Sections: R60 (Countryman) Jul 13th, 2010 6 Comments Want to build your own Countryman online? Head over to MINI of Germany’s site where the configurator has officially launched. Look for the highly anticipated MINI USA version to launch early this fall (with the other 2011 models coming online earlier in August).
Sections: Official News, R60 (Countryman), Video Jul 13th, 2010 9 Comments This week MINI is officially introducing the Countryman to the world’s press. Since we were one of the lucky few news outlets that got a chance to pre-drive the R60, it’s likely old news to MF readers. However it does give MINI a chance to roll-out even more final details about MINI’s first crossover.
But before we give you all 30+ pages of the official release, don’t forget to check-out our review of the Cooper S ALL4 Countryman from last May and/or the R60 section with loads more information.
The concept of the MINI Countryman puts clear water between the new model and the brand’s existing line-up. This new direction is expressed in its confident body design. Measuring 4,097 millimetres (161.3″) in length (MINI Cooper S Countryman: 4,110 mm/161.8″), 1,789 (70.4″) in width and 1,561 millimetres (61.5″) in height, the four-door body combines the customary brand proportions with increased ground clearance and a raised seating position. The MINI Countryman therefore bridges the gap between the classic MINI concept and a state-of-the-art Sports Activity Vehicle.
Sections: R60 (Countryman) Jul 12th, 2010 23 Comments 
With the official press introduction of the MINI Countryman kicking off this week in Hamburg Germany, MINI is finally rolling out the full and final European specifications of the crossover. No surprises as we had seen preliminary specifications earlier this year. What we can gather from this is, yes, there are a couple of models that come close and or break the 3,000 lbs barrier (notably the MCS at 2,882 and the MCS ALL4 at 3,042). However the Countryman will surely be one of the lightest and perhaps the most nimble mass produces small crossover on the market. It certainly was when we drove and reviewed it. Official specs after the jump continued →
Sections: 2011 LCI, Ask MotoringFile, R55 (Clubman), R56 (Hatch), R57 (Conv.) Jul 12th, 2010 9 Comments 
We’ve had a number of emails asking about the possibility of retrofitting various parts of the 2011 MINI refresh. Specifically the interior.MF reader Houshmand Moarefi from Denver, CO wrote in earlier this week wanting to know what many of you have asked over the last few days. Is it possible to retrofit some if not all of the refreshed MINI interior?
Would I be able to retrofit my 2009 Clubman S with the new speedo/radio andblack finish packages? Has MINI ever offered such upgrades for earlier models?
The answer is yes and no. Yes you swap parts but each component comes with a set of different issues. On the steering wheel for instance the updated part is tied to the airbag which is extremely expensive and likely not worth replacing to get the new chrome trim. The radio face can be swapped out but the lower portion (where the buttons are) may be difficult considering that the volume knob has now moved into this module.
Sections: R?? Beachcomber Concept, Rumor Jul 11th, 2010 14 Comments 
Scott26 (or whatever name he’s going by today) has long been a great source of information for BMW fans. He works for the company and has insider information that is often on target years before a new model is launched. So that makes this new rumor Scott27 rumor all the more interesting to MINI fans.
As we have reported last May MINI is seriously considering putting a version of the Beachcomber into production in the coming years. But what form will it take? That’s where we pick up Scott27′s latest insider information. But one quick caveat before we get to that. The following is his opinion and not ours. While it seems very plausible (and we hope it’s correct) we know first hand how quickly product decisions can be made and then reversed. Now we turn it over to Scott27:
With the expansion set to continue with MINI we are looking at alternatives to widen out the MINI Brand with a new model expansion that will be inherited with the Countryman and the next generation MINI.
The beachcomber Concept was an idea to officially preview the Countryman in light of the MINI Crossover Concept.
Sections: Official News Jul 11th, 2010 No Comments 
As part of its involvement in Europe’s biggest AIDS charity event, MINI was able to enlist three absolute style icons for the design of its hotly coveted Life Ball MINIs: Diane von Furstenberg, Kenneth Cole and Calvin Klein Collection’s award-winning Women’s Creative Director Francisco Costa, are all doing their bit for this good cause. MINI provided each creative designer with their favourite model, on which they are bestowing their own individual stamp. These collector’s items will be auctioned at the amfAR Gala in Vienna on 17 July on behalf of the charitable cause, with proceeds going to amfAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research. continued →
Sections: Video Jul 10th, 2010 12 Comments
Paul Walker Races 650hp Mini Cooper in Supercharged BMW M3
It’s Saturday so what could be better than a video of a 650hp Mini Cooper racing a Supercharged BMW M3 E92.
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