Apr 17th, 2013
The idea of local production is one that isn’t new to the Mini world. The classic Mini had numerous local production points throughout the world that allowed the company to efficiently meet the needs of a specific market. This also allows BMW to get past any local tariffs and produce cars more effectively. History is repeating itself with this latest announcement by BMW – which builds multiple models at the same plant. But don’t expect to see an Indian built MINI at your local European or US dealer. These cars will be sold exclusively on the sub-continent as the term “local production” suggests. Read on for the full press release.
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Apr 1st, 2013
April 1st 2013, Munich. Official Release: Now for something a little more romantic. The latest version of the MINI Connected App is playing cupid to make MINI fans’ dreams of finding the perfect partner come true. Connect Us is like nothing else out there on planet dating – and can only be used in a MINI. This is not just the world’s speediest dating service, it is also the most reliable. Here, at last, is a matchmaker that goes beyond personal interests, favourite activities and how you like to spend your free time – and gets down to the nitty-gritty: driving style. Connect Us compares how drivers like to treat their accelerator, steering wheel and brakes (as deduced by the MINI Driving Excitement Analyser) in the search for a compatible co-driver on the journey of love. Only if it detects a meeting of minds on the matter of driving fun will the app oil the wheels of romance between MINI fans. The Driving Excitement Analyser function of the MINI Connected App has been available for several weeks as a free download from the Apple App Store. But make sure you don’t take your eyes off the road just when things are getting interesting; the Connect Us, ahem, “update” can be downloaded on one day only: 1 April 2013. continued →
Mar 25th, 2013
With the Paceman, MINI has introduced a car that is approximately the same size as the Countryman, but with arguably less versatility. So what’s the point? It comes down to style and positioning. Two doors vs four doesn’t quite tell the entire story. Seeing the two in the flesh you’re immediately struck by the proportion of the Paceman. It just feels right where the Countryman suddenly (especially sitting next to the Paceman) feels almost a bit forced. Yet there are very few examples in the automotive world of two cars sharing so much in terms of components and chassis, while driving and looking so distinctly different. continued →
Mar 4th, 2013
Starting with March production the Countryman will follow the Paceman and become the second MINI to actually have its model name on it. According to those familiar with the situation, MINI is bowing to market research that has shown how people don’t understand the differences between the MINI models. The change is especially important now, as MINI prepares to unleash the Paceman on the world. continued →
Mar 1st, 2013
Limited to just 11 units and sold only in France, the awkwardly named “MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4 Dakar Winner 2013″ is the first MINI to feature matte paint of any kind. While we don’t have confirmation yet, this amount of customization looks to be the work of BMW’s famed Individual division, a subsidiary of BMW M. However it could also MINI Yours finally getting access to some of BMW Individual’s options. Under the hood the JCW Dakar has the stock JCW power plant with the factory sport suspension and 19″ JCW wheels.
Will we see something like this in other markets? Likely not for Dakar since it has limited commercial appeal. However seeing some of these options on a limited edition car does bode well for other forthcoming small batch Countryman.
Official Release: Success in motor sport can be measured not only in titles and trophies, but also in an extra spike in driving fun out on the road. At least that’s the message from the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4 Dakar Winner 2013. MINI and John Cooper Works have launched this special-edition model to celebrate their triumph in the Dakar Rally 2013, the French duo of Stéphane Peterhansel and Jean-Paul Cottret piloting their MINI ALL4 Racing to overall victory in the world’s toughest rally event for the second year in a row. The MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4 Dakar Winner 2013 is a limited-edition tribute to its rally inspiration – 11 examples of the car will be built, reflecting Peterhansel’s 11 Dakar wins. Exclusive design and equipment features showcase both the thrill of title-winning race performance and the euphoria surrounding this latest Dakar victory with authentic élan. continued →
Feb 17th, 2013
On a snowy ramp in Tignes, France, aptly-described daredevil Guerlain Chicherit successfully backflipped a MINI Countryman racing car. MINI teased this stunt back in January, but neglected to show us how the landing went in that port-side attempt. Call me skeptical, but I imagine that if the landing had gone as planned, we’d have seen it. Forgetting the earlier attempts, now MINI is showing us the whole stunt gone well. Video after the jump.
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Jan 30th, 2013
Official News from MINI: MINI provides creative highlights of the off-piste variety at the season’s curtain-raiser – the Burton European Open in Laax. The MINI Countryman takes a turn for the artistic.
The most prestigious freestyle event in the eyes of snowboarders, the Burton European Open (BEO), will once again slide into the Swiss resort of Laax on 4 – 9 February 2013 as the international snowboard elite do battle in the slopestyle and halfpipe categories. MINI, on the scene once again as presenting partner for the Burton Global Event Series (BGES), will lay on a creative and varied support programme. Topping the bill are the PirateArtCrew, who have answered MINI’s call to Laax to stage a unique art event with a MINI Countryman. Added to which, the MINI Feature Award will be presented once again this year to the most creative park crew, and free test drives in a model from the MINI family will also be on offer.
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