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When will the Countryman get a JCW version? It’s a frequently asked question here on MotoringFile, and we finally have an answer for you. While we don’t have specific release dates as of yet, sources at MINI have told us that the JCW Countryman will not make an appearance in model year 2012. What’s the reasoning? Because the 2013 JCW Countryman will be worth waiting for. While that might be disappointing to many holding out for the extra grunt of the JCW, your wait will be worth it. MINI tells us that before the JCW comes to the Countryman, the engine will first undergo a refresh. Most importantly, this next generation JCW powerplant will finally bring variable valve timing to the JCW engine. If the 2011 Cooper S engine refresh is any guide, the updated JCW engine should see a very noticeable uptick in power as well as gains in efficiency. In fact we predicted 220 hp for the JCW Countryman a few months ago based on sources and we’ll stick that figure based on what the technology brought to the Cooper S. Is it worth the wait for a high-performance Countryman? You tell us in the comments. </img><br/></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

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Yesterday we told you about BMW and MINI’s plans at the Goodwood Revival. Today we bring you a bit more news on the actually 1964 Mini taking part in the festivities. Official Release: It all began in 1962: that is the year the works Minis made their motorsport debuts. Since then almost 50 years have passed during which countless victories were posted, in both racing and rallying. The basis for these successes was the deployment of current models, combined with the best in technology. (Full gallery after the break) 2010 saw MINI return to the past: For the first time in the long history of the marque a classic Mini was newly converted for use in historic motorsport. However, the aims remained the same as 50 years previously: Compete at the sharp end of the grid. The Austin Mini Cooper S Competition would prove its qualities in the legendary Goodwood Revival held annually in the south of England. From 16 to 18 September the town of Chichester ground to a halt. The reason: The Earl of March extended invitations to an event on his estate, which, beside an airport, encompasses a stud farm, a golf course and, of course, a race circuit. But, this was no normal race weekend, but truly a journey to the past. Not only do all the competing vehicles date back to the 40s, 50s or 60s, but the earl courteously but firmly request all drivers, technicians, marshals and visitors to dress in period attire. Little wonder, then, that the style of all refreshments stands and memorabilia stalls plus the entire paddock reminded of those times. Taking centre stage was the brand new racing version of the Mini, based on the 1964 Cooper S. However, not much remained of the original production car. The body was completely stripped, derusted and fresh body panels fitted where necessary and as required for its new duties. Its suspension and braking system were optimised strictly in line with the FIA’s regulations. The completely stripped interior boasted the most modern technology available. Roll cage, bucket seat and six-point seat belts ensure driver safety, with the car, weighing in at 620kg, being powered by a specially tuned 1275cc motor sporting twin carburettors. Any thoughts that this historic event consists of showboating were soon banished, as works drivers Claudia Hürtgen and Jörg Weidinger realised during Friday free practice. Goodwood sees fair but hard wheel-to-wheel duels, with mistakes being punished heavily by the extremely fast 3,8 kilometre Goodwood Motor Circuit. Both drivers’ qualifying session were, though, blighted by technical teething issues, so rather than fighting for front-running grid positions they found themselves starting from mid-grid. Saturday’s heat for the St. Mary’s Trophy did not go as planned for Claudia Hürtgen, Chief Instructor at the MINI Driving Experience. Due to transmission problems she fought an unequal battle from half-distance, eventually retiring on the penultimate lap. A long night lay ahead of the technicians, who burnt much midnight in their quest to return the 100bhp Mini Touring Car to its 10 inch wheels in time for Sunday’s second heat. They succeeded – with two-time European Hillclimb Champion Jörg Weidinger abundantly repaying the mechanics for their efforts with a spectacular race. Starting 13th , the 36-year-old stormed to tenth to end the race as second-best Mini. It was a strong performance, particularly given that the field of 32 starters included illustrious competitors such as the Alfa Romeo Giulia Coupé, BMW 1800 TiSA, Ford Lotus Cortina, Jaguar Mk2 and Ford Galaxie 500. Thus the trip to England certainly paid off for MINI, as not only had much been learned about the still-new Austin Mini Cooper S Competition, but the team had experienced the highs and lows of motorsport while demonstrating the qualities of this very special touring car in front of a massive audience during the world’s most spectacular historic car event. If that does not warrant a repeat visit in 2012 … </img><br/></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

