Apr 27th, 2012
Ever since the six speed Aisin automatic was introduced in the Cooper for the 2005 model year, MINI fans have been waiting for something better. We can now confirm that something better is coming.
With BMW co-developing the next generation MINI alongside a new family of small, front wheel drive BMWs, MINI’s component offerings are about to get substantially better and more technically impressive. One of the more important things on that list will be a new automatic optional across the range. Through sources close to the development of the new MINI, we’ve heard rumors of two different transmissions under consideration. The first rumor points to an Getrag sourced 8-speed dual clutch transmission. The second points towards ZF sourced 9 speed conventional automatic. Either option would be a huge improvement. But there’s on that stands above the other in our opinion. Read on to find out. continued →
Apr 14th, 2012
The Telegraph is reporting that workers at the MINI Plant Oxford are at odds with parent company BMW over pay increases and other issues. The former Rover facility hasn’t gone on strike since 1984, but with MINI sales at an all time high, proposed wage increases from BMW appear to be too small and too qualified for Oxford workers’ liking. However, negotiations still remain open for reaching a satisfactory agreement. While the presence of the current labor disagreements are not in question, we’ve been unable to verify that an actual strike is at hand.
[Source: The Telegraph]
Mar 14th, 2012
We’ve known for awhile that MIIN was looking to re-name the Paceman but until now we’ve not hear anything specific about the name. We theorized that MINI could go with something as simple as the Countryman Coupe but had no definitive source to back it up. However the folks at Car and Driver do as they recently heard from a source at MINI that the Paceman will indeed be renamed the Countryman Coupe. It makes perfect logical German sense to us. But we want to hear your thoughts? Should MINI have been more adventurous with the name or does the Countryman Coupe sound right to you?
What to Expect and When to Expect it
The MINI Paceman is coming and it’s going to hit dealer lots late this year or early next depending on the market. That is according to our sources we have also spilled some details on the model mix and AWD offerings for the car.
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Mar 5th, 2012
Six years after the limited edition JCW GP, MINI has yet to eclipse the power, prestige and pedigree. Since then, MINI hasn’t produced anything like it. Finished in Italy at Bertone — thanks to unused production capacity of BMW’s C1 scooter — the GP was a limited edition run of just 2000 cars using a mix of the best of the JCW catalog and completely bespoke parts. It’s father was Gert Hildebrand, but the man that made it happen was Dr. Kay Segler, the head of MINI at the time. Now that Dr. Segler is back at the top of MINI it feels natural that GP2 is about to take shape.
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Mar 3rd, 2012
We’re experiencing some serious déjà vu here at MotoringFile headquarters. We reported as far back as early 2006 that BMW had plans for the Triumph brand. At the time it was for a two seat roadster based on the MINI platform that never saw the light of day (or did it?). Now AutoCar.co.uk is reporting that there’s life yet in the classic British brand.
For those who are new to the history of Mini, BWM acquired MINI, Triumph, MG and a handful of other marques in its purchase of Rover in the mid 1990s. Early Triumph rumors centered around the brand coming back as a front wheel drive roadster. A car that either became the MINI roadster or (ironically) the MINI Coupe. Now there are reports that BMW has quietly applied to use the laurel wreath badge on a wide range of goods. Aside from vehicles, the application covers jewellery, watches, books, leather goods, luggage, cleaning materials, textiles and even Christmas tree decorations. Sounds a lot like the range of MINI accessories doesn’t it? And since BMW isn’t in the business of bringing back dead brands to make Christmas tree ornaments we suspect that they are seriously looking at reviving the brand to bolster BMW’s offerings in the lower part of the market. continued →
Feb 22nd, 2012
According to Germany’s Autobilde (via Autoblog) BMW is one of 6-7 firms in the running to by the Saab brand. Why would a successful company like BMW want to own one of the most trouble automakers in recent history? We can see three reasons. continued →
Feb 2nd, 2012
Autosport is reporting that MINI is set terminate its relationship with Prodrive and take over the WRC team going forward. Here’s an excerpt from Autosport:
The BMW Group is expected to terminate its contract with Prodrive tomorrow, ending the Banbury firm’s involvement in the Mini World Rally Team – and casting doubt over the future of the programme. continued →
