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The MINI Cooper convertible is dead. But just temporarily. MINI is gearing up to launch not one but two entirely different open-top models offering both petrol and electric power. What will they look like and when should we expect them? As usual we have all the exclusive answers. The previous F57 MINI Convertible was offered as a petrol model until the very end of production when MINI released a limited production electric version. It turns out that move was actually a wildly successful test as the electric convertible sold out quickly. Those sales reportedly gave MINI the confidence to push forward with not just one but two new convertibles models. And yes one is entirely electric. The F67 petrol powered MINI Cooper JCW Convertible The Petrol F66 MINI Cooper Convertible First let’s talk about the combustion model. Code-named the F67, it follows the same formula the F56 did when it was evolved into the F66. It has MINI’s all new design language with every aspect of the exterior changed except the glass and doors. Inside things are even more of a revolution with MINI”s new circular display and a much more minimal interior. You can read all about these changes in our recent exclusive look at F66 vs its predecessor, the F56. One interesting note. The rear lights of the F67 convertible will not change shape like the rest of the line-up. While the LED layout will change to mimic the new triangular lights, the shape of the tear wasn’t conducive to redesigning them entirely like on the F65 and F66. The Electric J03 MINI Cooper Convertible The J03 MINI Convertible will leverage the J01 platform that underpins the new electric MINI Cooper and forms the foundation of the J05 Aceman. According to sources the convertible looks like it will be built primarily at the Oxford plant in the UK. While our sources didn’t say it wouldn’t also be built in China, BMW forecasts the majority of its sales in the UK, Europe and North America. And yes, as you’d expect being built in the UK will mean North American imports as well. Sources tell us that MINI will likely use a similar top to what we’ve seen on the F57 albeit with more attention focused on aero efficiency. This effort will be focused on reducing drag typically associated with convertible tops. It appears that MINI might debut the car in 2025 with sales beginning in 2026. This timing could coincide with a LCI refresh scheduled for the J01 which could include tweaked styling and even higher range and performance. If we look at previous convertible introductions, expect MINI to introduce several new exterior colors, interior trims and even a new wheel design. This also means MINI will, for the second time in their history, have two open-tops to choose from. Previously MINI offered the R57 Convertible alongside the R59 Roadster. While those cars had some clear differences, the only real distinction between these two new models on the surface will be EV or combustion power. The F67 MINI Cooper JCW Convertible Exclusive Details: Petrol & Electric MINI JCW Convertibles The Petrol F67 MINI Cooper Convertible MINI’s goal is to make these new JCWs look nearly identical. But behind the wheel we expect some major differences. In what some might see as a disappointment, the petrol F67 MINI Cooper JCW will not see an increase in horsepower. Unlike the Cooper or the Cooper S, MINI is holding the line on power output and instead bringing some upgrades elsewhere. The F67 MINI Cooper JCW Convertible. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t any performance upgrades. The F66 JCW will have a slightly revised B48 engine under the hood – more specifically the B48A20O2. The big performance update will be torque which increases from 236 to 258 lb-ft giving the car a bit more grunt. Perhaps just as important, it peaks lower in the rev range. Previously in the F56 JCW torque maxed out at 1,450 RPM. The B48A20O2 sees this change to 1,250 RPM meaning maximum power is even more immediate. These are small but subtle differences that point to a slightly quicker or more responsive B48 engine. ModelPowerTorqueJ03 JCW (electric)260 hp*TBDF66 JCW (petrol)231 hp258 ft lbs* Unconfirmed That you see above is the J01 hardtop with the JCW Trim. While it’s not a full JCW, it will mimic the styling of the full JCW. Sources tell us to expect the same styling treatment with the J03 convertible. The Electric J03 MINI Cooper Convertible The J01 is a bit more foggy for us but our sources have been consistent in saying we’ll see at least 260 hp and even more torque. The limiting factor will be traction given that both the electric Cooper JCW and the Aceman JCW will remain front-wheel drive only. There is one function the J01 will offer that the F66 might not have. While the J03 is a bit more foggy for us we do know it will have more power. And like in the Countryman SE, MINI will introduce a “boost” function that gives you more power for a 10-second period. This will be operational via a paddle behind the steering wheel on the left side. Finally, our sources tell us that the battery size will remain the same as the SE models. Because of the increased performance, we’d expect range to decrease a bit – perhaps as much as 5-10%. MINI Cooper Convertible Models & Timing Wave 3 ModelsCode namePowerProduction dateProduction countryMINI Cooper C ConvertibleF67Petrol11/24Oxford, UKMINI Cooper S ConvertibleF67Petrol11/24Oxford, UKMINI Cooper JCW ConvertibleF67Petrol11/24Oxford, UKMINI Cooper E ConvertibleJ03Electric11/25Zhangjiagang, China / Oxford, UK*MINI Cooper SE ConvertibleJ03Electric11/25Zhangjiagang, China / Oxford, UK*MINI Cooper eJCW ConvertibleJ03Electric01/26Zhangjiagang, China / Oxford, UK*Not confirmed but credible sources tell us the J03 is destined for UK production. The post MINI is Doubling Down On Open-Tops With New Electric & Combustion MINI Cooper Convertibles appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

This year was the start of something big for the MINI brand. Starting in 2024, the entire model line-up is being redesign or revised with both electric and combustion powered cars manufactured across three countries. And we’ve only just seen the first wave of new MINIs. To help keep track of it all we’ve got an exclusive look of all MINI’s four waves of new models, their timing as well as a few surprises. The new F66 MINI Cooper S next to the previous F56 version. 1st Wave: U25 Countryman S, JCW & F66 Cooper S Wave 1 MINI ModelsCode NamePowerProduction MonthMINI Countryman S All4U25Petrol03/24Leipzig, GermanyMINI Countryman JCW All4U25Petrol03/24Leipzig, GermanyMINI Cooper S 2-door hardtopF66Petrol03/24Oxford, UKMINI Cooper SE*J01Electric04/24Zhangjiagang, China* Not coming to North America until later this decade. Earlier this year MINI began it’s product onslaught with the petrol powered U25 MINI Countryman S, Countryman JCW and the F66 MINI Cooper S. The first Model began filtering into European and UK dealers in March with other markets seeing them in April and May. For the U25 (built in Germany) MINI is focusing on the S and JCW models initially with the base combustion “C” model beginning later in wave two. Similarly MINI is kicking off F66 production with just the “S” model until the C arrives later. The J01 came late but it’s part of this first wave of new models as production begin in April with the first deliveries hitting Asia and Europe in May. How do they drive? You can read our review of the Cooper S, Countryman S and Countryman JCW below. The electric U25 MINI Countryman SE 2nd Wave: U25 Countryman SE, F66 MINI Cooper & F65 Cooper S 4 Door Wave 2 MINI ModelsCode NamePowerProduction StartProduction countryMINI Countryman C*U25Petrol07/24Leipzig, GermanyMINI Countryman D*U25Diesel07/24Leipzig, GermanyMINI Countryman E*U25Electric07/24Leipzig, GermanyMINI Cooper C 2-door hardtopF66Petrol07/24Oxford, UKMINI Cooper S 5-door hardtopF65Petrol07/24Oxford, UK* Not coming to North America The F65 MINI Cooper S Five Door The 2nd wave of this changeover will include the first new electric product to hit US shores. The electric Countryman SE (which we recently reviewed) will begin production in July with an official market launch happening early September. Also join the fray will be the base electric Countryman E, the base petrol Countryman C, and the latest (and potentially final) diesel MINI, the Countryman D. The F66 Cooper (in both its uniquely US spec four cylinder form and 3 cylinder) will finally begin production and make it to dealers in the same timeframe. Along side of it will be the introduction of another new model, the F65 Cooper Cooper S five door hatch. The petrol powered F67 MINI Cooper JCW Convertible 3rd Wave: F67 Convertible, F65 Cooper 4 Door & F66 Cooper JCW Wave 3 ModelsCode namePowerProduction dateProduction countryMINI Cooper C 4-door hardtopF65Petrol11/24Oxford, UKMINI Cooper C ConvertibleF67Petrol11/24Oxford, UKMINI Cooper S ConvertibleF67Petrol11/24Oxford, UKMINI Cooper S ConvertibleF67Petrol11/24Oxford, UKMINI Cooper JCW 3 doorF66Petrol11/24Oxford, UKMINI Cooper JCW 3 doorJ01Electric01/25Zhangjiagang, ChinaJ05 MINI Aceman EJ05Electric11/24Zhangjiagang, ChinaJ05 MINI Aceman SEJ05Electric11/24Zhangjiagang, ChinaJ05 MINI Aceman JCWJ05Electric01/25Zhangjiagang, China The 3rd wave will round out the year with some of the most anticipated models. But first MINI will round out its petrol Cooper range with the F65 Cooper C five door. Then things get interesting. MINI will begin production of the Convertible in Cooper, Cooper S and JCW forms this November with a market introduction in January of 2025. The Aceman will come online around this time with the E and SE models beginning production this November. Finally MINI’s JCW sub brand will round out its line-up. First will be the full MINI Cooper JCW in both (F66) petrol and J01) electric forms. The F66 JCW will begin production in November with the J01 starting in January 2025. The J05 MINI Aceman JCW (mechanically identical top the J01) will also start production in January 2025. 4th Wave: the Electric J03 MINI Cooper Convertible Finally MINI will be launching what will likely be its last model in the new lineup with the electric J03 MINI Cooper Convertible. This model will likely debut late next year with a launch around the first of 2026. There’s a chance that MINI might time this launch to coincide with J01 and J05 production expanding to Oxford, England. The post Exclusive Guide: Every New MINI Model & Their Launch Dates appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