Ridin’ bikes and Schwinn Stingrays get us started on this, our 395 meeting under the White Roof, with only 5 shows left until Woofcast 400, live at Detroit Tuned! Until then, we talk about news from MotoringFile and answer some more of your Ask Chad questions. Woofcast 395 Download| 43:36 | 19.4MB |WRR @ iTunes | Show Notes </img><br/></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

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MINI’s pro-manual transmission campaign continues with a couple of new items out today. The first is this PDF, which outlines some fun aspects of shifting to the world of shifting. MINI has also produced a rather cheeky video done in the style of a ’50s educational film. Both are a fun look at what driving a manual transmission adds to driving, which as we’ve said before, is a key part of the full MINI experience. More than that, they’re a fun reassurance that yes, you too can drive a manual transmission! </img><br/></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

We’ve been reported for several years now of MINI’s intention to bring to the market a 2nd generation GP. The first of course being based on the R53, remains the most powerful and motorsport focused production MINI of all time. Last year the rumors of what the car will be based on went from R56 hatch to the R58 Coupe. And now we’re hearing about yet another change, this time to the upcoming Roadster. It’s just an idea at this point so we stress that a GP based on the Coupe still very much happen. In fact, according to sources MINI has two plans on the table; one involving the Coupe and the other the Roadster. However it’s the Roadster that will focus on today. In using the Roadster as a donor car, the plan would be to strip out he interior to reduce weight where possible. In addition to that MINI would add a clip-on hardtop to give the car a motorsport look. Under the hood look for the venerable 1.6L engine to go from 210 bhp to around 220 bhp and for MINI to finally get serious with the car’s suspension. Rumors are that, like the previous GP, this car (whatever form it takes – Roadster or Coupe) will come with the JCW suspension as standard. What are the odds of a GP Roadster? Honestly we’d be surprised if MINI chooses it over a GP Coupe. But it remains a tantalizing idea. </img><br/></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

The biggest auto show of the year is about to open up to the public in Frankfurt and we have a sneak peak for you. Obviously MINI was on hand to show-off the new coupe. But without a world debut or surprise concept our attention quickly turned to the rest of the show. BMW was showing off the new 1 Series five door hatch and of course the i3 and i8 concepts that debuted earlier this summer. Elsewhere VW had the new UP and Beetle R on hand as well as the new 911 (which is sorta technically a VW now… right?). You can check out all 200 photos after the break.

In this weeks longer-than-normal show, we do some follow-up from last week (including a couple of Facebook comments, no talk about motorcycles or BMW’s, news from MotoringFile and some Ask Chad. Woofcast 394 If you are in Southern California and looking for something MINI to do on October 1st, I highly recommend the third annual MINIs for Kids event happening at MINI of Ontario. Car show, games, a raffle and a poker run will round out the day! Download| 1:14:00 |WRR @ iTunes | Show Notes </img><br/></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

