DimON

Sometimes the best tech is no tech. The best user interface? No interface at all. And sometimes the biggest disruption in a bloated market comes not from more features, but from asking: why are we doing all of this in the first place? That’s the question Slate is posing with its new electric “Truck.” Yes, it’s simply called Truck. And in many ways, it feels like one of the most genuinely Mini-like vehicle we’ve seen since, well, the 1959 Mini itself. Left – The Truck as it leaves the factory. To the right are some of the countless ways you can modify it – DIY or via a dealer Radical Simplicity, Meet EV There are a lot of unknowns about any EV start-up and slate falls into that category. But what they’re doing is unlike anything we’ve seen. Where most EV startups compete on bigger screens, longer range, and increasingly ridiculous horsepower numbers, Slate zagged hard. The Slate Truck is a radically simple electric utility vehicle designed to rethink what we actually need in a modern vehicle. Priced under $20,000 after incentives, it features rugged, unpainted injection-molded plastic panels, a minimalist two-seat interior with no built-in stereo or touchscreen, and a practical 150-mile range. Almost any accessory you can think of will be available and open-sourced, with Slate publishing dimensions and specifications to allow anyone — individuals or companies — to 3D print or manufacture nearly any part. Built for easy DIY customization and maintenance, it skips traditional manufacturing complexity in favor of affordability, durability, and essentialism — offering a refreshing critique of the excess and tech bloat that dominate today’s automotive world. You want music? You can order yours with speakers or mount your own. Need navigation? There’s a slot for your phone or tablet. Custom wrap job or accessories? DIY encouraged and even open-sourced. Manufacturing? Skip the expensive paint shops and stampings altogether — the body is rugged, unpainted polypropylene composite, meant to shrug off wear like a shark’s skin. It’s also easy to make with far less environmental impact. The SUV kit will turn any Slate Truck into a boxy crossover. Sounds Familiar, Doesn’t It? Go back to 1959: Alec Issigonis designed the original Mini to solve a simple problem. Its engineering and design ingenuity wasn’t aimed at impressing car enthusiasts. It was created to solve problems for hard working Brits who needed affordable, efficient family transportation. But rethinking everything, Mini engineers created a new kind of car that transcended class, culture, and even generations. Slate’s “Truck” channels that same spirit — design born from constraint, simplicity as innovation, and usability over unnecessary complexity. The SUV kit is available as a square, fastback or no top at all. A Truck that Turns into a Crossover One of the Slate Truck’s most clever features is its ability to transform into a crossover after purchase. Thanks to a modular design, owners can opt for an SUV upgrade kit that adds a second row of seating and an extended-range battery. The kit is designed to be easily installed, either by the owner or a local service partner, turning the basic two-seat utility truck into a more versatile, family-friendly electric crossover — without the need to buy an entirely new vehicle. Should MINI have taken this approach with its next generation of EVs? Because let’s be honest: MINI’s current electric crossovers, while stylish and fun, lean heavily into premium positioning, complex tech, and feature lists that would make an old-school Mini chuckle. In the context of the modern automobile, we think they’re some of the best on the market. But it’s hard not to think of the big screens, heavy curb weights, luxury appointments as excess the you look at what Slate has done. What If MINI Had Gone Full Slate? Imagine if MINI’s first true electric crossover wasn’t chasing BMW X1 levels of comfort and gadgetry, but instead asked the fundamental Slate-style questions: How small, light, and simple can we make this? How much can we leave out rather than cram in? How can we turn minimalism into a brand superpower? Instead of touchscreen battles and over-engineered interiors, MINI could have leaned into modularity, DIY customization, and radical user-driven simplicity. Instead of $50,000 builds, maybe we’d see a sub-$30K, pure-driving, nearly indestructible urban EV — a true spiritual successor to the Mini ethos. Slate isn’t for everyone, and to be fair, neither was the original Mini at first. But Slate’s “Truck” feels like a shot across the bow of an industry that sometimes confuses complexity with progress. It’s a Trojan horse for a new kind of utilitarian minimalism — one that MINI has championed for years. But clear not as boldly as Slate now does. What if the future of MINI isn’t in the technology it adds, but in the complexity it dares to remove. And what if the next big innovation in motoring will come from thinking smaller, not bigger. Just like it did in 1959. The post Does Slate’s “Truck” Channel the 1959 Mini (And Could MINI Learn from it)? appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

MINI has long promised a “go-kart feeling,” but what does that mean in the modern era of drive-by-wire systems and synthesized engine sounds? We’ve taken a deep dive into what GoKart mode actually does and how it does it on all MINI’s petrol models. And most importantly, does it work in bringing more joy to motoring? The Four Pillars of Go-Kart Mode Activating Go-Kart Mode adjusts several key aspects of the vehicle’s dynamics: 1. Throttle Mapping Go-Kart Mode sharpens throttle response by reducing the pedal’s “dead zone,” allowing for more immediate acceleration. This tuning provides a more direct connection between the driver’s foot and the engine’s output, enhancing responsiveness during spirited driving. Importantly the mapping reduces the previous generations throttle deadzone dramatically and delivers the most responsive throttle response for generations. 2. Transmission Behavior In Go-Kart Mode, the transmission holds gears longer before shifting, keeping the engine in its optimal power band. This behavior ensures that power is readily available when needed, such as during overtaking maneuvers or spirited cornering. Critically where MINI’s previous automatic would feel jerky and unrefined in Sport Mode, the new DCT delivers a more aggressive experience with fluidity while delivering an aggressive feel. 3. Steering Weight The steering system adjusts to provide increased resistance, offering a heavier and more connected feel. This change enhances feedback and allows for more precise inputs, contributing to the overall sporty character of the drive. 