MINI USA has unveiled its official charity and education partners for the eagerly anticipated MINI TAKES THE STATES (MTTS) 2024. This year’s rally, reviving the enthusiasm seen in 2022, will traverse the country from July 13 to 21, starting in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and culminating in Seattle, Washington. A significant highlight this year is MINI USA’s inaugural partnership with the American Camp Association (ACA). This collaboration aims to highlight the transformative impact of summer camps on children, while also facilitating increased access to these experiences through scholarships for families in need. Contributions to support this initiative can be made at: bit.ly/CampMINIScholarship. Continuing a successful alliance from the MINI Together event in 2023, Keep America Beautiful remains a key nonprofit partner for MTTS. As the nation’s leading community improvement organization, Keep America Beautiful inspires and educates the public on environmental stewardship, striving to enhance and maintain clean and beautiful community spaces. The American Camp Association, a prominent 501(c)(3) nonprofit, represents over 20,000 year-round and summer camps across the United States, serving more than 26 million campers annually. ACA is dedicated to promoting quality camp experiences for all ages through advocacy, education, and professional development, and is the only national accrediting body for organized camps. Tom Rosenberg, president and CEO of ACA, expressed gratitude for the new partnership, stating, “We are grateful for this partnership between MINI USA and ACA and the positive impact it will have on today’s youth. We know that camp experiences build a world of belonging and growth, and that campers gain important life and character-building skills like communication, collaboration, problem-solving, confidence, and independence. We’re excited that this partnership will increase access to these camp experiences for children who otherwise might not be able to attend.” Joining as a longstanding ally, Keep America Beautiful aims to foster a cleaner, greener nation. The organization mobilizes volunteers to remove millions of pounds of litter annually from thousands of streets and roadways. During MTTS, participants will be encouraged to pick up litter, contributing to Keep America Beautiful’s ambitious goal of collecting 25 billion pieces of litter by July 2026. Support for their initiatives can be bolstered through peer-to-peer fundraising and donations here. This year’s MTTS theme, “Camp MINI,” aligns perfectly with the missions of ACA, Keep America Beautiful, and URBAN-X by MINI, emphasizing sustainability, community, and the natural splendor of the national parks along the route. URBAN-X, launched by MINI in 2016, partners with startups to devise innovative urban solutions for a sustainable future. On the rally, the URBAN-X team will educate participants on groundbreaking urban tech solutions developed by their accelerator program’s entrepreneurs. New to the sponsorship lineup is the MINI Card by MINI Financial Services, set to debut at MTTS 2024. Rally participants will be among the first to access the new MINI Card, crafted from ocean-bound plastic, symbolizing MINI’s commitment to environmental sustainability. Details and exclusive offers for MTTS participants can be found here, with opportunities to upgrade the MINI Card along the route. Additionally, the MINI Motoring Protection Programs, in collaboration with Plant Oxford, will sponsor MTTS. These programs provide tailored protection solutions for MINI owners, ensuring their vehicles are safeguarded during the rally and beyond. The Multi-Coverage Protection Program offers customizable options to suit individual driving styles and needs. SiriusXM has also partnered with MINI as the Audio Entertainment Sponsor for MTTS, offering attendees a complimentary 90-day streaming subscription via the SiriusXM app. This service delivers a diverse array of music, talk shows, sports, news, comedy, podcasts, and exclusive content, enhancing the auditory experience for participants. The partnerships and sponsorships for MTTS 2024 underscore MINI USA’s commitment to community, environmental stewardship, and innovation, promising an engaging and impactful journey for all participants. The post MINI USA Announces Partners for MTTS 2024 appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

We send time with the 2025 Five Door MINI Cooper S to see how the updated design works with the Largest Cooper. If you’ve been reading MotoringFile over the years you’ll likely know we’ve always thought the five door MINI Cooper was a strange car. When it came out it felt like a compromised product that awkwardly fit somewhere between the three door Cooper and the much more capable Clubman. Has that changed with the Clubman dead, the Countryman larger and MINI’s new minimal design language applied? Let’s dig in. Like the F66, the F65 is an evolution of the previous F55 five door. It’s mechanically evolved underneath with a completely new look and feel inside and out. The basic layout is the same albeit with slightly tweaked dimension. There are no exterior parts (outside of glass and the roof) shared between the two cars and subtle changes are everywhere. But even these subtle changes can have big effects. Take the lights. MINI has pushed the headlights forward and made them slightly more upright. It means that this car feels more upright and a little closer to the R50 and R56. It also marks this car out as different than the sleeker J01 MINI Cooper EV. Then there’s the taillights which adopt the triangular design we’ve seen on the J01 and F66. Here they actually feel more obvious because of the rear hatch protrudes from the glass. Love them or hate them, they are more in your face on the F65 as compared to the three door F66 Cooper. In our time with the F65 MINI Cooper five door we came away liking the more minimal styling on the outside but really loved the subtle tweaks inside. The general layout is the same up front but there is slightly more rear width than before offering a bit more room for rear passengers. In the US this is purely a four seater due to regulations. However in the rest of the world the three seat layout becomes more doable with these revisions. Worth mentioning is MINI’s new Vescin seats which are miles ahead of the old Leatherette material. While they don’t quite have the suppleness of the previously optional (and expensive) Lounge Leather, they feel great to the touch and promise better wear. And that new blue color looks great in person. One thing that hasn’t changed are the tiny doors. Due to the size of the car, MINI had to shrink the front doors considerably as compared to the three door in order to make room for the rear doors. Subsequently the rear doors are also tiny. I’m 6′ 2″ and getting in and out of the five door Cooper has always been something that required attention. This new F65 model is no difference. The boot is fractionally larger but the difference is negligible based on our real-world experience. Similarly the car itself is fractionally wider than the F55 but without the two side by side and a tape measure you’d not be able to tell. Performance Upgrades For The F65 MINI Cooper C & Cooper S MINI has upped the ante in terms of power with both models while sadly ditching the manual. The F55 Cooper is getting a 14% power upgrade going from 134 hp to 156 hp in the F65 Cooper C. This change takes the C from 0-62 mph (0 to 100 km/h) in 7.7 seconds. The more powerful F65 Cooper S gets a less dramatic 7.4% horsepower boost from 189 to 204 hp but sees a significant torque increase to 221 lb-ft. This is all driven to the front wheel courtesy of a revised 7 speed dual clutch transmission. ModelF55 CooperF55 Cooper SF65 Cooper CF65 Cooper SPower134 hp189 hp156 hp 204 hpTorque162 lb-ft/1480 rpm206 lb-ft/1350 rpm 170 lb-ft/1,480 rpm221 lb-ftTransmissionManual/DCTManual/DCT7 speed DCT7 speed DCT This gets the new F65 Cooper S to 62 mph in 6.6 seconds (60 mph in 6.3 seconds). And keep in mind these are both likely a conservative numbers knowing how BMW calculates figures. Early Conclusions on the 2025 F65 MINI Cooper Five Door With the Clubman gone and the Countryman now larger, the five door layout for the Cooper starts to make a bit more sense. Simply put there’s nothing in MINI’s line-up at this stage that overlaps with this car. Thus if you want the feel of a Cooper but need a bit more room, this is your choice. Put another way, for the first time this model actually makes sense in the line-up. 2025 F65 MINI Cooper Five Door Product and Release Info The F65 MINI Cooper Five door will begin production July 1st in both Cooper C and Cooper S variants. That means dealers in the UK and Europe will have cars on hands in mid to late July. In the US that should translate into early to mid August. Pricing for each market will be release shortly. If you’re looking for a full preview of the new F65 MINI Coop five door, head to our in-depth report on the car where we go into details on MINI’s latest model. F56 MINI Cooper S Gallery The post Hands-On With The 2025 F65 MINI Cooper S Five Door (F65) appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

The new MINI Countryman Diesel Raises the Bar on Diesel Performance and Efficiency With the Introduction of a Mild Hybrid MINI isn’t letting go of diesel quite yet. The brand has introduced what will likely be its last diesel ever – the MINI Countryman D. But MINI isn’t just checking a box with this model. Instead they’ve brought mild hybrid power to diesel for the first time in a MINI. Coupled with advanced four-cylinder diesel engine and TwinPower Turbo technology, the mild hybrid unique creates a more economic and smoother driving experience over previous diesels. But how does it all work? MINI has integrated an electric motor with 48-volt mild hybrid technology into the transmission itself. This architecture is known as a “mild hybrid” due to the fact it’s solely there to help making the internal combustion performance smoother from the moment you turn the new MINI key. Charging the system primarily driven by recovering braking energy, This generates 19 hp electric drive power that helps to make take-offs smoother and supports the driving experience in subtle ways. As a result, the MINI Countryman D reacts more directly at low engine speeds and is also particularly efficient on the move. It also helps to quiet the diesel engine which are typically noisier than their petrol counterparts. But remember this isn’t a “SD” but just a “D”. That means MINI has focused on a balance of performance and efficiency. The new 2025 MINI Countryman D delivers between 48-51 mpg and has a combined CO2 emissions of 127 — 120 g/km. Despite this efficiency it offers an output of 120 kW/163 hp and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds. The 2025 MINI Countryman D will be available in certain European markets starting this summer. 2025 MINI Countryman Diesel Gallery The post the 2025 MINI Countryman D Introduces a Hybrid Diesel As An Alternative to Electric appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

The European Union (with the UK likely following suit) has announced a 38.1% tariff on all Chinese made cars. Meant to protect European automakers from state subsidized Chinese imports, the tariffs will likely have an unintended consequence of killing sales of European engineered cars made in China like the new electric MINI Cooper and Aceman. The issue MINI find itself stems from plans made 6-7 years ago – well before the current global trade war started. The concept was simple. Design and engineer new MINIs in Europe. Then leverage Chinese EV tech, know-how and cheap labor to build them. That would alow BMW to export the cars globally and achieve profitability despite MINI’s smaller sales figures. That all went wrong starting with US tariffs in 2018 that have now been matched by European ones. The result of this new 38.1% tariff would be an MSRP increase of more than €13,000 to the price of the J01 Cooper. That would immediately make it uncompetitive against other small European cars and essentially kill sales for all but the most diehard fans of the brand. There is a bright spot on the horizon. MINI is expanding production of both the J01 MINI Cooper and J05 MINI Aceman to its Oxford UK plant in 2026. This will allow them to be imported not just to North America (without tariffs) but also now Europe. But 2026 is still 18 months away. What these new rules will mean for MINI and how they’ll impact the UK will become more clear in the weeks ahead. The post New EU Tariffs on Chinese Cars Could Crush Sales of New Electric MINI Cooper & Aceman appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