For years new MINI magazines have come and gone. In fact the only one we could ever think of worth handing our money over for (Go MINI) ended production over five years ago. However there has been one MINI magazine that has been there from the start producing not just a look at the brand and its products but high quality lifestyle pieces as well. The official magazine of the brand, MINI International has a long history of catering to the more progressive fans of the brand. The only problem (for those outside Europe) was the excessive shipping costs to actually get one. Now that’s no longer. As of this week you can now find MINI International on the iOS App Store available for the iPad. Official Release: THE MINI INTERNATIONAL magazine will be released as an iPad app in German and English in the iTunes App Store on 13 September 2011 in time for the start of the IAA International Motor Show. The MINI INTERNATIONAL app is different. It not only allows MINI fans to experience the contents of the printed edition in multimedia form but also provides a weekly update with all the latest news: a MINI “best-of” from the blogs and websites unlike.net, NOWNESS.com and davidreport.com. These three partners will help ensure that THE MINI INTERNATIONAL app stays exciting and up-to-the-minute. The app will feature articles from THE MINI INTERNATIONAL with even more pictures, exciting videos and audio-visual streams – as well as weekly bulletins on the MINI brand, lifestyle, culture, art and other topics of interest to MINI fans. The app’s interface concept is based on the printed edition and, like the magazine itself, is also characterised by its aesthetic design. Interesting feeds and an integrated Facebook share function guarantee perfect networking. A multimedia special that ties in with the international campaign “Another Day. Another Adventure.” will be released to mark the launch of the MINI Coupé, as well as a film documenting the MINI Clubman video art on display at the IAA. THE MINI INTERNATIONAL print magazine is published twice a year, in March and September. THE MINI INTERNATIONAL application will be released at the same time as the print version and will also be updated on a weekly basis through feeds from partner websites and the official MINI online channels. You can download the MINI International app here. </img><br/></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

The latest version of MINI’s turbocharged Prince engine features variable valve timing, direct injection and a tall torque plateau that starts early and pulls the Cooper S forward with plenty of gusto. It even does heavier duty under the bonnet of the Countryman. The 2011 model year upgrades to the Prince engine brought adjustments to the power band and solved nagging issues some owners found with their R56s. So it’s little surprise that Wards has named the updated Prince to its Top Ten list of Engines for 2011. Another new engine on this year’s list is the 1.6L turbocharged direct-injection I-4 that packs a mighty punch in the MINI Cooper S. With a specific output of 113 hp/L, this package quickly rose to the top of a crowded field of new small-displacement 4-cyl. engines in this year’s competition. The latest “Prince” engine in the Cooper S is assembled for BMW by PSA Peugeot Citroen in Douvrin, France, and integrates BMW’s excellent Valvetronic fully variable valve timing system, which enhances power and fuel efficiency. Driven hard, this prince of an engine still musters better than 34 mpg (6.9 L/100 km) during our test drive. The full list is as follows: 3.0L TFSI Supercharged DOHC V-6 (Audi S4) 3.0L N55 Turbocharged DOHC I-6 (BMW 335i) 1.6L Turbocharged DOHC I-4 (Mini Cooper S) 3.6L Pentastar DOHC V-6 (Dodge Avenger) 5.0L DOHC V-8 (Ford Mustang GT) 1.4L DOHC I-4/111kW Drive Motor (Chevrolet Volt) 5.0L Tau DOHC V-8 (Hyundai Genesis) 80kW AC Synchronous Electric Motor (Nissan Leaf) 2.0L DOHC I-4 Turbodiesel (Volkswagen Jetta TDI) 3.0L Turbocharged DOHC I-6 (Volvo S60) Beyond their list of honored engines, Wards went a step deeper in this article looking into the history and technology behind the current powerplant: The ’06 model year brought a new all-aluminum 1.6L “Prince” I-4, jointly developed with PSA Peugeot Citroen, built in Hams Hall, U.K., and featuring BMW’s Valvetronic variable-valve-lift technology. It bumped base power to 118 hp and torque to 114 lb.-ft. (155 Nm) with 26/34 mpg (9-6.9 L/100 km) ratings, while its turbocharged (not supercharged) direct-injected variant (without Valvetronic) pumped out a healthy 172 ponies and 177 lb.-ft. (240 Nm), with a temporary overboost feature good for 192 lb.-ft. (260 Nm). Fuel economy for the manual version was 25/32 mpg (9.4-7.4 L/100 km). For ’11, BMW upped output again by adding direct injection and double VANOS (variable valve timing) to the naturally aspirated 4-cyl., plus Valvetronic and a new twin-scroll turbocharger to the S version. That gives base-engine drivers 121 hp and 114 lb.-ft. (155 Nm) of torque and moves S owners up to 181 hp and 177 lb.-ft. (240 Nm), with the same 192 lb.-ft. (260-Nm) overboost feature. Manual-transmission coupe ratings now are 29/37 mpg (8.1-6.4 L/100 km) and 27/35 mpg (8.7-6.7 L/100 km), respectively. The latest twin-scroll Cooper S 4-cyl. turbo earns BMW a second 2011 Ward’s 10 Best Engines Award (along with BMW’s 3.0L N55 turbocharged I-6). After averaging 34/35 mpg (6.9-6.7 L/100 km) in an ’11 Cooper S, “while beating it hard,” Ward’s editors exclaimed that it combines “stunning performance and superb fuel economy.” We’ve said it before, but it’s good to hear it from other sources. The MINI hits a sweet spot in performance and economy that the competition has trouble matching, and that’s no small engineering accomplishment. The rest of the article is an interesting read if you’re not familiar with the history or motivation behind why MINI has gone the direction they’ve gone with these engines. But what might be most interesting is something MINI USA Product Planning Manager, Vinnie Kung, had to say about the future of MINI engines: “Everyone has heard that we’re looking at different cylinder counts and different technologies,” Kung says. “It will be a process of optimization of everything we already have — if we can take Valvetronic to the next level, and lubrication systems and accessory drives, and electrify things such as power steering. “I think in the next three years, when we introduce the next-generation MINI, you will see those technologies. And I would not be surprised to see another 20% improvement in fuel economy.” A twenty percent increase in fuel economy at the same (or better) power range would be an amazing achievement of engineering. Given how far the MINI engine has come so far, I wouldn’t put it past the fine folks of Frankfurt. Cheers, Vinnie! </img><br/></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

