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Big show for you this week! Lots about electric MINIs, but first, let’s begin by providing our thoughts about Spike, and we might not have had anything nice to say about it. It’s almost time to remind you about the awesome that was Hammer and Coop. Then we get right into the electric MINI stuff, starting with Gabe’s latest opinion piece. For those of you that are looking for our pre-show, you can find that, 100% free of charge, at BlackRoofRadio.com. While you are there, if you would like to support the show, awesome! If not, that is totally ok too! Other links from this episode: What is wltp?First photos of the MINI Cooper SEThe rainbox claddingMINIs on the DragonMINIs on the MacRSS ReadersThe post White Roof Radio 689: They Should Have Called it Winston appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

The Bulldog Racing team had one hell of a 24 Hours of Nurburgring last year. Hit but the same car twice, it was one moment of bad luck to the next. However the team is back this year running the Nurburgring Endurance Championship and has completed the latest race in the series; the Rundstrecken-Challenge Nürburgring 2023. Official Release: Bulldog Racing’s MINI JCW Makes It Through Latest Test at the Nurbringring A packed grid and demanding conditions at the second race of the Rundstrecken-Challenge Nürburgring 2023 challenged the Bulldog Racing team. Ideal testing conditions for the crowd favorite bright red MINI John Cooper Works, which has been continuously developed and improved by the team since the first season last year. The driver duo Marco Zabel (DEU) and Markus Fischer (AUT) proved their excellent form and put in 11 laps in the reliable MINI John Cooper Works. Using the RCN as a test program allows the Nürburg based team valuable insights into the performance of the MINI John Cooper Works, which is now equipped with Michelin tires. The green hell at the Nürburgring did not make it easy for the Bulldog Racing Team. Among the 180 participants in the race, there were gripping wheel-to-wheel duels on the 24-hour race track variant of the Nürburgring, which consists of a combination of the Nürburgring GP circuit and the legendary Nordschleife. In September 2021 the starting signal was given for the ambitious motorsport project of Bulldog Racing. In 2022, the private Bulldog Racing team brought the first MINI John Cooper Works back onto the racetrack after a ten-year break at the 24h race on the Nürburgring. The modified production car is currently being prepared for upcoming racing events. The post Bulldog Racing’s MINI JCW Completes Latest Race at the Nürburgring appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

Could MINI begin building the forthcoming electric MINI Cooper and MINI Aceman in Mexico at the BMW Group Plant San Luis Potosi. It’s an idea we’ve floated for a few years and one that has now being publicly mentioned by an owner of a prominent MINI dealer. But how real is this rumor and would it even be possible? We’ve been reporting since last year that MINI was actively looking at alternatives for its Chinese production strategy for the J01 electric MINI Cooper and J05 electric MINI Aceman. And recently there’s been very strong indications that MINI is indeed expanding production to the UK as a way to get bring production closer to its largest markets and avoid Chinese tariffs that affect the US market. In the latest Automotive News, Nicholas Alexander, president of Nick Alexander MINI in Los Angeles, said the China-made EVs are “desperately needed here.” But the import tariff “would make those models unsellable here,” he added, noting it would tack nearly $7,000 onto the sticker price. “China production immediately puts us from having a well-equipped, well-priced, well-loved car into something that’s just out of people’s price range,” Alexander said. “So if they could move that production to North America, I’m all for it.“ That comment has set the MINI internet a blaze. But there’s one problem. It’s a theoretical comment by a dealer principle and not a statement from MINI. Nor does it reveal any official discussions or plans. In fact it’s a statement that any one of us could make and one we even hypothesized last year. However this feels a little different. For one it’s coming from Alexander MINI, a huge dealer for the brand over the years and if anyone might be in the know, Nicholas Alexander might. Could this suggestion be a thinly veiled confirmation that plans are underway? Why Did MINI Decide to Produce Cars in China? The J01 MINI Cooper and J05 MINI Aceman represent the fully electric future of the brand. While the current F56 electric MINI Cooper has been received well, it was always meant to be a stop-gap while BMW designed and built a new one from the ground up. However to make the economics work, BMW had to find a company to partner to help defray the enormous costs associated with creating a new vehicle from scratch. That company, Great Wall Motors seemed to be the perfect choice having quickly become an expert of electrified vehicles thanks to China’s stringent laws mandating their sales. However just months after the agreement was signed, US/Chinese relations began to implode. One thing led to another and tariffs on goods were announced on both sides. For electric cars that meant a 25% tariff on any Chinese car imported to the US. For a small car with equally small profit margins, those tariffs have proven impossible for MINI USA to solve for. And now things are getting even more complex. According to ‘Manager Magazin’, a German monthly business magazine, talks are ongoing between BMW, GWM and Chinese officials about exactly what will be built at the Chinese plant in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu province, with an annual capacity of 160,000 cars and production set to start this year. There is, however, a problem. The essential NEV (New Electric Vehicle) production license for China has yet to be signed by the authorities. The papers will now be handed over at the China Development Forum at the end of March. However, Spotlight Automotive has yet to receive the go-ahead for the already complete Jiangsu factory. How could this be happening? Given the push towards electric vehicles in China, there’s been a massive amount of start-ups over the last few years. That has created huge overcapacities, reportedly making MINI wait until one of these shoe-string budget operation fails and its precious license made available to the next inline. With MINI’s volume target rising from 293,000 to 500,000 annual sales this decade, other plants were invited to make a case for investment. As we now know, Plant Oxford put forward the winning argument and so BMW will be refitting the factory to assemble the new generation ICE and EV models side by side. A Mexican Built MINI Could Qualify for the $7,500 Tax Credit The Inflation Reduction Act stipulates that not only the car be made in North America, but a large percentage of its components as well. Just producing the MINI Cooper and Aceman in BMW Group Plant San Luis Potosi doesn’t make it qualify for the tax credits. MINI would have to source other components like batteries and electric motors from plans in North America as well. In other words the investment isn’t trivial – especially since they’re likely going through the same process in the UK and the Oxford Plant. The BMW Group Plant San Luis Potosi has been designed from the ground up to be flexible in what it produces but currently its focused on the 2 and 3 series line-up for the BMW brand. But one thing that does make this rumor interesting is the pricing advantage that Mexico brings. Costs are dramatically lower than the UK. You could imagine the total savings for building and shipping the J01 and J05 to the rest of North America would be dramatically lower. In other words, the idea must be compelling enough that BMW and MINI have thought about the concept. The post Rumor: Could MINI Expand Production to Mexico to Avoid Chinese Tariffs? appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

Do people really hate the new MINIs design? If you look at the 100s of comments on MotoringFile over the last week you would come away with that impression. Yet we’ve seen this play out in identical fashion with every MINI to be released since the classic. Is this time different? Will the brand really die because of the new MINI design approach? We think not. In fact we believe the new J01 MINI Cooper and U25 Countryman are MINI’s most daring and future forward designs since the R50 MINI Cooper. When the R50 was first shown there was both excitement and a chorus of groans from classic Mini owners. When the R56 first leaked there was unanimous reactions around its new design elements many calling them bulbous and exaggerated. Then is was the F56’s turn which was leaked ten years ago. Immediate reactions were also negative, especially in terms of the front overhang and increase in size. The U25 MINI Countryman SE – Courtesy of InsideEVsYet the common thing that all of these cars had is that they outsold what came before it. In other words, they proved MINI right every time by appealing and in turn selling. Sensing a trend? Human reaction to a new version of a highly emotional object is often initially negative. Yet once people grow accustom to it, many tend to slowly change opinions. Design is both personal and subjective which makes it the breeding ground for opinions. In other words design is hard. And in a highly regulated space like automotive and a highly emotional brand like MINI, it’s simply impossible to please everyone. Especially when it comes to owners and fans of the brand. The J01 MINI Cooper SEOur First Take on the new MINI Design Language Let’s get this out of the way. We love this new direction from MINI Design and Oliver Heimler. While there are aspects of the cars we’ve seen we’re still not sure of (those wheels above for instance), we love the overall design philosophy behind both the J01 and U25. In fact what MINI has done on the U25 in particular is an interesting stretch of the design language we first saw on the J01 Cooper. While the U25 Countryman has that same, minimal look. MINI has added body forms and other styling elements that speak to the car’s utility and attitude. Instead of adorning it loads of plastic team to speak to ruggedness, MINI has used a more holistic approach starting with the shape and form of the metal. The squared fenders are the most obvious element as you can see below. The U25 MINI Countryman SE – Courtesy of InsideEVsAlso interesting is the design element sitting on the c-pilar. It will be an element that MINI will change the look of based on model and trim. But how it neatly integrates with both the c-pilar and the curve on the roof (that’s a direct evolution from the F60) is smart in our eyes. The J01 MINI Cooper SEWhat isn’t so smart to us is the is size of the front overhangs on both these cars. The J01’s has shrunk slightly compared to the F56 but the U25’s is even larger than it’s predecessor the F60. European pedestrian safety standards not only dictate space between the front of the car and hard-points sun as engines and suspension, but also the shape. Even the curvature of the overhang are dictated by regulation (which is why we’ll never see something like the R50 or R56 again). But the length of the overhang could theoretically be smaller on a bespoke electric platform like the J01. Since electric engines are so small, we’re genuinely surprised MINI couldn’t have shrunk the overhang even more down to even R56 levels. The J01 MINI Cooper SEWhat do we love is the honesty here. With this new design language, MINI is being honest about the form or the car based on the function of it. There are no more fake vents and hood-scoops. Gone is the side scuttle which were designed to look like vents. And as we’ll see soon, gone is the bulbous retro styling inside. In its place is minimalistic and above all else digital. We can debate that removing physical buttons is good or bad (we strongly believe the latter) but what is clear is that the new interior will be a much more zen place to spend time. This new design language isn’t just about the Cooper or the Countryman that have leaked in the past few weeks. The change we’ve seen will filter into every aspect of the brand. Next will be the F66 ICE MINI Cooper. Although based on the F56, it will appear almost identical to the J01 electric MINI we’ve already seen. Then the Aceman and after that, who knows. The U25 MINI Countryman SE – Courtesy of AutocarWhatever comes, this new design language is what MINI is moving forward with. Clean and minimal, the new aesthetic moves away from the (at times) gaudy use of trim an is almost entirely functionally driven. Similar to brands like Porsche, styling is based in function and the overarching design is better for it. And yet seemingly 80% of the early comments are negative. As someone who has seen this through four generations of MINIs, it’s all incredibly predictable. And I can logically understand many of the negative opinions. Some of them are driven by normal psychological reactions of a variation of a loved product. Some of them are credible stylistic issues – some of which I had shared (maybe one or two I still wonder about). Yet we are incredibly optimistic after seeing these early looks at the new direction of MINI design. A return to functionally driven design was a core ethos of the brand in 1959 that had been lost along the way. This new direction is a return to that ethos while not feeling retro. In short, it’s everything MINI should be. The post Opinion: The New Era for MINI Design Is A Return to Form appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