MINI did something extraordinary at the 2024 Nurburgring 24 Hours. It actually raced a pre-production 2025 MINI JCW and won its class. While the new JCW Cooper has yet to even debut, we now know quite a bit about MINI’s new hot hatch. We even have an idea of how much faster it is compared to the F56 JCW. A car that hasn’t even debuted yet won its class in the most grueling 24 hours endurance race. How is that even possible? For one it was campaigned by Bulldog Racing which has years of experience at the ‘Ring. Secondly, while it was fast, it crucially never broke down. How much faster is the F66 JCW vs the F57? While we don’t have final answers there’s one stat that is very telling from this year’s 24 Hours of Nurburgring. Since Bulldog Racing Campaigned both the manual F56 1to6 JCW and the F66 JCW (and both were prepped in similar ways) we have a decent baseline to understand the speed differences. At least around a track like the Nurburgring. The fastest time the F56 1to6 was able to see was 10:44.118. The F66 JCW shattered that time with a 10:06.773. Why the difference? Traffic is insane at the N24 but traffic can’t account for all of that difference. We think a lot of it has to do with the small but important changes MINI has made. How Much production JCW Was Really In the Race Car? A lot as it turns out. But let’s first talk about what was changed. Bulldog racing installed an adjustable coil-over suspension, AP racing braking system and a mandated roll cage and racing fuel tank. Critically the engine and transmission are stock and from what we hear we’re generally untouched. Bit the big question is what’s the output? Sources tell us that it’s identical to the 231 hp B48 that the F56 JCW launched with in 2015. ModelF56 Cooper JCWF66 Cooper JCWPower231 hp231 hp Torque235 lb-ft/1450 rpm258 lb-ft/1,250 rpmTransmissionManual/Auto7 speed DCTDrivetrainfront-wheelfront-wheelLength (mm/in)3863mm/152.1 in3876mm/152.6 inHeight (mm/in)1414mm/55.66 in1432mm / 56.38 inWheelbase (mm/in)2495mm/98.23 in2495mm/98.23Curb weight (kg/lbs)1295 kg / 2855 lbsTBA The F66 JCW – Photo courtesy of IG user Joere98 and Bimmertoday.de Dual Clutch Transmission Only The race car was dual clutch and as you can see in the test car, there are clearly shift paddles and no manual. As predicted MINI has killed off the manual in the JCW like it has in the rest of the range. But that allowed for faster lap times for the F66 with ultra consistent shift points. The transmission in the F66 JCW race car is the same revised 7-speed dual-clutch transmission that we’ll see in the production JCW. It promises faster shift times than before and more responsive manual control via the standard steering wheel-mounted shift paddles. When Will The F66 JCW Debut? We should finally see it in full production glory this October alongside its all-electric sibling, the J01 Cooper JCW. Until then look for more exclusive news on both models that should help give us a full picture of MINI’s ultimate Cooper. The post 2025 MINI Cooper JCW – What the Nurburgring 24 Revealed appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

The five door F65 2025 MINI Cooper is here! Petrol powered, redesigned and full of updated technology, it’s the latest model in MINI’s 4th generation. How does to compared with the just released F66 and even the J01 electric MINI Cooper? Read on. What’s New on the 2025 MINI Cooper Five Door The F65 takes all the updates and modifications from the F66 three door and applied on a five door body. Even though MINI made the decision to heavily revise the F55 rather than to create an entirely new car, there’s almost nothing that the designers left untouched. The exterior design is evolved to match the J01 MINI Cooper with the goal to make them look nearly identical to the casual observer. MINI’s hope is that a potential buyer would be choosing ICE versus EV without styling differences to muddy the waters. However it’s worth noting that MINI won’t technically have an equivalent to the F65 five door in EV form. Instead it will offer the J05 MINI Aceman which is roughly the same size but in crossover form. The F65 seen here with the optional multi-tone roof While the F65 is based on the previous generation F55 a lot has changed. There are no exterior parts (outside of glass and the roof) are shared between the two cars no matter how similar they look. The subtle changes are everywhere. One of the smallest yet most important are the lights. MINI has pushed the headlights forward and made them slightly more upright. It means that this car feels more upright and a little closer to the R50 and R56. It also marks this car out as different than the sleeker J01 MINI Cooper EV. F65 MINI Cooper Five Door: Design MINI designers have applied the minimal design language we’ve seen on the J01 MINI Cooper by eliminating all non-functional vents, scoops and design elements. The result is that the F66 has a clean and minimal aesthetic that at first glance looks refreshing. But more on our first hands-on impressions later. This is a car that is subtly new in almost every way. MINI has gone beyond just revising the bumpers, wheels and lights and have a completely new hood (with no faux hood scoop) and a rear hatch that’s been reshaped requiring an all new rear fender shape. So extensive are the changes that the only exterior piece of the F66 that’s identical to the F56 are the doors. As with the F55, the F65 is part of a three model strategy for the petrol MINI Cooper. However like last time, there will be no full JCW model. F66 MINI Cooper (three door)F65 MINI Cooper (five door)F67 MINI Cooper ConvertibleCooper C 2-door hardtop (F66)Cooper C 4-door hardtop (F65)Cooper C Convertible (F67)Cooper S 2-door hardtop (F66)Cooper S 4-door hardtop (F65)Cooper S Convertible (F67)Cooper JCW 2-door hardtop (F66)(n/a)Cooper JCW Convertible (F67) There’s also a revised name to go along with an entirely refreshed car; MINI Cooper C as well as the more familiar MINI Cooper S. What’s the “C” stand for? According to MINI it’s short for “Core”. The “C” and “S” model denotations will apply to all petrol powered MINIs while we’ll see “E” and “SE” on all electric models. Performance Upgrades For The F66 MINI Cooper C & Cooper S MINI has upped the ante in terms of power with both models. The F56 Cooper is getting a 14% power upgrade going from 134 hp to 156 hp in the F66 Cooper C. This change takes the C from 0-62 mph (0 to 100 km/h) in 7.7 seconds. The more powerful F66 Cooper S gets a less dramatic 7.4% horsepower boost from 189 to 204 hp but sees a significant torque increase to 221 lb-ft. ModelF55 CooperF55 Cooper SF65 Cooper CF65 Cooper SPower134 hp189 hp156 hp 204 hpTorque162 lb-ft/1480 rpm206 lb-ft/1350 rpm 170 lb-ft/1,480 rpm221 lb-ftTransmissionManual/DCTManual/DCT7 speed DCT7 speed DCT This gets the new F66 Cooper S to 62 mph in 6.6 seconds (60 in 6.3 seconds). And keep in mind these are both likely a conservative numbers knowing how BMW calculates figures. The Interior Of The F66 MINI Cooper While the exterior changes on the F66 may be surprising given its F56 origins, the interior is downright shocking. MINI has turned the F56 into a completely new car with all the design language, materials and technology found in the J01 MINI Cooper. The biggest change is the minimal design and large, circular display that dominates the experience. We’ve details that display, its operating system and its many functions on MotoringFile for months now. In fact you can see our full demo of the new system below. While the exterior changes on the F65 may be surprising given its F55 origins, the interior is downright shocking. MINI has turned the F55 five door into a completely new car with all the design language, materials and technology found in the J01 MINI Cooper. The headline for many is that this new MINI is completely leather free. Why? There’s a big environmental impact due to the production of leather in the quantities that companies like MINI need. So much so that MINI has made the bold decision to eliminate leather from its coming starting with the all new J01 MINI Cooper electric. What’s wrong with leather? There are some serious concerns around its production and amount of impact it has on the environment. Converting animal skin to leather demands vast energy and involves hazardous chemicals like mineral salts, formaldehyde, coal-tar derivatives, oils, dyes, some cyanide-based finishes. Suffice to say it’s not the most natural and environmentally safe process. It’s also not inline with MINI’s brand image of being environmentally conscious and animal friendly. But how do you replace something as iconic as leather seats? BMW and MINI are so confident in products like Vescin (BMW’s version I called Sensafin – an improved version of Sensatec) they they’re already being used in several cars with MSRPs well over $100,000. What’s it like in person? Having spent a lot of time with the U25, J01 and F66 MINIs, it’s clear that Vescin is a step-up from what we’ve known as Leatherette. Compared with the standard Chesterfield or Cross Punch leather seating, Vescin feels softer and more premium. It’s not on par with the feel and softness of MINI’s Lounge Leather but then again that was $2500 option on the Signature Trim last year. The MINI Circular Display and MINI OS9 While the exterior changes on the F66 may be surprising given its F56 origins, the interior is downright shocking. MINI has turned the F56 into a completely new car with all the design language, materials and technology found in the J01 MINI Cooper. The biggest change is the minimal design and large, circular display that dominates the experience. We’ve details that display, its operating system and its many functions on MotoringFile for months now. In fact you can see our full demo of the new system below. The new display and its software is a focal point for the entire driving experience housing almost all functionality save for a row of switches, buttons and toggles just below it. Stationary the new MINI OS9 interface had felt intuitive in our previous experiences. But in our time driving the new Countryman with an identical infotainment system we found a relatively learning curve before we felt fully acclimated with the new system. Within the first hour we had quickly become accustom to the new interaction language and overall placement of functionality. But is this better than MINI’s previous system? In our experience with the same system in the new Countryman, absolutely. The augmented navigation (part of the Comfort Package and Comfort Max Package) in particular was a standout. Watch our full MINI OS9 demo to get a better view of this radical new infotainment system. The new display and its software is a focal point for the entire driving experience housing almost all functionality save for a row of switches, buttons and toggles just below it. Stationary the new MINI OS9 interface had felt intuitive in our previous experiences. But in our time driving the new Countryman with an identical infotainment system we found a relatively learning curve before we felt fully acclimated with the new system. Within the first hour we had quickly become accustom to the new interaction language and overall placement of functionality. But is this better than MINI’s previous system? In our experience with the same system in the new Countryman, absolutely. The augmented navigation (part of the Comfort Package and Comfort Max Package) in particular was a standout. Watch our full MINI OS9 demo to get a better view of this radical new infotainment system. The MINI Cooper Manual Is Eliminated As the F56 production ended over 50% of JCW hardtops sold in the US were equipped with the manual transmission. So this change is a big one for some markets and certain models. But the economic realities of complying with European legislation have forced MINI’s hand which means the F66 will have only one transmission across the line-up. That transmission is the familiar dual clutch 7 speed with some small refinements based on our early testing. The move to replace the manual is all about the costs associated with meeting European emissions standards. While North America doesn’t have the same requirements, the case couldn’t be made due to investment required vs the expected sales. Even with a 50% take rate on the JCW for instance, that quantity can’t pay of the costs associated with further developing and/or maintaining the option. Making this change even more dramatic is MINI’s new dash mounted gear selector. Designers have replaced the center console mounted gear lever with a small dash mounted toggle. The rational is logical as the design simplifies the process of selecting park, reverse or drive while freeing up interior space for storage, screens or other functionality. More importantly MINI still offers wheel mounted paddles for manual control of the DCT. Read our first impressions of this new shift lever here. The Hidden Exhaust Of The F66 MINI Cooper C & Cooper S Like on the three door F66. MINI Designers have hidden one important functional aspect of the F65 that would have differentiated from the electric J01 – the exhaust outlet. We can confirm the exhaust on the Cooper us is a single pipe tucked under the left side of the rear bumper, bent down, ending flush so it’s impossible to see without looking underneath. The idea of the MINI Cooper and Cooper S having hidden exhausts actually has some historical precedent. European automakers had a similar design solution years ago when they hid exhaust outlets on many of its V8 models in the late 90s and early 00s. It was a time that customers wanted performance models to have a more discrete look due to concerns of being too aggressive. The larger, most luxurious Audis, Mercedes and BMWs all did this at one point or another. North America and European Differences Like the F55, there will be three seats in the back of the F65 vs only two in North America versions. The reason – North American side impact safety standards and the narrow dimensions of the car dictate the change. Like the F66, the three cylinder engine won’t make it to the North America . Instead we’ll get an electronically detuned version of the four cylinder to make certification simpler. This could open the door to easy tuning of a Cooper C up to Cooper S levels. 2025 F65 MINI Cooper Five Door Product and Release Info The F65 MINI Cooper Five door will begin production July 1st in both Cooper C and Cooper S variants. That means dealers in the UK and Europe will have cars on hands in mid to late July. In the US that should translate into early to mid August. Pricing for each market will be release shortly. 2025 F65 MINI Cooper Five Door Gallery The post World Premier: The 2025 MINI Cooper 5 Door Combes Practicality with MINIness appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