4. Engine Sound Enhancement To complement the dynamic changes, Go-Kart Mode introduces a synthesized engine sound within the cabin. This audio feedback, inspired by the B48 engine’s natural tones, aims to enrich the driving experience without relying solely on the actual engine noise, which is often subdued due to sound insulation. The Hidden Transmission Sport Mode It’s important to note that while Go-Kart Mode influences transmission behavior, it is distinct from the transmission’s “Sport” mode in JCWs and “Low” mode in normal MINIs. Engaging Sport or Low mode via the gear selector further alters shift timing and responsiveness, offering an even more aggressive driving experience. You can engage this by clicking down a second time on the toggle. Combining Go-Kart Mode with Sport mode can maximize performance characteristics, particularly in models equipped with the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Suspension Dynamics: From Electronic to Mechanical Previously, MINI utilized (optionally) electronically controlled suspension damping to adjust ride stiffness in the previous version of Gokart mode (Sport mode). However, starting in 2021, the brand transitioned to frequency-selective mechanical dampers. This change simplifies the system while still providing a balance between comfort and performance. In Go-Kart Mode, the suspension’s characteristics remain consistent, relying on the mechanical setup to deliver the desired handling dynamics. We’ll have more on this change tomorrow. A Mode That Lives Up to Its Name? Go-Kart Mode brings a genuine transformation to how modern MINIs respond to driver inputs. While the previous generation’s Sport mode could occasionally feel a bit unrefined, Go-Kart Mode manages to enhance performance without any apparent drawbacks. We’d love to see MINI continue to evolve this feature—perhaps with greater personalization or even user-tunable settings, much like BMW’s M modes—but as it stands, we like the direction MINI is headed. The post Breaking Down MINI’s Go-Kart Mode: Throttle, Shifts, Steering & Sound Unpacked appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

The best Cooper S you can buy right now isn’t on the MINIUSA configurator—and technically, not even available in the U.S. But thanks to a clever workaround discovered by our friends at MINI of Glencoe, there’s a way to get one. The JCW Style package is a stealth-spec 2025 F66 Cooper S that delivers sharper looks, enhanced performance features, and a more premium driving experience—all without the full JCW price tag. It blends visual aggression with select performance upgrades, including shift paddles and the same upgraded brakes found on the full JCW. The result is a Cooper S that finally lives up to the sporty reputation its badge implies. Even more intriguing? There are reportedly only 20 of these in the entire U.S. market. MINI USA doesn’t advertise the JCW Style as an option, and unless you know how to coax it out of the ordering system—or get extremely lucky—you’re unlikely to ever see one. Here’s how MINI of Glencoe pulled it off: during allocation, they added port-installed JCW accessories to a Cooper S build. That minor tweak triggered a system error, which reclassified the car from the usual “Classic” or “Favored” styles into a hidden “JCW Style” trim. Apparently other dealers have stumbled across this as well, but it remains a largely undocumented trick. Their own vehicle locator confirms the find—flagging Cooper S builds with the Black JCW seats, a component typically reserved for JCW models. This workaround essentially unlocks a unicorn spec—one that looks, feels a bit closer to a JCW without the cost or commitment. Most notably, it includes shift paddles, a feature MINI USA inexplicably omits from the standard Cooper S. It’s a small addition that dramatically changes the driving experience, especially for enthusiasts who want that extra layer of control. The catch? This trick may no longer work. MINI of Glencoe doesn’t currently have another two-door hardtop allocation to test it again, and MINI could easily patch the loophole at any time. Still, the fact that it worked at all is telling—and tantalizing for anyone hoping to get more out of their Cooper S without going full JCW. The best part? The car we’re talking about is for sale as we speak. So if you want one of the most rare MINIs sold in in the US in 2025, you have your marching orders. For a deeper dive into why this spec is so special, check out our full review: MINI Cooper S JCW Style Gallery The post Exclusive: How To Order an F66 MINI Cooper S in JCW Style in The US appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

For the fourth consecutive year, MINI is heading back into the green hell. The Nürburgring 24 Hours—an endurance marathon that chews up metal and egos with equal appetite—is once again the battleground, and MINI is showing up with the new F66 John Cooper Works. Last year’s race saw the #317 MINI John Cooper Works Pro clinch an outright win in the SP-3T class. After heartbreak in 2022 when the Bulldog Racing MINI was forced to retire after 14 grueling hours, the team returned in 2023 and put the 1to6 Edition on the podium with a hard-fought 2nd place. Then came 2024: a class win, a full-circle moment, and MINI’s first N24 trophy in hand. Now, for 2025, MINI’s back with a new livery, a familiar face in Bulldog Racing, and a partnership that adds just the right amount of irreverence: DEUS Ex Machina. Call it design-forward motorsport, or just call it good branding—but either way, it’s a nod to the creative energy both brands bring to the table. The MINI x DEUS collaboration debuts with a stark black-and-white livery that’s more sketchbook than showcar—hand-drawn logos, a proudly oversized “DEUS” splash across the bodywork, and a stripped-back palette that lets the car wear its identity loud and raw. It’s less corporate polish and more punk rock, and frankly, that suits both brands. “Design and dynamics have always been our thing,” says MINI boss Stefan Richmann, and in this case, he’s not wrong. This latest JCW racer isn’t just a graphics exercise—it’s the latest iteration of MINI’s motorsport DNA, filtered through the hands of Bulldog Racing and designed in part by BMW’s own Designworks studio. As last year we expect 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. And that’s always been MINI’s quiet flex. From giant-killing moments at Monte Carlo in the ’60s to clawing for every inch at the Nürburgring today, the brand’s motorsport history has never been about brute force—it’s about grit, smarts, and tenacity. That tradition lives on in every modern JCW, and this year’s 24h entry is just the next chapter. Stay tuned. If the past three years are any indication, the race should be memorable. The race will be run on Sat, Jun 21, 2025, 10:00?AM EST – Sun, Jun 22, 2025, 10:00?AM EST. The post MINI Returns to the Green Hell with a Bold Look and a Proven Partner appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