The all new Electric MINI Countryman SE has been spied undisguised at a photoshoot revealing its final look. much like the electric Cooper SE, these photos are courtesy of a marketing photoshoot that was held in LA. Stylistically the U25 MINI Countryman is a sharper, more bold design that has clearly grown in every dimension. More upright with a few technical looking details, MINI has tried to make the Countryman look for off-road worthy. The front is more square and the new headlights are more dramatic in their angles. Like the J01 Cooper, the U25 Countryman follows a much more minimal aesthetic with design elements that are functionally driven first and foremost. The Countryman will once again be positioned as the largest product in the MINI range. It will also be the only platform offered by MINI with both ICE and electric power. Designed with plenty of input from the American market, it will deliver more space and utility to ever before. But can it still retain the hallmarks of the MINI brand? While we don’t yet have an answer, we have some details that give us a clue. How Big is the U25 MINI Countryman? According to MINI we’ll see some noticeable increases in length on this new Countryman. Growing mostly behind the rear wheel wheels, we’ll see an additional five inches of length in total. The added length is designed to dramatically increase the rear cargo space putting it on par with other crossovers in the category. Note the wheelbase will not be changing over the F60 which could mean an even larger front over-hang. R60 Countryman (’10-’16) F60 Countryman (’17-’23)U25 Countryman (’24-’32)Length4097 mm / 161.3 in4298 mm / 169.2 in4429 mm / 174.37 inHeight1562 mm / 61.5 in1557 mm / 61.3 in1613 mm / 63.5 inWheelbase2596 mm / 102.2 in2670 mm / 105.1 in2670 mm / 105.11 inWhat about weight? Our sources are telling us that MINI will make use of advanced chassis design and plenty of new aluminum components to reduce the weight gain you might expect with the growth in detentions. We can get an idea of weight by looking at the new BMW X1 which has a 3,750 lbs curb weight. That’s only up 24 lbs over the previous generation despite being marginally larger and being offered with more standard equipment. Given this we’d expect the next generation Countryman All4 won’t be far off the current car’s 3,726 lbs curb weight (assuming equipment levels are similar). Electric MINI Countryman SE MINI will launch two electric configurations simply named the E and SE. The E will have a single motor driving the front wheels while the SE will offer a two motor set-up driving all four wheels. Countryman ECountryman SE*WLTP Range – Europe273 miles261 milesEPA Range – United States (estimated)213 miles204 miles*The SE will be the only model imported to North AmericaOne important note about range that is almost always missed by commenters on social media. The WLTP testing protocol produces, on average 22% higher mileage figures than EPA testing by. However in our experience, real world performance often lies somewhere in the middle, a bit closer to the EPA numbers. Another important point not factored into these numbers is BMW’s historically conservative published performance numbers. Given that the EPA figures are self reported by automakers, there is some flexibility in how they test and produce numbers. Third party tests have shown brands like BMW and Porsche are often under-reporting real-world range in order to accommodate for various conditions. Data has shown some other automakers don’t follow that same philosophy. Countryman ECountryman SE*Horsepower185 hp (140 KW)264 hp (200 kW)Battery Size64 kWh 64 kWh*US model.Leveraging the same technical layout as the BMW iX1, the Countryman E single motor variant will produce 185 hp and be offered in FWD only. The WTLP rated range for the Countryman E will be 440 km or 273 miles. The Countryman SE will see an output of 265 hp via dual motors and AWD. The 64.7-kWh t-shaped battery pack in the SE will have a range of 440 km or 261 miles. The 2025 MINI Countryman Production Timing MINI will debut the 2024 MINI Countryman (labeled a 2025 in the US) in the second half of 2023 with an all-out model onslaught. Based on our sources, this is what we expect to see in terms of production timing: U25 / Leipzig, GermanyStart of ProductionU25 ICE Countryman11/2023U25 ICE Countryman S11/2023*U25 ICE Countryman JCW11/2023*U25 BEV Countryman E03/2024U25 BEV Countryman SE03/2024*U25 BEV Countryman JCWTBD**US market models The post All New Electric MINI Countryman SE Revealed in Undisguised Photos appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

When the R56 was first launched ten years ago, it drew mixed reactions due to its styling and larger size compared to the the R56. However thanks in large part to critical acclaim and high build quality, history has been kind to the F56. and so have sales. Today MINI is celebrating the 1 millionth F56 made, the highest number of any MINI model made since the classic. Official Release: The original celebrates its anniversary: The one millionth MINI 3-door of the current generation. Maximum interior space on a minimum footprint – Sir Alec Issigonis wrote automotive history in 1959 with this simple yet ingenious vehicle concept. The modern version of the MINI 3-door also breaks with conventions along the same lines, reinvents itself time and again, and stands out from the crowd with its unique design. In 2013, MINI presented the current reinterpretation of the compact 3-door for the first time, which has been available worldwide since 2014 and has remained true to itself over all these years. Now, in 2023, the one millionth vehicle of the iconic model will roll off the production line at the MINI plant in Oxford. Fittingly, the tradition-rich British plant is celebrating its 110th anniversary this year. In addition to the British production site, the MINI 3-door was also produced for a time in Born, the Netherlands. Unmistakably MINI. The typical appearance of the MINI 3-door is characterized by dynamic lines, clear shapes and short overhangs, making the agile four-seater the ideal companion in dense urban traffic. For its market launch in 2014, the completely redesigned generation of the MINI 3-door presents itself with high recognition value and significant advances in the areas of technology, efficiency and power delivery. But while automobiles in almost all vehicle segments are becoming increasingly similar, the MINI 3-door has remained both rebel and icon over all these years. The typical face of the MINI with the characteristic headlights characterizes the purist front and, together with the Union Jack combination rear lamps, bonnet stripes and stylish side scuttles, stands for expressive design. To this day, the original, with its typical MINI driving pleasure, maximum quality and numerous options for customization, has a steadily growing fan base worldwide. The original with great variety. The MINI 3-door is the original in the premium small car segment. MINI fans have been able to choose between numerous configurations since the unmistakable model went into production. From the MINI One First with its original 55 kW/75 hp to the more powerfully powered MINI Cooper with 100 kW/136 hp to the racing-inspired MINI John Cooper Works models, the MINI 3-Door impresses with inspiringly agile driving characteristics and is the blueprint for modern small and compact cars. From the outset, the MINI 3-door has been available with a diesel or gasoline engine, and since 2020 the highly successful MINI Cooper SE has stood for electrified go-kart feeling. The one-millionth vehicle is also an electric model and will be delivered to Canada in British Racing Green paint. Last year, MINI recorded a significant increase in sales of electrified models, with one in five MINI models now electric. The next generation of the MINI family will also start with the MINI 3-door. The new edition of the original is geared to electric driving pleasure from the outset and has ideal prerequisites for inspiring agility and the creative use of space that is typical of MINI. In addition to maximum go-kart feeling for MINI fans, the focus of the new MINI 3-door is also on minimizing its ecological footprint. In this way, MINI is consistently developing the concept for urban driving fun that has been successful for more than 60 years. Impressive racing history. As a friend of Mini inventor Alec Issigonis, race car designer John Cooper first developed a GT model based on the classic Mini in 1960 and established the model’s motorsport history. To this day, the John Cooper Works brand name stands for outstanding performance. With 225 kW/306 hp, the 2019 MINI John Cooper Works GP is the brand’s fastest ever road-going model. The powerful four-cylinder turbo engine of the MINI 3-door, limited to 3,000 units, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, citing MINI’s impressive racing history. From winning the British Touring Car Championships with the first Mini Cooper to three overall victories at the Monte Carlo Rally and numerous other appearances, the MINI 3-door has stood for sporting highlights time and again and carries racing in its genes. Most recently, the Bulldog Racing MINI John Cooper Works proved itself at the Nürburgring 24-hour race on the legendary Nordschleife and quickly became a crowd favorit. The post The One Millionth F56 MINI Rolls Off the Assembly Line appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

As part of MINI’s shift to full electrification by the early 2030s, the brand is killing its Countryman plugin hybrid PHEV. While the Countryman Cooper S hybrid never accounted for a dominant percentage of global sales, it’s been a steady seller and in some markets even a big part of the product mix. MINI killing the model is a bold move that foreshadows its confidence in what will replace it. The commitment MINI is making to an all-electric future of the MINI brand means that they will refrain from plug-in hybrid vehicles in the new generation of vehicles altogether. This is despite the fact that the Countryman’s base platform was designed to accommodate ICE, full electric and plugin hybrid models. Making it even easier, MINI could have simply borrowed the BMW X1’s plug-in technical setup and offered something similar to the xDRIVE30e which offers 177hp and 56 miles (WLTP) of full electric driving. Yet MINI is on a mission to go full electric and that clearly means the brand isn’t interested in half measures. Yes all revised ICE engines have what is known as a mild-hybrid component, in reality that will simply allow for a better start/stop experience and potentially a subtle burst of speed at certain times. MINI’s Countryman Hybrid Replacement Strategy MINI’s strategy is to offer the best of the ICE and full electric with the Countryman. This move will allow MINI to make a clear distinction between the models and, in a sense, its past and future. Here’s an early look at those two models. Electric MINI Countryman MINI will launch two electric configurations simply named the E and SE. The E will have a single motor driving the front wheels while the SE will offer a two motor set-up driving all four wheels. Countryman ECountryman SE*WLTP Range – Europe273 miles261 milesEPA Range – United States (estimated)213 miles204 miles*The SE will be the only model imported to North AmericaOne important note about range that is almost always missed by commenters on social media. The WLTP testing protocol produces, on average 22% higher mileage figures than EPA testing by. However in our experience, real world performance often lies somewhere in the middle, a bit closer to the EPA numbers. Another important point not factored into these numbers is BMW’s historically conservative published performance numbers. Given that the EPA figures are self reported by automakers, there is some flexibility in how they test and produce numbers. Third party tests have shown brands like BMW and Porsche are often under-reporting real-world range in order to accommodate for various conditions. Data has shown some other automakers don’t follow that same philosophy. Countryman ECountryman SE*Horsepower185 hp (140 KW)264 hp (200 kW)Battery Size64 kWh 64 kWh*US model.Leveraging the same technical layout as the BMW iX1, the Countryman E single motor variant will produce 185 hp and be offered in FWD only. The WTLP rated range for the Countryman E will be 440 km or 273 miles. The Countryman SE will see an output of 265 hp via dual motors and AWD. The 64.7-kWh t-shaped battery pack in the SE will have a range of 440 km or 261 miles. ICE MINI Countryman We expect MINI to use the 1.5 three cylinder engine in the base model with different tunes ranging from 137 hp to 170 hp. However MotoringFile has conformed that the US market will not be getting the base Countryman and instead will use the Countryman S as its entry-level model. The ICE Countryman S The Countryman S will feature a 2.0 four cylinder with varying tunes; 200 hp and 206 ft-lbs and 240 hp and 265 ft-lbs. Sources are mixed as to what we’ll see in the US market but there the 200 hp tune is likely for the standard Countryman S while we could see the All4 get the 240 hp version of the 2.0L. This shift is strategy mirrors what we’ve seen on the BMW size with the BMW X1. The ICE Countryman JCW The U25 Countryman JCW will carrier over its 2.0 four cylinder but will have an increased output. Sources tell us to expect 330 hp coupled with a mild hybrid system that enables a further burst in power. All petrol engines will get a 48 volt mild hybrid system and will be mated to a revised 7-speed dual clutch with an all new gear selector design. Unsurprisingly the manual transmission will be eliminated in all ICE models. The 2025 MINI Countryman Production Timing MINI will debut the 2024 MINI Countryman (labeled a 2025 in the US) in the second half of 2023 with an all-out model onslaught. Based on our sources, this is what we expect to see in terms of production timing: U25 / Leipzig, GermanyStart of ProductionU25 ICE Countryman11/2023U25 ICE Countryman S11/2023*U25 ICE Countryman JCW11/2023*U25 BEV Countryman E03/2024U25 BEV Countryman SE03/2024*U25 BEV Countryman JCWTBD**US market modelsThe post The MINI Countryman Hybrid Is Dead appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