The electric MINI Countryman E may not have the power numbers of the range topping SE, but what does have might just be more important to most buyers – range. Which begs the question – why isn’t North America seeing MINI’s longest range electric vehicle? What makes the Countryman E MIN’s long range champ starts with what it doesn’t have – two motors. While the E packs the same battery as the SE, it lacks the rear motor which allows it to focus less on performance and more on efficiency. Let’s look at the stats. Countryman ECountryman SEMINI Cooper EMINI Cooper SEMINI Aceman EMINI Aceman SEPower204 hp313 hp184 bhp218 hp184 bhp218 hpBattery Size66.5 kWh66.5 kWh42.5 kWh 54.2 kWh 42.5 kWh 54.2 kWh Usable Battery63.78 kWh63.78 kWh38.5 kWh 49.2 kWh 38.5 kWh 49.2 kWh WLTP Range – Europe273 miles261 miles190 miles250 miles193 miles254 milesEPA Range – United States (estimated)213 miles204 miles148 miles195 miles151 miles198 milesThe Countryman SE is be the only model sold in North America currently. Importantly without that rear motor, the Countryman E is front wheel drive only. However there’s a big upside to that omission. The E weighs in at 4,112 lbs. That sounds heavy until you realize the SE is 4,409 lbs – nearly 300 lbs heavier. Despite the weight reduction, the E can’t quite match the SE’s acceleration figures with a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time of 8.6 seconds. That’s a full 3 seconds off the 5.6 figure the SE delivers. In other words the Countryman E may feel agile and fun to drive but it is not a drag strip winner. Instead it’s focus is on efficiency and getting the most miles out of it’s 66.45 kWh battery pack. Like the SE, four new vehicle trims are available for the MINI Countryman E which create numerous options for individualization in the exterior and interior. The car pictures here is clad with the Favoured Trim which features the matte Vibrant Silver on the roof and mirrors. In the interior, the Favoured Trim offers the JCW sports seats (a must in our opinion) and a the thick sports steering wheel with a textile strap instead of the six o’clock spoke. MINI has gone to great lengths to allow any model have just about any look. Whether its Classic, Favoured or even JCW (Sport in the UK), MINI hasn’t held any visual options back on the Countryman E. The same goes for the technology on hand. Like all other Countryman, level 2 autonomy is offered as an option. Why the MINI Countryman E isn’t Coming to North America Based on our sources, MINI USA and MINI of Canada aren’t importing the Countryman E because it lacks one critical option – all wheel drive. Given the customer feedback that most North American consumers expect all wheel drive in a crossover, MINI USA and MINI CA decided to focus solely on the more powerful, all wheel drive Countryman SE. That may change if a case could be made for the cheaper, longer range E. But for the time being North America won’t be seeing MINI’s longest range electric vehicle. MINI Countryman E Photo Gallery The post The Countryman E – MINI’s Longest Range EV & Why It’s Not Coming to North America appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

MINI’s first ever electric Countryman is here and it’s a big deal for the brand. Not just because it’s the biggest MINI ever but it’s the brand’s first EV that combines the popular crossover shape with full electrification. But what about range, charging speed, battery capacity and cold weather performance? We’ve got an exclusive look at all the details you’ll want to know. For most of this article we’ll be focusing on the Countryman SE given its global availability. Despite its size, the larger Countryman SE has an increase of range over the F56 Cooper SE thanks to the higher capacity 66.5 kWh battery pack, more efficient drivetrain design and 0.26Cd drag coefficient. The effect is a UK range of 245 to 287 miles depending on how much urban vs highway driving you’re doing. In the US that is estimated to be to be just over 200 miles of EPA range. Countryman ECountryman SEMINI Cooper EMINI Cooper SEMINI Aceman EMINI Aceman SEPower204 hp313 hp184 bhp218 hp184 bhp218 hpBattery Size66.5 kWh66.5 kWh42.5 kWh 54.2 kWh 42.5 kWh 54.2 kWh Usable Battery63.78 kWh63.78 kWh38.5 kWh 49.2 kWh 38.5 kWh 49.2 kWh WLTP Range – Europe273 miles261 miles190 miles250 miles193 miles254 milesEPA Range – United States (estimated)213 miles204 miles148 miles195 miles151 miles198 milesThe SE will be the only model confirmed for North America With either set of numbers it’s clear that the Countryman SE will be much more viable of a choice than the first generation Cooper SE with its 110 mile range (EPA) – the only other electric MINI previously available in the US. For markets outside of North American, MINI will offer two other fully electric cars; the J01 Cooper and J05 Aceman crossover. Due to both being exclusively manufactured in China initially, the North America market will have to wait until 2026 when production will expand to the UK. The battery capacity in the electric MINI Countryman E and SE is 66.5 kWh with the usable size being 63.78 kWh. The 400v system allows an AC charging speed of 11kW and DC – 130kW. In ideal scenarios (charging at 130kWx) the electric Countryman SE can get from 5-80% in only 29min. In miles that’s roughly 23 to 184 miles in normal operating temperatures. While we didn’t need to charge our test car (our time was limited to a few hundred miles) that type of charging speed sounds fantastic. However the ability to recharge the Countryman SE quickly will be more dependent on the charging network than the car itself. The MINI Countryman SE: Real-World Range Scenarios It’s no secret that EVs like moderate temperatures. We’ve seen range drop significantly in extreme cold over the years. But what many don’t know is that even slightly cold temperatures can noticeably affect how far your batteries will take you. The data below shows you the range you can expect across summer and winter driving and the effects are obvious. These numbers (based on European WLTP testing) paint a more realistic view of what it would be like to live with a Countryman SE than a single range ratings. Naturally the best case scenario for range is moderate temperatures and urban driving. The worst is to drive the Countryman SE on the highway in -14°F temperatures. You can see below that the Countryman SE could see as much as a 50% drop from its 332 mile range it could theoretically achieve in ideal temperatures. This is why it’s difficult to understand the full range scenarios from one figure as is typically listed. Mild Weather ScenariosRange EstimatesCity – Mild Weather *535 km / 332 milesHighway – Mild Weather *340 km / 211 milesCombined – Mild Weather *420 km / 261 miles Cold Weather ScenariosRange EstimatesCity – Cold Weather *360 km / 224 milesHighway – Cold Weather *265 km / 165 milesCombined – Cold Weather *310 km / 192 milesIndication of real-world range in several situations. Cold weather: ‘worst-case’ based on -10°C / -14°F and use of heating. Mild weather: ‘best-case’ based on 23°C / 73°F and no use of A/C. For ‘Highway’ figures a constant speed of 110 km/h is assumed. The actual range will depend on speed, style of driving, weather and route conditions. Data provided by ev-database.org While this is the BMW iX1, it’s has an identical battery and electric engine to the Countryman SE 2025 MINI Countryman Electric Charging Speed Charging speed is as critical if not more so than range depending on your situation. The electric Countryman SE supports DC fast-charging at up to 130 kW. This allows for a charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in only 29 minutes. While we don’t have US specific data, we do have European data on charging speeds which should give you an idea of what we’ll see with the electric MINI Countryman SE. Charging PointMax. PowerPowerTimeRateStandard 11.0 kW On-Board ChargerWall Plug (2.3 kW)230V / 1x10A2.3 kW33h15m11 km/h1-phase 16A (3.7 kW)230V / 1x16A3.7 kW20h45m18 km/h1-phase 32A (7.4 kW)230V / 1x32A7.4 kW10h30m35 km/h3-phase 16A (11 kW)400V / 3x16A11 kW7 hours53 km/h3-phase 32A (22 kW)400V / 3x16A11 kW †7 hours53 km/hOptional 22.0kW On-Board Charger *Wall Plug (2.3 kW)230V / 1x10A2.3 kW33h15m11 km/h1-phase 16A (3.7 kW)230V / 1x16A3.7 kW20h45m18 km/h1-phase 32A (7.4 kW)230V / 1x32A7.4 kW10h30m35 km/h3-phase 16A (11 kW)400V / 3x16A11 kW7 hours53 km/h3-phase 32A (22 kW)400V / 3x32A22 kW †3h30m100 km/h* = Optional in some countries, standard in others. Check local specifications for details. † = Limited by on-board charger, vehicle cannot charge faster. Data provided by ev-database.org MotoringFile’s Take As with all electric cars you have to ask yourself – will this new electric Countryman fit my lifestyle. With the original Cooper SE that was a tough sell for anyone looking to take even short road trips. But with the new electric MINI Countryman SE the equation has changed. The range dramatically increases the use cases for this car over the Cooper SE and thus its appeal. But that doesn’t mean everything here is cutting edge. In many ways the Countryman’s EV underpinnings are appropriately middle of the pack. Proven tech with conservative ratings, it’s designed and engineered to last. And given the needs of consumers that might be a better fit for the typical Countryman SE buyer. The post 2025 MINI Countryman SE – Range & Performance In Depth appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