For years, MINI lagged behind its BMW siblings in adopting the latest driver assistance and autonomous driving features. Sure, it was always more go-kart than gadget. But in 2025, MINI is finally catching up—not by abandoning its driver-focused DNA, but by adding to it. Welcome to the age of the smart MINI. From Passive Safety to Proactive Co-Pilot Let’s start with the basics: all new U25 Countryman models now come standard with Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go. That’s the kind of tech that makes bumper-to-bumper traffic slightly more bearable—because nothing says modern luxury like your MINI doing the dull stuff for you. In the new Cooper (F66), Cooper SE (F65), and Convertible (F67), this feature is optional, a curious decision given its growing status as table stakes in the premium small car market. Still, its availability across the board is a long-overdue win. The next step up is the Active Driving Assistant, which layers in steering support and lane keeping. While it’s not full autonomy, it’s a solid Level 1 system that’s meant to make long drives less tiring. MINI says it helps keep the vehicle centered in the lane, even around bends. Think of it as your enthusiastic co-pilot, not an autopilot. Active Driving Pro: MINI’s First Taste of True Autonomy The real headline here is Active Driving Assistant Pro, available exclusively on the U25 Countryman. This is MINI’s first foray into Level 2 autonomy, and it’s surprisingly refined. At speeds up to 47 mph (75.6 kph), the system allows for hands-free driving—yes, you read that right. MINI will control acceleration, braking, and steering entirely on its own. The catch? Your eyes must stay on the road. Take them off, and the system politely asks you to resume control. Above 47 mph, you’ll need to keep at least one hand on the wheel, though MINI continues to steer and monitor your position in-lane. Following a navigation route? The Countryman will even take off-ramps for you. In other words, it’s the kind of semi-autonomy that makes a traffic-jammed highway feel like a lounge chair experience—without giving up full control. Autonomy with a MINI Twist MINI’s Level 2 system includes some clever tech flourishes: Traffic Jam Assistant: Ideal for stop-and-go torture sessions. Lane Change Assistant: Signal, and the car looks for a safe gap. Lane Guidance: With MINI’s native nav, you get prompts not just for turns, but which lane to be in. Traffic Sign Recognition and Alerts: If you’re zoning out, your MINI won’t. And yes, the usual suite of forward collision warnings, pedestrian detection, and blind spot monitoring are all part of the package. Parking: The Battle of the Bollards Just Got Easier Parking tech is where MINI goes full Mission: Impossible. All new models can now be specced with an Auto Park Assistant, which finds parallel spots and maneuvers the car in—with the driver still modulating throttle and brake. A new memory function, called Reversing Assistant, remembers the last 150 meters of your forward path and will mimic it in reverse—perfect for tight garages or narrow driveways. There’s even a Trailering Assistant, which guides your steering while reversing with a trailer. Your weekend warrior activities just got a lot more polished. For those who opt for Parking Assistant Plus, the toys get even better: 360-degree cameras Remote 3D view via app Theft detection with live video alerts Drive Recorder with customizable camera recording And for U25 Countryman E and SE models? Remote parking via app. That’s right, you can step out and let your MINI park itself with a tap of your phone. Welcome to the Jetsons era. Our Take: Finally, MINI Joins the 2020s These updates mark a turning point for MINI. While it’s still the fun-to-drive brand we know, it’s now backed by a suite of technology that feels modern and—dare we say it—class-leading in some respects. The new Countryman, in particular, is now as competent at semi-autonomous driving as anything from Audi or Volvo. The best part? It can all be turned off. You can still wring it out on a back road when the mood strikes. But when you just want the car to handle the grind, it’s finally got the brains to do it. The post MINI’s Big Leap into Autonomous Driving and Safety Tech appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

F66 JCW vs the F56 JCW – How much has really changed? We’ve driven the two back to back and went deep into the specs to uncover what’s been fine-tuned, what’s been overhauled, and what MINI left untouched. Spoiler: there’s more here that’s been tweaks than you might think. First, if you missed them, read our review of the F66 and F67 JCWs. But here’s the top line: MINI has improved the JCW formula in almost every way—except for two notable changes. The move from four-piston to single-piston front brake calipers, and the elimination of the manual transmission, are hard pills to swallow for purists. Take those out of the equation, though, and the F66 emerges as a welcome refinement—offering more performance, better technology, enhanced safety, and increased comfort. So, what exactly did MINI do to make it happen? Let’s take a closer look. Powertrain & Performance MINI didn’t mess with the headline horsepower, but dig deeper and the 2025 JCW reveals a meaningful leap in real-world punch. With a torque surge and a snappier DCT replacing the old automatic, this isn’t just the same powertrain in a shinier wrapper. SpecF56 JCWF66 JCWVerdictEngine CodeB46A20O1B48A20O2New engine family (B48 Gen 2) for 2025, likely offering more refinement and compliance.Horsepower (HP)228 hp228 hpNo change.Torque (lb-ft)235 lb-ft280 lb-ftMajor jump. Torque bump likely delivers a more urgent, flexible drive.0-60 mph (Auto)5.9 sec5.9 secDespite more torque, 0-60 time remains the same. Likely due to the added weight and limits of traction.Top Speed149 mph155 mphSlight increase. Likely due to gearing changes.Transmission8-speed automatic (GA8Q45CW)7-speed dual-clutch (DCT)Swapped out torque converter auto for a sharper, lighter DCT. More engagement, less slush, more refinement. Dimensions & Design Tweaks The 2025 JCW is slightly wider, lower, and just a hair shorter than before — a curious mix that you actually feel behind the wheel. These aren’t just spec sheet shuffles; they reflect MINI’s evolving approach to performance packaging. SpecF56 JCWF66 JCWNoteLength152.8 in152.6 inSlightly shorter.Width (body)68 in68.7 inWider stance; helps with stability and initial turn-inHeight55.7 in57.2 inTaller — due to chassis or ride height tuning.Wheelbase98.2 in98.2 inSame.Ground Clearance5.6 in5.1 in (130mm)Slightly lower — helps keep mass slightly closer to the ground.Curb Weight (US)2,952 lbs3,047 lbsGains ~95 lbs — due