DimON

In a sweeping policy shift aimed at stabilizing the auto industry amid economic and geopolitical pressure, the UK government has relaxed its Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate. The updated rules extend the sales window for hybrids until 2035 and soften penalties for manufacturers missing electric vehicle (EV) targets. For a brand like MINI—right in the middle of a dramatic electrification overhaul—this could be a subtle but significant inflection point. The mandate’s most headline-grabbing change is the decision to allow full hybrids (HEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) to remain on sale from 2030 through 2035, essentially walking back the stricter 2030 ICE ban announced by a previous administration. It’s a move welcomed by automakers, especially as EV demand in the UK has slipped well below mandated levels. According to the SMMT, carmakers missed last year’s 22% EV mix target despite heavy discounting—and are now facing a 28% threshold for 2025 with little sign of a market rebound. The BMW X1 hybrid could serve as a blueprint for a Countryman Hybrid What this Could Means for Future MINIs For MINI, this buys time—but also raises questions. As we’ve reported, MINI is fully committed to electrification, with an all-electric lineup already rolling out in some markets by the end of 2025. The new electric Countryman is already on sale in Europe and receiving high marks for both performance and safety, and the upcoming Aceman will further broaden MINI’s EV reach in the UK and beyond. But with these rule changes, the path doesn’t have to be as all-or-nothing as before. One potential outcome: MINI could reintroduce a hybrid variant of the Countryman. As we’ve detailed, there’s a clear opportunity for MINI to leverage BMW Group’s scalable hybrid powertrain architecture, making it relatively straightforward to adapt the new-generation Countryman platform for plug-in hybrid use. That would likely mean a setup similar to the BMW X1’s, which pairs a 150-hp combustion engine with an eDrive unit for a combined output of 177 hp. The real standout, though, would be the electric-only range—up to 56 miles. That’s a massive leap from the 18 miles offered by the F60 Countryman Hybrid and enough to make it functionally a pure EV for most daily commutes, especially for drivers with access to home charging. A revived Countryman PHEV could slot in just below the all-electric SE variant, offering buyers a practical, lower-emission alternative without requiring full EV commitment. With the updated UK ZEV rules extending the sales window for hybrids through 2035, this opens the door for MINI to diversify its drivetrain offerings and hedge against inconsistent EV demand—particularly in regions where infrastructure still lags. We noted late last year that global politics, particularly the rise of protectionist tariffs in the U.S., could force MINI to rethink its rollout and production strategies. With 25% import tariffs now slapped on all foreign-made cars entering the U.S., and the UK’s softened ZEV rules giving automakers more room to maneuver, MINI may choose to diversify its drivetrain offerings for longer—especially in markets where EV adoption lags behind regulatory ambition. One likely outcome: MINI could offer hybrid offerings longer in the UK and EU while pushing fully electric models in markets with more aggressive incentives or infrastructure support. And given that the UK ZEV changes also reduce penalties and exempt low-volume automakers (though MINI doesn’t qualify there), the pressure to go “all in” on EVs may ease just enough to give the brand some breathing room. Still, MINI’s trajectory remains fundamentally electric. As we’ve has pointed out, BMW is investing heavily in Oxford’s production capabilities to support the electric MINI lineup, and the brand is clearly staking its future on EVs. The UK’s move may change how fast MINI pivots across its lineup, but not if it will. The post UK Eases EV Mandates, Boosting Future for New Combustion MINIs appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

Last week we broke down MINI’s initial response to the new U.S. tariffs and what that could mean for pricing going forward. Now, as the smoke starts to clear (or at least swirl a little less chaotically), other European automakers are showing their hands. From paused shipments to strategic price cuts—and even talk of layoffs—the ripple effects are starting to look more like waves. As of April 6, 2025, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is the primary European automaker that has officially paused shipments to the United States in response to the newly imposed 25% tariff on imported vehicles by the U.S. administration. JLR announced a temporary suspension of U.S. shipments for April as it evaluates strategies to mitigate the tariff’s impact. Other European manufacturers are actively assessing the situation. For instance, Volkswagen Group has temporarily halted shipments from Mexico and Europe to the U.S. to evaluate the implications of the tariffs. Similarly, Audi is holding vehicles at ports and labeling those imported before April 3 with “No Added Import Fee” to distinguish them from tariff-affected models. Mercedes-Benz has also made some moves. According to The Verge, Mercedes isn’t suspending shipments entirely, but it’s slashing its EV prices in an attempt to stay competitive despite the tariff. In a more troubling sign, it’s also considering workforce reductions and delaying U.S. factory expansion plans, particularly those linked to its Alabama plant. It’s a layered response—lower sticker prices on one hand, cost-cutting on the other—all in an effort to buffer the tariff’s blow without losing ground in a key market. While most companies have not officially paused shipments, their actions indicate a cautious approach as they navigate the new trade environment. The automotive industry is closely monitoring developments, and further responses from other manufacturers may emerge as the situation evolves. The post European Automakers are Beginning to Pause US Shipments, Will MINI Be Next? appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

In 2014, MINI Design slipped the leash. Freed from crash regs, pedestrian safety rules, and the dull thrum of real-world feasibility, they built something wild—but only in pixels. The MINI Clubman Vision Gran Turismo was not a clay model or concept on a turntable at Geneva. It was built solely for Gran Turismo 6 on PlayStation 3, a digital fever dream penned by the MINI design team during the brief moment when MINI felt like it could do anything. And so, they did. Born as part of the “Vision Gran Turismo” project—a kind of virtual concours d’elegance where top carmakers were invited to dream big for gamers—this was MINI’s turn to drop the sensible shoes and show some swagger. What would a Clubman look like if it had no rules, (and no rear seats)? Apparently, it’d be 395 horsepower of carbon-shelled, all-wheel-drive lunacy with barn doors and the stance of a touring car. In other words a no holds barred shooting-brake. MINI Design Turned Up At the time, MINI was exploring how to evolve the JCW brand and what the Clubman could become. The Clubman Vision GT was their Design Team’s unfiltered take: not what would sell, but what could inspire. It wasn’t trying to slot between a Cooper S and a Countryman. It was trying to redefine what a high performance MINI could be. Away from customer clinics and the cold hard realities of a global market that was asking for high-riding crossovers. Anders Warming, then Head of MINI Design, summed it up best: “The image of a go-kart on the road has recurring appeal.” Except this go-kart had 395 hp, a sequential 6-speed, a flat carbon underbody, and hit 0–100 km/h in 3.5 seconds. It was absurd—and kind of brilliant. This was MINI without the Cheshire-cat grin. It was angry. Broad-shouldered. The grille had flattened into a snarl, and the headlamps wore black “X” design like an old rally car preparing for battle. The look predated Porsche’s move to a similar aesthetic and one that we wish MINI would have followed. Aero work was everywhere; the venting in the hood and at the front of the fenders along with a massive front spitter Heritage, Distorted What makes the Clubman Vision GT so compelling is how it refracts MINI’s heritage through a racing lens. It’s all there: the split rear doors, the contrast roof, the bulldog stance. But it’s been distorted, like looking at a Cooper S in a speed-fueled fever dream. Those classic MINI racing touches—X-masked headlights, upright wipers, bonnet stripes—weren’t cute throwbacks. They were reimagined as functional design elements, part of a machine that looks like it could’ve eaten a Lancia Delta Integrale for breakfast. Even the paint played games with tradition. “Cyber Silver” formed the base coat—a liquid metal finish with a minty undercurrent—while bold accent stripes in Radiant Orange or Curry (yes, really) hinted at MINI’s playful DNA. A color palette seemingly chosen by someone simultaneously channeling British racing heritage and a tropical cocktail bar. While it’s a great look, we’ve actually edited it to a more straight silver and eliminated some of the graphics to bring it closer to how it might look at the road (below). And wow, what could have been. Our edited version of what might have been. The Clubman That Could’ve Been What’s striking, looking back, is how little of this raw energy made it into production. As I sit here and look out at my 2024 JCW Clubman in my driveway I certainly see elements of this car. But what’s missing is the raw emotion and that look of going fast while standing still. The Vision GT, by contrast, was a love letter to what JCW could be. It wasn’t bound by profitability forecasts or emissions targets. It was design for design’s sake. Performance not as an option package, but as a point of view. Perhaps the most interesting aspect was how the designers centered the concept in reality. According to MINI Designer Christopher Weil, the team felt “the car should match reality and be engineered in a way that it kind of makes people dream that it could be a possibility.” He went not to say, “I know we could have taken the decision to not do it in this way, but on the other hand this game is so realistic and all the guys who are driving cars in Gran Turismo 6 are car enthusiasts. They put a lot of effort in making a real racecar in that sense.” MINI, Meet Mayhem MINI’s participation in Gran Turismo wasn’t just about gamer clout. It was a chance to flex creative muscle and, frankly, remind the world that “premium small car” doesn’t have to mean “mildly quicker hatchback.” It can mean over-the-top, tail-happy lunacy. It can mean flared arches and a carbon-fiber snarl. It can mean fun that borders on violent. It was one of the first cars I remember “buying” when I got the game. Performance was great and the dynamics were definitely touring car oriented. Sadly, the MINI Clubman Vision Gran Turismo never made the jump beyond the console. No limited-run tribute. No Concept GP. Just a flash of brilliance that now lives in the collective memory of gamers and a few die-hard MINI fans who remember when the brand got weird—in the best possible way. It’s ironic, really. MINI’s boldest recent design never touched tarmac. But maybe that was the point. For one glorious moment, MINI wasn’t trying to be practical. It was trying to be cool. And it was. The post The Forgotten JCW Concept: MINI Clubman Vision Gran Turismo appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