Coinciding with World Environment Day, MINI USA’s annual survey has revealed a continued strong interest in EVs from Americans. This is despite what some see as a slow down in demand growth since early 2024. But what’s really interesting are the groups that are leading the way with interest and adoption. MINI’s annual survey, first conducted five years ago by Engine’s CARAVAN®, finds 58% of consumers’ opinions on EVs unchanged from last year, with 28% more positive and 14% more negative. Sixty percent of consumers would consider purchasing an EV, with Gen Z (72%) and Millennials (70%) leading this trend. While there are been plenty of reports in the press about slowing EV sales, it’s really not the case holistically. As our friends at The Drive point out, while EV sales are down in the US, that’s primarily affecting one brand; Tesla. As the automotive industry aims to meet the EPA’s target of 56% EV sales by 2032, 60% of Americans are optimistic about reaching this goal. Mike Peyton, Vice President of MINI of the Americas, notes high customer interest in EVs, especially with the upcoming MINI Countryman SE. Charging infrastructure remains a concern, with half of Gen Z confident in the current network versus only 12% of Boomers. That likely points to younger generations having real-world experience with charging and having a bit less fear in the process. This cutaway is from the BMW iX1 which is mechanical identical to the new Countryman SE Fast charging expectations are high, especially among younger drivers, with 80% of Gen Z expecting charging times under an hour. In our experience it’s this issue that is secretly the most important for long standing adoption. MINI Countryman SE Range Mentioned for the First Time For the first time MINI is referencing the Countryman SE’s estimated range of 200 miles. That’s a bit lower than we had expected from the car given what we’ve learned about the European and UK figures. Yes WLTP is much less conservative with its calculations but this 200 miles figure seems very conservative. We’ll have more on the real-world range from the SE tomorrow. Of course the need for range matters differently to different people and their needs. Most consumers drive less than 75 miles daily, making the 200-mile range of mainstream EVs like the 2025 MINI Countryman SE sufficient. Lastly cost remains a significant deterrent for Americans with 39% saying it’s a key factor. But there are some nuances even in that number. According to MINI USA’s survey, families have become more open to EVs if efficiency savings sufficiently offsets pricing concerns. About 68% of respondents with children are more likely to buy an EV with said cost savings compared to 47% of consumers across the board. That changes based on generational; Gen Z drivers are similarly likely (67%) compared to just 41% of Boomers. Survey Methodology The General Population survey was conducted among a sample of 1,013 adults 18 years of age and older on behalf of MINI USA. The online omnibus study was conducted from April 19-21, 2024. Portions of this survey were previously conducted in 2020, 2022 and 2023. The post MINI USA’s Annual EV Survey Shows Continued Strong Interest in Electric Vehicles appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

That was my hypothesis when I decided to order one of the last Clubman JCWs last fall. Since then I’ve lightly modded it, lowering the car and tweaking the chassis for even more go-kart feel. But after 2,500 miles, does it live up to the that original hypothesis? Your mileage will vary. One person’s ideal daily driver could be another’s worst nightmare. Case in point my absolutely perfect daily would be a manual despite living in a very urban area. That surely sounds like a disaster for some of you. But for me, the idea of a daily driver in MINI form has to find the perfect balance between, quick reflexes, engagement and speed all while being relatively comfortable. Oh and it has to be able to hold kids, dogs and plenty of stuff. The stock version of the Clubman JCW is a great car. But I wanted something with a more crisp turn-in, better body control and the ability to more easily rotate in corners. So I dropped it slightly, added underbody bracing for more rigidity and increased the size of the rear sway bar. doesn’t come stock The post Video: MINI Clubman JCW 2500 Mile Review – The Perfect MINI Daily? appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

MINI has done it – it’s won its class in the Nürburgring 24 Hours And not just in any car. They’ve done it in a prototype 2025 F66 MINI Cooper JCW driven by a driver line-up including the Charlie Cooper. Let’s look at how they did it and this performance tells us about the forthcoming MINI JCW. After coming in second last year with the manual transmission equipped 1to6, MINI has finally won and in a car that has yet to be released. However it’s worth noting that this year’s race wasn’t the typical 24 hours. With heavy fog setting in during the night, organizers had to red-flag the the event hoping it would eventually lift. Unfortunately it never did and they had to call the race after only 10 hours. Mind you 10 hours on the ‘Ring is probably equivalent to a typical 24 hour race. Despite being only 10 hours in total length, the 317 MINI JCW PRO (note that name) had to deal with rain, insane traffic and eventually sliding flog. Even with less than half the race distance, only seven cars finished in its SP3 class. The other MINI from Bulldog racing was last year’s 1to6 MINI JCW. Once again the only manual transmission car in the race (out of 130 cars). This year it just missed out on 2nd place and finished in the final podium position in the VT2 Front class. The highly anticipated MINI John Cooper Works PRO #317 and the reliable MINI John Cooper Works #474 both achieved remarkable results in difficult weather conditions, reinforcing MINI’s strong presence in motorsport. F66 MINI Cooper JCW Modification For The ‘Ring Inside the F66 JCW race car. The new MINI John Cooper Works PRO #317 was built as a pre-production model at the Oxford Plant and then modified extensively for the race. That means a full roll-cage, KW suspension, race specific braking system and what look like 17-inch OZ HyperGT light alloy wheels. Additionally Bulldog has stripped out the interior for weight savings. But outside of these necessary modifications, this is a stock F66 MINI Cooper JCW. Which makes its 10:06.773 lap time even more impressive. The same stock mentality goes for the F56 1to6 JCW. And like last year it features a manual transmission – likely the only car at the race with a manual. Both cars “Made in Nürburg” were fitted with high-performance Pirelli tires, further enhancing their competitive edge on the challenging Nürburgring circuit. In the overall standings, the MINI John Cooper Works PRO #317 achieved an impressive overall position of 71, while the MINI John Cooper Works #474 secured an overall position of 78 out of 127 starters, showcasing the brand’s resilience and prowess in one of the world’s most demanding endurance races. The Drive Line-Up Once Again Featuring Charlie Cooper The drivers for MINI John Cooper Works PRO (#317), which competes at the SP-3T class features: The manual F56 MINI Cooper JCW 1to6 Edition – Charlie Cooper (GBR) – Markus Fischer (AUT) – Christoph Kragenings (GER) – Sebastian Sauerbrei (GER) The MINI John Cooper Works, with #474, is the only car equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission starting at this year’s edition of the race. Drivers for MINI John Cooper Works 1to6 edition (#474), which competes at the VT-2 class are: – Michael Bräutigam (GER) – Andreas Hilgers (GER) – Sascha Korte (GER) Nurburgring 2024 Hours Gallery Why The 24 Hours of the Nurburgring is Such a Huge Test A couple of years ago we checked-off something major from our bucket-list in attending the mythical Nurburgring 24 Hours. The race and the atmosphere blew away our already high expectations but the team struggled. And it’s easy to see why. This is a grueling race on a track that doesn’t seem real. Add in weather that can range from sun to rain to snow and you have an event like none other. The post The 2025 F66 MINI Cooper JCW Wins it’s Class at the Nürburgring 24 Hours! appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