to added safety/tech. Chassis & Tires MINI’s go-kart ethos gets a subtle chassis rework for 2025. A wider track and revised wheel setup suggest sharper handling, even if the move to smaller standard wheels might raise some enthusiast eyebrows. SpecF56 JCWF66 JCWNoteStandard Tires205/40/17215/45 R17 AS non-RFA wider, non-run flat tire means more grip and a bit more feelOptional Tires205/40/18215/40/18Optional tire now wider and there’s no runflat to be foundTrack Width (Front/Rear)58.5 in / 58.5 in59 in / 59 inWider stance; helps with stability and initial turn-inSteeringEPS 14.0:1 ratioEPS 14.0:1 ratioSame ratio but the lighter tuning, wider track and tires create a more eager feel. Interior & Cargo Inside, it’s a case of evolution over overhaul. Most dimensions remain unchanged, but the tiniest increases in cargo space and elbow room show MINI was focused on the smallest details of fine-tuning comfort without compromising its compact DNA. SpecF56 JCWF66 JCWNoteFront Headroom w/ SR38.3 in38.3 inNo change.Rear Headroom w/ SR36.4 in36.3 inEssentially unchanged.Cargo (EPA)8.7 ft³8.9 ft³Slight increase. Magic packaging? Weight & Payload Yes, the 2025 JCW gained a few pounds — but not without purpose. Despite a nearly 100-pound bump, payload is up slightly too, and the new DCT and extra torque help mask the added mass on the move. SpecF56 JCWF66 JCWChangeCurb Weight2,952 lbs3,047 lbs+95 lbsGross Vehicle Weight3,770 lbs3,858 lbs+88 lbsPayload772 lbs783 lbsSlight increase. Our Take: Key Differences & Insights At a glance, the F66 MINI JCW Hardtop might not seem drastically different from its F56 predecessor. The design language is still unmistakably MINI, and on paper, the power output remains identical at 228 horsepower. But look past the badge and you’ll find a car that’s undergone meaningful mechanical and engineering evolution. The biggest headline is torque — up from 235 lb-ft to a stout 280 lb-ft. That’s a 19% increase, and it fundamentally changes how the car behaves. While 0–60 mph times stay pegged at 5.9 seconds, the real story is in midrange power delivery. Expect faster roll-on acceleration and easier overtaking — especially when paired with the new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), which replaces the outgoing 8-speed torque converter automatic. The DCT promises quicker shifts and a sportier, more connected driving feel — a much-needed move in an era where hot hatches are expected to engage, not just hustle. Chassis-wise, the 2025 JCW gets a slightly wider track and a taller stance. While these changes might seem minor, they hint at reworked suspension tuning — potentially to balance ride comfort with handling sharpness. The switch to 17-inch non-run-flat tires as standard could be a sign MINI is dialing in more compliance without sacrificing grip. Weight is up slightly, with curb weight increasing by about 95 pounds. That’s the price of progress — likely from added safety systems, new tech, and platform refinements. Yet, MINI seems to have managed this weight gain strategically, as payload capacity has gone up as well. In terms of dimensions and packaging, the new JCW is marginally shorter and taller, but width and mirror span are up. This speaks to both the desire of MINI designers to keep the car as small as possible, weight low and aero optimized. Interior space remains mostly unchanged, though the elbow room and cargo volume get subtle improvements. The takeaway? MINI didn’t reinvent the JCW — but it sharpened the edges that matter. With increased torque, a faster and more refined gearbox, and meaningful under-the-skin tweaks, this is more than just a refresh — it’s a more mature, more capable performance MINI. It’s not perfect. The absence of a manual transmission stings, and the switch to single-piston front calipers hints at reduced durability under track abuse. But for the vast majority of would-be JCW owners, this is a better car in almost every way. The post 2025 F66 MINI JCW vs. F56 JCW: Key Differences, Specs & Performance Upgrades appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

For 2025, MINI has reengineered its John Cooper Works hardtop—code-named F66—into something undeniably quicker, more refined, and in many ways, more sophisticated. It’s also become a case study in modern performance car compromise. Because while this is easily the fastest and most responsive JCW ever, it arrives with a few asterisks that might make long-time fans wince. Let’s dig into the duality that is the new F66 JCW. More Torque, Sharper Gearbox, Better Response At its heart, the F66 JCW carries forward MINI’s 2.0L four-cylinder turbocharged engine—still rated at 231 horsepower, but now with a key revision: torque is up to 280 lb-ft, a 45 lb-ft improvement over the F56. That alone transforms how this car feels. But the bigger revelation is the revised 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). While earlier MINI DCTs were competent but occasionally dim-witted, this new iteration is properly sorted. It’s faster. Smarter. Hungrier. Downshifts snap with intention, and upshifts arrive without hesitation. The result is a car that feels alert, responsive, and eager in a way that previous JCWs only hinted at. Interestingly, this differed from the first F66 JCW we drove back in early January. Was it that car’s early build slot, the single-digit temps, or the fact that it wasn’t fully broken in? Whatever the reason, we drove three different F66 JCWs at the launch in Savannah—and all exhibited the same sharp DCT responses. In real-world driving, that sharper response makes this F66 feel like it gained more than torque. It feels like it’s gained edge—and that’s a critical ingredient for a JCW. Quicker Than Ever—But Less Track-Ready? This is where the story gets complicated. To pair with the powertrain upgrades, MINI re-tuned the suspension and re-mapped the throttle to make the F66 JCW feel more immediate and engaging. Mission accomplished there. But in a cost-saving move (or platform simplification, depending on who you ask), MINI also downgraded the front brakes—swapping the F56’s four-piston Brembo setup for single-piston sliding calipers. At first blush, it’s a clear step backward. But in normal driving? You probably wouldn’t know. Pedal feel is solid. Braking distances remain competitive. Unless you’re running hot laps or descending a mountain pass, the change is largely academic. And it makes sense given that the rotors and pads are the same size as before. But the That said, for hardcore drivers—or anyone who plans to track their JCW—it’s a disappointment as a lack of extra pistons means braking pressure tends to be less even, pedal feel is less consistent and heat can build quicker. Not a deal-breaker, but a flag worth raising. Visual Tweaks, Hidden Tricks Stylistically, the F66 JCW doesn’t