The recent implementation of a 25% tariff on imported European vehicles is poised to significantly impact the pricing of MINI and BMW models in the US. While MINI or BMW have yet to formally make an announcement on how tariff’s will affect pricing, we do know a few key details. MINI’s Pricing Adjustments MINI USA has informed dealers of a limited-time price protection plan. Customers who have pre-order vehicles that are in transit before April 1st will have their current pricing honored. However, unsold vehicles arriving on or after April 2nd may experience price increases due to the new tariff. What that might look like, we have yet to hear. The tariffs are expected to apply to all MINIs, including the Oxford-built 2-Door and 4-Door MINI Coopers, as well as the German-assembled Countryman. If the 25% tariff is fully passed to consumers, prices could spike dramatically. For example, a $30,000 MINI Cooper could jump to nearly $37,500—before options, taxes, or fees. ModelCurrent MSRPMSRP with 25% TariffMINI Cooper 2 Door$28,950$36,187MINI Cooper S 2 Door$32,200$40,250MINI Cooper 4 Door$29,950$37,437MINI Cooper S 4 Door$33,200$41,500MINI Cooper Convertible$33,950$42,437MINI Cooper S Convertible$37,200$46,500MINI John Cooper Works 2 Door$38,200$47,750MINI John Cooper Works Convertible$43,700$54,625MINI Countryman S ALL4$40,075$50,093MINI Countryman John Cooper Works ALL4$48,075$60,093 Other Automakers Reactions The recent imposition of a 25% tariff on imported vehicles by the U.S. has prompted various automakers to adopt distinct strategies to mitigate its impact. Volkswagen (VW): Import Fee Implementation: VW plans to introduce an “import fee” on vehicles affected by the tariffs, effectively passing on the additional costs to consumers. Logistics Adjustments: The company has temporarily halted rail shipments from Mexico and is holding vehicles arriving from Europe at U.S. ports as it assesses the situation. Mercedes-Benz: Production Relocation Consideration: Mercedes-Benz is evaluating the possibility of shifting production of certain models to its U.S. plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to circumvent the tariffs. Entry-Level Models Strategy: There were reports suggesting Mercedes might withdraw some entry-level models from the U.S. market due to the tariffs. However, the company has denied these claims, stating its commitment to continued sales growth. Hyundai: Pricing Strategy Evaluation: Hyundai has informed U.S. dealers that it is assessing its pricing strategy in light of the tariffs, indicating that current vehicle pricing may be subject to change for units wholesaled after April 2. No Immediate Price Hikes: Despite the evaluation, Hyundai’s co-CEO, Jose Munoz, stated there are no immediate plans to raise prices in the U.S. U.S. Investment Expansion: To bolster its U.S. presence and potentially mitigate tariff impacts, Hyundai announced a $21 billion investment plan, including the construction of a new $5.8 billion steel plant in Louisiana and expansion of auto manufacturing in Georgia. What To Expect Next for MINI We should hear more about MINI’s formal response perhaps next week. Until then we can only go by what dealers have been told and our best guesses. But it’s clear that MINI is in no position to eat the cost of these tariff’s. That means we will very likely see prices increase. The post How Tariffs Could Affect MINI Cooper & Countryman Prices in the US appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

John Cooper’s name has been stitched into the MINI story since the early ’60s, but the full picture goes well beyond badges and tuning kits. To celebrate this, MINI themselves has created a video, digging into the origin story—not just of a performance icon, but of how a small tuning outfit helped shape MINI’s identity from the ground up. Yes, John Cooper is synonymous with the original Mini, but here’s the twist: before he put his name on a car, he was busy dominating Formula 1 as one of the sport’s most influential team owners. That same racing DNA gave us the Cooper and Cooper S, and years later, the legendary R53 JCW. But how did a few bolt-on upgrades turn into an official MINI sub-brand? To answer that, we’ve got to rewind to where it all began. Now it’s our turn. Earlier this year we created this video not only telling this same story but going into details on how the JCEW sub-brand was born and turned into what we know today. The post The John Cooper Legacy: How a Formula 1 Icon Shaped the MINI Cooper & JCW appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

MINI USA’s Q1 2025 sales figures were always going to be a major test. With the full lineup finally available, this was the first time we’d get a clear picture of how well the new generation was performing compared to its predecessor. And the early results? Promising. MINI sold 6,976 vehicles in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2025, a 9.5% increase over the 6,369 units sold in Q1 2024. Within those numbers, there are plenty of bright spots. The MINI Cooper five-door appears to have found its footing—sales were up nearly 80% year over year. With 1,289 units sold, it posted some of the best numbers in the model’s history (dating back to its launch in 2015). Even more impressively, the Countryman saw a massive 50% jump in sales, easily surpassing the 3,000-unit mark. Missing the Manual? Not everything was rosy. The Convertible is still ramping up production. While orders are reportedly strong, deliveries only began mid-Q1, so sales are still lagging. But the most concerning figure? Sales of the iconic three-door Cooper fell by 8%. After speaking with several dealers, a common thread emerged: there’s a segment of MINI loyalists who simply aren’t interested in a hatchback that doesn’t offer a manual transmission. And the data backs that up. In 2023—the final year the manual was offered—the take rate for the JCW three-door manual was over 50%. You can do the math. The post MINI USA Q1 2025 Sales Up as New Lineup Gains Momentum appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

April 1. MINI has announced (H)AIR by MINI: a groundbreaking haircare line designed for effortless, air-dried styles—perfectly enhanced by the open-air drive of your MINI convertible. The new line offering two exciting products: Oil Slick Smoothing Serum that keeps your locks shiny and frizz-free as you hit the open road. Coastal-Drive Salt Spray: Enjoy medium hold and waves that mimic the look of a seaside drive Both are available for a limited time only – perhaps only today. The post (H)AIR BY MINI – The Perfect Accessory for Open Top Motoring appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