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The following is the official transcript of the speech given by Dr. Ian Robertson, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Sales & Marketing. Official Release: A decade ago, MINI asked the question: “Is it Love?” …I would say so. Just a couple of weeks ago we celebrated the two millionth MINI rolling off the line at Plant Oxford in the UK. That’s a lot of fans! By launching the new MINI ten years ago, we created the premium small-car segment. Our approach was: from the original to the original. Since then, we’ve been busy growing the MINI Family. After the Hatch, we launched the Convertible, which was followed by the MINI Clubman… and about a year ago we introduced the MINI Countryman. The Countryman has taken the brand further afield with four doors and four-wheel drive. As well, it underscores MINI’s ability to enter—and create—new segments with its success, selling over 66,000 units to date. New additions to the line-up like the Countryman have propelled MINI to new sales records. There’s no doubt MINI has become a significant part of the BMW Group with every sixth car sold sporting a MINI badge. And we fully expect this momentum to continue, making 2011 another record year for the brand. Here in Germany, MINI’s third largest market, it’s been a great year so far. Up to the end of August, sales jumped 18% over the same period last year. This has also been a banner year for MINI in its biggest market, the US. Sales to date have surged by 27% up to the end of August. Beyond MINI’s success in these two markets, we see balanced growth for the brand right across the world with nearly 180,000 MINIs sold year to date. That’s 25% more than this time last year. But it’s not only MINI sales and the MINI Family that are growing — the world of MINI is expanding, too. MINI is now at home in nearly 90 countries. And Brazil is one of our recent success stories. We launched MINI in Brazil only two years ago and sales this year increased more than 65% year to date over the same period last year. It just goes to show that MINI is truly an international brand. Building upon the success we have in markets like Brazil, I’m happy to announce today we will launch MINI in India next year. As one of the world’s top growth markets, India is a great place to continue accelerating MINI’s global momentum. And that’s what MINI is all about: always focused on what’s around the corner. Now, some of you were probably here with us two years ago when we celebrated MINI’s 50th birthday. As part of the celebration, we had a sneak-preview of two concepts: the MINI Coupé and the MINI Roadster. We revealed the Coupé a short while ago and we’re looking forward to seeing it on the streets next month… and of course we’ll take a closer look today… Now, the Roadster shares many of the Coupé’s characteristics… but in a more open form. You can experience it for yourself when we launch the new Roadster in February of next year — just in time for an open-air spring drive. The Roadster will take the MINI Family to six. But why stop there… we’re also getting the seventh member of the MINI Family ready. You know it better as the MINI Paceman Concept. I’m happy to announce today, for the first time, we will launch this car in a little over one year’s time. Here at MINI, we don’t just talk about the future, we make it happen. Speaking of making it happen at MINI, I’d like to welcome the head of MINI, Dr. Kay Segler. Dr. Kay Segler: You know, there’s always a lot going on at MINI! But there are a couple of things I’m really excited about. As you said earlier, we just celebrated two million MINIs being produced at Plant Oxford. Because MINI is like a friend, we decided to commemorate this event on Facebook with The Wall of Fans called “2 million MINIs. 2 million Faces.” It’s a great way for MINI fans around the world to connect with each other. We’re also bringing the world to MINI drivers. MINI Visual Boost radio offers a new set of entertainment possibilities, including web radio with over 20,000 stations from across the globe. This way, you can listen to your favourite radio stations wherever your MINI takes you. Dr. Ian Robertson: It took us just two years to bring this car from concept to production. The MINI Coupé is our youngest model — in every sense of the word. Its sporty performance and edgy look have not gone unnoticed. German media called the MINI Coupé “downright sporty”, and with good reason: it’s the fastest production MINI ever. Others couldn’t help but comment on the fifth MINI’s “eye-catching” looks, which makes sense: the Coupé was made to turn heads. Dr. Kay Segler: The Coupé has captured MINI’s boldest elements in concentrated form, such as:sporty go-kart driving excitement with an optional 211 hp John Cooper Works engine;inventive features like the rear spoiler that automatically pops up at 80 kilometres an hour; and the Coupé’sdaring design highlighted by the sleek and dynamic roofline.We’re sure MINI fans will be as excited as we are about this car. Dr. Ian Robertson: Thanks for joining us today. Now please come up and take a closer look at the newest member of the Family, the MINI Coupé. Thank you. Vielen Dank. </img><br/></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