stray far from the F56 formula, but subtle changes sharpen the overall look. The front bumper is more sculpted, the rear (faux) diffuser more pronounced, and textured plastics have been replaced with high-gloss finishes. Then there’s the new single visible exhaust pipe—and its hidden sibling, a second outlet tucked to the left of the primary exhaust. Why the asymmetrical setup? MINI tells us it’s largely design-driven. However, a closer look suggests that the Cooper S and JCW exhaust systems are nearly identical, with one key difference: the center section of the Cooper S features a squared-off shape, while the JCW’s has a more traditional round outlet. The interior, however, marks a more significant shift. The new fabric dash, vegan leather, and cleaner layout signal a real change in MINI’s design language. But the most dramatic addition is MINI’s new circular OLED center display, which dominates the dashboard. It’s clean, quick, and beautifully executed—though not everyone will appreciate the fully digital, screen-centric interface (and we’d still welcome a few more physical buttons). Physically, the F66 is still a compact, tossable hot hatch. It hasn’t gained weight (unlike its EV counterpart, the J01), and with the added torque and improved gearbox, it’s more rewarding than ever in the kind of tight, technical driving MINI was made for. Pricing and Trims Pricing for the F66 JCW starts at $38,900 USD, which puts it in the ballpark of the outgoing model. But MINI’s new trim strategy simplifies things: fewer standalone options, more bundled packages. That means less customization—and that’s a real shift for a brand built on personalization. Want Chili Red with white roof and black wheels? Better hope that combo made it into one of MINI’s curated styles, because building a one-off spec is no longer in the cards. It’s an Apple Store approach to car buying: clean, efficient, and mildly depressing for enthusiasts who want a unique MINI. And Still, No Manual Of all the changes MINI made, this is the one that lands the hardest: the manual is gone. Not just unavailable in the U.S.—it’s gone globally. And the sting is sharper when you realize that in the final year of F56 JCW production, over 50% of buyers chose the manual. Yes, the new DCT is faster. Yes, it makes the car quicker. But no, it doesn’t replace the experience of rowing your own gears, especially in a brand so closely associated with driving joy and mechanical connection. This isn’t just a hardware decision—it’s a philosophical one. And for many loyalists, it will be the line in the sand. Final Verdict: The Fastest JCW, But Not the Most MINI The F66 JCW hardtop is quicker, sharper, and more refined than any JCW before it. The upgraded torque and improved DCT transform the driving experience. From a performance standpoint, it’s a genuine leap forward. But in pursuit of polish, MINI has sanded down some of its edge. The brake downgrade won’t matter to most, but it sends a message. The loss of the manual? That’s more than symbolic. The reduction in customization? That strikes at the core of what made MINI different. This JCW is excellent—and for many, it will easily be the best ever. But it also feels like MINI is inching closer to the mainstream hot hatch crowd—Volkswagen GTI, Hyundai Elantra N—instead of carving its own unique path. Perhaps that’s what the majority wants. It’s still fun. Still premium. Still MINI. But for a few of us… slightly less so. 2025 MINI Cooper JCW Photo Gallery The post 2025 MINI Cooper JCW (F66) Review: Faster, Sharper, But Missing the Manual appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

In a move that feels more 2002 than 2025 (and we mean that as a compliment), MINI is rolling out a bold, irreverent campaign that cuts through the polished platitudes of the modern auto industry. Designed take on convention—and maybe a few OEM execs in the process—MINI’s latest effort is part satire, part street fight, and all MINI. A Return to Form The campaign, created by Goodby Silverstein & Partners along with MINI USA’s interagency team, marks a decisive pivot back to the brand’s original U.S. persona: the plucky, fun-loving iconoclast that flipped the bird at bloated sedans and joyless marketing. MINI’s new ads don’t just wink at this heritage—they shout it through a megaphone strapped to a low-flying plane. Yes, a plane. Circling the Javits Center during the New York Auto Show, a MINI-branded aircraft joins a battalion of sharply-worded billboards urging “car people” to skip the “static showroom floor” and go test drive a 3x Monte Carlo Rally Champion. Taglines, Twisted Billboards in strategic locations co-opt the actual taglines of other brands (Mercedes, Jeep, Porsche) and flip them with MINI’s signature snark. If you’re an employee of one of those brands, don’t be surprised to see a MINI billboard outside HQ telling you to “ditch work and book a test drive.” Ouch. For those actually inside the Javits Center, there’s no escape either. MINI has sneakily inserted its message onto Volta EV charging stations—because if you’re going to trap car folks with slow charging, you might as well entertain them. The MINI Manifesto In a pair of full-page ads in The New York Times—a flex in itself—MINI draws a hard line between cars and itself. One ad speaks directly to car enthusiasts, telling them to skip the showroom snooze fest and experience the thrill firsthand. The second serves as the “MINI Manifesto,” a delightfully irreverent reminder that MINI is not a car in the traditional sense—it’s a “street-legal go-kart” with charm, chutzpah, and a proper British attitude problem. According to Kate Alini, MINI USA’s Department Head of Marketing, Product, and Strategy, the campaign is a deliberate return to the brand’s roots. “We’ve been the feisty underdog, taking on bigger brands with Brit-grit, humor, and most of all fun,” she says. “With this campaign, we’re disrupting in ways that only MINI can.” MINI in the Wild Beyond the Times and the Javits Center, MINI has taken to the streets with “wild postings” targeting each borough of NYC. The message is clear: ditch the boring, and drive something fun. It’s not a car. It’s a rebellion on wheels. And that tone is no accident. “MINI doesn’t show up the way traditional car brands do,” adds Mason Douglass, Senior Copywriter at GS&P. “Instead, we developed a creative approach that points out in a ‘MINI way’ that driving is more fun than looking at a bunch of static display cars.” Our Take In a world of sterile ad copy and grayscale crossovers, MINI’s campaign is a welcome blast of personality. It’s disruptive, self-aware, and—most importantly—fun. It’s also a reminder of what MINI has always done best: punch above its weight, rattle cages, and make driving feel like play again. So, to the car people at the Auto Show: MINI sees you. And it’s daring you to stop looking—and start driving. The post MINI USA Crashes the NYC Auto Show—With Billboards, British Wit, and a Plane appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