A couple of years ago we checked-off something major from our bucket-list in attending the mythical Nurburgring 24 Hours. The race and the atmosphere blew away our already high expectations but the team struggled. That was not the case last year as the manual JCW 1to6 came second in class. But this year there’s something even more special in the MINI/Bulldog Racing Garage. This year Bulldog Racing and MINI are not only debuting the highly anticipated F66 MINI Cooper JCW at the track but they’re racing it with none other than the grandson of John Cooper, Charlie Cooper. Alongside last year’s 2nd place JCW 1to6, Bulldog racing will be hoping to not just make it 24 hours but get on the podium with both production spec MINIs. Why The Nurburgring 24 Hours Is The Best Race In The World That’s a heady claim given how many incredible motorsport events there are globally. But the N24 is as much a race as a festival dedicated to cars, culture and the insanity of German race fans. The paddock and the cars were impressive but seeing the crowd and the culture that has built up around this race was unlike anything in the world. Photos and words barely do it justice. We’ve driven the track before but to see a race of this magnitude and fans this crazy was unlike any other race we’ve ever experienced. The German fans creativity with camp sites was something we had heard about but still were shocked by. The engineering that went into some of the buildouts were wild and the experience was electric – especially into the night. It was all made even better by how welcoming the entire crowd was. The race will be broadcast on Youtube via the ADAC channel. It’s available with both German and English commentary with specific videos on the channel recapping portions of the race. The Bulldog Racing Line-Up Bulldog Racing, MINI’s racing partner for all things Nurburgring has been gearing up for a this year’s 24 Hours of the Nürburgring with two entries. Expanding from last year’s single entry, the team is debuting the forthcoming F66 MINI JCW in camouflaged form alongside last year’s 1to6 manual JCW. The New F66 MINI John Cooper Works PRO #317 will be entered by the private racing team from Nürburg, Bulldog Racing, and will be competing in the SP 3T category. MINI’s other race car is the 2023 F56 MINI Cooper JCW (#474) that came in second last year in its class. It will be once again in the VT-2 category. Charlie Cooper (GBR), grandson of John Cooper – the inventor of the iconic Mini Cooper in 1961 – makes his second trip to the 24-hour race after finishing 2nd with the team. F66 MINI Cooper JCW Modification For The ‘Ring The shift paddle in the Nurburgring prepped F66 JCW race car. The new MINI John Cooper Works PRO #317 was built as a pre-production model at the Oxford Plant and then modified extensively for the race. That means a full roll-cage, KW suspension, race specific braking system and what look like 17-inch OZ HyperGT light alloy wheels. Additionally Bulldog has stripped out the interior for weight savings. But outside of these necessary modifications, this is a stock F66 MINI Cooper JCW. The same goes for the F56 1to6 JCW. And like last year it features a manual transmission – likely the only car at the race with a manual. The Drive Line-Up Once Again Featuring Charlie Cooper The drivers for MINI John Cooper Works PRO (#317), which competes at the SP-3T class features: The manual F56 MINI Cooper JCW 1to6 Edition – Charlie Cooper (GBR) – Markus Fischer (AUT) – Christoph Kragenings (GER) – Sebastian Sauerbrei (GER) The MINI John Cooper Works, with #474, is the only car equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission starting at this year’s edition of the race. Drivers for MINI John Cooper Works 1to6 edition (#474), which competes at the VT-2 class are: – Michael Bräutigam (GER) – Andreas Hilgers (GER) – Sascha Korte (GER) – Marco Zabel (GER) How to Watch The 2024 24 Hours of Nürburgring will take place on June 1st and June 2nd 2024. Like last year we expect the race to be available on the 24 Rennen website and ADAC’s Youtube channel. Also keep an eye out of the qualifying races and test sessions which might also be on the channel. The 52nd edition of the 24 Hours Nürburgring takes place from May 30th to June 2nd including support events and the race itself. The most demanding track in the world, the ‘Ring is nearly 16 miles long and will host 130 vehicles in 23 different classes, and over 450 drivers from three dozen nations. The shift paddle in the Nurburgring prepped F66 JCW race car. F66 JCW Prototype Race Car The post MINI Is Debuting It’s New JCW At The Nurburgring 24 Hours – Here’s How You Can Watch appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

Design legend Paul Smith has had a long relationship with MINI starting with iconic Paul Smith classic Mini from the 90s. Recently he electrified a Classic Mini and turned a F56 MINI Cooper SE into the MINI Strip. But now Smith and MINI are partnering on their most ambitious collaboration to date and bringing a new Paul Smith MINI to the masses via a full production run. But what MINI will it be and when are we likely to see it? While we don’t have photos yet (what you see above is a wild guess), we do have a few answers. The Paul Smith designed MINI Strip Concept. Sources tell MotoringFile to expect the Paul Smith Edition to be based on the petrol powered F66 and not the electric J01. It will also not follow the extreme minimalism of the Strip concept but instead will reportedly leverage Smith’s iconic design sense and MINI’s bold new design language to create something that feels unique and modern. The original Paul Smith Edition classic Mini While we have no conformation on other models, it’s also possible that the special edition could eventually be offered on the F65 five door and F67 convertible given that they’re all made in Oxford. While the full picture of the Paul Smith Edition has yet to come into focus, we know that it will feature several exclusive details. Outside it will have a Nottingham Green roof, unique alloy wheels and unique badging. Inside look for unique Vescin/textile seats and an exclusive textile dash and door design. The Paul Smith Edition MINI will go into production at Oxford on July 1 2026. But you won’t have to wait until then for more info. Check back with MotoringFile in the coming months for updates. The post Exclusive: A New Paul Smith MINI Cooper is Coming to Production appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

MINI’s motorsports partner Bulldog Racing is taking the new F66 MINI Cooper JCW to the most demanding race in the world; the 24 Hours of Nurburgring. Along side the new F66 JCW will be last year’s 1to6 manual transmission F56 JCW. The 52nd edition of the 24 Hours Nürburgring takes place from May 30th to June 2nd including support events and the race itself. The most demanding track in the world, the ‘Ring is nearly 16 miles long and will host 130 vehicles in 23 different classes, and over 450 drivers from three dozen nations. In other words it’s the perfect place to test MINI’s new Cooper JCW. The New F66 MINI John Cooper Works PRO #317 will be entered by the private racing team from Nürburg, Bulldog Racing, and will be competing in the SP 3T category. MINI’s other race car is the 2023 F56 MINI Cooper JCW (#474) that came in second last year in its class. It will be once again in the VT-2 category. F66 MINI Cooper JCW Modification for the ‘Ring The shift paddle in the Nurburgring prepped F66 JCW race car. The new MINI John Cooper Works PRO #317 was built as a pre-production model at the Oxford Plant and then modified extensively for the race. That means a full roll-cage, KW suspension, race specific braking system and what look like 17-inch OZ HyperGT light alloy wheels. Additionally Bulldog has stripped out the interior for weight savings. But outside of these necessary modifications, this is a stock F66 MINI Cooper JCW. The same goes for the F56 1to6 JCW. And like last year it features a manual transmission – likely the only car at the race with a manual. The Drive Line-up Once Again Featuring Charlie Cooper The drivers for MINI John Cooper Works PRO (#317), which competes at the SP-3T class features: The manual F56 MINI Cooper JCW 1to6 Edition – Charlie Cooper (GBR) – Markus Fischer (AUT) – Christoph Kragenings (GER) – Sebastian Sauerbrei (GER) The MINI John Cooper Works, with #474, is the only car equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission starting at this year’s edition of the race. Drivers for MINI John Cooper Works 1to6 edition (#474), which competes at the VT-2 class are: – Michael Bräutigam (GER) – Andreas Hilgers (GER) – Sascha Korte (GER) – Marco Zabel (GER) How to Watch the 2024 24 Hours of Nürburgring The 2024 24 Hours of Nürburgring will take place on June 1st and June 2nd 2024. Like last year we expect the race to be available on the ADAC’s Youtube channel and we will embed the race stream on here on MotoringFile. Also keep an eye out of the qualifying races and test sessions which might also be on the channel. Bulldog Racing F56 & F66 MINI Cooper JCW Gallery The shift paddle in the Nurburgring prepped F66 JCW race car. F66 JCW Prototype Race Car The post MINI & Bulldog Racing Prep Its New F66 JCW appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

To celebrate our exclusive reporting on the J01 MINI Cooper coming to North America, we have an all new photo gallery from the car’s recent launch in Europe. The J01 Cooper SE finished in Blazing Blue and the Favoured Trim is MINI’s first all new Cooper in over ten years and the first ever built ground-up as electric. With WLTP range of 250 miles and a radical new interior, the J01 MINI Cooper is the brand’s first full attempt to create an electric Cooper. But what do you think? Does an electric MINI appeal to you? Does the J01 and its new, more minimal look appeal to you? Let us know in the comments and enjoy our best look yet at MINI’s new electric Cooper. And you want the most comprehensive source in the world on the new electric Cooper, head to MotoringFile’s J01 section. MINI Cooper SE – Launch Gallery The post Real-World Gallery: New J01 MINI Cooper SE Electric appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

A couple of our most reliable sources have finally confirmed what so many of us have been waiting for; the new generation of electric MINI Cooper is coming to the US. But which MINI Cooper models and when will we finally see them in the US? Let’s dive into what exactly we’ve heard from sources and what it means for North American MINI fans. Why The New J01 MINI Cooper Electric Isn’t Already Sold In North America The J01 MINI Cooper is built on the brand’s first ever bespoke EV architecture and represents a major leap in range, performance and technology compared to its F56 MINI Cooper SE predecessor. And as we speak it’s filtering into showrooms throughout most of the world. However the fact that it’s manufactured in China has eliminated the possibly of North America imports in the current tariff-centric atmosphere. But MINI has a solution. Last year MINI and the UK government announced a plant expansion at the Oxford Plant in 2026 paving the way for production of the electric J01 MINI Cooper and the J05 MINI Aceman. However nothing was announced about US imports and thus far MINI has been very tight-lipped about their plans. In fact there were more than a few that assumed we wouldn’t even see this generation of electric MINIs in the US at all. The J03 MINI Cooper Electric Convertible is our first confirmed model but we expect J01 confirmation shortly. What Electric MINIs Are Coming to the US Through our most reliable sources we have our first confirmed model destined for North America; the J03 MINI Cooper Convertible. While only the J03 and not the J01 Cooper hardtop? It’s simply the first we’ve been able to 100% confirm through sources. But we fully expect this is just the tip of the iceberg. These sources tell us that the J03 will be offered in four models global; the Cooper E, Cooper SE and JCW E. North America will only get the latter two: the SE and JCW E models. Our sources were also quick to say they expect to confirm the J01 and potentially even the J05 Aceman for North America imports soon. In fact there’s no scenario where MINI would bring a low volume car like the J03 Convertible and not the more mainstream J01 Cooper. Using that logic, the fact that we can confirm the J03 for North America means that J01 is also surely coming. Following what we know about the J03 variants coming, it’s also safe to assume we’ll see the J01 Cooper SE and JCW E and not the lower spec E model. MINI Cooper SE North American Release Timing Knowing the new MINI electric models won’t begin series production until early 2026, we’d expect the first North America deliveries to happen likely in the middle of the year. If we had to guess we’d look for the J01 Cooper first followed later in 2026 by the J03 Convertible. While we do not have any information on the J05 Aceman yet, it would be safe to assume we’d see the Aceman SE and JCW E models in North America around that same time period. We’ll have much more on the new electric MINIs coming to North America in the months ahead. The post Exclusive: The J01 MINI Cooper Electric Confirmed for US Sales appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