We’re 2,000 miles into our tenure with the Countryman we’ve already learned how well the R60 handles a road trip. Granted packing for a trip as a small family definitely requires some thought both in choosing what to bring and how to pack it. From figuring out how to get strollers in to playing life-sized tetris with luggage, the Countryman can accommodate quite a bit. You just have to use some geometry. The one option that helps give you a bit more versatility is the flat floor extension. It’s essentially an extra piece of carpeted floor that can either fold flat in the boot, fold up to separate the boot from the two rear seats or go forward over the seats once their folded down. The latter is essential in giving you a flat floor for maximum load versatility. However it comes at a cost. $250 and a bit more weight in the car MINI has clearly over-engineered to make sure it can support almost anything you can throw on it. Similar to the Clubman the the Countryman also features a compartment below the floor in the boot for smaller items. While it houses the jack and tools there’s quite a lot of room for smaller or collapsable items. Does it work as a family car? It’s certainly no match for four door sedan when it comes to swallowing cargo. But if it’s a small family that doesn’t mind packing light, the Countryman can be a great alternative to what most of us know as a family vehicle. </img><br/></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

[source: EVO] </img><br/></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

Yahoo! Autos has a story today featuring what vehicles car thieves tend to leave alone. Among the least popular boosted rides is the MINI Cooper Clubman. Not only is the instance of theft low, the reported average insurance claim payout is considerably lower than the rest of the list. This isn’t too surprising. Given all the electronics in the MINI’s ignition systems, you pretty much can’t steal a MINI without the keys or a tow truck. So rest assured, your Clubman is unlikely to go anywhere without you. Good catch, db! </img><br/></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