Since the first photos leaked in 2021, the all new electric J01 MINI Cooper SE has been an open secret. Last week we got another early look at the car courtesy of a photoshoot in California. But the problem is none of these photos give us an accurate look – until now. Today we have the first clear, undisguised photos of the J01 MINI Cooper and in turn MINI’s new design language destined for all models. Like the leaked shots last week, these photos show is a J01 MINI Cooper SE finished in Indigo Sunset Blue and 18” Night Flash Spoke 2-tone wheels. It’s a classic combo of blue and white that harkens back to the early 60’s which we absolutely love. The Design of the all new Electric MINI Cooper SE The design itself pays off what Head of MINI Design Oliver Hiemler has been hinting towards; minimalism and simplicity that is inspired by the original Mini. There is almost a stark minimalism compared to what we’ve seen over the last decade. In short there’s no faux vents or busy creases to be found. In fact there’s really not a single design elements that doesn’t have purpose functionally. That in itself is a massive departure from most modern MINI’s save the original R50. While it’s decidedly not a retro design, there are countless philosophical links to the past. Now let’s discuss that front overhang. While slightly reduced, it’s still a little larger than we’d hoped despite the fact that this is 100% a EV. We had expected MINI would have been able to package the small electric motor back far enough to allow for the impact zone to be further set-back. Yet there’s a lot to like in these first photos. The front is particularly striking with smaller, more proportional details than the F56 generation. What we see here are the standard lights and not the adaptive LEDs that will be optional. The lights are small as is the entire scale of the front-end. While it’s hard to tell without the F56 (or forthcoming F66 next to it), the J01 feels a bit more subtle and sophisticated than the current MINI. Also note the large, centrally located radar module there to support L2 autonomy features. Around back things get interesting. For us that’s a good thing but we’re sure a few of you won’t like the departure. Leveraging LED technology, an owner of the new J01 or F66 Cooper can change how their front and rear lights look when on and active. Want Union Jack tail lights? Or how about something more minimal? MINI will offer a number of different designs that will help owners differentiate their cars. Does it work and do you mind the radical departure from MINIs past? Let us know below. 2025 MINI Cooper SE Range & Performance The all new electric MINI Cooper will come in two flavors; the Cooper E and the Cooper SE. The E will have a 40kWh battery driving the front wheels and should see a range of around 200 miles on the WTLP testing cycle. The Cooper SE (also FWD) will have a larger 54kWh battery and should see a 240 mile range with WTLP testing. Our sources have told us that these figures are relatively conservative (as is BMW’s typical position). An important note for those comparing this to the current electric MINI hatch – that car has a 110 mile range and a 28.9kWh battery. 2025 J01 MINI Cooper E2025 J01 MINI Cooper SE2023 F56 MINI Cooper SEHorsepower181 hp215 hp181 hpRange200 miles (WLTP)240 miles (WLTP)125 miles (WLTPBattery Size 40kWh 54kWh32.6 kWhPerformance is also up with the Cooper E offering 181bhp – similar to the traditional Cooper S performance. The hotter Cooper SE will have 215bhp and should have JCW levels of performance. Theres also a JCW version coming. MINI is developing a full JCW version that it will feature the same 54kWh battery as the SE, arriving in mid-2025 with a focus on power over range. Expect an output around 250bhp. How Big is the J01 2025 MINI Cooper SE? Despite this clean-sheet design MINI kept the overall size extremely close to the current F56 MINI Cooper – and in fact went about 1.5” longer overall thanks to a longer wheelbase. It’s also almost an inch taller – likely due to the batteries sitting across the entire floor. However the key thing for the classic MINI Cooper are the dimensions. Here’s a quick view of how it stacks up against the last two generations of MINIs R56 MINI CooperF56 ICE MINI CooperJ01 2025 Electric MINI CooperLength3698 mm / 145.6 in3850 mm / 151.57 in3860 mm / 151.91 inHeight1407 mm / 55.4 in1414 mm / 55.67 in1435 mm / 56.49 inWheelbase2467 mm / 97.1 in2495 mm / 98.23 in2525 mm / 99.40Will The 2025 Electric MINI Cooper (J01) Come To The US? Given that the J01 is made in China, it will see a 25% tariff added to it. That’s a massive amount for a small car intended to be affordable. How could MINIUSA overcome the 25% tariff on a small car with razor thin margins? Luckily MINI seemingly has a strategy in place. BMW is to secure UK production for the all new J01 electric MINI Cooper. We first reported the rumors of BMW building the J01 in Oxford last fall. But since that time there appears to be multiple points of confirmation that point to China being only one part of the production strategy. And perhaps more importantly the move would clear the way for the all new J01 electric MINI Cooper to eventually come to the North American market. Recently Sky News reported that BMW has secured UK government funding to help expand the Oxford Plant for the new range of electric MINIs. While an official announcement won’t likely come until late this spring, it’s believed that the investment package will be worth close to £500m – £75m of which would be from the UK Government. Stefanie Wurst, Head of MINI, has previously hinted that some new generation electric MINIs will be assembled at Plant Oxford beginning in 2027. We’ve also had a source confirm that timing saying it would coincide with a refresh of the model planed in the middle of its lifecycle. This would make it an ideal time to refine the J01 and introduce it to North America, perhaps even with more range and performance. J01 2025 MINI Cooper SE Launch Dates The J01 MINI Cooper will debut at the Munich Motorshow this September. While production was to start later this year in China, rumors are pointing to it being delayed until May of 2024. Once it does start, expect sales to begin in the UK, Europe and Asia shortly after. As we mentioned above, expect a refreshed version to hit North America and other markets in 2027 and be made in the UK. J01 MINI Cooper (BEV) / ChinaStart of ProductionJ01 MINI Cooper E05/2024J01 MINI Cooper SE 05/2024J01 MINI Cooper JCW*TBDFor much more on the all new J01 electric MINI Cooper, head over to MotoringFile’s dedicated J01 section. The post All New Electric MINI Cooper SE Revealed In Best Photos Yet appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

The concept of a digital assistant inside of cars has been around for years. MINI itself has the option of integrating Alexa as well as Siri (the latter two CarPlay). But what we have here is different. Spike is MINI’s first full integrated digital assistant and one that will take on a playful, almost cartoon like personality. Full integrated into MINI’s next generation circular infotainment system, Spike, designed after a British bulldog, will play a significant role in the driving experience. While MINI is only announcing the concept today, we’ve been told by sources to expect Spike to have the ability to not just handle typical voice activated features like navigation but also the car’s core functionality as well. Need to close the windows but have both hands on the wheel or need to turn on the heated seats, Spike can help. With MINI going several core bits of functionality from physical buttons to software settings, this feature could be a core interaction with the vehicle. Now let’s talk about the name. As good as the assistant might ultimately be, the name is more than a little “cringey”. In fact first reaction was harken back to a classic Simpson’s episode when the makers of the Itchy and Scratchy cartoon created a character designed by a bunch of executives to appeal to kids called Poochie. Naturally the character failed because it was painfully not cool despite it (on paper) appealing to all the things kids liked. In other words in desperately trying to be cool, it was inherently uncool. Could Spike be a modern day Poochie? We’ll hold our judgement until we see it in action. Until then read on for the full press release and gallery showing early concept interactions in the recently release Aceman concept. Both Spike and the Aceman concept (same one we saw last year) will be shown at the Shanghai Motor Show this week. Official Release: MINI Unveils Spike – The Brand’s Digital Assistant For New Generation of Models Munich, Germany, April 9, 2023. Spike, the canine friend of the MINI brand, is reimagined and brought to life in the digital world. Inspired by the look of an English Bulldog, he guides you through the operating concept of the future MINI model family. In his role as MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant, he provides various forms of support. Spike makes his first major appearance at the Auto Shanghai international trade fair (18-27 April, 2023) in China. There, the reimagined four-legged friend will become an art toy welcoming visitors to the MINI stand as a large-format sculpture. Art toys are independent works of art that combine elements of toys and sculptures in the style of urban pop culture. Spike will also be appearing as an active protagonist in the cockpit of the new MINI Concept Aceman. The new Spike mode sets the perfect stage for the digital companion, who is presenting to the public for the first time on the circular OLED central display and dashboard. MINI will enable comprehensive insights into the digital world of the new model family and Spike’s diverse functions in the further course of 2023. Spike has been accompanying this British premium brand’s success story since the modern MINI debuted in 2001. The bulldog, with its compact and powerful stature, British heritage and likeable nature was considered the perfect animal equivalent of the MINI even at the time. “MINI will always be synonymous with emotions and remarkable experiences,” said Oliver Heilmer, Head of MINI Design. “That’s why we are now taking Spike into the future as a digital character. And he is not just a design experiment – he is becoming a characterful companion for the user experience.” For the MINI community, the MINI Design Team developed Spike from an initial sketch to a versatile companion that draws attention beyond just the vehicle; he has already been staged as an art toy as part of the world premiere of the MINI Concept Aceman. Wherever Spike appears, he delivers unexpected experiences and exciting encounters. The launch of the brand’s new model family strengthens the vehicle’s connection with drivers’ individual lifestyles. This emotional connection between person and automobile is invigorated by a digital character that Spike embodies in his very own personable way. The post MINI Unveils Spike – The Brand’s Digital Assistant For NeGeneration of Models appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

