A fully electric scooter with an integrated motor in the hub of the rear wheel and a retractable power cord. How cool is that? Oh and it’s from MINI? Even better. MINI is taking the brand to new places with the MINI Scooter E concept. But the best part is that this is looked at as more than a concept within BMW and MINI. The brand is focused on not only carrying on the tradition of the MINI brand but extending its core ideals into new categories that have never been thought of. We’ve seen this in marketing, now with the Scooter E, we’re seeing this in product.
The Scooter E will be fully unveiled in the coming days at the Paris Motor Show and much attention will be focused on consumer reaction. However internally many at BMW and MINI are betting that the idea will be quickly championed by the press and public as a new sustainable way to travel in urban environs.
The scooter (which will come in three varieties as seen above) is powered by a lithion-ion battery and an electric brushless motor that can be charged using a standard power outlet. The three versions differ in color scheme and some design details:
There’s the 60′s mod style modeled after the Who’s cult film Quadrophenia
A BRG version that’s full of traditional MINI cues
A MINI E version with bright yellow/green accents
The scooter’s main instrumentation comes courtesy of the rider’s iPhone which docks into the scooter itself. All the normal scooter display functions will be there along with entertainment and navigation options.
We’re hearing a range of around 60 miles on full charge with “acceptable” recharge times (whatever that means) meant for charging overnight or at work
(Updated with new photo) That’s what it seems MINI has in store for us at the Paris show later this month. The image above is the latest that has slipped out and gives us the best glimpse yet of the all electric MINI scooter concept that is seriously being considered for production.
As we’ve previously reported the powerplant is 100% electric and integrated directly into the rear wheel. It’s driven by a lithium-ion batter that can be charged using a standard power outlet. The scooter even has a retractable power cable built in. continued →
Outside the US MINI Connected has been available for over a month now. The hardware is out there and the iPhone app is downloadable from the European and UK iTunes store. As we’ve reported the hold-up in the US revolves around further refining the software for a US specific version of the app. At this point MINI USA is telling us that December production (January deliveries) will be the first time the US sees it.
So we thought we’d whet your appetite another sneak peak at the hardware and software with this official Euro market MINI Connected guide. Now it’s worth noting that the US release will feature more functionality than is listed in this PDF. We’ve already gone over the option in details but we’ve got a full rundown of features after the break.
More commercial fun from MINI. This time they’ve created a character call Dr. Bem (an Evil doctor it would seem) to help show off the abilities of the Countryman in a “viral” way. Does it work? It’s a little insane and honestly not our thing but we’ve also seen worse in the name of being viral. But what do you think? Sound off in the comment section…
Official Release: With the presentation of the latest and most wide-ranging model line-up since its relaunch in 2001, the MINI brand is beginning a new chapter in its successful history as the originator of the premium small car segment. The market introduction of the new MINI family will be joined on 18 September 2010 by the sales launch of the brand’s fourth model, the MINI Countryman. The updated versions of the MINI, MINI Clubman and MINI Convertible cut a more stylish figure than ever, boast unsurpassed agility and achieve even higher levels of efficiency than before. With its four doors and large tailgate, extra space and – as an option – all-wheel drive, the MINI Countryman delivers totally new ways of experiencing the driving fun typical of the brand.
All of which takes the diversity of the MINI model range into a new dimension. For example, the MINI can now be ordered with a choice of five petrol and two diesel engines developing between 55 kW/75 hp and 155 kW/211 hp. Three petrol units and two diesel variants are available for the MINI Countryman, and two of the engines can also be combined with the MINI ALL4 all-wheel-drive system. Meanwhile, the further extended range of optional extras and the selection of exterior paint finishes, interior colours, upholstery variants, trim elements and Colour Lines – which allow every MINI to become a personally configured one-off – set new standards in the segment once again.
In the tenth year since the brand was relaunched, MINI has been able to further strengthen its position as the original premium small car. MINI broke new ground as the first ever maker of premium small cars, and its lasting impact can be seen in the current trends in this segment of the market. The underlying principle that helps give every MINI its authentic character is still unique. MINI remains the only maker of premium small cars whose models are based on independently developed concepts exclusive to the brand. The stand-alone identity of the MINI defines both the charisma and product substance of all MINI models, constituting a major factor in the success of the brand – as reflected by global sales of more than 1.7 million cars since 2001. continued →
MINIs and money. It’s not the first thing we think of when it comes to MINIs but with eight consecutive “best resale value†awards from Kelly Blue Book, there are definitely worse places to stash your cash.
To demonstrate this point, the Greater Gotham (Tri-State) MINI dealers created a “money car†on display now through 9/17 at the NYC MotorExpo in the World Financial Center. The elaborate stunt uses real US currency and took over 11 hours to produce. continued →
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Sections: Scooter Concept Sep 22nd, 2010 21 Comments 
