is set to launch in March of 2010 with each dealer getting one hardtop (R56), one Clubman (R55) and one convertible (R57). Only 100 vehicles per model will be built in total for the US market.
With the Laurel Sport Edition MINI has combined sporty components with exclusive accessories meant to evoke a classic British style. The John Cooper Works Aero Kit, the MINI driving lights, the black 17†Alloy Wheels and the
black Mirror Caps give you the sport. The Laurel Sport Edition Door Sills, Side Scuttles and Stripes on the Bonnet, Tailgate, Roof and Side Panel emphasize the British heritage of the breed. The unique Laurel Sport Edition components and the contrasting Black Mirror Covers also add 100% exclusivity and reiterate that this limited Edition will be different from all other existing MINI’s in the US.
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Feb 17th, 2010
Thanks to our friend Vince we have our first look at the Countryman’s color line-up for launch. As is customary MINI will be focusing on metallics for the majority of colors (a $500 option) but with five “solid” colors there’s more non-metallics than ever before. There will be some vaguely familiar faces and some new looks that will be welcome additions to the MINI line-up. Notably Cosmic blue harkens back to Indie Blue while Oxford Green is a dead ringer for BRG. Light White is a dead ringer for BMW’s famed Alpine White and Surf Blue is (surprisingly) a lot like the recently killed Oxygen Blue.
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Feb 16th, 2010
There they are. The smallest MINI next to the largest. We snagged this image (hot off the UK presses) to once again give you another perspective of the size differences between the R56 and the R60. The previous comparison we showed you gave us a view from the side. This one demonstrates the relative height differences.
But let’s break this down further. The Countryman is 15″ longer than an R56 and 5.5″ longer than a Clubman. But it gets more interesting when we look at how it compares with other MINI and BMW models we may have some familiarity with:
- R56 Hatch: 145.6″
- R55 Clubman: 156″
- R60 Countryman: 161″
- BMW X1: 175″
- BMW X3: 180″
BMW X5: 191″
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Feb 16th, 2010
Something different tonight. I let Todd, Gabe and Chad carry on with news from MotoringFile and a short Ask Chad. Bonus you do get one of Todd’s special rants that I think almost all of you can relate to. In case you missed it, MotoringFile was at the Chicago Auto Show. You can see all of the photos and get the lowdown here.
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Feb 15th, 2010
Friday we gave you part one of our interview with MINI Product manager Vinnie Kung. If you missed it, do yourself a huge favor and scroll down the page and start reading. For those interested in the R60 and MINI has a whole it’s a fascinating conversation with loads of new information we won’t get anywhere else.
However as promised today we’re bringing part 2…
MotoringFile: What does the Countryman mean for the Clubman? It would seem the two are very close in size overall.
Vinnie Kung:There is more of a size difference than what the pictures convey. The Countryman is focused on people with greater space and comfort needs while the Clubman will remain as the perfect choice for those that want something funky, cool and just as nimble as the Hardtop. In essence, both can live side by side as they still have the style and handling that we expect from a MINI. But it probably won’t be this way for too long.
Q: Will the Countryman form the basis of any other models such as a lower four door MINI (sans the crossover height) or a beachcomber type of vehicle?
VK: The Countryman is R60 and we have plenty of numbers to use until R69.
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Feb 15th, 2010
MINI UK gets in on the pricing act today with full pricing of all Countryman models. While there are lots of specifics to digest for UK MINI fans, one thing that could be of interest to most markets is the mention of a All4 Countryman Cooper coming in 2012.
Official Release:
In September this year MINI will launch its latest and largest model, and the first to offer four wheel drive, to the UK market. The MINI Countryman range will be the fourth member of the MINI family following Hatch, Convertible and Clubman. It means that MINI owners who love the brand no longer need move to another make when they need more space in their car. The MINI Countryman will be available in five models, three of which will offer ALL4, MINI’s new four wheel drive option.
“Countryman takes the MINI story to a new level†said Jochen Goller, Director of MINI UK. “The extra space and ALL4 MINI break new ground in the brand’s 51 year heritage. With Countryman prices starting at £16,000 and a very high standard specification, we are introducing more MINI piquancy into the crossover market this year.â€
Power and go
At launch the Countryman range will include three petrol and two diesel models, as well as two ALL4 all wheel drive models – the Cooper D ALL4 and Cooper S ALL4. The petrol engines are the new 1.6 litre power plants already announced for the Hatch, Convertible and Clubman models due in March 2010. The diesel units are shared with the rest of the MINI range.
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Feb 12th, 2010
We sat down with MINI USA Product Manager Vinnie Kung this week armed with loads of questions (many of them yours) around the highly anticipated MINI Countryman crossover. But before we get to what we think is one of the best interviews we’ve ever had on MF, we have to give Vinnie a huge thanks for being (as always) smart, humble and hilarious at all the right moments. MINI is lucky to have him and we’re thrilled to have a chance to talk with him.
Today we’re going to give you the first part of our interview where we talk about US pricing, curb weight, R60 JCW and even the WRC rumor. Look for part 2 Monday for even a few more (hinted) bombshells. Ok, onto the interview…
MotoringFile: First off thanks for taking time to answer our readers’ questions on the MINI Countryman. As you may have seen the R60 has been enormously well received given out expectations and naturally there are lots of questions. So let’s get right to them…
To start with, Vinnie, Tennessee Kung? We have to ask, where does the “Tennessee” come from and what do I need to do to get a state as a nickname?
Vinnie Kung: At the time, a seriously confused Chinese redneck living in Knoxville Tennessee, thought it would be funny to name his child “Tennessee.†So, to find a person who would help realize this practical joke, he left a bottle of Jack and a carton of Lucky Strikes on the front stoop and my thirsty mother thought it was a great idea as well. But, the deal was, it had to be the middle name.
MF: A fair trade then? Ok middle names aside, let’s get to why we’re here. First question; with all the anticipation around the Countryman, people are dying to know when we can expect to see this car in the US market?
VK: The car is planned to land here in the first quarter of next year, several months after the European markets get it. This staggered launch was always part of our plan because of the transition from the BMW X3 to the MINI Countryman. Unlike the Oxford plant, where every tool and part is already in place to build a MINI, the Magna-Steyr plant will have to switch everything on the floor. Even though the manufacturing team is incredibly quick in making this happen, it’s nearly impossible to switch from one completely different car to the next and to build the new car at full volume from the start. We think there is an advantage for the US, since the plant will have already produced thousands of R60s before we get our first one, and this helps ensure high build quality for the US. By the way, BMW’s own internal quality audits show that X3 has the highest build quality of all its products.
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