Earlier this year we broke the news that the MINI Clubman was set to end production in early 2024. Almost on cue MINI announced a worldwide “Final Edition” intended to celebrate the model’s two generation run before it is gone forever. Today MINI USA is announcing availability and pricing for the special edition model celebrating the end of the Clubman. Perhaps even more importantly they’re announcing when the Clubman will end production. If you want a Clubman before they’re gone for good, you’ll want to read on. The Clubman Final Edition is a celebration and send-off for the beloved MINI shooting brake that is probably our favorite current MINI in production. Based off the MINI Cooper S Clubman All4, the U.S. Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of the MINI Clubman Final Edition is $46,150 plus an additional $995 for Destination and Handling. The Final Edition honors the model’s heritage, from the very first Clubman offered in 1969 to the current generation MINI Clubman. The MINI Clubman Final Edition will be offered in a very limited capacity in the U.S. From a total of 1,969 units globally, fewer than 100 examples of the MINI Clubman Final Edition will be available to U.S. customers exclusively through a special pre-order reservation process. Available in Nanuq White, Enigmatic Black and Melting Silver and is available in various models depending market. With details in the color Shimmer Copper, the Final Edition has similar details to the recent Untold Edition. The surrounds and the upper third of the radiator grille crossbar are in the shimmering edition colour, as are the model-typical MINI Cooper S Blade and the side scuttles. The graphic pattern on the 18-inch light-alloy wheels in the Final Edition Spoke 2- tone design is also finished in a tinted clear lacquer reminiscent of copper. Finished in Enigmatic Black the whole thing has a classic John Player livery feel to it. The interior of the MINI Clubman Final Edition also has some unique touches. For example, the door sill trims with the edition-specific “Final Edition” lettering, which is also found on the lower spoke of the sports leather steering wheel which is finished in Nappa leather. The MINI Yours leather sports seats with adjustable thigh support and sewn-in edition badge are finished in Dark Maroon. They are set off by an anthracite-colored Piquet fabric insert and blue contrasting stitching. The MINI Clubman Final Edition will be available in Cooper S in North America and Cooper SD in Europe. Unfortunately it would appear that MINI won’t be offering the Clubman JCW in this special edition package. 2024 Model Year Special Edition Pricing MINI Cooper S ALL4 Clubman MSRPFinal Edition ContentMINI Cooper S ALL4 Clubman Final Edition MSRP$36,150 $10,000 $46,150 Final Clubman Availability and Ordering Timing Separately, MINI USA announces the broader MINI Clubman model range will be available for US customers to order up through February 2024 production, at which time ordering will end for the model range. Why Is MINI Killing The Clubman? The Clubman in particular has had a hard time finding an audience outside of Europe as small wagon sales have slowed to a crawl in many markets. And despite MotoringFile calling the F54 JCW Clubman the best all around MINI ever made, it’s been a hard sell for dealers. Especially next to the taller more SUV like Countryman. And now MINI is making the Countryman even larger while introducing a smaller electric Aceman crossover the US might not even get. It’s a sad end to our favorite car in the MINI line-up The original Clubman is a bit divisive. With the third door on the wrong side or right-hand drive markets, it was looked at as the “other” MINI even but the brand’s own marketing. While we loved the concept, it never really jelled for us as it felt too close to the R56 and didn’t find the sweet spot that the F54 ultimately did in terms of utility and performance. The F54 Clubman on the other hand has been our favorite MINI model since it’s introduction in 2015. We’ve run three of them over the years – a manual Cooper S All4, the 228 hp JCW and most recently a 306 hp JCW. While all were great cars, the 306 hp JCW Clubman might just be out favorite new MINI ever made. The post MINI USA Announces Clubman Final Edition Pricing and The Model’s End of Production Timing appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

A handful of European based press got a chance to see and ride in the new 2025 electric MINI Countryman last month at an event in Munich. While there are no driving review until later this year, this is our best look at what this new, larger Countryman and even how the electric Countryman SE performs. Autocar and Autoexpress were two of the publications that attended and have some of the best initial takes from the experience. At a high-level both came away impressed by the crossover – even in prototype form: One theme you’ll read throughout is size and space. We’ve gone into detail how the 2025 MINI Countryman. Both were immediately struck by the increase in size inside and in the cargo area. While the wheelbase is identical to the F60, the overhangs have grown – especially in the rear. That has allowed for MINI to stretch out the interior a bit while providing more luggage space. R60 Countryman (’10-’16) F60 Countryman (’17-’23)U25 Countryman (’24-’32)Length4097 mm / 161.3 in4298 mm / 169.2 in4429 mm / 174.37 inHeight1562 mm / 61.5 in1557 mm / 61.3 in1613 mm / 63.5 inWheelbase2596 mm / 102.2 in2670 mm / 105.1 in2670 mm / 105.11 inAlso inside is where you’ll find MINI’s new circular OLED based circular nine-inch touchscreen. With this system MINI is finally moving away from BMW’s iDrive system in terms of user experience. It is also allowing MINI to ditch many of the physical controls that owners are used to such as heated seats. Having experience the new iDrive which has reduced many of the same physical controls, we can only hope MINI has done it better. Luckily there are a handful of shortcut buttons that will open menus on the screen for easy access. However one thing was clear to both journalists – this new operating system is a complete departure from what MINI has had for years. Elsewhere Autocar noted that the dashboard was made of “colourful woven fibres” rather than molded, textured rubber that we seen in most if not all modern cars. That harkens back to the Aceman concept we saw last year. How Does The New Electric Countryman Drive and What’s the Range? While journalists still haven’t driven it, the ride alongs did provide some ability to judge the driving experience. Also interesting is that MINI noted an estimated range of 280 miles rather than the 240 we had heard earlier. Assuming that’s an estimated WLTP number we’d expect a US EPA number of around 218 miles. Other than that, both publications came away impressed in the driving experience from the passenger. The fact that the Countryman will only have passive dampers is a bit of a shock given that the previous generation has had them for years. However the driving experience doesn’t seem to suffer at all. It’s incredibly interesting, even from the passenger seat. Countryman driving dynamics engineer Simon Krüger went on to explain that the team think of it “like a tablecloth that we pull itin different directions to make sure we end up where we want it to be.” And this quote was particular promising; “You need to feel the road – we don’t want to banish that – but the perfect compromise is somewhere in between.” We’ll be driving the 2025 MINI Countryman in both ICE and electric flavors later this year. Until then MotoringFile be delivering exclusive details on the car, performance, options and timing. And in the meantime head over to our U25 Countryman section for all the exclusive details we’ve revealed thus far. Official Press Release: Fully electric: The next generation MINI Countryman. As a stylish all-rounder and spacious everyday companion, the MINI Countryman continues the MINI brand’s product offensive of all-electric models. With five doors and a variable-use interior, the largest model in the new MINI family of vehicles is leading the brand into an era of locally emission-free electromobility. With its optional all-wheel drive, the powerfully powered adventurer also ensures safe and unbridled driving pleasure off the beaten track. The first generation of the MINI Countryman was already an instant success for MINI, and from 2010 it expanded the model family to include a compact SUV vehicle with all-wheel drive, five doors and – for the first time in a MINI model – over four meters in length. In the first generation, the trunk of the versatile adventurer can be flexibly expanded from 370 litres to up to 1,170 litres thanks to the sliding and folding rear seat. From 2017, the second-generation MINI Countryman featured the MINI Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 as the first plug-in hybrid MINI model to offer an additional 65 kW/88 hp electric motor on the rear axle. The new generation of the largest MINI model is fully electric and locally emission-free. The MINI Countryman E delivers 140 kW/191 hp, whereas the MINI Countryman SE ALL4 is the brand’s first all-wheel-drive fully- electric vehicle. Two highly integrated drive units on the front and rear axles together generate an output of 230 kW/313 hp, including a temporary boost. The battery capacity is 64.7 kWh. With an estimated range of around 450 kilometres, the MINI Countryman feels just as comfortable in city centres as on longer distances across the countryside. With the all-electric MINI Countryman, MINI is further expanding the proportion of electrified models. Every fifth MINI is already electric today. With its length increased by 13 centimetres to 4,429 mm, the spacious adventurer offers even more space and comfort for its occupants. The height grew by almost six centimetres to now 1,613 mm, offering even more headroom. The new MINI Countryman combines locally emission-free electromobility with the greatest possible environmental compatibility in production as well. This includes dispensing with all decorative elements in the exterior and interior and manufacturing the cast light-alloy wheels from up to 70 percent secondary aluminium. In combination with the use of green electricity in production, CO2 emissions can be significantly reduced compared with conventional manufacturing processes. The surfaces of the dashboards, steering wheel, vehicle headliner and floor, and floor mats are made of recycled polyester obtained from PET bottles and carpet remnants. This high-quality, colourful and comfortable alternative to traditional materials reduces CO2 emissions along the value chain by up to 85 percent and emphasizes the focus on minimizing the ecological footprint of the next MINI model generation. The long-term sustainable strategy for energy generation and consumption of the BMW Group’s “green plant” at the Leipzig site includes four wind turbines with a height of 190 meters on the factory premises. This could generate more than 20 GWh of electricity from wind energy per year. In the Battery Farm up to 700 second-life high-voltage batteries from BMW i3 vehicles are used to store energy, such as that generated by the wind turbines. By storing the energy on the premises, local energy management can be optimised and the electrical grid kept stable. The BMW Group is expanding on-site e-component production capacity by eight production lines by 2024 and investing more than 800 million euros. The decarbonization of production by replacing fossil fuels with hydrogen is the focus of what is already one of the most modern and sustainable automotive production facilities in the world. The post MINI Shows Off the New Electric Countryman SE to the Press appeared first on MotoringFile. 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MINI USA sales continue on their upward trajectory with a 5.9% increase in Q1 of 2023. In total MINI USA sold 7,284 vehicles in the first quarter of 2023, an increase over the 6,876 vehicles sold in the first quarter of 2022. It’s an incredible feat given the age of the model line-up (some nearly a decade old) and lack of higher range EVs in the line-up. What models are the big winners in 2023? It’s an interesting because all numbers are up except for the brand’s sales leader – the Countryman. Why? Production constraints could be part of it. But the Countryman also plays in a market that’s much more crowded than the other products and is perhaps less insulated from the new models coming from rivals. Regardless it’s downright incredible to see the F56 based MINIs doing so well a full ten years into the product life-cycle. The post MINI USA Sales Up 5.9 for Q1 2023 appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

