Apr 15th, 2014
Right on cue MINI is releasing the refreshed Countryman three years into it’s lifecycle. As is customary these days with BMW, the refresh has been accomplished with a very light touch.
Mechanically there are no big changes to speak of. Instead it’s mostly cosmetic with three new colors, wheels, a slight update to the grille and a dark trim option. Additionally MINI is taking it’s R56 accessory LED headlights and making them a factory option (standard on the MCS and JCW) on the R60 complete with halo rings. The foglight portion is powered by by three LED units arranged horizontally at the centre of the cluster. The daytime driving light takes the form of a luminous ring fed by 15 LED units. When the parking lights are switched on, only five LED units are active in the upper third of the ring.
The 2015 MINI Countryman will begin production this summer and should hit showrooms in late summer. We’ll have much more on the refreshed R60 in the coming days.
Official Release: The model year 2015 MINI Countryman has pursued its path to success both on and off-road. The first MINI with four doors, a large tailgate, five seats and optional all-wheel drive now gives an additional boost to the brand’s advance into the premium compact segment. Selective design modifications for the exterior and interior, as well as innovative equipment features contribute to the more mature charisma and increased appeal of the new MINI Countryman. This gives it a more pronounced profile as an all-round talent for versatile mobility and an active lifestyle, both in city traffic and beyond. continued →
Apr 9th, 2014
Official Release: The wait is over! The MINI community voted Alex Coyle’s “DeLux” as their favorite “MINI Originals” design package. Part of the larger Final Test Test Drives contest designed to support the launch of the new MINI Hardtop, Alex Coyle’s blacklight-influenced MINI Hardtop was voted number one by the MINI community over nine other unique owner-developed design packages. A limited number of vehicles (up to 56) with Coyle’s “DeLux” package will be available for order on MINIUSA.com and through MINI dealerships across the country beginning next week through 2014. continued →
Apr 1st, 2014
It was a dry month and MINI dealers with the F56 still a few weeks from its official on sale date. As expected sales were down big time with a decrease of 39.8 percent from the 6,071 automobiles sold in the same month a year ago. Year to date, MINI USA reported a total of 8,657 automobiles, a decrease of 38.4 percent from the 14,055 automobiles sold in the first three months of 2013. Full details after the break.
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Apr 1st, 2014
Official 4/1 Release: The countdown is on in Brazil and soccer fans are gearing up for the biggest global sporting event of the year. Jerseys and flags are in huge demand but one question remains: what will be the car of choice for celebrating fans from mid June? MINI is sure to strike from outside the box with its homage to the beautiful game: the MINI Paceman GoalCooper. continued →
Apr 1st, 2014
Official Release April 1st 2014: Enhancing the company’s sustainability credentials, MINI’s scientists, engineers and product designers have unveiled the new MINI Cooper T – the world’s first vehicle to be powered by a tea-leaf biofuel composite. continued →
Mar 31st, 2014
Because US drivers apparently can’t back up, the Federal government is mandating all cars sold by 2018 have back-up cameras standard. Good, bad, stupid? Let us know in the comments.
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today issued a final rule requiring rear visibility technology in all new vehicles under 10,000 pounds by May 2018. This new rule enhances the safety of these vehicles by significantly reducing the risk of fatalities and serious injuries caused by backover accidents.
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Mar 27th, 2014
Official Release: The FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies is in full swing. The next great challenge on the race calendar, the third, comes in the form of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, from 6th to 10th April – the 4th rally of the year. MINI and the Monster Energy X-raid Team travel to the third round of the 2014 season looking to build on solid recent results. continued →