After several successful years in the TC America Series, MINI USA and the JCW Racing Team have decided to take a hiatus from racing. Here’s why that might to be a bad thing. As always, MINI USA is looking for maximum exposure from its racing activities. With five years of trophies and titles under its belt, the brand has decided to move on and begin exploring other motorsport avenues that might offer a brighter spotlight. While there’s nothing to announce just yet, MINI USA and LAP Motorsports LLC (which operates the JCW Racing Team) are actively investigating new opportunities to go racing. Until then, there’s still plenty of MINI motorsport action to follow. The brand will return to the 2025 24h Nürburgring, taking place on June 21st and 22nd. There’s also the relatively new NXT Gen Cup, an electric racing series introduced in 2024. This series features the all-electric MINI Cooper SE and aims to promote emerging talent in electric motorsports. In 2025, the NXT Gen Cup will continue to support Formula E events across Europe, including stops in Misano, Monaco, Berlin, and London. A Look Back at the JCW Racing Team’s Success in TC America From 2019 through 2024, the MINI John Cooper Works (JCW) Team built an impressive legacy in the TC America series, combining underdog charm with championship-caliber execution. The 2019 season marked the beginning of their rise, with the team gaining serious momentum and establishing themselves as more than just a novelty act. That year, MINI not only racked up strong finishes but also clinched the Manufacturer’s Championship—a clear signal that the brand’s bite matched its bark. In 2020, the team delivered a defining performance, sealing the TC America Driver’s Championship at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and backing it up with a second consecutive Manufacturer’s title. These back-to-back honors underscored just how well the MINI JCW cars—small, agile, and relentlessly competitive—fit the DNA of TC America racing. The 2021 season saw the team expand its presence, fielding multiple entries and continuing to prove its consistency against deeper-pocketed rivals. By 2022, that consistency translated into regular podium finishes, solidifying MINI’s status as a serious contender season after season. SRO America Road America 2023 Momentum hit a new high in 2023 when Clay Williams captured the TC Class Driver’s Championship, a testament to the team’s ongoing evolution and MINI’s staying power in the series. Then came 2024—a banner year by any standard. P.J. Groenke took home the TCA Driver’s Championship with 14 podiums, including eight wins. Cristian Perocarpi followed up with a second-place finish in the TC class, earning three wins and eight podiums. MINI USA once again claimed the TCA Manufacturer’s Championship, bringing the tally to three since 2019. Just as impressively, the JCW Team earned “Crew of the Year” in both TC and TCA classes—an accolade made even sweeter by the fact that 75% of the crew were MINI dealer service technicians. Over six seasons, the MINI JCW Team transformed from a scrappy upstart to a multi-time championship-winning force. With sharp strategy, proven engineering, and a no-nonsense crew, they proved that MINI’s racing spirit is alive and well—and more competitive than ever. SRO America Indy 8 Hour 2023 SRO America Indy 8 Hour 2023 SRO America Indy 8 Hour 2023 SRO America Indy 8 Hour 2023 SRO America Indy 8 Hour 2023 SRO America Indy 8 Hour 2023 SRO America Road America 2023 SRO America Road America 2023 SRO America Indy 8 Hour 2023 SRO America Road America 2023 SRO America Road America 2023 SRO America Road America 2023 SRO America Road America 2023 SRO America VIR 2023 SRO America VIR 2023 SRO America VIR 2023 SRO NOLA 2022 SRO NOLA 2022 SRO NOLA 2022 SRO NOLA 2022 SRO NOLA 2022 SRO NOLA 2022 SRO NOLA 2022 SRO NOLA 2022 The post MINI USA Exploring New Racing Series In the US appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

It was one of those perfect Savannah days — sun high, top down, and not a cloud in sight. Ideal conditions to meet the updated 2025 MINI JCW Convertible. At first glance, it’s a subtle refresh. But look closer — or better yet, drive it — and the improvements become clear. With 280 lb-ft of torque (a 45 lb-ft jump), revised chassis tuning, and a dual-clutch transmission that finally delivers, this is a better open-top JCW in almost every measurable way. Almost. Because while the performance is up, engagement has taken a hit. The manual transmission — once a core part of MINI’s soul — is gone. And for all the speed and polish this JCW now offers, it’s hard not to miss the extra layer of connection that used to come with a third pedal. The Upgrades: Where It Hits Let’s start with the good, because there’s a fair bit of it. Under the hood lies the familiar 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, now producing a stout 280 lb-ft of torque. That’s not just a spec-sheet flourish — it delivers genuine urgency from just 1,500 rpm. The result is a car that pulls on on-ramps not that different than the last generation JCW Clubman with its’ 331 ft lbs. It’s quick in a way that finally matches the badge. The front end feels slightly more eager than before, thanks to a slightly wider track, wider tires and stiffer chassis (thanks to revised bracing under the car). While the suspension has been tweaked over the previous JCW Convertible, the differences are subtle. It’s still heavier than it should be (3,307 lbs, to be precise), but the increased torque and sharpened dynamics keep it feeling alive. Even the much-maligned 7-speed dual-clutch transmission has grown into itself. In Go-Kart mode, it holds gears with intent, and in the transmission’s Sport mode, it fires off shifts quickly and decisively. Put them together and you have a car that’s on its toes the way a JCW should be. But where the older torque converter autos would get jerky, this revised DCT is smooth at every transition. MINI’s retuned throttle response also helps — gone is the hesitation of past MINIs and even JCW. It’s an issue we’ve railed against for years and now, with this new generation of JCW, it feels like the drivetrain is finally on the same page as the chassis. The Downgrades: Where It Stumbles As good as the new F67 JCW is, there are still a few areas that need attention. Unsurprisingly, the biggest is the lack of a manual transmission. Its absence isn’t just a spec-sheet omission — it’s an emotional one. The DCT may be quicker, but the car loses a layer of engagement it once offered. That loss is felt every time you flick a