The F66 MINI Cooper JCW has been caught completely undisguised exposing its final design four months ahead of its debut. Photographed by Joelre98 and published on Bimmertoday.de, the late-stage prototype shows off the final design of the new F66 JCW and hints at a number of features we’ve exclusively reported on for over a year. We’ve been reporting exclusive details on the forthcoming F66 JCW for well over a year and quite a few are confirmed with these photos. Confirmed: a single, centered exhaust pipe The first that must be mentioned is the single exhaust pipe. It’s something we’ve expected and have seen in numerous spy photos. But seeing it here confirmed MINI’s dramatic design decision. Why a single exhaust pipe? The F56 JCW may have had two pipes but in reality both were coming out of the same muffler. This simplifies the design and likely saves some weight. All reasons we typically see this layout of MINI race cars. Confirmed: Design Will be (Almost) Identical to the JCW Style Package) As predicted, the design of the new JCW will mostly mirror the optional JCW Trim we’ve already seen on the F66 MINI Cooper. There are some small deviations – really small. The red trim on the front corners and the red brake calipers are the key visual markers for a full JCW vs. JCW Style. Looking close you’ll see the unique side sills that are identical to the F56 JCW and that aforementioned single exhaust pipe. The wheels, trim and even exclusive Legend Grey color are all the same that you get on any MINI with the JCW Style. Confirmed: Dual Clutch Transmission Only Looking at the interior photo you can clearly see shift paddles and no manual. As predicted MINI has killed off the manual in the JCW like it has in the rest of the range. Why would MINI eliminate manuals, even though the F66 is mechanically identical to the F56 and could easily carry over the current Getrag 6-speed? It’s likely about simplifying drivetrain components and cutting costs within manufacturing. And for Europe (where CO2 targets are much more stringent) the manual is slightly dirtier. Replacing the manual is a revised 7-speed dual-clutch transmission that promises faster shift times than before and more responsive manual control via the standard steering wheel-mounted shift paddles. Head to Bimmertoday.de for more photos. The post F66 MINI Cooper JCW Caught Undisguised! appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

The new F66 MINI JCW has been revealed in prototype race car form ahead of its entry at the Nurburgring 24 Hours. But as expected there’s not a lot that MINI has released about the car. Luckily we’ve plenty of exclusive details. Here are the top five facts we’ve learned from our sources that you should know about the new JCW. 1. There’s no power increase While it’s yet to be officially confirmed, our sources tell us that the 2025 MINI Cooper JCW will not see an increase in horsepower. Unlike the Cooper or the Cooper S, MINI is holding the line on power output and instead bringing some upgrades elsewhere. ModelF56 Cooper JCWF66 Cooper JCWPower231 hp231 hp Torque235 lb-ft/1450 rpm258 lb-ft/1,250 rpmTransmissionManual/Auto7 speed DCTDrivetrainfront-wheelfront-wheelLength (mm/in)3863mm/152.1 in3876mm/152.6 inHeight (mm/in)1414mm/55.66 in1432mm / 56.38 inWheelbase (mm/in)2495mm/98.23 in2495mm/98.23Curb weight (kg/lbs)1295 kg / 2855 lbsTBA But that doesn’t mean there aren’t any performance upgrades. The F66 JCW will have a slightly revised B48 engine under the hood – more specifically the B48A20O2. The big performance update will be torque which increases from 236 to 258 ft lbs giving the car a bit more grunt. Perhaps just important, it peaks lower in the rev range as. Previously in the F56 JCW torque maxed-out at 1,450. The B48A20O2 sees this change to 1,250 rpm meaning maximum power is even more immediate. These are small but subtle differences that point to a slightly quicker or more responsive B48 engine. F66 JCW Prototype Race Car Left: F66 JCW Prototype race car. Right: F66 Cooper S with the optional JCW Style 2. The Design Will be (Almost) Identical to the JCW Style Package) As predicted, the design of the new JCW will mostly mirror the optional JCW Trim we’ve already seen on the F66 MINI Cooper. Its you can see in the photo above, the front bumper will have real ducts due to the need to cool the JCW B48 engine and functioning brake ducts which are essential for any track time – and critical at the ‘Ring. Like on the JCW Trim, MINI has applied gloss black side skirts on the JCW. However on the full JCW there’s a unique side skirt design that looks nearly identical to what we’ve had on the F56 JCW. Around back it’s hard to say where the production F66 JCW ends and the race car begins. But our sources tell us that the massive rear defuser is specific to the prototype race car and will not see production on the F66 JCW – at least not yet. One could imagine something like that eventually making its way to a GP model. 3. Production Begins This November Both the petrol F66 and electric J01 JCW models will debut this October simultaneously. However that’s where the similarities will end. The EV version of the JCW will get more power but also weight roughly 500 lbs more. ModelPowerDebut DateStart of ProductionJ01 JCW (electric)260 hp*10/202401/2025F66 JCW (petrol)231 hp10/202411/2024* Unconfirmed There are also rumors we’ll see this very F66 JCW prototype at the Goodwood of Speed later this summer ahead of it’s official debut in October. The shift paddle in the Nurburgring prepped F66 JCW race car. 4. It Will Be Offered Only With a Dual Clutch Transmission MINI has killed the manual in its combustion models and they will include the new combustion JCW. Why would MINI eliminate manuals despite the fact that the F66 is mechanically identical to the F56 and could easily carry over the current Getrag 6-speed? It’s likely about simplifying drivetrain components and cutting costs within manufacturing. And for Europe (where CO2 targets are much more stringent) the manual is slightly dirtier. Replacing the manual is a revised 7-speed dual-clutch transmission that promises faster shift times than before and more responsive manual control via the standard steering wheel-mounted shift paddles. In this exclusive photo you can see a central exhaust and single pipe that looks to be in nearly final production form. 5. There’s only a single, centered exhaust pipe The F56 JCW exhaust These photos also confirm what we’ve reported since last year; the new JCW, is moving from a two pipe single exhaust to a larger single pipe exhaust. In the images above and the exclusive image of the production F66 testing below, you can see a single exhaust pipe (with a stainless steel sleeve), the transversely mounted exhaust and even the aluminum shield underneath it. Look even closer and you’ll see the production version of the single LED reverse light just above the exhaust tip which (one could imagine) would look somewhat integrated with the cutout of the pipe. Why a single exhaust pipe? Two key reasons that matters in both racing and on the street; weight savings and better for packaging. It will also likely be very close to the design of the F56 JCW, just with a single, larger pipe vs two smaller ones. What’s Next? Look for more photos and videos of the race-prepped JCW as it prepares for the Nurburgring 24 and potentially an appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. We should finally see it in full production glory this October alongside its all electric sibling, the J01 Cooper JCW. Until then look for more exclusives news on both models that should help give us a full picture of MINIs ultimate Cooper. The post 2025 MINI Cooper JCW: The Top 5 Facts You Should Know appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

BMW & MINI have been accused of importing cars with a component that is tied to forced labor camps is western China. A US Senate investigation has reportedly validated earlier German reporting that BMW (along with Jaguar and VW) were tied to a Chinese supplier that used forced labor The part in question is known as a LAN transformer and is found is on at least 8,000 MINIs imported into the US. The component is critical is allowing various systems within a MINI to talk with each other. The part comes from a company called Sichuan Jingweida Technology Group, also known as JWD. Reportedly the automakers didn’t have a direct connection to JWD but instead part an electronic unit (which included the LAN Transformer) from Lear Corp., a supplier of automotive electrical systems. According to the Senate report, Volkswagen took steps to correct the issue but BMW and Jaguar have yet to do so. This has come about due to a two year old law that blocks goods from Xinjiang due to the rampant forced labor camps in the province. Senator Wyden, who leads the committee didn’t mince words; “automakers are sticking their heads in the sand and then swearing they can’t find any forced labor in their supply chains. Somehow, the Finance Committee’s oversight staff uncovered what multibillion-dollar companies apparently could not: that BMW imported cars, Jaguar Land Rover imported parts, and VW AG manufactured cars that all included components made by a supplier banned for using Uyghur forced labor,” he added. “Automakers’ self-policing is clearly not doing the job.” The Senate committee said that BMW continued importing MINIs until at least April 2024 after being informed by its supplier Leer that there were potential issues. According to the New York Times, BMW appeared to have ceased its imports only after the Senate committee repeatedly questioned it about JWD. Source: New York Times The post MINI Accused Of Importing Chinese Parts Tied to Forced Labor appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

The 2025 MINI Cooper JCW is here albeit in race form. Bulldog racing is taking the all new MINI Cooper JCW to the 24 Hours of Nurburgring with Charlie Cooper behind the wheel. But before we get to that, let’s take a close look at the car and what these videos and images reveal about the new JCW. For more on the all new MINI Cooper JCW, head to our full report and make sure to keep tabs on our JCW section for future updates. The post First Look Video: the 2025 MINI Cooper JCW appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

