MINI’s interior design language has been a retro infused rocketship derived extravaganza since 2001. And according to new spy photos from Auto Express, that’s about a change. The photos in question show completely re-thought center speedo with the entertainment controls placed within the center. While the size may be about the same, the bezel and surrounding area has gotten dramatically smaller to lessen the overall mass of unit. The result is a more modern look with improved usability. But where is the actual speedometer? continued →
A while back, we reported that MINI USA had published a request for proposal (RFP) regarding its advertising. Part of a scheduled review process of existing work, the account was opened up for pitches from advertising agencies around the country. A number of agencies participated, including the current agency, Butler, Shine, Stern and Partners. That review process has now terminated and BSSP will remain MINI’s lead agency, with the renewed relationship kicking off officially in June. So congrats to BSSP and we look forward to seeing where the brand is headed in the future. Full press release after the jump. continued →
We know the MINI is easy to park, but just how tight a space will a MINI hardtop fit? The answer as of now is 15 cm or 5.91 inches. This world record parking spot squeeze was turned in by driver Han Yue during a MINI event in Beijing. Not a month ago, the previous record of 8.66 inches was set by Patrik Folco.
[Official Release via MINI Motorsport] It became clear three stages from the end of the Rally Greece that a party would be breaking out at Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari’s team after news was confirmed that Andreas Mikkelsen, then in tenth place, had retired with a damaged car. Naturally no one in the Seashore Qatar Rally Team would wish that on an opponent, certainly not on an event as demanding as the Rally Greece. Still, hand-on-heart, a place in the top tenth, which is precisely what Mikkelsen’s retirement meant for Abdulaziz, would have left nobody in the field cold. continued →
MINI is now officially telling us that the JCW Engine Kit will not be coming to the R60 Countryman. The reason? Proposed sales aren’t high enough to justify the cost of engineering two different kits – one for the standard Cooper S and one for the All4 version. Also missing from any future R60 order sheets will be the JCW Suspension. Again MINI doesn’t believe sales will be enough to justify the cost of creating so many different versions (two for FWD and ALL4 and then at least three iterations each depending on the weight of various options). continued →
The MINI has faced one consistent criticism here in its largest market for ten years. Despite it being a core brand attribute, many people in North America can’t get past the size of the standard MINI hatch. It’s seen as unsafe, uncomfortable and most of all simply not practical. The first two can quickly be disproven by simply experiencing the car in person and reading about its impressive safety certifications. But getting someone who is used to four door sedans to believe that a MINI hatch can be practical for them is harder to do. So MINI is developing a secret weapon for the next generation hardtop aimed squarely at markets such as the US. The internal code-name is F55 and, if it is received as hoped, it could make a MINI seem practical for an entirely new group of potential owners.
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1st Gen MINI R50: One & MC Hatch R52: All 1st Gen MINI Convt. R53: MCS Hatch 2nd Gen MINI R55: Clubman R56: Hatch R57: Convertible R58: Coupe R59: Roadster R60: MINI Crossover R61: MINI Crossover Coupe 3rd Gen MINI F55: Clubman F56: Hatch F57: Convertible F60: MINI Crossover F62: Traveller
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Sections: F56 Hatch May 31st, 2012 35 Comments 