It’s April Fools’ Day and MINI once again has skipped the festivities. But we’ve got you covered with some of the brand’s greatest hits over the last 20 years. While there have been plenty of other pranks created by MINI regional subsidiaries around the world (including MINI global), these are our favorites. However if we missed one that deserves to be on the list – comment below 2002 MINI INTRODUCES REVOLUTIONARY THIRD HEADLIGHT: ‘CENTERLITE Another Example of When Three is More Fun than Two A MINI showing the ‘Third Eye Fog Buster’ Official Release: Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, April 01, 2002…While most cars now come with either two or four front headlamps, MINI has introduced a groundbreaking third headlamp specifically for foggy English weather. The third lamp is situated in the air-intake position, which previously fed the MINI Cooper S supercharger. Re-routing the air induction through a ‘hairdryer technology’ sub-mounted pump, has freed up this position for the ‘fog-busting’ third eye. MINI’s xenon headlamp technology has also been further developed for the center-mounted lamp. This revolutionary new technology emits a super-heated beam that dries out fog up to 100 feet ahead of the car and dramatically improves visibility. A spokesman for MINI UK said; “We are delighted to be getting this technology as a world first. I have so often been caught out in foggy weather while bringing home my fish ‘n’ chips. This breakthrough really is a godsend, me old mate.” The dubious U.S. spellings for ‘centre’ and ‘light’ have been combined to form the trademark name of the system; Centerlite’ tm. . ‘Centerlite tm can be used with the main headlights on or off, thus when using only the ‘Centerlite’ MINI can even more closely resemble the motorcycle riding experience. While trials in the UK are proving successful, MINI admits that work has to be done to improve battery power for the third lamp. The large battery requires the removal of the rear seats and raising the roof height by 3 inches. No word as yet whether this ‘fog-busting’ technology will make the U.S. market where cold, foggy conditions are not so prevalent. Newfoundland, however, has the item pre-ordered as a 100% standard feature. The standard two-lamp MINI Cooper went on sale at MINI dealers on March 23 2002. With an MSRP of $16,850 including delivery charges, the car will be joined by the even livelier, $19,850 MINI Cooper S in the coming weeks. 2003 REMOTE CONTROL STEERING AVAILABLE ON MINI Little Car Crammed with High technology Sets New Standards in Convenience Official Release: Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey April 1, 2003… MINI is well known for packaging high-technology into a small space and its latest innovation, MINI Remote Steeringtm, takes ease of ownership to new levels. With MINI Remote Steeringtm, MINI has produced the world’s first commercially-available full-sized remote control car. Based on the proven ‘Tamiy-ah-hah’ model racing technology, the new system allows MINI owners to remotely operate their cars up to a distance of 150 feet. Now, avoiding the rain is simple. Thanks to Remote Steering, MINI comes right to your door. This system provides a number of benefits. For example, it allows owners to arrive at their favorite restaurant, be seated at their table and then remotely park their car in the street outside. Furthermore, an apartment dweller in Manhattan can remotely bring their car up from the basement garage and position it on the street, ready to go. Opposition to the new system has been voiced however. Valet Parker’s union president ‘Denton Dour said; ‘Hey, we loved driving this thing and now it looks like we’re out of a job…whaddya gonna do? ’ he opined. MINI Remote Steeringtm, is now also likely to give street racing a whole new perspective as tuners abandon their hot rods in favor of playing with their hand-held. MINI spokesperson, Donna Falforit said ‘Clearly this once again highlights MINI as a high technology product. We have thoroughly trialed this new system and apart from the occasional interference with light aircraft and TV remotes, we are happy with it. Pricing is not set, but we think it’ll be a winner, especially on a day like today.” Journalist note: MINI is the 2003 North American Car of the Year. (Seriously folks). 2004 MINI USA INTRODUCES 8 SPEED GEARBOX MINI’s Forward Thinking Adds More Fun with 2 Speeds in Reverse Official Release: Woodcliff Lake, NJ – April 1, 2004… Hot on the heels of the announcement of the new MINI Convertible, MINI has announced the world’s first 8-speed gearbox, now with 2 reverse gears. Research has shown that MINI owners have the highest ‘FGF’ score (Fun Going Forward) on the road and so MINI engineers have developed a 2-speed reverse gear to increase the ‘FGB’ (Fun Going Backward) score to a similar level. Called Double Back Shifting (or Double B.S.), the new system adds a second reverse gear and thereby allows MINI owners to reverse faster than the competition to speeds of up to 40 mph. As well as increasing the FGB score, the new system, along with MINI’s unique size, gives owners an almost unfair advantage when finding those elusive on-street parking spaces: If the driver overshoots the space, they can simply reverse in double quick time using B.S. to zip neatly into the space. MINI gearbox engineer, Geary Ducshan said: “We worked hard to add this extra gear into the transmission. We are delighted with the results, the only disadvantage being the new larger box now takes up much of the passenger foot well, but it’s a price worth paying.” The system has further advantages. Competitive minded drivers are clearly excited by this news and the SCCA is now looking at a reverse autocross challenge where MINI owners can enjoy B.S. to the max. Pricing has yet to be announced, however, a MINI spokesman, said “this development is perfectly timed as there is no better day than April 1st to announce B.S.” 2005 MINI USA ANNOUNCES NEXT NEW SPECIAL EDITION; THE MINI PULLMAN Special Model to Promote Flexible Transportation Initiative Official Release: Woodcliff Lake, NJ – April 1, 2005… MINI, already known for cornering as if it were on rails, will now offer a special edition that will actually corner on rails. In light of the growing problem of gridlock and rush hour traffic, this special model is adapted to ride on all domestic gauge rail lines throughout North America. In conjunction with the North American railway system, an exclusive right-of-way has been authorized for the specially equipped MINI to commute via rail during peak hours in major urban centers. This access, once only limited to railway utility trucks is now available to MINI owners who order the special model. The MINI Pullman can access the railway at any major crossing gate provided care is taken not to enter into the opposing direction of prevailing rail traffic. A new feature in the onboard computer allows the MINI ‘motorman’ or woman to access individual rail line schedules to plan their travels while on the rails. The MINI Pullman comes fitted with a special wheel package that easily locks onto standard gauge rail thus allowing MINIs to corner on the roads and the rails with equal aplomb. An upgraded dual air-horn warning system comes standard on the model to alert inattentive pedestrians and vehicles as the MINI Pullman enters into crossing gate areas. To compliment this new model, MINI has created a line of apparel. Items from overalls to hats are available in a fetching grey ticking-stripe pattern. Accessories for the vehicle include a brass roof-mounted bell and a special auxiliary engine exhaust stack that mounts on the bonnet. For four additional passengers, a specially adapted hitch system allows for the MINI Pullman owner to add the accessory Commuter Caboose. “Access to the national system of underground subway rail is under consideration, once the logistics of accessing the track through individual subway stations can be solved” said national railway spokesperson Lou Komodeff, “We look forward to sharing the rails with MINI as long as they are ‘going our way.” MINI spokesperson, Hugh Moore said, “MINI has mastered the art of cornering on the roads. Now we can claim that MINIs do literally corner on rails.” MINI has scheduled the first prototype testing on public railways to commence today, April 1st, 2005 ? 2006 MINI USA ANNOUNCES NEW “BUILD YOUR OWN’’ PROGRAM Virtual Experience Becomes “Reality” for Owners to Build Their Own MINI at Home Official Release: Woodcliff Lake, NJ – April 1, 2006… Because MINI owners love to customize their cars, MINI announces today a brand-new “Build Your Own” program that gives customers the hands-on experience to build their own unique MINI. MINI USA.com enables customers to easily configure their MINI online before ordering. This feature has been so popular that MINI has decided to create a unique pilot program to give select customers the opportunity to actually create the car of their dreams with their own hands. In this pilot program, all of the car’s components can be specially ordered on-line and the parts will be delivered in installments, much like a book club, starting with the chassis parts and body work and then moving on to interior trim and engine. “In 6 short weeks the customer can build their custom MINI in their own garage,” said Lou Spartz, MINI’s head of the Individualized Direct Ideal Order Trial program, or I.D.I.O.T for short. “Clearly, the greatest hurdle is in painting the body, so we will be sending owners a can of spray paint each week in the color of their choice – and of course, one for the contrast roof.” “This new MINI Build your Own program will be made into a reality TV program.” said MINI spokesperson, Hardy Harrah, “We plan to chronicle a year of creative MINI owners in action building their own cars and we expect the television broadcast to air April 1st next year. 2009 MINI TO INTRODUCE “PERPETUAL MOTION” MAGNETIC PROPULSION SYSTEM New magnetic system delivers world-leading fuel efficiency to MINI PR-0401 Hundreds, possibly thousands of miles range with magnetic power Drive across the USA in a MINI for just a few dollars Official Release: Woodcliff Lake, NJ, April 1, 2009… MINI USA looks set to take a world lead in fuel efficiency with the announcement today (April 1) of a revolutionary magnetic propulsion system that will allow a MINI to drive to several hundred, possibly even thousands of miles with little charge and no need for fuel. MINI USA has developed a unique Propulsion / Repulsion 0401 (PR0401) System that is just one short step away from perpetual motion in an automobile. MINI’s PR 0401 System uses a series of magnets situated in the MINI’s four wheel hubs to both pull and push the wheels in the desired direction, exploiting the magnets’ natural tendency to attract and repel. Not only does this system allow the MINI PR to travel extraordinary distances for just a few cents, it produces virtually no noise as the electric motor can be switched off once the car is moving. Professor Lirpa Loof, Head of Magnetic Attraction Technology at MINI USA, said: “The Mini E is already leading the way in EV performance, reliability and eco-friendliness but this amazing new system will push it onto another level. We could soon be seeing families travel across the USA from coast to coast for just a couple of bucks.” “The only energy this system uses is a small draw on the battery to start the vehicle moving forward with an electric motor, and then the magnets take over and their natural properties do the rest. This has to be the ultimate range extender,” he added. “Anyone who has played with magnets as a kid or travelled on a Maglev train will understand precisely how this technology works and the kind of performance we are talking about.” Once moving, only tiny amounts of electric current are required to switch on and off the magnets, as the polarity of the fixed and moving magnets is rapidly switched from positive to negative. The magnets first attract and then quickly repel each other pushing the wheels in the desired direction – either forward or reverse. One challenge that Professor Loof faced with the PR system was the speed of the MINI PR… and how to control it! The speed at which the magnets attract and repel each other is instantaneous, which means in theory the vehicle is capable of phenomenal speeds, restricted only by the time it takes to switch the magnets’ polarity and the wind resistance and drag of the MINI PR’s body. The MINI EV PR development vehicles are currently restricted to a top speed of 250 mph. “For years, engineers have dreamed of developing perpetual motion for transport,” said Professor Loof, “And thanks to MINI PR, it looks like we are almost there with a new model that will debut next April 1.” 2010 MINI USA TAKES AUTOMOBILE PERSONALIZATION TO A NEW LEVEL Revolutionary new paint system allows quick, unlimited exterior color changes on the new MINI. Official Release: Woodcliff Lake, NJ – April 1, 2010… MINI, a leader in the manufacturing of customized vehicles, is set to take personalization to a whole new level with a revolutionary paint system that will allow owners to change the exterior color of their vehicle as often as they change their mood. The ground-breaking MINIMagic paint system, exclusively available on MINI Clubman, will give MINI owners the chance to completely change their MINI’s exterior color in only a few minutes and with just the effort required to apply a single coat of wax – a world first for an automotive manufacturer. The MINIMagic paint system will be available with any of the Clubman’s stunning paint colors, starting this spring. “The introduction of MINIMagic will transform how owners select the exterior colors on a new MINI, offering even more ways to personalize their MINI,” said Jim McDowell, Vice President of MINI USA . “Gone are the days when our customers wondered if they made the right choice of paint color. With MINIMagic, if they change their mind, changing the color of their MINI can now be done as simply as changing a shirt or rinsing your hair from blonde to brunette!” he added. The new, innovative range of MINIMagic paint finishes are first applied at the production facility in Oxford, United Kingdom, as the first stage in a two-part process. All it takes for the customer to activate an on-demand color change is a simple application of the second part of the process – a quick wipe over the painted surfaces with the patented MINIMagic paint polish. In minutes, the transformation – from Light Coffee to Cosmic Blue for example – can be completed. The permanence of the color changes can be selected by the customer, with three different second-stage polishes available – one month, six months or permanent. If left alone, the one-month and six-month paint finishes eventually revert to the vehicle’s original paint color, a process that happens in just a few hours at the end of the chosen period. Paul Lisch, Head of Exterior Aesthetics and Paint Finishes at MINI USA, said: “MINIMagic will bring a whole new meaning to the concept of car cleaning and restoration. As easily carried out as a wash and a wipe, our owners can have a ‘new’ MINI Clubman that is capable of matching any atmosphere or any occasion.” The MINI Clubman, exhibiting some real ‘MINIMagic’, can be seen on the MINI display from April 1st during the New York Auto Show, held at the Jacob Javitz Center in New York City. 2012 NEW AMPHIBIOUS MINI COOPER YACHTSMAN TO LAUNCH IN NEW YORK… BESIDE THE HUDSON RIVER Official Release: Woodcliff Lake, NJ – April 1, 2012… MINI customers will be able to boldly go where no motorer has gone before when the all-new MINI Cooper Yachtsman makes its world premiere at the New York International Auto Show next week, right beside the Hudson River. Designed to bring MINI ownership to people who regard the 70 percent of the earth’s surface covered by water as their home, the new MINI Cooper Yachtsman is a corner-carving crustacean that promises go-kart-like handling and a sensational combination of amphibious* and landphibious performance both on and off the water. Certain to be as popular in New York harbor as it will be at the Jumeira Palm marina or Monte Carlo harbor, the MINI Cooper Yachtsman is fitted with a shark-resistant undercoating as standard, and can carve through water at speeds up to 61 knots, while promising an equally rewarding driving (but not diving…) experience – on-road or off-land. “Our exciting MINI Cooper Yachtsman is the ultimate extension of the MINI brand, expanding our line-up to seven models in the USA and offering consumers even more ways to enjoy MINI ownership in a manner best-suited to their individual taste and location,” comments Jim McDowell, Vice President of MINI USA. “The Yachtsman will become an instant status symbol, a car/boat combo that evokes ‘land/sea envy’ in equal measure. Originally endorsed by the British Royal Navy**, the Yachtsman brings a new level of versatility to MINI ownership. So, if you’re cruising along and someone yells ’Lake’ – no worries. Simply downshift, grab a life-vest, hit the water and let Yachtsman take care of the rest!” adds McDowell. Showroom appeal of the MINI Cooper Yachtsman is matched by dockside allure as the 169.8 inch long craft sports Reef Blue metallic paintwork contrasting with silver alloy wheels and matching silver rudder. The exhaust