Apr 30th, 2012
Soon we’ll start to see test mules and leaked photos of the F56, the third generation of the new MINI. These will lead up to an official online debut of the car before we see it make the auto show circuit. The F56 will signal a major sea change for MINI. Not only will it feature three and four cylinder versions of the next generation Prince engine, the F56 will share its underpinnings with BMW’s upcoming FWD 1-series. This has everyone interested in the brand scratching their heads wondering just what MINI has up their sleeve for the next generation. Will it be the Rocketman scaled up? Will it push back toward the venerable and well-loved R53? These are the burning questions many are asking, and the possibilities have inspired former BMW designer Sonny Lim to venture his own guess at what the next generation MINI could look like. continued →
Apr 27th, 2012
[Official Release] Intoxicating driving fun, ground-breaking efficiency, uncompromising quality and an unmistakable personality have provided the building blocks for the global success of the MINI brand. The one-off premium small car maker is also enjoying increasing popularity in the Chinese market among contemporary, trend-conscious and highly demanding target groups. The diversity of the brand’s model range also helps to enhance its appeal, and the complete MINI family – now comprising six models – is on display at the Auto China 2012 international car show taking place in Beijing from 27 April to 2 May 2012. Auto China 2012 is also the venue for the world premiere of the MINI Clubman Hyde Park. Like the three other takes on the MINI character celebrating their Asian premieres at the Auto China show, this design model vividly showcases the hallmark attributes and values of the MINI brand. continued →
Apr 27th, 2012
Ever since the six speed Aisin automatic was introduced in the Cooper for the 2005 model year, MINI fans have been waiting for something better. We can now confirm that something better is coming.
With BMW co-developing the next generation MINI alongside a new family of small, front wheel drive BMWs, MINI’s component offerings are about to get substantially better and more technically impressive. One of the more important things on that list will be a new automatic optional across the range. Through sources close to the development of the new MINI, we’ve heard rumors of two different transmissions under consideration. The first rumor points to an Getrag sourced 8-speed dual clutch transmission. The second points towards ZF sourced 9 speed conventional automatic. Either option would be a huge improvement. But there’s on that stands above the other in our opinion. Read on to find out. continued →
Apr 27th, 2012
“How is it possible that I’m enjoying this automatic Countryman Cooper S more than our manual All4?” That was what I was asking myself as I wound around Sheridan Rd just north of Chicago. Behind the wheel of our True Red front-wheel-drive automatic Countryman test car, I had a revelation. It’s not like I’ve never driven the auto before, and we here at MF have always preferred the manual for more control of the car and a generally more engaging drive. But somehow this felt different. continued →
Apr 23rd, 2012
[Official Release] The classic Mini won the Monte Carlo Rally and thrilled millions of enthusiasts in everyday driving. Even today it is one of those cars that attract affectionate glances on the road and, time and again, it sets itself new challenges. Now it is making its debut in the Allgäu-Orient Rally. Five classic Minis are joining 44 venerable BMWs to take part for the first time in the alternative competition for classic and near-classic cars, which will be flagged off on 28 April 2012 in the tourist village of Oberstaufen in southwestern Bavaria. Together with 207 other cars, they will be making for Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, more than 5,000 kilometres away. There, on 12 May 2012, two weeks before the European Song Contest, the city will celebrate the arrival of the four-wheeled “Stars for Baku”. All the vehicles that reached their destination will subsequently be auctioned for a charitable cause. continued →
Apr 23rd, 2012
Many of us in the MINI community also appreciate the classic cars. There are plenty of enthusiasts out there that have both a MINI and a Mini in their garage and have become experts in tuning restoration. For those who are truly hard core, they could have a chance to own the world’s oldest unrestored Mini. continued →
Apr 23rd, 2012
Last week we broke the news that MINI is planning on turning the GP name into a high performance sub-brand for MINI and to a lesser degree JCW. But what does this mean and when should we expect it? Read on for the details on the full range of GPs and when we should see them on dealer lots. continued →
