Archive for May 2010
May 9th, 2010
(Updated) Behold, a 2011 JCW test mule with the front valance almost completely exposed courtesy of Leftlanenews. While there are exposed rivets and the trim isn’t final, this brake test mule does have the final shape of the new brake ducts that will be standard on the 2011 Cooper S. Brake ducts have been a long time coming for the MINI. As any R53 track junky would tell you, one of the first things go after a few hard laps are the brakes. While MINI introduced larger front rotors with the R56 Cooper S, there still wasn’t direct cooling ducts found on most BMWs. As you can see above MINI will be addressing this with the 2011 refresh.
While it’s our best look yet it’s still not the entire 2011 JCW (or MCS). We also expect new headlights, wheels and rear bumpers on all models. In fact for a full rundown on what to expect for the 2011 MINI, check out these articles.
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May 7th, 2010
It’s likely no surprise to anyone that MINI is looking to release an enormous amount of apparel and accessories for the Countryman. The first of that was shown to the public today for the first time in the form of the “MINI Getaway Package”. The set (seen above) includes the MINI Countryman Seats, two comfortable folding wooden chairs in characteristic MINI design. Look for a full range of accessories to be release closer to launch in September.
Official Release: We’ve all had one of those days when you’re out in the car, the sun shining, and your thoughts turn to finding a nice rural spot for an impromptu breather. If only you’d packed the right equipment for the job in hand. Luckily, MINI is pitching in to help out. The cult British brand has come up with a handy set of items for off-the-cuff mid-journey breaks – just in time for the market launch of the MINI Countryman. The clever MINI Countryman Getaway Package can be stowed away in the new crossover model’s dual-layer load compartment floor, which is separated from the regular storage space by a lid. This allows the travel set to be in place and ready for use at all times without making in-roads into interior space.
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May 6th, 2010

Over the years many within the American market (MINI’s largest) have lamented the fact that MINI doesn’t offer the incredibly frugal MINI Cooper D. With federalization and CO2 standards where they are, the nails have been placed in the coffin when it comes to a MINI D on US soil. However MINI intends to bring a petrol powerplant to market (with the US included) with shocking efficiency similar to the current Cooper D.
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May 5th, 2010
The two most anticipated cars from MINI enthusiasts are currently taking shape deep within Munich at MINI Design. The MINI Coupé and Roadster promise not only a sportier look but a sportier driving experience than any similar MINI product before them. And the best part? Both will be coming in within 18 months.
Both cars will sport a redesigned front and rear facia and unique hood designs. Currently MINI is looking at several designs ranging from an Aston like look with the running lights placed closer to the corners. It’s all in an effort to make the two cars unique in design from their Hatch and Convertible siblings.
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May 4th, 2010
MINI & BMW are celebrating two victories in reliability. Europe’s largest automotive club has named the MINI, the X3 (made in the same factory the Countryman it about to be produced in) and the X5 as the most reliable in class.
Official Release: With two class victories and top marks for a host of other models, BMW and MINI have again performed excellently in the ADAC breakdown statistics. In the ranking list produced by Europe’s largest automobile club MINI emerged as the most reliable small car to take top spot in its class. Meanwhile, the BMW X3 and BMW X5 secured first and second places in the off-roader class. The two Sports Activity Vehicles suffered the fewest breakdowns due to technical problems in their segment, regardless of registration date. The BMW 1 Series, BMW 3 Series and BMW 5 Series range also earned top marks for an extremely low breakdown rate, putting them among the star performers in their respective segments in terms of reliability. The latest ADAC breakdown statistics include all models achieving more than 10,000 registrations in Germany in 2009.
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May 3rd, 2010
MINI USA sales were up across all three model line around 5% for the month of April. With new dealers coming online and new products being launch soon (refresh in September and Countryman early next year) the future is looking up for MINI’s largest market.
Official Release: While the premium small car segment is lagging other segments, MINI continued to show a strong performance and increased its segment share. In April, 3,843 MINI’s were sold, up 5.1 percent versus the 3,657 units reported in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, MINI USA also reported sales of 12,571 automobiles, an increase of 3.3 percent.
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May 3rd, 2010
During my time at BMWNA/MINI USA headquarters last week I stumbled on one of the most photographed cars ever on MotoringFile (or at least one of them). The Countryman test mule that we saw running around Europe and the US was quietly tucked away in the farthest corner of the farthest lot.
After some official approval I thought I’d get a closer look. Obviously at this point we’ve seen the final product and most (if not all) questions have been answered. But what about this test mule that many of us looked at in confusion and amusement for over a year? I figured you the reader deserved to see this thing as up close as possible one last time.
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