snorkel is finished in body color and the extendable rooftop antenna comes with a ‘get-you-home’ 20-ft white sail (in case of emergency) which can be deployed for zero-emissions sailing. With room to sleep two people, the cabin features waterproof rip-stop upholstery, seat cushions which double as flotation devices, and a Marine Chronometer for celestial navigation in the event of a sat-nav glitch. For junior ‘sailors’, the glove box holds MINI-branded water wings, a pirate flag and eye patch. Standard equipment features a six-foot marlin rod with roller guides, an international trolling reel with 130-lb test line and (on the port side) the latest MINI safety technology – FLOAT (the Frantic Lever Operated Active Trim) adjuster. On the starboard side there is a spring-loaded herring chucker. In line with MINI’s customizable nature, a full range of unique accessories for this latest addition to the MINI product line-up includes a Customizable Klaxon (choice of sea lion, porpoise, sperm whale, dolphin, seagull or mallard duck), and personalized Under-Hull Messaging – recommended factory fitted graphic options such as ‘Suck eggs, Kraken’ and ‘Mermaid Magnet’ are sure to be popular choices. On sale from April 1st as a model year 2013 vehicle, the Yachtsman combines typical MINI driving and boating fun with the same discerning craftsmanship, select materials, styling and all-round ‘typical British understatement’ that are hallmarks of the world’s leading boat builders. For propulsion, each MINI Cooper Yachtsman is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with a twin-scroll turbocharger, direct injection and variable valve control to generate 181 hp. Outdrive to the constant-pitch propeller is managed by a specially-fitted gearbox mounted mid-ship with six forward speeds. Although the new model weighs 4,600 lb (fully laden), the sprint from 0 to 60 mph is completed in 6.6 seconds (on land) and in 2.4 minutes (on water). Top speed (on land) is 141 mph. Developed after extensive testing of punt prototypes on the River Isis (near MINI’s manufacturing facility in Oxford, England) and in the deep waters off Greenland (where The Kraken of legend lurks), the MINI Cooper Yachtsman is priced at US $236,000 and comes with a fully incomprehensible warranty that includes 3-year no-cost moorage, annual dry-docking and free barnacle removal, for the original captain. You can see the MINI Cooper Yachtsman on the MINI Stand at the New York International Auto Show in the Jacob Javits Center from Wednesday April 4th. Editors’ Notes *The Yachtsman is not the first amphibious Mini. The book ‘MINI MISCELLANY – Fifty Years of facts, figures, stories and oddities featuring the world’s greatest little car’ carried this interesting tale… “Bizarre as it may sound, a Mini entered the 1977 River Severn Raft Race. Longbridge engineers converted a standard Mini into an unsinkable four-paddle-wheel-drive amphibious vehicle which they christened ‘Aqua Min’. However, it was not the first Mini to swim. Nine years earlier, an amphibious Moke swam in the River Thames for the Sammy Davis Jr. film Salt and Pepper. Since the movie was a James Bond spoof, it was only right that the Moke should have machine guns fitted behind the headlights.” **And subsequently unendorsed. 2013 New MINI App “Connect Us” Creates MINI Centric Dating Service Official Release: 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. “Get connected, get matched up, get dating” is the name of the game when it comes to using MINI Connected’s vast well of possibilities to steer your way to love; indeed, this unique form of in-car infotainment makes the ideal wingman (or wingwoman). By hooking up to the internet via their Apple iPhone, MINI drivers can use the Google Local Search service to find restaurants, bars and popular sights, and then share ratings using foursquare. And they can also keep in touch with friends while on the move via Facebook, download their favourite music from AUPEO! and stay up to speed on issues of their choice with RSS news feeds. A user’s selections say a lot about their personality. But it’s only when you get behind the wheel, of course, that people get to know the real you. And that’s why the Connect Us function also checks out data collected by the Driving Excitement Analyser to deliver a precise comparison of drivers’ sprinting prowess, cornering ability and braking strategy. And only then, if two MINI drivers are on the same wavelength in how they handle their car, will Connect Us invite them to meet up in person. The go-kart feeling which has sparked such affection for MINI models down the years might just act as the catalyst for romantic emotions between their owners as well. Like all MINI Connected App functions, Connect Us is a doddle to use and intuitive to navigate – in familiar MINI style – by means of the MINI joystick, multifunction steering wheel and onboard monitor. Assuming their car is fitted with the MINI navigation system, all MINI drivers need to do after activating the Connect Us function is specify whether their perfect match should be male or female and how widely they wish to cast the net. Everything else is taken care of by MINI Connected – including, for example, a table booking at a restaurant that is guaranteed to be up both drivers’ street. The meeting point is then located by the navigation system; after all, if Connect Us had a motto it would surely be: “The MINI seeks so that its drivers shall find.” 2014 MINI Shoots And Scores: The MINI Paceman GoalCooper Official Release: April 1st 2014, Munich… The countdown is on in Brazil and soccer fans are gearing up for the biggest global sporting event of the year. Jerseys and flags are in huge demand but one question remains: what will be the car of choice for celebrating fans from mid June? MINI is sure to strike from outside the box with its homage to the beautiful game: the MINI Paceman GoalCooper. This top international player is based on the MINI John Cooper Works Paceman, and is equipped with all it takes to make it from the group stages through to the final. The MINI Design Team captained by Oliviero Weilinho combined the colours green, blue and yellow to come up with the exclusive Danielson multi-coloured exterior line, giving MINI an early 1:0 lead. The interior kit is far from off-side, astro turf floor mats in Brasileiro Green and the “floodlights” in the shape of a MINI LED interior lighting package give a stadium like feel. With this equipment aboard the MINI Paceman GoalCooper will set off “Mexican waves” on all four seats. It is match-fit when it comes to reliving controversial referee decisions and glorious goals via live web stream. A universal holder for smartphones and a rear holder for the Apple iPad will ensure comfortable viewing on the rear seat terraces. For relieving pre-match tension or enjoying some half-time downtime the MINI Paceman GoalCooper features a miniature table football set mounted on the Center Rail. The MINI Paceman GoalCooper is fully equipped for training between matches. The rear seatbacks can be folded over to turn the boot, which is fully clad in AstroTurf, into a football goal. The net is attached behind the front seats. The MINI Paceman GoalCooper has a top defence line-up making it very difficult for any striker to score. As soon as the Park Distance Control (PDC) sensors, in conjunction with the interior monitoring sensors of the alarm system, register a shot on goal, the electric tailgate is operated, instantly closing the tailgate, reflecting the ball and keeping the box clean. If a player successfully puts one past the ‘keeper’, he can share his success immediately with other MINI drivers. When the final whistle has been blown after 90 minutes the score is transmitted to the iPad in the MINI via a special MINI Paceman GoalCooper MINI Connected App. Thanks to intelligent connectivity the results can be compared online with other registered users at any time. The table is updated every day and at the end of the tournament the MINI Community World Champion will lift the trophy. The new star of the MINI Team will be officially presented on 1 April 2014. All details regarding transfer fees and contract periods will remain strictly confidential until then. 2015 World Premier: The New MINI Chrome Line Exterior Deluxe According to [Wikipedia], Chromium is a steely-gray, lustrous, hard and brittle metal which takes a high polish, resists tarnishing, and has a high melting point. The name of the element is derived from the Greek word chroma, meaning color, because many of its compounds are intensely colored. It is the basis for many bits and pieces that MINI has used in and out of its cars since the re-introduction of the brand in 2002. Chrome has always been part of MINI’s heritage, so much so that David Bowie designed a in 1999 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the brand. The BMW Group has been conscious about preserving the Britishness of the MINI, which why today our beloved car company is introducing the F56 MINI Chrome Line Exterior Deluxe. **Official Release:** Munich. It has driving fun in its genes – and it seems that the chromosomes are responsible for its stunning appearance, too. The new MINI is dazzling wherever it goes, but the special equipment feature Chrome Line Exterior Deluxe finally transforms it in a truly irresistible eye-catcher. For decades, chrome surfaces have been applied to the headlamp, rear light and radiator grille surrounds as well as other typical design elements: for the first time, this feature is now extended to the entire body. The effect is instantly compelling: with the Chrome Line Exterior Deluxe, the MINI holistically reflects the aesthetic awareness of the brand and its fans. The exclusive special equipment feature developed exclusively for the MINI 3 door will be presented for the first time to a group of selected guests on April 1st 2015. By way of a precaution, MINI expressly points out to photojournalists who wish to attend the event that it will be compulsory to wear sunglasses and that it is not possible to permit the use of flash due to physically uncontrollable reflections. The special equipment feature Chrome Line Exterior Deluxe is the consistent continuation of a design principle that has been pursued ever since the classic Mini was launched in 1959. Chrome as an embodiment of unique visual details has been part of the MINI tradition for just as long as the go-kart feeling and the central instrument in the cockpit. Its sophisticated sparkle directs attention to those design features that have been typical of MINI for decades and make it the original in the premium small car segment. Since the launch of the latest generation of MINI, however, it is no longer enough to emphasise individual components. MINI has finally achieved the status of a fully integrated work of art. So it is only logical that the entire vehicle should be given a chrome surface as an optional extra. The new special equipment feature will also impact on production processes at the MINI plant in Oxford, UK. The hall lights will automatically be dimmed during assembly of the new MINI 3 door with Chrome Line Exterior Deluxe. What is more, the operating speed of the conveyor belt will be reduced so as to give employees the opportunity to check their clothing and hair in the reflection of the MINI body. 2016 MINI UK DEBUTS THE NEW MINI HIPSTER HATCH World Premier of MINI Hipster Hatch Instagram Filtered Windows Twin-deck cassette player as standard Fixed-gear drivetrain Upcycled alloy wheels, stonewash denim upholstery Official Release: Hoxton, London, April 1, 2016: MINI has whipped a fair-trade Peruvian cotton sheet off its latest model this morning in Hoxton, London. Featuring Instagram filtered windows, Twin-deck cassette player and a fixed-gear drivetrain, the new MINI Hipster Hatch launches today. Avant-garde and upcycled, the MINI Hipster Hatch is effortlessly stylish and the perfect companion for a spot of vintage clothes shopping, or indeed the odd trip to the market for artisan kale. Motorists no longer have to settle for the natural colour of their surroundings (#nofilter), thanks to the exclusive and fully adjustable Instagram filter on all exterior window glass. Live life in LO-FI. Or Clarendon. Or Crema. In fact, occupants can choose from 12 pre-loaded Instagram window filters and turn any journey into a nostalgic memory at the touch of a button. The new MINI Hipster Hatch has just one forward gear with a maximum speed of 25 mph. Taking inspiration from the ‘Fixie’ pedal bike, four of the forward gears have been removed to give the driver a greater feeling of control when popping out for a superfood smoothie. The stonewash denim upholstery means the four seater MINI Hipster Hatch is a match for even the tightest pair of jeans, allowing the driver and passengers to coordinate their outfits accordingly. Inside, a twin-deck cassette player harks back to when it was all about the music, allowing occupants to sidestep the mainstream with their own mixtapes. On the outside, MINI Hipster Hatch boasts alloy wheels carefully upcycled by hand from previous alloy wheels. “The MINI Hipster Hatch is like no other we’ve built before” said Ivana Nuwatto, senior external product launch experience curator at MINI UK. “Inspired by the kind of innovative thinking only found when you ignore the script and ask what those who refuse to be categorized want from a car – features like fixed gear drive, twin-deck cassette player, upcycled details and Instagram filtered windows to name but a few.” A limited number of MINI Hipster Hatch will be available, so if you’ve got FOMO, get one before they’re all gone. 2017 NEW ACCESSORIES FOR THE MINI CONVERTIBLE: THE JOHN COOKER WORKS PACKAGE. MINI special projects has cooked up an innovative accessories package for the MINI Convertible. The MINI Convertible with the MINI John Cooker Works Package. Official Release: Oxford, April 1, 2017. MINI is pleased to announce a new accessory that’s perfect for the culinary entrepreneur. The MINI Convertible can now be fitted with the new John Cooker Works package and turned into a mobile street vendor. The MINI Convertible receives a solid-oak food sales and preparation surface. This features an induction cooker with integrated fume hood. The vehicle’s generously proportioned 160 – 215 liter luggage compartment of the MINI Convertible stores the required cooling technology, while a high-voltage Natural Food Nanotechnology® battery ensures power supply and is charged by the standard brake energy regeneration system while driving. Food waste is further utilized by the NFN® battery system to sustainably power the unique vehicle. The solid-wood surface made from sustainably grown oak in Cornwall, folds to fit the contours of the interior when the roof is down and serves as a stable storage for food and beverages in spite of the light-weight construction technology used. The package meets all food regulation requirements and can be used for hot and cold dishes alike. Customers selecting this new pack benefit from a highly flexible food sales vehicle, with a menu of applications including selling sushi, ice cream or fresh juices. Only the driver’s seat needs to be folded down in order to install the MINI John Cooker Works Package. This creates an amazing amount of space under the solid-oak surface which can be used for storing ingredients and cooking utensils. Should the weather suddenly turn, the convertible roof can be closed in only 18 seconds with the food surface in place. Potential customers could include start-ups looking to prepare their culinary masterpieces directly in front of their customers’ eyes, or kiosk operators who need a spacious food presentation area, the MINI Convertible with John Cooker Works Package offers countless opportunities for businesses. The introductory price is €1.959,00 / $ 1.959,00 / £ 1.959,00 and the package can be ordered at selected MINI partners as of today. “The strikingly painted and backlit mirror caps and side scuttles in Citrus Yellow give the MINI Convertible an sharp street food look. We applied the knowhow we gained from our MINI Yours vehicle personalization program”, says Sue Scheff of the MINI Design Team. The Sport Stripes for the John Cooker Works Package are in Chilli Red and Berry Blue. “Street food businesses are a great complement to established restaurants and offer their customers fantastic variety. However, typical street food trucks are often too big and cumbersome for our city centers. The MINI Convertible can be used by street food vendors to whisk their food directly to the customer and even right onto festival grounds”, says Matt Erdee from MINI Business Innovation. The John Cooker Works Accessory Package perfectly matches the Salt, Pepper and Chilli MINI equipment packages. “The MINI Convertible is now even more unique than ever before and is the smallest multifunctional food truck in the world”, says Finn Gerfoud, Head of Development of MINI Special Vehicles. Be it on the streets of Shanghai, in front of Barcelona’s office blocks or whipping around tourist hotspots in London, the MINI Convertible with John Cooker Works Package is an eye catcher making life hard for the burger van chips or the corner café. The post A Look Back at the Best MINI April Fools Pranks appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

