Mar 18th, 2010
Earlier this month we told you about the 2011 MINI refresh or LCI (Life Cycle Impulse in BMW-speak) that we expect in September. There will be new colors, a new front an rear bumper design (with additional cooling for brakes) and of course several key changes inside.
So what’s changing? Those looking for a radical redesign of the interior will be disappointed. MINI will make some very subtle changes to the heating/cooling interface as well as the radio controls on non-Nav equipped cars. However the main change will be in the finishes of the controls. In place of the grey/silver look MINI will be upgrading them to either a matte or gloss black. In addition to that the plastic around the controls will also be made from a higher quality material. In fact we’ve unknowingly already seen a sneak peak at the new center console when MINI debuted the Roadster concept (seen above however disregard all other trim changes as they were for the concept car only). continued →
Mar 15th, 2010
Last month MINI announced updates to the entire MINI line-up with more power and more efficiency. We reported the details earlier this year but to recap, here are the numbers with the new engines.
- MINI Cooper: 120 hp (up 2 hp)
- MINI Cooper S: 179 hp (up 7 hp)
The JCW is unchanged thus far but we expect more information later this year.
All of these changes will go into effect with March production in almost every market around the world except for the US. With the mid-life cycle model refresh coming on-line with September production MINI USA has decided to delay the introduction of the updated engines to coincide with the refresh launch. With this change MINI will have a clean differentiation between the 2010 and 2011 models. So for all those on the fence about when and what to get, September production just got a lot more interesting.
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Mar 12th, 2010
Last week we told you about MINI’s 2011 refresh and what to expect. While we’ve seen photos of the Cooper S variants we have (until now) not see anything Cooper related. However that came to an end this week as spy photographer associated with AutoBilde snapped a silver Clubman with full refreshed front and rear bumpers.
Upfront it’s clear that the Cooper will get restyled foglight surrounds along with extra cooling ducts likely meant to take air into the braking system. You can clearly see the changes in the photo above as compared to this photo of the current Cooper Clubman. continued →
Mar 2nd, 2010
Last week MINI introduced the new MINI Connect option on the Countryman crossover. The idea is the first of its kind in the automotive world. The idea is that your iPhone (more on that in a sec) plugs into the car via the armrest. This charges the iPhone and provides a connection to the roof antenna and a hardwire connection for all the data. The iPhone is still via Bluetooth so all the functions normally supported by MINI via Bluetooth are still there.
Why just the iPhone? According to sources MINI has approached several manufacturers but Apple has been by far and away the most helpful in development so at this point the iPhone has the priority. Being the smartphone market leader doesn’t hurt either. However MINI is also working on integrating newer Blackberry handsets in future updates. What’s unclear is whether the first cars with MINI Connect can be updated later to accommodate new phones (i.e. Android handsets).
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Mar 1st, 2010
The current line of MINIs has been a huge success for BMW in terms of sales. It’s also evolved the design language of the brand in a natural way that both gave the cars more aggressive appearance while keeping them classically British. However as is customary with all BMW and MINI products, a thorough refresh is coming. For the 2011 model year MINI will be nipping and tucking both the interior and exterior of the entire line-up. Along with the engine changes going into effect for March production (detailed previously and recapped below), the 2011 line-up will feature some noticeable improvements and a few new features.
Exterior Refresh
MINI design has amped up the attitude on the Cooper S while further refining the look of the Cooper and the One models. Let’s start up front. the Xenon and the standard Halogen headlights look similar to the current models but there are some changes that enthusiasts will spot (these changes are not seen in the images). The Cooper S retains its faux air intake but the Cooper will take the more pronounced bonnet from the MINI Cooper D to give it a meatier more menacing look.
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Feb 28th, 2010
Behold, every MINI model (sans convertible) lined up next to the Countryman. Here’s your chance to see the R60 compared the other MINIs in pretty much every way. Enjoy.
Feb 26th, 2010
Last week we told you about MINI USA’s latest special edition MINI, the Laurel Sport. This week we actually have our first look at the car. The Laurel Sport will be produced in very limited quantities; 100 R56 hatches, 100 R55 Clubman and 100 R57 convertibles.
The idea is to combine sporty components with exclusive accessories meant to evoke a classic British style. The John Cooper Works Aero Kit, the MINI driving lights, the black 17” Alloy Wheels and the black Mirror Caps give you the sport. The Laurel Sport Edition Door Sills, Side Scuttles and Stripes on the Bonnet, Tailgate, Roof and Side Panel emphasize the British heritage of the breed. In our mind this is one of the better “off the shelf” limited edition models MINI has come up with yet. Yes it’s not a model with new technology or unique colors. But it’s a great value with the combined options and plenty rare. Here’s the full rundown of what comes with the car:
- Pepper White (850)
- Roof in Body Color (R55/R56)
- Black Leatherette
- Sport Package (Black 17” Wheels)
- Xenon Headlights
- Dynamic Traction Control
- White turn-signals
- Automatic Climate Control
- Harman Kardon Premium Sound
- Bluetooth and USB/iPod Adapter
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