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 →
Jul 27th, 2011
The MINI family has gotten complicated. From one model to five in just a few years is just the start. With a few years more MINI will have 9-10 models on dealer lots. The idea is to expand the potential customer base while staying true to the MINI aesthetic and ideals.
So with that, let’s take a look at the full list what we expect (based on several inside sources) from MINI in the years ahead. continued →
Jul 25th, 2011
The following report is brought to you via several sources – some of them public and some of them not. The most influential however, Herr26, is an avid commenter on MF and BF and is a well known insider at BMW. Also note that the image is an old rendering based on old information and is likely not entirely accurate.
MINI was born out of many ideologies. One of the most important (and influential) is the idea of being bigger on the inside than the outside. With the upcoming Traveller. MINI intends to take this idea to the max.
Code-named “Spacebox” and known as the Traveller (or even the MINI Activity Tourer) the car will be based on the front wheel drive BMW Compactive Sport Tourer or ‘FAST’. The idea (for both but especially the Traveller) is all about increasing practicality and flexibility for a customer who would have had to to move to another brand because they’ve simply run out of space. Both but especially the Traveller will be the most utility oriented of all of BMW or MINI’s upcoming products based off of the UKL1 platform. continued →
Jun 16th, 2011
For those who don’t read the comments, there was some interesting chatter the other day between frequent MotoringFile commenter and BMW insider Herr26. He gave us some interesting information on some future MINI variants. Specifically, Herr26 mentions the future of the Paceman, the next generation of the Clubman and the as yet unseen Spacebox (aka MINI MAT). Considering Herr’s comments are almost always spot on they’re probably worth repeating here for those who may have missed them. continued →
Mar 21st, 2011
We get asked all to often what MINI has planned for model X and/or when will we see an update to model Y. Frankly, we don’t know all the answers, but we do know enough to be dangerous. So with that said we wanted to publish a rundown of what we do know and what our best guesses are. Keep in mind, even if some of the following information has come directly from MINI sources, it may yet change as the dates get closer. continued →
Oct 7th, 2010
This morning, Jalopnik’s Ray Wert posted an impassioned plea to BMW and MINI not to follow through with a minivan model rumored by sources here and here. These sources are asserting that the MINI “SpaceBox” R65 model will be some sort of small people carrier, or what we in the states call a minivan. Is this the case? Let’s look deeper. continued →
Aug 24th, 2010
The idea of MINI’s platform becoming the basis for a series of front wheel drive BMW’s doesn’t sounds great to most MINI fans. However once you realize the engineering and technology benefits things get a little more interesting. We’ve already told you about the replacement for the R56 sharing a chassis with a new BMW model but we haven’t looked at what that means for the entire range. Automobile magazine has strung together some information that paints a rosy picture of what the future brings for the shared UKL1 architecture meant for next generation MINI models.
While MINI will continue the hatch and convertible without much layout change to the size, weight and positioning, the Clubman will live on as paired with the BMW Joy (yes Joy is an internal name). The Clubman will gain a rear hinged door on the left side of the car speaking to one of the criticisms people have had since launch.
The existing Countryman will also be paired with a BMW product that will mirror the four conventional door hatchback layout.
Things start to get interesting with the SpaceBox concept or Traveler has Automotive Magazine calls it. We know that name Traveler is not owned by MINI throughout the world so it’s unlikely to be a final name. Regardless of what they call it this is the van type of concept that focuses on interior space.
We’ve reported quite a bit on the new range of 3 Cylinder engines (to be shared with BMW) and Automobile confirms and reiterates most of it here. MINI will likely feature the 122 and 184 hp versions of the engines in the Cooper and Cooper S. Both should get diesel like MPG in a lighter package. And the sound, we’re told the sound surprisingly harkens back to British roadsters of the 1960s. continued →