The design of the J01 2025 electric MINI Cooper SE has been an open secret since the near final car was leaked in 2020 via Chinese sources. Today we have an entirely new and even more revealing look snapped at a marketing photoshoot in California. What does it show? Let’s dive in. What these photos show is a J01 MINI Cooper SE finished in Indigo Sunset Blue and 18” Night Flash Spoke 2-tone wheels. It’s a classic combo of blue and white that harkens back to the early 60’s which we absolutely love. This camouflaged version attempts to throw you off with extra large, F56 style lights and a faux Cooper S hood scoop. Neither are in the final design.The design itself is generally what we expected based on all the spy shots. Head of MINI Design Oliver Hiemler had told us to expect minimalism and simplicity and that’s what we have. There is almost a stark minimalism compared to what we’ve seen over the last decade. In short there’s no faux vents or busy creases to be found. In fact there’s really not a single design elements that doesn’t have purpose functionally. That in itself is a massive departure from most modern MINI’s save the original R50. The front overhang is regrettably still large despite the fact that this is 100% a EV. You’d think MINI would have been able to package the small electric motor back far enough to allow for the impact zone to be further set-back. Alas that doesn’t seem to be the case. Note the difference in light graphics on the adaptive LEDs vs what we see in these photos.Yet there’s a lot to like. What we see here are the standard lights and not the adaptive LEDs that will be optional. The lights are small as is the entire scale of the front-end. While it’s hard to tell without the F56 (or forthcoming F66 next to it), the J01 seen here has smaller features and we’re told feels a bit more subtle than the current MINI. Also note the large, centrally located radar module there to support L2 autonomy features. Since this isn’t a US spec car (those be coming until at least the 2027 LCI) there aren’t even side reflectors here. In fact the only design element on the side of the car (save the recessed door handle which we’ll all hate) is the tiny turn signal light on the mirror. Otherwise what we see is a simple and modern shape devoid of even the black plastic wheel arches we’ve come to know since the R50. Does the modern MINI work without those wheel arches? As long as the wheels are at least 17″ we think so. Luckily MINI agrees and there will only be 17″ and 18″ wheels offered. Around back things get funky. For us that’s a good thing but we’re sure more than a few of you won’t like the departure. Leveraging LED technology, an owner of the new J01 or F66 Cooper can change how their front and rear lights look when on and active. Want Union Jack tail lights? Or how about something more minimal? MINI will offer a number of different designs that will help owners differentiate their cars. Does it work and do you mind the radical departure from MINIs past? Let us know below. 2025 MINI Cooper SE Range & Performance The all new electric MINI Cooper will come in two flavors; the Cooper E and the Cooper SE. The E will have a 40kWh battery driving the front wheels and should see a range of around 200 miles on the WTLP testing cycle. The Cooper SE (also FWD) will have a larger 54kWh battery and should see a 240 mile range with WTLP testing. Our sources have told us that these figures are relatively conservative (as is BMW’s typical position). An important note for those comparing this to the current electric MINI hatch – that car has a 110 mile range and a 28.9kWh battery. 2025 J01 MINI Cooper E2025 J01 MINI Cooper SE2023 F56 MINI Cooper SEHorsepower181 hp215 hp181 hpRange200 miles (WLTP)240 miles (WLTP)125 miles (WLTPBattery Size 40kWh 54kWh32.6 kWhPerformance is also up with the Cooper E offering 181bhp – similar to the traditional Cooper S performance. The hotter Cooper SE will have 215bhp and should have JCW levels of performance. While we’ve heard MINI is developing a full JCW version, Autocar has a few new details. According to the publication it will feature the same 54kWh battery as the SE, will arrive in mid-2025 – around a year after the standard cars, with a focus on power over range, suggesting upgraded motors will be fitted. Expect an output around 250bhp. How Big is the J01 2025 MINI Cooper SE? Despite this clean-sheet design MINI kept the overall size extremely close to the current F56 MINI Cooper – and in fact went about 1.5? longer overall. It’s also almost an inch taller – likely due to the batteries sitting across the entire floor. However the key thing for the classic MINI Cooper are the dimensions. Here’s a quick view of how it stacks up against the last two generations of MINIs R56 MINI CooperF56 ICE MINI CooperJ01 2025 Electric MINI CooperLength3698 mm / 145.6 in3850 mm / 151.57 in3860 mm / 151.91 inHeight1407 mm / 55.4 in1414 mm / 55.67 in1435 mm / 56.49 inWheelbase2467 mm / 97.1 in2495 mm / 98.23 in2525 mm / 99.40Will The 2025 Electric MINI Cooper (J01) Come To The US? Given that the J01 is made in China, it will see a 25% tariff added to it. That’s a massive amount for a small car intended to be affordable. How could MINIUSA overcome the 25% tariff on a small car with razor thin margins? Luckily MINI now has a strategy in place. BMW is to secure UK production for the all new J01 electric MINI Cooper. We first reported the rumors of BMW building the J01 in Oxford last fall. But since that time there appears to be multiple points of confirmation that point to China being only one part of the production strategy. And perhaps more importantly the move would clear the way for the all new J01 electric MINI Cooper to eventually come to the North American market. Recently Sky News reported that BMW has secured UK government funding to help expand the Oxford Plant for the new range of electric MINIs. While an official announcement won’t likely come until late this spring, it’s believed that the investment package will be worth close to £500m – £75m of which would be from the UK Government. Stefanie Wurst, Head of MINI, has previously hinted that some new generation electric MINIs will be assembled at Plant Oxford beginning in 2027. We’ve also had a source confirm that timing saying it would coincide with a refresh of the model planed in the middle of its lifecycle. This would make it an ideal time to refine the J01 and introduce it to North America, perhaps even with more range and performance. J01 2025 MINI Cooper SE Launch Dates The J01 MINI Cooper will debut at the Munich Motorshow this September. While production was to start later this year in China, rumors are pointing to it being delayed until May of 2024. Once it does start, expect sales to begin in the UK, Europe and Asia shortly after. As we mentioned above, expect a refreshed version to hit North America and other markets in 2027 and be made in the UK. J01 MINI Cooper (BEV) / ChinaStart of ProductionJ01 MINI Cooper E05/2024J01 MINI Cooper SE 05/2024J01 MINI Cooper JCW*TBDFor much more on the all new J01 electric MINI Cooper, head over to MotoringFile’s dedicated J01 section. Important note: we don’t reproduce commercial spy photos that we don’t have the rights for. However it’s unclear where these photos originally came from as we’ve heard from some sources that they originally appeared on social medial. We’ve reproduced a few of them here but to see all of them head over to our friends at Autoblog to take a look. But make you head back here for all the exclusive details you won’t get anywhere else. The post 2025 Electric MINI Cooper SE Leaked! appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

Thanks to one of most reliable sources, we our first look at the U25 2025 MINI Countryman color offerings. Like those on the 2025 F66 MINI Cooper, it’s a mix of old, new and unexpected. And that palette will, for the first time, include a ’frozen” matte paint option seen on BMW’s and other brands. The 2025 MINI Countryman is a big move for MINI. Yes it’s literally big – we’ll see an additional five inches of length in total. But it’s big because it moves MINI squarely into the small, premium crossover market with both ICE and full electric options. With that MINI will beed to straddle the line between the typical MINI dynamics and appealing to a wide audience in either drivetrain. And that appeal starts with colors – plenty of them safe. With that in mind here are the 2025 MINI Countryman colors we’ve been able to confirm: Nanuq White (current)Melting Silver III (current)Legend Grey (we believe this is a medium grey)Frozen Portimao Blue (this is a matte version of a BMW color)British Racing Green (current)We also believe MINI will launch with Midnight Black II (or something similar) and the classic Chili Red as part of the core palette. The 2025 MINI Countryman Production Timing MINI will debut the 2024 MINI Countryman (labeled a 2025 in the US) in the second half of 2023 with an all-out model onslaught. Based on our sources, this is what we expect to see in terms of production timing: U25 / Leipzig, GermanyStart of ProductionU25 ICE Countryman11/2023U25 ICE Countryman S11/2023*U25 ICE Countryman JCW11/2023*U25 BEV Countryman E03/2024U25 BEV Countryman SE03/2024*U25 BEV Countryman JCWTBD**US market modelsWhat do you think? Is MINI playing too safe or do these colors make sense given the Countryman’s position in the line-up? If you want all the background, head to MotoringFile’s U25 2025 MINI Countryman section. The post 2025 MINI Countryman Colors Confirmed – Including MINI’s First Matte Paint Option appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

The MINI JCW Team is back for 2023 after finishing 2nd in both TC and TCA classes last year. The Indianapolis based team will be running the entire TC and TCA calendar this year with two different JCWs – including that wide bodied JCW Pro that debuted last year. The MINI JCW team for the 2023 season will consist of four full time drivers, including Clayton Williams in the #60 MINI JCW Pro and Cristian Perocarpi in the #37 MINI JCW Pro in the TC class and PJ Groenke in the #62 MINI JCW and Landon Lewis in the #63 MINI JCW in the TCA class. The MINI JCW team regulars will be joined this weekend by MINI Canada’s Alain Lauziere in the #64 MINI JCW in the TCA class. Here’s the full calendar of races for the 2023 season. March 30 – April 2: Sonoma RacewayApril 28 – 30: New Orleans Motorsports ParkMay 19 – 21: Circuit of the AmericasJune 16 – 18: Virginia International RacewayAugust 18 – 20: Road AmericaSeptember 22 – 24: Sebring International RacewayOctober 5 – 8: Indianapolis Motor SpeedwayOfficial Release: MINI JCW Race Team Kicks off Its Season This Weekend at Sonoma MINI USA and the MINI John Cooper Works Team are geared for the opening weekend of the 2023 SRO TC America series this weekend at Sonoma Raceway in Sonoma, Calif. The team finished last season as the runner up for the Manufacturer’s Championship in both the Touring Car (TC) and Touring Car A (TCA) classes. Clay Williams, driver of the #60 MINI JCW Pro, also finished the 2022 season in 2nd place in the Driver’s Championship in the TC class. The Brownsburg, Ind. -based LAP Motorsports team, which operates the MINI JCW Team, showed their strength and talent throughout the 2022 season. Clay Williams piloted the #60 MINI JCW Pro to two podium finishes at last season‘s opening weekend at Sonoma and a win at NOLA Motorsports Park. The team also took two podiums at VIR, two wins at Watkins Glen and a full sweep of both TC and TCA classes at Road America. Williams also took two podiums at Sebring. Throughout the 2022 season, the team secured seven wins and a total of 14 podiums. “We have a solid lined up of drivers returning this year to take another run at both the Manufacturers and Drivers Championships,” said Luis Perocarpi, team owner, LAP Motorsports. “We look forward to continuing to build on the rich MINI racing heritage that goes back to Monte Carlo in the 1960s.” The MINI JCW team will be supported this weekend by four qualified MINI Dealer technicians, working alongside the team during practice, qualifying and race days as part of the MINI Technician Race Crew Program. The four dealer technicians are from dealers in the Western Region, including one from Tacoma MINI, one from MINI of Seattle and two from Crevier MINI in Santa Ana, Calif. Each of them will support the team for the entire weekend at Sonoma Raceway. The race team relies on the skill and knowledge of the technicians that work, day to day on MINI, to bring that expertise to the track. The post MINI JCW Team Kicks off Its Season This Weekend at Sonoma appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