Top Gear UK presenter Richard Hammond featured the Mini Cooper S MkII in his “Hammond’s Icons” series in the September ’11 issue of Top Gear Magazine. Like any self-respecting Englishman, the Hamster loves the plucky little Mini which like Hammond himself, is impressive well beyond its stature. But does it work? Yes. Gloriously. With a smile-inducing whine from the transmission, that 75bhp is enough to give a chunky, determined pull straight from the off. If anything, it feels slightly pugnacious; this is a car with ‘small man syndrome’ – and if there’s one thing about which I know anything, it’s that. It’s a fun read, all of which you can find here. </img><br/></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

Official Release: MINI brand sales climbed 5.2% to 15,761 vehicles worldwide in August (prev. yr. 14,987). Sales for MINI have increased 24.8% to 177,829 vehicles in the first eight months of 2011 (prev. yr. 142,531). In August the brand reached another important milestone: The two millionth MINI was produced in Oxford. The launch of another Oxford-produced MINI next month, the MINI Coupé, is expected to provide further impetus for the brand. MINI is also expected to return to double-digit growth in worldwide sales next month. </img><br/></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

From its cars to the way it manufactures them, the BMW Group (including MINI) has a history of environmental consciousness. And for the 7th straight year it’s being honored at the best within the automotive industry when it comes to sustainability. Official Release: The BMW Group has once again been named the automotive industry’s sector leader in the ranking published today by the SAM Group for the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes (DJSI). The BMW Group has therefore been the world’s most sustainable automobile manufacturer for seven consecutive years. The BMW Group is also the only company in the automotive industry to be listed in this family of indexes every year since it was established in 1999. “The success of the BMW Group is built on a long-term approach and responsible action. We are pleased to be recognised by the renowned Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes,” said Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “Being ranked sector leader for the last seven years underscores our corporate strategy and approach. I would like to thank all of our company’s 95,000 employees whose day-to-day work makes this progress possible,” added Reithofer. Sustainability is an integral part of the BMW Group’s corporate strategy. The company appointed an environmental officer back in 1973 – the automotive industry’s first. Since then, the company has systematically refined its concept of sustainability. In 2009, corporate sustainability was firmly established as a corporate target at Group level. Today, the Sustainability Board, comprising all members of the Board of Management, defines the strategic alignment through binding internal targets, and the Executive Sustainability Committee paves the way for implementation in the relevant divisions.Further information on the BMW Group’s sustainability activities is available at: www.bmwgroup.com/responsibility </img><br/></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

HUGE show for you this week! Gabe talks about the MotoringFile Countryman, we all decide that center rail accessories are rubbish, Chad interviewed some folks at the Red Bull Art of Motion event and we have an epic Ask Chad. Woofcast 393 Don’t forget about White Roof Radio LIVE coming up in just seven short weeks on October 22nd, 2011. We are going to be at Detroit Tuned and think you should be too. Tune in next week for an updated route map too. Download |32.4MB | 70:00 |WRR @ iTunes | Show Notes </img><br/></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

In the world of automotive journalism, few publications “get” fast small cars quite like EVO. While not an in-depth look at MINI’s hottest of hot 2-doors, it’s an overview that’s well worth a look. An equivalent Audi TT or Peugeot RCZ will be more practical (bigger boot, two small rear seats) but more expensive, and for driving thrills a JCW Coupe has them both licked. Sales in the coupe class are often based on looks, though, and the Mini’s styling is likely to be quite love/hate. In short, they like it, but read the full article for yourself. </img><br/></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше

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MINI’s recent event in Detroit was just the beginning of the brand’s association with Red Bull’s “Art of Motion”. But what is it exactly? MINI USA and free runner Levi Meeuwenberg explain in the video above. </img><br/></img> </img> </img> </img> </img> Читать дальше