Apr 8th, 2013
Since the debut of the new MINI more than ten years ago, the line-up has grown from one to seven distinct models. As we look toward the next generation MINI hatch, the F56, we can’t help but wonder about the next generation of all those other MINIs as well. What will the next Clubman be like? Will the Coupe and Roadster merge into one product? What about the next Countryman? continued →
Feb 14th, 2013
It was a little more than a year ago that we broke the first viable rumor that MINI might finally be bringing a diesel engine option to the US market. Than in January, there were a number of gems in the interviews we did with Jim McDowell and Dr. Kay Segler at the North American International Auto Show. Even more recently, MINI product manager, Patrick McKenna, has once again confirmed that MINI USA is very interested in bringing a Diesel option to US MINIs. So what do we make of it all?
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Dec 3rd, 2012
Currently BMW’s M division is developing a small M car. You can read about that vehicle in detail over at BimmerFile, but in a nutshell both Audi and Mercedes will be offering small, 300+ hp sedans in high performance guise. BMW needs to not only keep up with competition, but they need to lower the barriers of the M Brand. They did that successfully with the 1M. What does this have to do with MINI? Perhaps a lot.
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Oct 25th, 2012
Most MINI fans are well aware that BMW Group and PSA partnered on the Prince family of engines found in the current R5X generation of MINIs. BMW did the engineering and handles the manufacturing, and PSA ponied up some development dollars and helps with supply chain logistics. In return, PSA got access to the engines for their own cars and BMW got to develop a more efficient engine for the MINI that didn’t involve Daimler. That relationship worked well for both parties, so BMW and PSA had worked out a separate agreement to develop and share hybrid drivetrains in partnership with PSA. This agreement included a joint-venture manufacturing facility and, like the Prince arrangement, PSA would have access to the systems BMW would develop.
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Oct 15th, 2012
The BMW Active Tourer concept shown in Paris was the first glimpse of the forthcoming UKL platform that will underpin the next generation of MINI and front wheel drive products. Next up will be MINI’s turn. Our sources are telling us that MINI will debut a cross-over vehicle similar to the BMW Active Tourer concept (internally known as the MINI Activity Tourer) that is meant to show how different BMW and MINI versions of the same platform can coexist.
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Sep 25th, 2012
Frequent MotoringFile commenter and known BMW insider, Herr26, left us a interesting comment yesterday on our recent post regarding upcoming MINI models. As with all of his comments (here or BimmerFile) don’t take it as fact but perhaps great insight about a moment in time within BMW. In the past we’ve seen many of his proven right but also some proven wrong simply because plans changed within the company.
All that said its well worth a read, so we’re reposting it here. In it, there’s lots of interesting tidbits regarding future MINIs:
- The MINI Spacebox aka the Traveller that will be essentially a larger version of the Clubman based on the recently announced BMW Active Tourer pictured above
- MINI four door sedan
- MINI Activity Tourer which could be something of a larger four door Pacemen with an extremely raked look
- MINI Sports car aka the next generation coupe and roadster which could seeing more variation from the look o the standard MINI
Catch the full comment after the break.
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Sep 21st, 2012
The internet is abuzz with talk from MINI board member Harald Kreuger’s comments to Inside Line regarding the continued expansion of the MINI lineup. We reported back in January that MINI plans to grow the MINI family to as many as ten members, and Kreuger’s latest comments appear to back that up futher. The story from Inside Line, however, adds new fuel to the fires of speculation.
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