Aug 31st, 2010
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).
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Aug 30th, 2010
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.
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Aug 26th, 2010
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.
A Closer Look at MINI Connected
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.
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Aug 24th, 2010
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 →
Aug 21st, 2010
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…
R56 Hatch
- 2011 Cooper: $20, 100 (2010 $19,500)
- 2011 Cooper S: $23,700 (2010 $23,000)
- 2011 JCW: $29,800 (2010 $29,500)
R57 Convertible
- 2011 Cooper: $25,550 (2010 $24,950)
- 2011 Cooper S: $28,550 (2010 $27,850)
- 2011 JCW: $35,000 (2010 $34,700)
R55 Clubman
Aug 17th, 2010
Along the way from Chicago to Denver I managed to grab the keys to a 2011 Spice Orange Cooper S. Yes the highly anticipated 2011 refreshed MINI that has been reported on at MF thoroughly over the past year. Press drives haven’t even started with the car so the fact they we not only got behind the wheel but managed to put over 350 miles on the pre-production car was an incredible opportunity. Of course being pre-production meant that there were a few small issues. That means MINI Connected didn’t work (the US App isn’t out in iTunes yet) and several warning lights were on in the tach. But beyond that this was the most refined and sorted Cooper S I had ever driven and one of the most enjoyable days I’ve ever had in a MINI.
Performance
The 2011 model year sees the introduction of the updated engine range for the US. In the Cooper S that means a thoroughly reworked 1.6L turbo with variable valve timing and 181 hp (184 bhp) – a nine horsepower increase from last year.
Also upgraded is the engine management software. The most celebrated software change (at least at the MF HQ) is the pop/burble on throttle lift-off with sport in the on position. To be more specific, just go from 3rd to 2nd while matching revs and you will immediately know what we’re talking about. continued →