This is our first look at the (last ever) combustion MINI Cooper JCW. The much rumored and highly anticipated F66 MINI Cooper JCW is finally here – almost. MINI is giving us our first look at the car as a race prepped prototype preparing to take on the most grueling race in the world – the 24 Hours of the Nurburgring. We had a hunch that MINI might use the Nurburgring 24 Hours as a launch pad for the new JCW. In doing so MINI is once again making it clear how capable this little hot hatch is. They’re also giving us plenty of new details we hadn’t had previously. However one thing they aren’t giving up yet are any specifications on the car itself. Luckily we’ve got exclusive details that fill in those gaps. The Details of the F66 MINI Cooper JCW Prototype Race Car This screen capture from a promotion video clearly shows the race specific paddle shifter controlling the new DCT The New F66 MINI John Cooper Works #317 will be entered by the private racing team from Nürburg, Bulldog Racing, and will be competing in the SP 3T category. MINI will be entering another car – the 2023 F56 MINI Cooper JCW (#474) that came in second last year in its class. It will be once again in the VT-2 category. MINI makes a point in the press release say that #474 once again has a manual transmission but no mention what transmission is in the new car (#317). Of course we know that MINI has dropped the manual (likely permanently) and will be launching the JCW as a DCT only model. The video alongside the images released proves this out as well. What These Images Tell Us About the F66 <OMO Cooper JCW As predicted, the design of the new JCW will mostly mirror the optional JCW Trim we’ve already seen on the F66 MINI Cooper. Its you can see in the photo above, the front bumper will have real ducts due to the need to cool the JCW B48 engine and functioning brake ducts which are essential for any track time – and critical at the ‘Ring. Like on the JCW Trim, MINI has applied gloss black side skirts on the JCW. However on the full JCW there’s a unique side skirt design that looks nearly identical to what we’ve had on the F56 JCW. Around back it’s hard to say where the production F66 JCW ends and the race car begins. But our sources tell us that the massive rear defuser is specific to the prototype race car and will not see production on the F66 JCW – at least not yet. One could imagine something like that eventually making its way to a GP model. One thing that’s interesting is MINI’s use of the word “Pro” in a few places. We see it in the official press release and on the license plate. Could that be a way for MINI to differentiate the full JCW with the JCW Trim that’s available on all other MINI models? Could MINI use the term “Pro” like BMW uses “Competition” branding creating a higher performance, more focused JCW? Or could this just be a way of naming the race car itself? The Revised 2025 MINI Cooper JCW Engine While it’s yet to be officially confirmed, our sources tell us that the 2025 MINI Cooper JCW will not see an increase in horsepower. Unlike the Cooper or the Cooper S, MINI is holding the line on power output and instead bringing some upgrades elsewhere. ModelF56 Cooper JCWF66 Cooper JCWPower231 hp231 hp Torque235 lb-ft/1450 rpm258 lb-ft/1,250 rpmTransmissionManual/Auto7 speed DCTDrivetrainfront-wheelfront-wheelLength (mm/in)3863mm/152.1 in3876mm/152.6 inHeight (mm/in)1414mm/55.66 in1432mm / 56.38 inWheelbase (mm/in)2495mm/98.23 in2495mm/98.23Curb weight (kg/lbs)1295 kg / 2855 lbsTBA But that doesn’t mean there aren’t any performance upgrades. The F66 JCW will have a slightly revised B48 engine under the hood – more specifically the B48A20O2. The big performance update will be torque which increases from 236 to 258 ft lbs giving the car a bit more grunt. Perhaps just important, it peaks lower in the rev range as. Previously in the F56 JCW torque maxed-out at 1,450. The B48A20O2 sees this change to 1,250 rpm meaning maximum power is even more immediate. These are small but subtle differences that point to a slightly quicker or more responsive B48 engine. 2025 MINI Cooper JCW Chassis and Brake Updates The prototype race car has a bespoke suspension and braking set-up the factory F66 JCW will not see. So don’t think you’re getting that perfect ride height and stance from the factory. Instead we’ll see a straight evolution from the F56 JCW. This starts with the braking system which will be carried over. That means we’ll see a 4-piston fixed caliper upfront with internally ventilated drilled brake disks up front (335x30mm). In the back (where there’s less weight to worry about) MINI will continue with a single-piston floating caliper and a disk that’s 259x10mm. All four calipers will be finished in the traditional Chili Red. The chassis and suspension will see subtle improvements with MINI further refining its adaptive suspension design. While we don’t yet have details we’re told this focuses on improving ride quality while not forgoing any performance. Current F56 Cooper S Exhaust shows the “dual exhaust” is nothing more than two small pipes from a single exhaust. 2025 F66 MINI Cooper JCW – Single Pipe Exhaust These photos also confirm what we’ve reported since last year; the new JCW, is moving from a two pipe single exhaust to a larger single pipe exhaust. In the images above and the exclusive image of the production F66 testing below, you can see a single exhaust pipe (with a stainless steel sleeve), the transversely mounted exhaust and even the aluminum shield underneath it. Look even closer and you’ll see the production version of the single LED reverse light just above the exhaust tip which (one could imagine) would look somewhat integrated with the cutout of the pipe. In this exclusive photo you can see a central exhaust and single pipe that looks to be in nearly final production form. Why a single exhaust pipe? Two key reasons that matters in both racing and on the street; weight savings and better for packaging. 2025 MINI Cooper JCW Launch and Production Timing Both the petrol F66 and electric J01 JCW models will debut this October simultaneously. However that’s where the similarities will end. The EV version of the JCW will get more power but also weight roughly 500 lbs more. ModelPowerDebut DateStart of ProductionJ01 JCW (electric)260 hp*10/202401/2025F66 JCW (petrol)231 hp10/202411/2024* Unconfirmed There are also rumors we’ll see this very F66 JCW prototype at the Goodwood of Speed later this summer ahead of it’s official debut in October. How to Watch the 2024 24 Hours of Nürburgring The 2024 24 Hours of Nürburgring will take place on June 1st and June 2nd 2024. Like last year we expect the race to be available on the ADAC’s Youtube channel and we will embed the race stream on here on MotoringFile. Also keep an eye out of the qualifying races and test sessions which might also be on the channel. 2025 F66 MINI Cooper JCW Gallery Official Press Release: New MINI John Cooper Works to Debut at 24 Hours of Nürburgring Ahead of its World Premiere. MINI enthusiasts and motorsport fans are eagerly awaiting the debut of the highly anticipated New MINI John Cooper Works. It is set to make its first appearance at this year’s 24 Hours of Nürburgring, one of the toughest endurance races in the world, challenging drivers and teams to conquer the iconic Nürburgring-Nordschleife over a grueling, day-long battle of speed, skill, and reliability. The new petrol-powered MINI John Cooper Works, cloaked in a bespoke camouflage designed by the MINI Design Team, pays homage to the iconic red and white color schemes used for classic Minis in motorsports in the 1960s. Celebrating its world premiere in fall 2024, the New MINI John Cooper Works marks a significant milestone in MINI’s commitment to innovation and heritage. In a bold move, the new MINI John Cooper Works lineup, developed to push the boundaries of speed and agility, will be available in both petrol and all-electric versions. In a nod to Mini’s historic victory of the Mini Cooper S at the 1964 Rallye Monte Carlo 60 years ago, the racecar features a distinctive “37” logo, commemorating this milestone achievement. This emblem serves as a homage to MINI’s rich motorsport tradition. The New MINI John Cooper Works #317 will be entered by the private racing team from Nürburg, Bulldog Racing, and will be competing in the SP 3T category. Dubbed “MINI John Cooper Works PRO”, the MINI Twin-Power Turbo racecar represents the perfect fusion of MINI’s iconic design and reliability and Bulldog Racing’s track-tested expertise. The second entry will be the beloved black MINI John Cooper Works #474 manual transmission, which showcased its prowess by securing a podium finish at last year’s 24 Hours of Nürburgring, proving its mettle against fierce competition in the VT-2 category, cementing its status as a formidable contender in endurance racing. As anticipation builds for its debut, MINI fans and automotive enthusiasts alike can expect an unforgettable showcase of the New MINI John Cooper Works capabilities at this year’s 24 Hours of Nürburgring from June 1st to June 2nd 2024. Related MotoringFile Stories The post First Look: 2025 F66 MINI Cooper JCW Prototype appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

Just because MINI is going electric doesn’t mean they won’t make open top cars. Through out sources, we can now confirm that MINI is planning to build an electric (J03) MINI Cooper Convertible. What will it be based on and where will it be made? Let’s dive into what we know. The J03 MINI Convertible will be leverage the J01 platform that underpins the new electric MINI Cooper and forms the foundation of the J05 Aceman. According to sources the convertible looks like it will be built primarily at the Oxford plant in the UK. While our sources didn’t say it wouldn’t also be built in China, BMW forecasts the majority of its sales in the UK, Europe and North America. And yes, as you’d expect being built in the UK will mean North American imports as well. The petrol powered F67 MINI Convertible will debut this summer with production beginning this November. It appears that MINI might debut the car in 2025 with sales beginning in 2026. This timing could coincide with a LCI refresh scheduled for the J01 which could include tweaked styling and even higher range and performance. If we look at previous convertible introductions, expect MINI to introduce several exterior new colors, interior trims and even a new wheel design. MINI’s first electric convertible was the limited production 2023 F57 MINI Convertible SE sold only in the UK and Europe. Sources tell us that MINI will likely use a similar top to what we’ve seen on the F57 albeit with more attention focused on aero efficiency. This effort will be focused on reducing drag typically associated with convertible tops. This also means MINI will, for the second time in their history have two open-tops to choose from. Previously MINI had offered the R57 Convertible alongside the R59 Roadster. While those cars had some clear differences, the only real distinction between these two model on the surface will be EV or combustion power. What do you think? Would you buy an electric MINI Convertible? Let us know in the comments below. The post The Electric J03 MINI Cooper Convertible is Coming – Here’s What We Know appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

The first ever electric MINI Cooper JCW is coming and its lead engineer just gave some hints as to how it will perform. An Australian publication spoke with Patrick Haussler, the J01 MINI Cooper’s head of chassis dynamics at the Cooper SE launch recently and he let slip a few intriguing details. For one the car is in its final stages of development. No surprise there as we’ve been reporting that it and the petrol powered F66 MINI Cooper JCW will debut this October. Based on our exclusive reporting, production will start in January for the J01 JCW. Haussler went on to say; “I think everybody is quite happy with how the [regular MINI Cooper Electric] cars turned out and the Johnny [JCW], we have already nearly finished it, so there’s not too much refinement left to do. There’s still some work [beyond the handling dynamics] but I already like it very much. The things that you like with the Cooper SE, you will like it even more with Johnny.” For one who knew that MINI engineers had nicknamed the J01 JCW “Johnny”? It’s a great nickname that would be fun if it stuck with the public. But beyond that there’s a lot we actually know about this new new JCW no matter what you call it. The design of the car will be very close to the J01 Cooper equipped with the JCW Trim (which you see above). Key differences will be subtle trim difference, larger red JCW brakes and the potential for a (mildly) functional defuser. It will have much more power than we’re used to seeing in the Cooper with 260+ rumored. Finally MINI has reportedly tweaked the suspension set-up to better handle the car 3,500 curb weight on the track. You can read much more in our exclusive preview of the both the electric J01 and petrol F66 MINI Cooper JCW below. The post MINI J01 MINI Cooper JCW appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article