MINI owners identify with their colors perhaps more than any other brand. It’s often the first words out of their mouth when you ask them to describe their cars. So it’s big news when a new color debuts. Today we are revealing five new colors that MINI will offer on the UK built F66 2025 MINI Cooper. First some quick background. MINI’s small car line-up will be splitting into two models; the internal combustion F66 MINI Cooper and the electric J01 MINI Cooper. The (initially) Chinese built J01 will be completely new while the UK produced F66 will be a heavily modified F56 with updated tech and a design that will mirror that of the all new J01. Thanks to sources a key part of that design is coming. F66 2025 MINI Cooper Colors Our sources have confirmed that we’ll see five brand-new colors for the F66 range. We’d expect that these colors would also carryover to the four door F65 and F67 Convertible when they are release later in 2024 and 2025. Indigo Sunset Blue (similar to the original Indie Blue)Icy Sunshine Blue (described as similar to electric blue with less vibrancy)Blazing Blue (still a mystery!)Ocean Wave Green (Green with a hint of teal – see at the top of this page above)Sunny Side Yellow (sources tell us this is a vibrant yellow) Based on how MINI has retained certain colors we believe we’ll see a few current ones continue on in this next generation. Here’s our guesstimate on what we’ll see retained: Chili RedNanuq WhiteMidnight BlackRooftop GreyThe F66 2025 MINI Cooper – What it is And When We’ll See It As you can tell by its codename, the F66 is an evolution of the F56 which is shared a chassis with. However MINI is refreshing the exterior design to better match the all new J01 electric MINI Cooper. That means we’ll see revised lights front and rear and even a fractionally shortened front overhang. The key theme appears to be creating design consistency with the future of the brand – the all electric J01 MINI Cooper. The goal is clearly to unify the design language across all models allowing consumers to have a choice that feels strictly about the propulsion system and nothing else. As you can see below MINI will start production of the heavily revised F66 in March of 2024. Deliveries should start in April (for the UK and EU) and May for the US market. F66 MINI Cooper (ICE) / Oxford, EnglandStart of ProductionF66 ICE Cooper 3 door03/2024 (07/24 – US)F66 ICE Cooper S 3 door03/2024F66 ICE Cooper JCW 3 doorTBDF65 ICE Cooper 5 door07/2024 (11/24 – US)F65 ICE Cooper S 5 door07/2024F67 ICE Cooper Convertible11/2024F67 ICE Cooper S Convertible11/2024F67 ICE JCW ConvertibleTBDFor all of our reporting on the next generation F66 ICE MINI Cooper, check out the F66 section of MotoringFile. The post Exclusive: F66 2025 MINI Cooper Colors Revealed appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

We woke up and realized that it’s been quite a while since we last made a show. So, let’s get right to it since I’m also terribly late getting this one posted! Kicking things off, a quick reminder is that there is a new episode of Black Roof Radio available to download. Once we get started, the title of the show pretty much describes what we were seeing at Motoringfile when we recorded. Needless to say, we are talking a lot about electric MINIs this episode. And nerd website stuff. And, Go Motoring (#IYKYK). This is to serve as your reminder that MotoringFile is your best source for MINI news. Gabe is the only one out there, really, that has the inside track. Trust me. Add in the MINI boobs and some chatGPT and we have ourselves a show! Finally, don’t forget the OG sponsors of White Roof Radio and Motoringfile: Outmotoring.com, Cravenspeed.com, Motoringstripes.com and Detroit Tuned. The post White Roof Radio 688 appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

The U25 2025 MINI Countryman is a massive move for MINI. It’s the first product that fits squarely in popular the small-cross over category which moves MINI further into the mainstream. It’s also just huge as MINIs go. Just how huge? We’ve gather final dimensions and specifications on the car that gives us our best look yet at the all new U25 MINI Countryman. The new MINI family: J01 Electric Cooper, F66 ICE Cooper, J02 Electric Aceman, U25 ICE & Electric CountrymanFirst let’s give you some context how the all new Countryman fits within the 4th generation MINI line-up. As you can see above the Countryman will once again be positioned as the largest product in the MINI range. It will also be the only platform offered by MINI with both ICE and electric power. Designed with plenty of input from the American market, it will deliver more space and utility to ever before. But can it still retain the hallmarks of the MINI brand? While we don’t yet have an answer, we have some details that give us a clue. How Big is the U25 MINI Countryman? According to MINI we’ll see some noticeable increases in length on this new Countryman. Growing mostly behind the rear wheel wheels, we’ll see an additional five inches of length in total. The added length is designed to dramatically increase the rear cargo space putting it on par with other crossovers in the category. Note the wheelbase will not be changing over the F60 which could mean an even larger front over-hang. R60 Countryman (’10-’16) F60 Countryman (’17-’23)U25 Countryman (’24-’32)Length4097 mm / 161.3 in4298 mm / 169.2 in4429 mm / 174.37 inHeight1562 mm / 61.5 in1557 mm / 61.3 in1613 mm / 63.5 inWheelbase2596 mm / 102.2 in2670 mm / 105.1 in2670 mm / 105.11 inWhat about weight? Our sources are telling us that MINI will make use of advanced chassis design and plenty of new aluminum components to reduce the weight gain you might expect with the growth in detentions. We can get an idea of weight by looking at the new BMW X1 which has a 3,750 lbs curb weight. That’s only up 24 lbs over the previous generation despite being marginally larger and being offered with more standard equipment. Given this we’d expect the next generation Countryman All4 won’t be far off the current car’s 3,726 lbs curb weight (assuming equipment levels are similar). The 2025 MINI Countryman Production Timing MINI will debut the 2024 MINI Countryman (labeled a 2025 in the US) in the second half of 2023 with an all-out model onslaught. Based on our sources, this is what we expect to see in terms of production timing: U25 / Leipzig, GermanyStart of ProductionU25 ICE Countryman11/2023U25 ICE Countryman S11/2023*U25 ICE Countryman JCW11/2023*U25 BEV Countryman E03/2024U25 BEV Countryman SE03/2024*U25 BEV Countryman JCWTBD**US market models The post The All-New 2025 MINI Countryman – Official Dimensions Revealed appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

The U25’s FAAR platform was designed from the ground up to accommodate a battery pack and electric motor as well as ICE drivetrains. While this makes the U25 slightly less efficient compared with a skateboard chassis electric car, it offers BMW enormous flexibility in model mix. This flexibility is immediately evident when you look at the wide ranging of drivetrains and performance figures. However will the efficiency and range be enough? Let’s dive into the numbers. The 2025 Electric Countryman Range MINI will launch the Countryman with two electric configurations, one with a single motor driving the front wheels and the two motor set-up driving all four wheels. The single motor model will be knows as the Countryman E and the dual motor the Countryman SE. Countryman ECountryman SE*WLTP Range – Europe273 miles261 milesEPA Range – United States (estimated)213 miles204 miles*The SE will be the only model imported to North AmericaLeveraging the same technical layout as the X1, the Countryman E single motor variant will produce 185 hp and be offered in FWD only. The WTLP rated range for the Countryman E will be 440 km or 273 miles. The Countryman SE will see an output of 265 hp via dual motors and AWD. The 64.7-kWh t-shaped battery pack in the SE will have a range of 440 km or 261 miles. The iX1 supports DC fast-charging at up to 130 kW, which can charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in only 29 minutes. Charging the iX1 via an AC charger can be done at up to 22 kW, while DC fast charging tops out at 130 kW. Countryman ECountryman SE*Horsepower185 hp (140 KW)264 hp (200 kW)Battery Size64 kWh 64 kWh*US models. **The ranges indicates different tunes for different markets. One important note about range that is almost always missed by commenters on social media. The WLTP testing protocol produces more optimistic mileage figures than EPA testing. However in our experience, real world performance often lies somewhere in the middle, a bit closer to the EPA numbers. Another important point not factored into these numbers is BMW’s historically conservative published performance numbers. Given that the EPA figures are self reported by automakers, there is some flexibility in how they test and produce numbers. Third party tests have shown brands like BMW and Porsche are often under-reporting real-world range in order to accommodate for various weather conditions. Will the range be enough for the market? Looking at comparable models (there aren’t many) it would seem that it’s on the low size but not that far off. Let’s look at a few: RangeStarting MSRPVolvo XC40 Recharge223$55,300Tesla Model Y279$53,380Kia EV6310$50,025Polstar 2270$49,800Nissan Ariya304$48,485Subaru Soltara228$46,220Mustang Mach E315$45,995Hyundai Ionic 5303$45,295Tesla Model 3272$44,380Toyota bZ4X252$43,335VW ID 4204$40,290Kia Niro253$40,875MINI Countryman SE204$37,000 (*estimated)Nissan Leaf S Plus226$36,040Hyundai Kona Electric258$34,885MINI Cooper SE (F56)114$30,895Nissan Leaf149$29,135Chevy Bolt EUV247$28,795Chevy Bolt EV259$27,495We’ve estimated the MSRP based on the historical pricing relationship between the Cooper and the Countryman. However don’t be surprised if that pricing relationship to be different as MINI is moving the Countryman up a category thanks to an increase in size increase. Of course range is only only key data point. There’s charging speed, overall efficiency and of course that ll important fun to drive data point. But that aside there’s no question the U25 electric Countryman SE will have range on the lower end of its market. Despite it bring not that far off of cars like the VW ID4 and the Nissan Leaf S Plus, will its range of just over 200 miles be enough? What do you think? Does the design, performance and quality of the MINI Countryman make up for a range that’s marginally lower than some of the competitors? The 2025 electric MINI Countryman Production Timing MINI will publicly debut the 2024 electric MINI Countryman (labeled a 2025 in the US) in the second half of 2023 along with its ICE counterparts. Based on our sources, this is what we expect to see in terms of production timing: U25 / Leipzig, GermanyStart of ProductionU25 BEV Countryman E03/2024U25 BEV Countryman SE*03/2024U25 BEV Countryman JCW*TBD*US market models The post The 2025 Electric MINI Countryman Range & Performance Revealed appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