As the auto industry braces for the looming 25% tariff on European vehicle imports—set to hit as early as April 2nd—MINI USA is moving quickly to protect its customers and soften the financial blow. In a proactive move, the company has announced a price protection strategy aimed squarely at buyers with vehicles already en route to the U.S. The Policy: Order Now, Pay Pre-Tariff Prices Here’s the key detail: any new MINI that is already in transit and pre-sold by Tuesday, April 1st, will be price-protected—even if it hasn’t yet landed at a U.S. port. This means that as long as you’ve placed a deposit on a specific, incoming vehicle and that vehicle is currently making its way across the Atlantic, you’re in the clear. On the flip side, any new MINI that arrives at a U.S. port on or after Tuesday and has not been pre-sold could be subject to price increases. So, if you’ve been eyeing that spec’d-to-perfection 2-Door Cooper S or that freshly reworked 2025 Countryman, now’s the time to make your move. MINI dealers are urging customers to reach out by EOD Monday to place deposits on unsold inbound units to lock in current pricing. Why This Matters: A $7,500 Problem As we detailed last week, this looming tariff could add thousands to the price of every MINI built in Europe—which, for now, is nearly every MINI. From Oxford-built Coopers to German-assembled Clubmans and Countrymans, the impact could be significant. A $30,000 MINI could balloon to nearly $37,500 if the full 25% is passed on. Here’s how it breaks down across the line-up. ModelCurrent MSRPMSRP with 25% TariffMINI Cooper 2 Door$28,950$36,187MINI Cooper S 2 Door$32,200$40,250MINI Cooper 4 Door$29,950$37,437MINI Cooper S 4 Door$33,200$41,500MINI Cooper Convertible$33,950$42,437MINI Cooper S Convertible$37,200$46,500MINI John Cooper Works 2 Door$38,200$47,750MINI John Cooper Works Convertible$43,700$54,625MINI Countryman S ALL4$40,075$50,093MINI Countryman John Cooper Works ALL4$48,075$60,093 And while MINI could, in theory, adjust global production to avoid these import taxes, that’s not something that happens overnight. Shifting final assembly to North America would take years—and give the numbers of North American sales, might not make sense. No Absorbing This One There’s little chance MINI USA (or parent company BMW Group) will simply absorb the increase. Margins in the small premium segment are already under pressure, and the added cost of tariffs could push pricing to a place where the value proposition of a MINI gets harder to justify—especially as it nudges closer to more spacious or more powerful alternatives. Timing is Everything The good news? This strategy buys buyers a short window of opportunity. If a car is already on the water and has a name attached to it before Tuesday, MINI USA will honor current pricing. That’s a rare level of customer advocacy in an industry often dictated by supply and demand curves. What to Do Now For one, contact your MINI dealer immediately. Ask about unsold inbound inventory and get a deposit down if you’re serious. And make sure to act before Tuesday. The clock is ticking, and any delay could mean getting caught in the post-tariff price wave. Also consider flexibility. Even if your ideal build isn’t available, grabbing an in-transit MINI now may be a smarter financial move than building a new one from scratch later. And then there’s the option of looking at used MINIs already on dealer lots. Ultimately, this is MINI USA trying to strike a balance: honoring its relationship with customers while navigating a volatile political and economic climate. The result is a small window to dodge a big price hike—and for MINI fans, that may be all the motivation needed to make a move now. TL;DR: If you pre-order an incoming MINI that’s in transit before Tuesday, April 1st, MINI USA will honor current pricing—even if it hasn’t landed yet. Any unsold vehicle arriving on or after Tuesday could face price increases due to the new 25% tariff. So if you’ve been thinking about pulling the trigger, do it by Monday. The post MINI USA Responds to Impending Tariffs with Strategic Price Protection Plan appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