paddle instead of rowing your own gears. The second issue is MINI’s steady retreat from personalization. This new generation has moved decisively away from the days of “Youification.” Customization has been pared down to paint color, a choice between a body-colored or black roof (white roofs are now gone from JCWs), two wheel options, and… that’s about it. There aren’t even interior trims to choose from. For a brand that once made self-expression a cornerstone, it now feels oddly anonymous. Finally, there are the front brakes. MINI has ditched the previous JCW’s four-piston front calipers in favor of a simpler, more cost-effective single floating caliper design. We asked MINI USA why this change was made, and the answer was both expected and a bit surprising. Yes, cost played a role. But what caught us off guard was MINI’s claim that braking performance remained unchanged in testing. The caliper and pad sizes are identical, meaning the same swept surface area is still engaging the rotor. Plus, the switch results in a slight reduction in unsprung mass — exactly the kind of detail that can improve responsiveness and agility on turn-in. Does it affect the car? In reality, if we hadn’t driven an F56 JCW just days earlier, we likely wouldn’t have noticed the difference. But based on our experience, there’s a subtle change in bite and feel. Will you notice it? Probably not—unless you have an F56 JCW at your disposal. In our minds, this is a change that hurts more on an emotional level than a performance one. And since only a very (very) small percentage of JCW convertibles will ever be tracked, we’d not consider it a big loss. Verdict: A Better JCW, a Less MINI Top down, throttle pinned, Go-Kart mode lit — this thing still knows how to make you grin. For those claiming MINI’s lost the plot, take a drive. The 2025 JCW Convertible is the sharpest, quickest, and most composed version yet. But with every gain in performance, a little soul slips away. The quirky charm, the personalization — gone. And the manual? Now just a memory. That visceral connection is still there, but it’s a slightly different experience without rowing your own gears. Make no mistake—the F67 JCW is the best-driving JCW Convertible ever. But it’s also a little less engaging. Depending on what you’re looking for in your JCW, that might be more than a fair trade. The post Review: 2025 MINI Cooper JCW Convertible – Upgraded In Every Way But One appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

One of the most baffling changes to the 2025 MINI JCW (F66) isn’t under the hood — it’s behind the wheels. MINI has swapped out the previous four-piston front calipers for a simpler single-piston design. For a brand that’s steadily improved braking with each JCW generation, this feels like a clear step back. So why the downgrade? Now we know. On paper, the 335 x 35 mm front discs and 280 x 10 mm rear discs remain unchanged. But the move from a more advanced four-piston setup to a single-piston floating caliper is a clear step backward. Four-piston brakes offer several key advantages over single-piston designs — especially in performance-oriented cars like the MINI Cooper JCW. Here’s why they’re objectively better under demanding driving conditions. F66 JCW’s single piston calipers F66 JCW’s four piston calipers 1. More Clamping Force, More Even Pressure A four-piston setup uses two pistons on each side of the brake rotor, allowing for more evenly distributed pressure across the brake pad. This leads to more consistent and effective clamping force compared to a single-piston caliper, which pushes from only one side and relies on the caliper housing to slide and apply pressure to the opposite pad. 2. Improved Heat Management Four-piston calipers typically support larger brake pads with more surface area. This helps dissipate heat more efficiently during heavy braking — whether on a twisty road or at a track day. Better heat management means less brake fade, which preserves stopping power under repeated high-load braking events. The previous generation (F56) Cooper JCW with four piston front brakes 3. Better Pedal Feel and Modulation Multi-piston calipers provide smoother, more linear braking response. That translates into better pedal feel — drivers can more accurately modulate pressure and braking force. With a single-piston design, the response can feel less precise and more abrupt, especially under hard braking. 4. Reduced Pad Taper and More Even Wear Because the force in a four-piston setup is applied evenly across the pad’s surface, wear tends to be more uniform. In single-piston calipers, uneven pressure can lead to tapered pad wear, reducing braking efficiency over time and increasing maintenance needs. F66 JCW Single Piston Front Brakes F56 JCW Four Piston Front Brakes 5. Stronger Performance Under Load For performance cars, repeated high-speed stops generate massive amounts of heat and stress. Four-piston systems are better suited for this kind of abuse. They resist fade longer, recover quicker, and maintain consistent braking behavior even after sustained use. Four-piston calipers aren’t just “bigger brakes” — they’re engineered for higher-performance driving. They stop the car more effectively, resist fade better, deliver more consistent pedal feel, and reduce maintenance through even pad wear. For a car like the MINI JCW, which markets itself on performance and driving enjoyment, downgrading to a single-piston design may preserve cost and match baseline street performance — but it sacrifices real-world capability where it counts most: under pressure. F66 JCW Single Piston Front Brakes F56 JCW Four Piston Front Brakes Why MINI Made the Change We asked MINI USA why the change was made. As expected, cost was part of the equation. But MINI also claimed that braking performance hasn’t been compromised. According to their testing, because the caliper and pad dimensions are the same, the swept area — and thus overall stopping capability — remains consistent. There’s also a small gain in unsprung mass, which MINI says helps improve steering responsiveness and front-end agility. That’s a benefit, but one that doesn’t fully offset the loss in outright braking performance and feel — especially for enthusiasts who expect more from a JCW. Does The Change Really Matter – Our Take In everyday driving, most owners may not notice the change. But for those who push their cars harder — on demanding mountain roads or at the occasional track day — the downgrade will likely be apparent in small but meaningful ways. The JCW badge comes with expectations, and braking confidence is a core part of that. This isn’t a deal-breaker, but it’s a decision that runs counter to what the JCW has always stood for. MINI has improved power, throttle response, and handling with this generation. But in this case, the braking system has taken a clear step back for the select few who place serious demands on their JCWs. The post Exclusive: Why MINI Downgraded to Single-Piston Brakes on the 2025 MINI JCW appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

