Feb 20th, 2013
This from the UK, Autocar has had a bit of fun pitting the new MINI JCW GP against a bonkers little kit Mini made out of racing bits and half a motorcycle. While one could hardly consider this a legitimate “comparison” it is a fun contrast between the two extremes of a track-only Mini mongrel and MINI’s self-described halo car. Video after the jump.
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Oct 4th, 2012
The MINI is a very popular platform for customizers the world over. While most take their cues from a street racer, tuner scene aesthetic, Polish custom car firm Carlex has gone in a very different direction with a brown leather and brass clad steampunk Countryman. Featuring the obligatory brass accents and clockwork in every nook and cranny, the photos lead us to believe that Carlex wants people to know they can do more than just custom leather upholstery. While primarily focused on the car’s interior, Carlex also pushed the theme to the exterior — setting copper wheels and trim against flat dark silver paint (or possibly vinyl). For added Jules Verne-inspired fun, their model isn’t your typical “booth babe” either. Full gallery after the jump.
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Jun 22nd, 2012
German tuning company AC Schnitzer has built a racing car based on the MINI JCW Coupe. Dubbed the Raptor, AC Schnitzer have released a video of the car claiming it to be the world’s fastest MINI. While on its face that’s a bit of an outlandish claim, the results seen in the video (after the jump) are pretty compelling. continued →
May 23rd, 2012
[Official Release] Editor of Italian VOGUE presents her one-off MINI at the 20th Life Ball in Vienna in support of AIDS LIFE.
A special car to befit a special occasion: Franca Sozzani, chief editor of Italian VOGUE, has designed and presented her very own MINI model exclusively to mark the 20th anniversary of the charity event. The model in question is a MINI Roadster, the first open-top two-seater in the brand’s history. The one-off creation, which went under the auctioneer’s hammer at the AIDS Solidarity Gala and raised a donation total of 54,000 euros for HIV projects, left the audience of around 43,000 in no doubt: this is set to be a sporty, feminine summer. Franca Sozzani decorated the roof of the 184 hp MINI Roadster – which has a top speed of 227 km/h (141 mph) – in a stylishly intricate floral design which, in combination with very “of the moment” Deepest Purple matt paintwork and gold hallmark MINI rally stripes, produced an impressively complete work of art. continued →
Feb 1st, 2012
German tuning outfit AC Schnitzer has created a series of bolt-on performance mods for the already high-performing MINI Coupé. Touching everything from the transmission to the brakes, they’ve put their spin on the new hard top two-seater. continued →
Jul 12th, 2011
MINI has partnered with luggage maker TUMI to produce a pair of custom Clubmen that not only feature bespoke TUMI luggage, but TUMI textiles throughout the interiors. The project is called “MINI Goes TUMI” and was debuted in Beijing by TUMI CEO Jerome Griffith. It begins with two cars, a MINI One Clubman, and a MINI Cooper S Clubman. More info and photos after the break. continued →
Jun 19th, 2011
German car tuning house AC Schnitzer has built a super MINI based on the R56 JCW. Setting a lap time at Hockenheim Circuit of 1:13.341 minutes, the “Eagle” can turn the course faster than the BMW M3, Ferrari California, Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Black Series and the Porsche 911 Turbo and Carrera S models. It’s little wonder with power at 256hp, and weight is down to just 2,312 lbs. Thanks to a fully re-engineered exhaust system and tweaks to the engine management system, the 1.6L MINI Turbo engine is belting out well over 50hp more than the stock JCW. Custom suspension and 18″ wheels round out the performance package and aggressive styling of the car. Where the Eagle concept for sale, it’d cost you a spendy $88,667, but alas, it is not. Video, more photos and the full press release after the break. continued →
