Sections: 2011 LCI, R55 (Clubman), R56 (Coupe), R57 (Conv.) Sep 8th, 2010 8 Comments MINI’s got a completely revised line-up for 2011 and the want people to know about it. So today they’re rolling out the new 2011 campaign with the first commercial “The Last Spot”. (Full Print Campaign gallery after the break) continued →
Sections: 2011 LCI, JCW, R55 (Clubman), R56 (Coupe), R57 (Conv.) Sep 1st, 2010 25 Comments 
Sometimes we’re happy to say we got it wrong. Yesterday we wrote that MINI had decided to drop the JCW engine kit for the 2011 model year because it would raise power figures too close to the 208 hp factory JCW car. Apparently between the time we had heard the info and yesterday there was a change of heart and the JCW engine kit is back. In fact it’s not only back but it’s been upgraded for the N18 engine (the code-name for the refreshed MCS powerplant). The upgrade lies solely in the engine management software and it will be paired with the same JCW components from the original version of the kit (air filter, exhaust, exhaust tips and badges). continued →
Sections: 2011 LCI, JCW, R55 (Clubman), R56 (Coupe), R57 (Conv.) Aug 31st, 2010 19 Comments 
Updated: We just had someone leak us a bit of info that indicates that MINI may have changed their mind regarding the JCW Engine kit on the 2011 MCS. We will have full details soon.
In the summer of 2007 MINI introduced the first drivetrain upgrade for the R56 – the JCW Engine Kit. The kit consisted of a free flowing exhaust, a JCW air intake and more aggressive engine software. The result was 192bhp and 200 ft lbs of torque on overboost. At the time it was arguably as fast as the previous 208 hp JCW factory car (thanks to that torque figure of course). But remember those figures for a second. They appropriately split the difference rather well from the 175 hp MCS and the factory JCW car with 211 bhp (released in 2008).
Now fast forward to 2011 and MINI has upgraded the MCS engine to include variable valve timing and a host of other improvements that add up to 181 hp. So MINI was faced with a decision. Do they upgrade the JCW Engine Kit or simplify the product offering and kill it. And according to sources MINI has made the decision and will not be upgrading the engine kit for the refreshed MCS (2011 onward).
Sections: Diesel, R55 (Clubman), R56 (Coupe), R57 (Conv.), R60 (Countryman) Aug 30th, 2010 33 Comments 
Our friends at Bigblogg have scooped the first technical info of the upcoming BMW diesel that will power the Cooper S D. While we’ve reported (along with a few other outlets) that the engine was coming, this is the first confirmed power figure. continued →
Sections: 2011 LCI, R55 (Clubman), R56 (Coupe), R57 (Conv.) Aug 26th, 2010 24 Comments 
A few weeks ago we broke the bad news that MINI’s most highly anticipated option for 2011, MINI Connected, will be delayed in the North American market. Our sources have told us that the reason rests with the iPhone app and making sure it’s perfect for the recently updated iOS4 (the UK/Euro version was released a few weeks ago with a slightly different set of features). But the big question has been time-frame – when can we actually expect it? We now have some answers.
Our sources are telling us to expect MINI Connected to be available for September orders and November builds. That means we should start to see cars with the option showing up at dealers around the November or December time-frame (depending on how long it takes to ship a MINI from Oxford to where you are).
From my brief time playing with MINI Connected I can tell you this will be incredible. And as more features are added the iPhone app will simply be updated within iTunes. It’s a smart delivery method and one that takes advantage of much quicker development cycles than what we normally see in automotive electronics.
The option adds a new 6.5” hi-resolution screen (the same as on the 2011 Nav system), Comfort Bluetooth (6NE) with Smartphone prep (6NF), a Combox control box (interface the iPhone with the car), Voice recognition (620), and a joystick controller to access all features just as the MINI Navigation uses. Currently, only the iPhone is supported, but the Android and Blackberry Smartphones are being planned as well for a later launch.
Despite what some reports have indicated you don’t need tethering. Instead all music plays directly on your iPhone and and is then sent to your MINI via tue cable or Bluetooth.
Sections: 2011 LCI, JCW, R55 (Clubman), R56 (Coupe), R57 (Conv.) Aug 24th, 2010 57 Comments 
For 2011 MINI has introduced updated steering software that (in conjunction with refined engine management) virtually eliminates torque steer. Yes that tug you feel from your R56 MCS’s steering wheel while going around corners is now gone for 2011. But what about those who bought a MINI mere months ago? MINI hasn’t forgotten about you and discussions are underway at MINI to potentially (with a capital “P”) offer a retrofit of the new steering software for JCW models from 2008 to 2010. But what about the MCS? continued →
Sections: 2011 LCI, R55 (Clubman), R56 (Coupe), R57 (Conv.) Aug 21st, 2010 33 Comments 
The moment many of us have been waiting for as arrived. MINI USA has had pricing done and ready to go for some time but has held off releasing it until the 2010 model year came to a close. Now that it’s closing in on September the time was right and the numbers were released late yesterday to dealers across the US. Here’s the old vs the new (with $700 included). Our analysis after the break…
2011 R55 JCW: $32,000 (2010 $31,700)
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