Last month we broke the news that the MINI Clubman was set to end production in early 2024. On cue, today MINI is announcing a special edition model celebrating the end of the Clubman. The Clubman Final Edition is a celebration and send-off for the beloved MINI shooting brake that, while never finding huge sales, found critical acclaim from owners and automotive writers alike. The MINI Clubman Final Edition in Detail The MINI Clubman Final Edition is a global special edition car which means it’s a bit more unique than what we’ve seen from specific market special editions. However make no mistake the unique Available in Nanuq White, Enigmatic Black and Melting Silver and is available as a Cooper, Cooper S, the respective diesel variants or with all-wheel drive. With details in the color Shimmer Copper, the Final Edition has similar details to the recent Untold Edition. The surrounds and the upper third of the radiator grille crossbar are in the shimmering edition colour, as are the model-typical MINI Cooper S Blade and the side scuttles. The graphic pattern on the 18-inch light-alloy wheels in the Final Edition Spoke 2- tone design is also finished in a tinted clear lacquer reminiscent of copper. Finished in Enigmatic Black the whole thing has a classic John Player livery feel to it. There’s a “1 of 1969” badge on the side of the C-pillar and the words ”Final Edition” are on the lower right of the right rear door. The interior of the MINI Clubman Final Edition also has some unique touches. For example, the door sill trims with the edition-specific “Final Edition” lettering, which is also found on the lower spoke of the sports leather steering wheel which is finished in Nappa leather. The MINI Yours leather sports seats with adjustable thigh support and sewn-in edition badge are finished in Dark Maroon. They are set off by an anthracite-colored Piquet fabric insert and blue contrasting stitching. Elsewhere there’s dark dashboard trim, which is framed by harmonizing trim strips in the matte shimmering Sage Green Dark color and the edition-specific Shimmer Copper color. On the passenger side and floor mats theres “1 of 1969” which is another reference to the limited edition nature of the model. The MINI Clubman Final Edition will be available in Cooper S in North America and Cooper SD in Europe. Unfortunately it would appear that MINI won’t be offering the Clubman JCW in this special edition package. The MINI Clubman Final Edition is available to order today and will end production as MINI winds down Clubman production in Q1 of 2024. Pricing will be announced for each market soon. Why is MINI Killing the Clubman? The Clubman in particular has had a hard time finding an audience outside of Europe as small wagon sales have slowed to a crawl in many markets. And despite MotoringFile calling the F54 JCW Clubman the best all around MINI ever made, it’s been a hard sell for dealers. Especially next to the taller more SUV like Countryman. Our 2020 F54 JCW was to this day the best MINI we’ve ever driven.And now MINI is making the Countryman even larger while introducing a smaller electric Aceman crossover the US might not even get. It’s a sad end to our favorite car in the MINI line-up The original Clubman is a bit divisive. With the third door on the wrong side or right-hand drive markets, it was looked at as the “other” MINI even but the brand’s own marketing. While we loved the concept, it never really jelled for us as it felt too close to the R56 and didn’t find the sweet spot that the F54 ultimately did in terms of utility and performance. The F54 Clubman on the other hand has been our favorite MINI model since it’s introduction in 2015. We’ve run three of them over the years – a manual Cooper S All4, the 228 hp JCW and most recently a 306 hp JCW. While all were great cars, the 306 hp JCW Clubman might just be out favorite new MINI ever made. MINI Clubman Final Edition Gallery The post World Premier: MINI Clubman Final Edition Celebrates The End of The Clubman appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

Last year MINI made an all-out underdog assault on the famous 24 Hours of Nurburgring last year. While the team came up short (thanks to an overly ambitious BMW) it was an incredible effort that came together very quickly. This year the same Bulldog Racing Team is back with a revised F56 JCW and a famous driver behind the wheel. This year the team is going back to the more stock JCW form, stripping away much of the GP bodywork in the process. Modifications are mainly focused around getting the car to race spec with safety equipment and technology fitted. Additionally the interior is again completely stripped out and a dedicated suspension and AP braking system replaced the stock units. The Nürburgring Endurance Series began last weekend with Charlie Cooper (GBR), and Sebastian Sauerbrei (GER) behind the wheel in the class VT2-FWD. The four hour race saw the team complete 21 laps with a total of five pit stops required for set-up work. The team finished in 88th place out of 118 drivers in this warm-up race for the season. In two weeks, the driver duo of Charlie Cooper (GBR) and Sebastian Sauerbrei (GER) will compete again for Bulldog Racing at the second race of the Nürburgring Endurance Series on April 1, 2023. MINI Returns to the Nurburgring With New MINI JCW From Bulldog Racing The 2023 endurance season at the Nürburgring has started. On Saturday, the newly built MINI John Cooper Works from Bulldog Racing completed its first race kilometers in the “Green Hell”. The team used the season opener of the Nürburgring Endurance Series as a test under racing conditions to gain important knowledge about the new vehicle. With the starting number 468 Charlie Cooper (GBR), and Sebastian Sauerbrei (GER) started in the new MINI John Cooper Works in the class VT2-FWD. Charlie Cooper (GBR), whose grandfather John Cooper invented the Mini Cooper in 1961, celebrated his race premiere on the Nordschleife and took the opportunity to adjust to the extremely demanding track. He passed his DMSB Permit Nordschleife just the day before in the new MINI John Cooper Works. His fastest lap during the race was a 10:35.194. In a strong starting phase, the MINI John Cooper Works was able to make up many positions and Sebastian Sauerbrei drove his fastest lap in the race with a 10:10.763. In the further stages of the race, which were characterized by many accidents and Code-60 phases, the team focused on set-up work and finished the race in 9th place of 15 starters in its class. In two weeks, the driver duo of Charlie Cooper (GBR) and Sebastian Sauerbrei (GER) will compete again for Bulldog Racing at the second race of the Nürburgring Endurance Series on April 1, 2023. The post MINI Returns to the Nurburgring With New MINI JCW From Bulldog Racing appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

We all expected the all new J01 electric MINI Cooper to actually be smaller than the current F56 MINI Cooper. Sources told us for years that MINI had minimized so much in its transformation to a bespoke electric platform that we’d see something closer in size to the R56 or even the R50/53. For good or bad, we can now confirm that’s not the case. Instead we’ll get something that’s actually bigger. The all new J01 2024 electric MINI Cooper is a watershed moment of the brand. It will be MINI’s first electric vehicle on a dedicated electric platform and will represent the first total rethink since the 2001 R50. Unlike the current MINI Cooper SE which was built on an existing ICE chassis, this new electric MINI will be designed from the ground up to be an electric car which will allow for improved performance, range and more MINI-like proportions. The J01 Electric MINI CooperThe F66 ICE MINI CooperDespite this clean-sheet design MINI kept the overall size extremely close to the current F56 MINI Cooper – and in fact went about 1.5″ longer overall. It’s also almost an inch taller – likely due to the batteries sitting across the entire floor. However the key thing for the classic MINI Cooper are the dimensions. And in that, MINI has made some great progress in reducing the front overhang by increasing the wheelbase. R56 MINI CooperF56 ICE & Electric MINI CooperJ01 2025 Electric MINI CooperLength3821 mm / 150.43 in3821 mm / 150.43 in3860 mm / 151.91 inHeight1414 mm / 55.67 in1414 mm / 55.67 in1435 mm / 56.49 inWheelbase2495 mm / 98.23 in2495 mm / 98.23 in2525 mm / 99.40The all new electric MINI Cooper will come in two flavors; the Cooper E and the Cooper SE. The E will have a 40kWh battery driving the front wheels and should see a range of around 200 miles on the WTLP testing cycle. The Cooper SE (also FWD) will have a larger 54kWh battery and should see a 250 mile range with WTLP testing (around 200 miles in EPA testing). That would Our sources have told us that these figures are relatively conservative (as is BMW’s typical position). An important note for those comparing this to the current electric MINI hatch – that car has a 110 mile range and a 28.9kWh battery. Performance is also up with the Cooper E offering 181bhp – similar to the traditional Cooper S performance. The hotter Cooper SE will have 215bhp and should have JCW levels of performance. You can clearly see the increase in wheelbase of the J01 in this overhead photo.J01 Electric MINI Cooper Production Timing Given the government red-tape we’re hearing about in China, we expect production of the J01 MINI Cooper to push back to May 2024 rather than November 2023. Either way it will debut at the Munich Motorshow this September. Luckily for the North American market MINI is pushing forward with plans to bring then J01 to Oxford for UK production around 2027. J01 MINI Cooper (BEV) / ChinaStart of ProductionJ01 MINI Cooper E04/2024J01 MINI Cooper SE 04/2024J01 MINI Cooper JCW*TBDFor much more on the all new J01 electric MINI Cooper, head over to MotoringFile’s dedicated J01 section. G56 G66G56 G66G56 G66G56 G66G56 G66G56 G66G56 G66 The post The J01 Electric MINI Cooper Is Bigger Than We Expected appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