A new 25% tariff on imported vehicles from Europe could drive up the cost of all MINIs imported to the US starting as early as April 2nd. Here’s how it will affect prices and how you can potentially avoid them. For years, MINI has balanced premium engineering with attainable pricing, delivering engaging small cars without the big price tags of its German parent. But that equation gets complicated when a government policy adds thousands to the cost of every car that crosses the Atlantic. What Models Are Affected? The tariffs are expected to apply to all MINIs imported from Europe. That includes the Oxford-built 2-Door and 4-Door MINI Coopers, as well as the German-assembled Clubman and the current (though soon outgoing) Countryman. The all-new 2025 Countryman is also being built in Germany, making it subject to the same import costs. If the 25% tariff is fully passed to consumers, prices could spike dramatically. A $30,000 MINI Cooper could jump to nearly $37,500—before options, taxes, or fees. Even lease deals would take a hit as residual values and monthly payments adjust to the new math. ModelCurrent MSRPMSRP with 25% TariffMINI Cooper 2 Door$28,950$36,187MINI Cooper S 2 Door$32,200$40,250MINI Cooper 4 Door$29,950$37,437MINI Cooper S 4 Door$33,200$41,500MINI Cooper Convertible$33,950$42,437MINI Cooper S Convertible$37,200$46,500MINI John Cooper Works 2 Door$38,200$47,750MINI John Cooper Works Convertible$43,700$54,625MINI Countryman S ALL4$40,075$50,093MINI Countryman John Cooper Works ALL4$48,075$60,093 Will MINI Eat the Cost? Probably Not The question for MINI USA is simple: absorb the cost or pass it on? In most cases, automakers shift at least part of the burden to buyers. The margins in the premium small car segment are already razor-thin, and there’s little room to swallow that kind of hit without cutting features, support, or profitability. Could MINI shift production to avoid the tariffs? In theory, yes. In practice, not anytime soon. Reconfiguring global production lines or moving assembly to North America is a multi-year process—not a switch you flip because of a single policy change. A Complicated Time for MINI’s U.S. Market All this comes as MINI has just launched a new generation of models that push further upmarket, both in design and pricing. A sudden spike due to tariffs could make that transition even harder. And for a brand that trades heavily on its British heritage and European engineering, assembling cars outside Europe just to sidestep tariffs could dilute what makes a MINI feel like a MINI. What You Can Do to Avoid Potential Price Increases If there’s anything we’ve learned, these policy changes from the current administration don’t always stick. But unless something shifts soon, we’re looking at significantly higher prices for many MINIs starting April 2nd. If you’re in the market for a MINI and you’re in the US, now might be the moment to act. Assuming prices do go up, they will likely do so with new cars entering US ports beginning on April 2nd. That means all cars that are officially imported to the US by April 2nd (even if they’re on a truck to dealers) might be exempt. We’d recommend contacting your local dealer for specifics. Ultimately this isn’t just a supply chain hiccup—it’s a potential pricing earthquake. And MINI, like its buyers, might have to brace for impact. The post U.S. Tariffs Could Push MINI Prices Up 25% by April 2nd appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