There are MINIs that are good. There are MINIs that are fast. And then there’s the R53 MINI Cooper S— so well balanced, so brutally charismatic, it might just be the best modern MINI ever built. Let’s be clear: we’re not talking about a perfect car. The cabin plastics are a mixed bag, the rear seats are still more symbolic than functional, and the turning radius could rival a school bus. But perfection was never the goal. What BMW and the MINI team gave us in the final year of the R53 generation was something far more meaningful—character, connection, and an unapologetically raw driving experience. The Last of the Supercharged Era The 2005 model year saw perhaps the largest LCI ever of a MINI model making the last two years of the R53 production the one to aim for. It was also the swan song of the supercharger era, just before the turbocharged R56 took over. And while the newer car brought improved efficiency and refinement, it never quite captured the visceral punch—or the high-pitched whine—of the Eaton M45-fed 1.6L four-cylinder under the R53’s hood. Throttle response in the R53 is immediate, borderline manic. This was a car that didn’t just accelerate—it attacked. As we noted in our revisit of the 2006 GP, the R53’s powertrain is still a benchmark for raw engagement. There’s a tactile honesty here that even the best MINIs since have struggled to replicate. Read our GP revisited The JCW Factor While the base Cooper S was a riot on its own, the factory JCW kit took things up a notch. With 210 hp and a recalibrated ECU, the JCW-tuned R53 offered a smoother, more linear pull than its earlier iterations, but without sacrificing the edge. The 0-60 time? Just over 6 seconds—not fast but you felt her bit of that speed. But it’s not the numbers that matter. It’s the way the power arrives, how the six-speed Getrag gearbox slots into each gear with mechanical confidence, and how the chassis responds when pushed. Our 2011 vault review said it best: the 2006 JCW is “as fast and fun as most people would ever need.” Read our JCW vault review Go-Kart DNA, Unfiltered If you’ve driven a modern MINI and found the steering a bit too numb, the ride a little too smooth—drive an R53. There’s a reason why the phrase “go-kart handling” was used in the marketing of this car. It’s not perfect. Where a car like the Lotus Elise produced a detailed and nuanced feel through the wheel, the R53 was a bit more opaque. But the combination of responsiveness, grip, and communication was rare in a modern front-wheel-drive car at the time and has become nonexistent not since. In a side-by-side with the early R56, owners consistently praised the R53’s purity. Less weight, more feedback, and a tighter package overall. It might not have been the most refined MINI, but it might have been the most MINI MINI. Here’s a great review from a MotoringFile reader circa 2007: R50 vs. R56 reader review A Future Classic in Real Time Today, the 2006 Cooper S is gaining ground as a modern classic. Values for clean examples—especially JCWs and GPs—are ticking upward, and demand is surging among collectors who recognize its importance. It’s still attainable, still practical (enough), and still utterly thrilling. But more than anything, the 2006 Cooper S is a reminder of what MINI can be when it leans into its roots. Light, loud, unfiltered, and a little bit wild. It may be almost 20 years old, but in our minds—and in our garages—it’s forever young. If you want more on the R53 and where’s values are headed, you’ll want read this recent report: The post Why the 2006 MINI Cooper S Might Be the Best Modern MINI Ever Built appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

We’re packing our bags and heading to MINI USA’s 2025 product launch where we’ll get behind the wheel of ever single new MINI available. What do you want to know? What would you like us to ask MINI USA? And how can we be of service? Let us know in the comments. Here’s the full list of cars: U25 MINI Countryman S ALL4 U25 MINI Countryman SE ALL4 Electric U25 MINI John Cooper Works ALL4 F66 MINI Cooper S 3-Door F66 MINI 3 Door John Cooper Works F65 MINI Cooper S 5-Door F67 MINI Cooper S Convertible F66 MINI John Cooper Works Convertible We’ll also have access to MINI USA executives. So let us know what you want to hear about and we’ll do our best. The post We’re driving Every New MINI Sold in the US – What Do you Want to Know? appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

The new MINI Countryman just took home the title of Medium Crossover of the Year at the 2025 UK Car of the Year Awards. Handed out by a panel of 31 auto journalists who know their way around a spec sheet and a B-road, the awards aim to spotlight the best new cars tailored to UK buyers. The judges called out the Countryman’s standout design, clever tech, and that signature MINI “fun-to-drive” DNA. Or as one put it: “The Countryman injects some design flair into a class full of same-again SUVs. Its interior is refreshingly stylish and well-built too.” They didn’t stop there: Judges went on to say; “The new MINI Countryman perfectly embodies the evolution of the brand while staying true to its playful roots – making it an exciting choice for those who have grown up alongside it. As the MINI range has increased, so has the quality, desirability and ‘fun to drive’ element, with the Countryman standing out for its practicality”. Crash Tests Wins In related news, The new Countryman also recently earned some of the industry’s most coveted crash safety accolades on both sides of the Atlantic, reinforcing its position as a crossover that’s as secure as it is spirited. In the UK, the Euro NCAP awarded the Countryman a full five-star rating, with strong marks for adult and child occupant protection. MINI’s pedestrian safety measures, including an active bonnet system designed to soften impacts, also contributed to the high score. Standard driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping support helped round out the top-tier performance. Across the Atlantic in the U.S., the Countryman earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick, scoring “Good” in nearly every category, including the notoriously tough small overlap front crash tests. The only exception was a single “Acceptable” mark in rear passenger pelvis protection—an area where many vehicles in this segment still struggle. The post MINI Countryman Wins Medium Crossover UK Car of the Year Awards 2025 appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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