Jan 22nd, 2013
With the official USA unveil of the Paceman JCW at the North American International Auto Show last week, MINI has begin marketing its new SAV 2-door in earnest. The campaign is entitled “Design with Bite” and is a cross-media push including TV, print, social media and web content. Talking about marketing tends to suck all the flavor out of it for me, but for those who are interested in the Paceman campaign breakdown, head past the jump for first look at how MINI will talk about the Paceman in the public eye.
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Jan 21st, 2013
In many ways the JCW Paceman is the car many of us have been waiting for. Equipped with all wheel drive, a retuned sports suspension, a JCW engine and a coupe-like shape, it’s an interesting proposition for MINI fans. The rest of the automotive press might not quite see the point, but we suspect more than a few of you will fall for the design, performance and utility. So we wanted to take a closer look at the range topping JCW Paceman now that is officially landed. continued →
Jan 16th, 2013
MINI at NAIAS was all about one thing – the Paceman. And specifically the fastest of them all the JCW Paceman. Sound interesting? Click through to see a full video recap of MINI’s display at Detroit and of the press conference.
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Dec 24th, 2012
2012 was a busy year for MINI and MotoringFile. The Coupe and Roadster were brought to market, the GP and Paceman made their debuts, and the Countryman continued to sell well. So in an effort to recap some of our favorite moments of the year, we’re bringing you our favorite reviews of the year. The JCW Coupe vs the Abarth, the Roadster, our long-term Countryman and even the GP at the track, we’ve got it all after the break. continued →
Dec 19th, 2012
[UPDATE] We’ve reached out to our sources at MINI and received clarification on BMW’s announcement last week concerning what appeared to be an update to the ALL4 system. We reported on BMW’s description of the system sending 100% of the power to the rear wheels. However, we also expressed skepticism that perhaps this was an example of MINI and BMW having trouble consistently communicating the details of this system. Our sources are telling us that in actual fact, it’s a little of both.
So let’s clear this up. The ALL4 system can split power 50/50 between the front and rear wheels. It can also put 100% of power to the front wheels. In the case of no traction to the front wheels, it can send all of its available power to the rear wheels, but MINI is saying explicitly that this is still only 50% of the car’s total power. So what BMW described is, in a sense, correct (in that the car will be RWD for that instant); but the chosen language did not account for this nuance.
Descriptions notwithstanding, MINI has also confirmed explicitly that the ALL4 system has not changed for 2013. It’s the same system the Countryman shipped with in 2010. I repeat, it has not been updated. This post, on the other hand, now has.
Original story after the jump. continued →
Dec 12th, 2012
Official Release: The MINI John Cooper Works Paceman combines mouthwatering sporting flair and inimitable style to introduce a new dimension in driving fun to the premium compact segment. Its race-bred powertrain and chassis technology create a recipe for smile-inducing agility, and the overall concept of the first Sports Activity Coupé in its class gives it an immediate, show-stealing impact. The MINI John Cooper Works Paceman transfers the power developed by its 160 kW/218 hp four-cylinder turbocharged engine to the road with poise and assurance, courtesy of its standard ALL4 all-wheel-drive system. Lowered sports suspension and an aerodynamic kit also play their part in bringing an irresistible feeling of race competition to the driver and passengers in their four individual seats. continued →
Nov 28th, 2012
MINI USA has announced official pricing for the car a large number of MINI fans, myself included, are chomping at the bit to know more about. Drum roll please… continued →