The MINI Oxford Plant is the spiritual home of the brand since new MNI production started in 2001. We’ve visited the plant previously in 2004 and found it full of new energy and incredible automation. But a lot has changed since then, and there are a lot more MINIs, and we wanted to see this change ourselves. At the time of our visit in late 2023, MINI was still producing the electric F56, which added even more complexity to the production line. It’s important to note that, since the video was first published, BMW announced it was pausing plans to build the J01 and J05 at Oxford. When we last visited the plant in 2004 it was still ramping up various aspects of production. For instance the stamping that happened offsite back then is now in a separate facility on the plant grounds. There’s also a new level of automation – especially in that stamping plant. In fact it seems almost devoid of humans as we walked through a sea of busy robots twisting and turning metal and nearly complete chassis. The immediate take away in seeing this part of production is the precision throughout the process. BMW takes the structural design and build of its cars seriously as it had several high-profile issues in the late 90’s and early 2000s with sub-frames. Our guide explained the levels of engineering that goes into every weld and the safety checks that happen throughout the process. The result is a level of precision that wouldn’t seem out of place in an aerospace factory. The post An Inside Look at How MINI Coopers Are Made at it’s Oxford Plant appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

For years, MINI has prepared us for its ambitious plan to go fully electric by 2030. But recent developments mean that there’s a big shift in strategy: MINI will now continue producing internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles far past 2030 and well into the next decade. So, what does this mean for the MINI Countryman? Let’s take a look. The Electric Slowdown & Market Realities In late 2024, news broke that BMW was halting its UK-based electric MINI production plans. The decision was reportedly linked to sluggish EV adoption rates and economic uncertainties, throwing MINI’s all-electric ambitions into doubt. But in reality the shift had already been underway. MINI USA and other markets opted not to offer the all-electric J01 MINI Cooper and J05 MINI Aceman due to Chinese tariffs that wiped out their already slim margins. That decision jump-started a broader re-evaluation of MINI’s proposed transition to an all-electric lineup by 2031. Last fall, we sat down with Mike Peyton, Head of MINI in the Americas, to discuss the brand’s previously announced EV strategy. What became clear in our conversation is that instability in the automotive industry—driven by tariffs and uneven EV adoption—has prompted MINI to rethink its approach. The result? There’s currently no firm end date for ICE production. While the electric version of the Countryman is critical in the future, there’s a clear need for the combustion powered version to live on past it’s original expiration date. First-up: Refreshing The U25 MINI Countryman With this strategic pivot, MINI isn’t just extending the lifespan of its ICE models—it’s also refreshing them. First in line is the combustion-powered U25 Countryman, which will receive a Life Cycle Impulse (LCI) update around 2027. This update will bring subtle exterior design tweaks, primarily focused on trim and lighting, along with an interior refresh. We’re hearing MINI will introduce new colors, materials, and some slight design revisions inside the cabin. In terms of technology, we don’t expect changes to the OLED center display, but MINI will likely update its UX as part of a refreshed MINI Operating System. Next: A New Combustion MINI Countryman MINI’s original plan was to sunset the ICE-powered U25 Countryman by the end of 2030. However, with this shift, we now expect MINI to introduce a new Countryman that—like the F66 Cooper is to the F56—will be a heavily refreshedversion of the current U25. While details remain scarce, sources suggest a “new” Countryman could arrive around 2030. We expect MINI to introduce an updated suite of in-vehicle technology based on BMW’s iDrive X, including the windshield panoramic display. On the design front, expect MINI to introduce an evolution of its current design language. Exactly how that will alter the look of today’s Countryman remains to be seen. Under the Hood: A Hybrid Future? Since this is an internal combustion car, after all, the next-gen Countryman will likely continue using a revised B48 four-cylinder engine. However, given tightening regulations in the UK and EU, it’s increasingly likely that we’ll see a hybrid version of the B48 rather than pure combustion power. This hybrid setup could be based loosely on the plug-in hybrid system BMW currently offers in the X1. 202320272030+U25 Countryman launchedU25 Countryman refreshed (LCI)“New” Countryman launched MINI’s Power of Choice Strategy Pays Dividends Rather than forcing a rapid transition, MINI is continuing to embrace a dual-powertrain strategy, offering both ICE and EV options well beyond 2030. This aligns with BMW Group’s broader “Power of Choice” approach—giving consumers the ability to select what works best for them rather than pushing a one-size-fits-all EV mandate. In our mind, this change isn’t a retreat from electrification, but rather a recalibration. MINI still sees an electric future but is acknowledging that the market needs more time to catch up. For enthusiasts, this means more choices, longer availability of ICE models, and an opportunity to experience MINI’s next evolution without being forced into a single direction. So, if you’ve been worried about the death of the internal combustion MINI, rest easy—it’s sticking around a bit longer than expected. The post MINI Shifts Strategy – Will Make A New Combustion Powered Countryman appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

