Jan 21st, 2014
Todd and I go in depth with Pat & Chris on just about everything. First off we grill the guys on JCW – what we’ll see and when we’ll see it. And about the F56 – we dive into some of those specific product questions many of you have been waiting for. How does the 3 Cylinder Cooper sound? What’s the must-have option on the F56? If you’re considering a new MINI, this interview is a must hear. continued →
Jan 19th, 2014
Best Concept
The universally praised Toyota FT1 gets the nod here. And as much as the aero-focused design is striking, the how the low the car is that really buckled my knees when I first saw it. Like the Toyota F86 the FT1 looks built from the ground up to be minimal and enthusiast oriented. Just imagine if this platform was the one that BMW and Toyota were sharing for new sports car development.
Best Small Hatch Concept: MINI JCW Concept
The JCW concept looks like the JCW we’ve always wanted. If whispers are to be believed, this will be a 2,800 lbs car with 220 hp, bespoke suspension and enough fast bits to make this to quickest MINI of all time.
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Jan 14th, 2014
NAIAS for MINI was all about the new JCW concept. And up close it was more impressive than we expected. And yes, it is nothing but a thinly veiled (and stickered) version of the 2015 JCW we’ll see in about a year’s time.
Stepping out of the MINI booth there was plenty to take in. The new BMW M3 and M4 looked impressive as did the M235i – something that many of you might cross-shop with MINIs. The new Mercedes C Class features some interesting detail inside and the AMG CLA45 and GLA45 will give BMW & MINI product planners fits for years to come. Then there was Porsche with the new 911 Targa on display as well as the 918 (which was briefly open for business). But enough talk, you can check out all of the 200 photos after the break.
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Jan 13th, 2014
Today is the day that MINI takes the wraps off of the MINI JCW concept – a car that gives us a sneak peak a the 2015 JCW. Additionally we’ll be getting a better look at the new F56 with more variants on display than we’ve seen before.
Throughout the day we’ll be bringing you updates from the floor and plenty of photos. Be sure to follow the site and check out BF on Twitter and Instagram.
Check out the gallery (as it’s updated) throughout the day.
Dec 24th, 2013
NAIAS will be big for MINI this year. Expect a full stage of F56s with the highlight being the JCW concept. The concept, a thinly veiled version of the 2015 JCW will make it’s public debut at the show. Check back with MF during NAIAS (01.13-01.14) as we’ll be live on floor with plenty of photos and interviews.
Official Release: The new edition of an original is the central focus of the MINI presentation at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) 2014 in Detroit. The British premium brand presents the new MINI – with a distinctive and carefully refined design, further increased driving fun and a range of innovative fittings that is unique in the small car segment. As well as this latest addition, the limelight in Detroit will also be on the six other members of the MINI family. All in all the diversity of the model program is greater than ever before in the history of the brand. What is more, MINI provides visitors to the NAIAS from January 18th – 26th 2014 with a look ahead to a new form of extreme driving fun. The MINI John Cooper Works Concept sees its world premiere in Detroit, instantly conveying a genuine passion for racing. continued →
Dec 17th, 2013
This morning MINI took the wraps off of their latest thinly veiled, production-oriented concept. The MINI John Cooper Works Concept previews two key things. First, it gives us a look at the JCW exterior package, complete with specific aero-kit and wheels. Then second and more importantly, the concept signals MINI’s intent to bring a new level of visual differentiation to the JCW model when it goes on sale in then spring of 2015. Gone is the subtlety of previous JCWs and in its place stands a more BMW M-like approach to both the exterior and interior design. To our eyes, the combination of little touches and overtly aggressive styling does wonders for the F56 and gives the car a fantastic look. We’ll have much more soon, including hands-on time with the concept at NAIAS early next month. Until then, read on for the official MINI press release.
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Jan 24th, 2013
At the North American International Auto Show, Gabe and I had the chance to sit down with MINI USA’s head Jim McDowell and Marketing leader Tom Salkowski. We talk about Jim’s expanded role with MINI in the Americas (North and South) as well as the state of the MINI brand in 2013 here in its largest market. And then there are the surprises. From a big event announcement to a hint at a new options it’s well worth a listen.
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