The MINI Cooper S Convertible has always been the automotive equivalent of a double espresso on a crisp morning—invigorating, stylish, and just the right amount of indulgent. Now, with a new model arriving just in time for spring, it’s the perfect moment to take a deep dive into what’s changed and how it stacks up against its predecessor, the F57. Design: New and Old Meet At a glance, the F67 looks… well, like a MINI. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing. While the hardtop has made a bold break from tradition with its controversial triangular taillights, the convertible remains more conservative, sticking with the classic vertical rear lights of its predecessor. But this wasn’t a design choice so much as a limitation—MINI simply couldn’t fit the new taillights into the convertible’s rear structure. Up front, the grille is a bit more simplified, and the headlights have a more modern LED signature, but overall, this is a very familiar shape. While some brands are pushing the boundaries of convertible design, MINI has played it safe here. Maybe too safe. Under the Hood: More Power, but No Manual There’s some good news here: the F67 gets a bump in power over the outgoing F57. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder now produces 201 hp—an increase of 13 hp over its predecessor. That results in a slightly quicker 0-60 time of 6.7 seconds. It’s not a massive jump, but it does give the car a bit more urgency when you put your foot down. However, there’s a tradeoff: the manual transmission is gone. MINI has officially dropped the stick shift from the U.S. lineup, leaving the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic as the only option. While the DCT is quick and smooth, it doesn’t quite match the engagement that a proper manual gearbox provided. Worse yet, in the U.S., MINI has removed paddle shifters on all but JCW models, leaving most buyers without any way to manually shift gears at all. Driving Experience: Still a MINI, but Not a Revolution MINI has made some small but meaningful tweaks to the chassis and suspension. The F67 features a slightly wider track, additional bracing for improved rigidity, and revised steering calibration. The result? Sharper turn-in and better composure through corners. It’s still playful, but it doesn’t feel like a dramatically different car from the F57. That’s both good and bad. If you loved the way the old model drove, you’ll appreciate the subtle improvements. But if you were hoping for a more transformative upgrade, you might be disappointed. MINI played it safe here, and while the F67 remains fun to drive, it doesn’t break new ground. Interior & Tech: A High-Tech Makeover Inside, the biggest change is the 9.5-inch circular OLED display that replaces traditional gauges. It’s bright, responsive, and packed with features, but it also marks a major departure from MINI’s analog roots. Some will love the modern, minimalist approach, while others might miss the tactile nature of physical buttons and dials. The materials have also been upgraded, with MINI using a mix of soft-touch plastics, fabric-trimmed panels, and its new synthetic “Vescin” upholstery instead of leather. It’s more sustainable, but traditionalists might not be thrilled by the lack of real leather. That said, MINI’s focus on comfort means the new materials absorb less heat, keeping the interior cooler on sunny days—something convertible owners will appreciate. Final Thoughts: A Safe, Sensible Upgrade The 2025 MINI Cooper S Convertible sticks to a well-worn formula. The extra power is welcome, the sharper handling is a nice touch, and the new tech gives it a more modern feel. But at the same time, the lack of a manual, the absence of shift paddles on most models, and MINI’s generally cautious approach to change make it feel more like an incremental update than a bold step forward. For longtime MINI Convertible fans, this will still be a fun, stylish, and characterful drop-top. But if you were hoping for something truly groundbreaking, you might be left wanting. 2025 MINI Cooper Convertible Gallery The post 2025 MINI Cooper S Convertible: What’s New, What’s Not and Comparing it to the F57 appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

The fourth-generation (F66) MINI Cooper, brings a mix of modern updates, technological advancements, and refined performance. But one of its more controversial design choices is the hidden exhaust system on the Cooper and Cooper S—a departure from MINI’s more expressive past. Why has MINI done this and could we see it return? In a move that aligns with broader automotive trends, the F66 MINI Cooper and Cooper S adopted a hidden exhaust system, tucking away the pipes to create a sleeker, more minimalist rear-end design. This approach visually aligns the car with the electric J01 MINI Cooper – key to keeping the ICE and electric models appearing as identical as possible. It also downplays the car’s CO2 emissions. Where previous generations proudly displayed their exhaust tips, F66, leans into a subtler, more grown-up aesthetic. But to many the lack of visible exhaust tips arguably removes a bit of personality. For some, this is a welcome update that signals a bit of maturity; for many, it feels like MINI is sanitizing the very elements that made it exciting in the first place. The Oddity that is the F66 MINI Cooper JCW Exhaust Even the JCW isn’t immune to this strategy of hiding exhausts. While there’s a large center exhaust clearly visible, there’s a second hidden outlet just to the left. This extra pipe reportedly allows for more control over sound and emissions, however we’re not 100% this isn’t a styling decision by MINI. As before, Sport mode turns the exhaust note up a bit and there is a flap that does open. But it’s still unclear how exactly this is different than the previous JCW’s dual exhaust strategy. Other than of course to hide one of the pipes. Could We See the Visible Exhaust Return? Given the slowing sales of EVs and the reality that internal combustion MINI’s are likely going to be here far past 2030, could MINI have an about face and bring back the visible exhaust? We think there’s a distinct possibility at least on the Cooper S. For one if you look at the Cooper S exhaust you’ll see it’s nearly identical to the JCW’s down to the center bulge where the JCW’s visible center exhaust pipe protrudes. It would seem very plausible for MINI to simply give the Cooper S exhaust the JCW treatment in its next mid-cycle refresh. The F66 MINI Cooper JCW dual exhaust with both hidden and visable outlets Why think it’s a possibility is that MINI is hearing feedback from customers that the current Cooper lacks some of the appeal of the previous model. From the lack of a manual to the fabric interior to the missing exhaust, we see a real desire from would-be owners and MINI fans to bring back some of these elements. The F66 MINI Cooper and Cooper S’s hidden exhaust is undeniably a modern design choice. But whether it’s the right choice is another question entirely. While it helps MINI align with contemporary trends, in our opinion, it also removes a small but meaningful part of what made past models feel special The post Could the MINI Cooper’s Hidden Exhaust Return? appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

Let’s be honest—when automakers boast about their in-car navigation systems, most of us roll our eyes and reach for our phones. Google Maps and Apple Maps have been the gold standard for years, constantly evolving with real-time data, predictive routing, and seamless smartphone integration. So why even bother with an in-car system? MINI, to its credit, has answered that question in a way few automakers have. With its latest generation of vehicles, the brand has built a navigation experience that isn’t just tolerable—it’s actually compelling. Does it outright beat Google or Apple? In some key ways, yes. In others, well… not quite. The Good: Deep Vehicle Integration Here’s where MINI’s system earns its keep. Unlike a phone-based app, it’s fully tied into the car’s hardware, which means it can do things like EV-optimized routing. In the new electric Countryman SE, the system doesn’t just tell you where to go—it factors in battery usage, terrain, and charging stations in real time. Google Maps has an EV mode, but it’s not tied directly to the car’s energy consumption, making MINI’s approach feel more purpose-built. Then there’s augmented reality navigation, a feature that projects animated directional arrows onto a live video feed of the road. Instead of squinting at a map, you see exactly where to turn, in real-time, on your screen. This is one of those features you don’t think you need—until you try it. In dense urban environments, it’s a game-changer. The Meh: It’s Still a Car-Based System For all its strengths, MINI’s system can’t fully escape the typical pitfalls of built-in navigation. Yes, it pulls traffic data over 5G, and yes, it updates maps automatically via the cloud. But it still lacks the sheer scale of Google’s or Apple’s ecosystem. Searching for a niche coffee shop or the best-rated taco joint? Google’s got it, down to user reviews and business hours. MINI’s system? You might find it, or you might be better off using CarPlay. And then there’s voice recognition. While MINI’s onboard assistant is decent, it’s not quite on the level of Google Assistant or Siri. That means you might end up fumbling with the touchscreen more than you’d like—a mild but notable annoyance. The Verdict: Surprisingly Good, But Not a Total Replacement MINI’s new navigation system does what most automakers fail to do: it makes a compelling case for leaving your phone in your pocket. The AR guidance, deep EV integration, and seamless design make it genuinely useful, especially for daily driving. But if you’re the type who relies on deep search capabilities, user-generated reviews, or the absolute best traffic data, you’ll probably still find yourself defaulting to Google or Apple at times. The real win here? MINI has built a system that actually makes you think twice about whether you need CarPlay at all—and in today’s tech landscape, that’s no small feat. The post Why MINI’s New Navigation System Could Be Better Than Google or Apple Maps appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article