BMW is to secure UK production for the all new J01 electric MINI Cooper. We first reported the rumors of BMW building the J01 in Oxford last fall. But since that time there appears to be multiple points of confirmation that point to China being only one part of the production strategy. And perhaps more importantly the move would clear the way for the all new J01 electric MINI Cooper to eventually come to the North American market. Recently Sky News reported that BMW has secured UK government funding to help expand the Oxford Plant for the new range of electric MINIs. While an official announcement won’t likely come until late this spring, it’s believed that the investment package will be worth close to £500m – £75m of which would be from the UK Government. It would be a huge boost for the UK auto industry that’s seen an exodus over the last several years. And for MINI fans it’s a huge development as it would bring the highly anticipated J01 electric MINI Cooper to key market such as the United States. When Will The Electric MINI Cooper Begin Production in the UK? Stefanie Wurst, Head of MINI, has previously hinted that some new generation electric MINIs will be assembled at Plant Oxford beginning in 2027. We’ve also had a source confirm that timing saying it would coincide with a refresh of the model planed in the middle of its lifecycle. That timing makes a lot of sense to us. It would allow MINI to further refine the car and potentially even add range ahead of a US market introduction. Currently the estimated WLTP range is between 240 and 250 miles. However that translates into roughly 200 miles EPA range which is still lower than many feel comfortable with – especially in colder climates. With the addition of the J01 electric MINI Cooper, this means Oxford would be producing the ICE F66 MINI Cooper, F65 five door and F67 Convertible in total. Eventually We’d expect the Aceman to also move to UK production. Chinese Production Issues for the J01 Electric MINI Cooper The current F56 electric MINI Cooper was always meant to be a stop-gap while BMW designed and built a new one from the ground up. However to make the economics work, BMW had to find a company to partner to help defray the enormous costs associated with creating a new vehicle from scratch. That company, Great Wall Motors seemed to be the perfect choice having quickly become an expert of electrified vehicles thanks to China’s stringent laws mandating their sales. However just months after the agreement was signed, US/Chinese relations began to implode. One thing led to another and tariffs on goods were announced on both sides. For electric cars that meant a 25% tariff on any Chinese car imported to the US. For a small car with equally small profit margins, those tariffs have proven impossible for MINI USA to solve for. And now things are getting even more complex. According to ‘Manager Magazin’, a German monthly business magazine, talks are ongoing between BMW, GWM and Chinese officials about exactly what will be built at the Chinese plant in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu province, with an annual capacity of 160,000 cars and production set to start this year. There is, however, a problem. The essential NEV (New Electric Vehicle) production license for China has yet to be signed by the authorities. The papers will now be handed over at the China Development Forum at the end of March. However, Spotlight Automotive has yet to receive the go-ahead for the already complete Jiangsu factory. How could this be happening? Given the push towards electric vehicles in China, there’s been a massive amount of start-ups over the last few years. That has created massive overcapacities, reportedly making MINI wait until one of these shoe-string budget operation fails and its precious license made available to the next inline. Ever since the founding of Spotlight Automotive in 2019, the cooperation with BMW has taken several unexpected turns. GWM decided, for instance, not to sell its own rebadged MINI clone in China after all; production of US-bound MINI models is to be shifted from Zhangjiagang to Oxford; and the JV reportedly covers only the first two lifecycles. With MINI’s volume target rising from 293,000 to 500,000 annual sales this decade, other plants were invited to make a case for investment. As we now know, Plant Oxford put forward the winning argument and so BMW will be refitting the factory to assemble the new generation ICE and EV models side by side. What This Means for The Next Generation Electric MINIs? Oxford, England (SOP 11/23)Leipzig, Germany (SOP 11/23)China (SOP 11/23)G66 ICE Cooper 3 doorU25 ICE CountrymanJ01 Electric Cooper 3 DoorG66 ICE Cooper S 3 doorU25 ICE Countryman SJ01 Electric Cooper S 3 DoorG66 ICE Cooper JCW 3 doorU25 ICE Countryman JCWJ01 Electric Cooper JCW 3 DoorG65 ICE Cooper 5 doorU25 Electric CountrymanJ05 Electric AcemanG65 ICE Cooper S 5 doorU25 Electric Countryman SJ05 Electric Aceman SG67 ICE Cooper ConvertibleU25 Electric Countryman JCWJ05 Electric Aceman JCWG67 ICE Cooper S ConvertibleG67 ICE JCW ConvertibleFor 2024 the next generation MINIs will be built in three plants however the product mix will shift in 2027In short the recent developments have made it clear that MINI is committed to bringing the J01 electric MINI Cooper and J05 MINI Aceman to such markets as the US. While it’ll still be 2-3 years before we see the change, that time will allow for MINI to further refine both cars, improving them both as they become fully global cars. The post Rumor: BMW to Build New Electric MINI Cooper in the UK Paving the Way for US Imports appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

There’s no way of getting around it. Global politics can be difficult to plan for. The plan for BMW to build all electric MINIs in China (taking advantage of lower costs, and Chinese expertise) made sense on paper when it was conceived five years ago. But since then the world has changed and the unfortunate outcome of that change is that the electric MINI Cooper currently sold in the US will die later this year with no immediate successor. The current electric MINI Cooper was always meant to be a stop-gap while BMW designed and built a new one from the ground up. However to make the economics work, BMW had to find a company to partner to help defray the enormous costs associated with creating a new vehicle from scratch. That company, Great Wall Motors seemed to be the perfect choice having quickly become an expert of electrified vehicles thanks to China’s stringent laws mandating their sales. The J01 electric MINI Cooper and J02 electric MINI AcemanHowever just months after the agreement was signed, US/Chinese relations began to implode. One thing led to another and tariffs on goods were announced on both sides. For electric cars that meant a 25% tariff on any Chinese car imported to the US. For a small car with equally small profit margins, those tariffs have proven impossible for MINI USA to solve for. Because of this, sources tell us that MINI USA will not be importing the all new J01 electric MINI Cooper or J02 electric MINI Aceman in its current form. But what about the current F56 electric MINI? Couldn’t it just continue to be made and sold in the US? The issue with that is MINI’s plans to heavily evolve the F56 into the F66 never included a fully electric version when they were hatched years ago. And why would they? The brand had an entirely new and much more efficient electric platform to be launch simultaneously in the J01. BMW simply didn’t see the US/China geo political saga coming and thus didn’t plan for it. The result will be painful for MINI dealers and would be owners in the US. When the 2024 model year is over (which should be at the end of 2023), the electric MINI Cooper SE will be dead. And with it all of MINI’s electric offerings in the US. The J01 electric MINI Cooper, J02 electric MINI Aceman and the U25 electric MINI CountrymanThere Is Hope for An Electric MINI Cooper in the US – Eventually There is hope that we’ll see the J01 and J02 eventually. Rumors have been swirling that BMW and the UK government are working on a major investment in the Oxford plant that will lay the groundwork to build a revised J01 MINI Cooper and J02 MINI Aceman in a few years for global export. But those rumors have yet to be verified and even if they were, plans like that take years to come to fruition. Oxford, EnglandLeipzig, GermanyChina (GWM)G56 ICE Cooper 3 doorU25 ICE CountrymanJ01 Electric Cooper 3 DoorG56 ICE Cooper S 3 doorU25 ICE Countryman SJ01 Electric Cooper S 3 DoorG56 ICE Cooper JCW 3 doorU25 ICE Countryman JCWJ01 Electric Cooper JCW 3 DoorG55 ICE Cooper 5 doorU25 Electric CountrymanJ02 Electric AcemanG55 ICE Cooper S 5 doorU25 Electric Countryman SJ02 Electric Aceman SG57 ICE Cooper ConvertibleU25 Electric Countryman JCWJ02 Electric Aceman JCWG57 ICE Cooper S ConvertibleG57 ICE JCW ConvertibleFor 2024 the next generation MINIs will be built in three plants however the product mix might shift in 2027The U25 electric MINI CountrymanMINI USA’s Solution – The U25 Electric MINI Countryman SE The J01 and J02 aren’t the only electric MINIs in the brand’s future product planning. Perhaps the most important electric next generation MINI is coming to the US. Sources tell us that MINI USA will indeed be importing the German made, U25 electric MINI Countryman. While it’s not the electric MINI Cooper that has become a cult hit in the US, the electric Countryman will have a dramatically improved range and loads more utility for a market that seems to cherish space. Along with the ICE (internal combustion engine) Countryman S and Countryman JCW, the Countryman SE is expected to be the brand’s best selling product in the US market. The J01 electric MINI Cooper, J02 electric MINI Aceman and the U25 electric MINI CountrymanThe U25’s FAAR platform was designed from the ground up to accommodate a battery pack and electric motor as part of the brand’s plans to transition all products over the next decade. Assuming MINI will be leveraging the same technical layout as the BMW X1, we should see a dual motor, all wheel drive electric Countryman have a peak output of 268 bhp. The power comes from a modest 64.7-kWh t-shaped battery pack that produces 266 miles of range using the WLTP testing protocol. That would likely translate into something around 240 miles using the EPA testing. The iX1 supports DC fast-charging at up to 130 kW, which can charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in only 29 minutes. Note the size difference between the J02 MINI Aceman and the U25 MINI CountrymanIt’s worth noting that BMW of North America decided against importing the BMW iX1 to the US. While there’s never been an official rational for that move, sources tell us that the cost vs range ratio wouldn’t have made it particularly attractive. Could the same calculations keep the electric Countryman from the US? Given that the J01 Cooper and the J02 Aceman won’t be coming stateside for awhile and the F56 based electric MINI is as good as dead, we’d be surprised if MINI USA didn’t import the dual motor Countryman SE. Given the models popularity in the US and increasing brand association with electrification, it would make sense to us even if were a lower volume, higher priced model. It’s an awkward reality for MINI that the brand has stated its intentions to become full electric, yet it’s killing its only electric model for sale in one of its largest markets. While the electric MINI Countryman will allow it to save face, for many of the brand’s most faithful fans, it’s likely not going to be a satisfying replacement. For that we’ll have to wait for a few years and hope that the rumors or a shift to UK production for the J01 and J02 is true. The post The Electric MINI Cooper is Dead in The US – But More Electric MINIs Are Coming appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

MINI is officially previewing the all new J01 electric MINI Cooper this week and talking about details for the first time. Along with showing the camouflaged car, MINI announced several key bits of news namely the range and a revised name. For MotoringFile readers both will be old news but this is our first official confirmation of some key data. Let’s start with the name. As we reported last year, MINI will be exclusively using the name “Cooper” for its smallest family of cars. The base small MINI will be known simply as the MINI Cooper with two different levels of performance and options; the Cooper S and the JCW. The move is one we’ve pontificated about for years as an idea to avoid confusion and lean into the fact that the hatch is widely known as the “Cooper” (whether MINI likes it or not). It also further separates the iconic hatch from the Countryman and Aceman by making the Cooper name exclusive. The all new electric MINI Cooper will come in two flavors; the Cooper E and the Cooper SE. The E will have a 40kWh battery driving the front wheels and should see a range of around 200 miles on the WTLP testing cycle. The Cooper SE (also FWD) will have a larger 54kWh battery and should see a 240 mile range with WTLP testing. Our sources have told us that these figures are relatively conservative (as is BMW’s typical position). An important note for those comparing this to the current electric MINI hatch – that car has a 110 mile range and a 28.9kWh battery. Performance is also up with the Cooper E offering 181bhp – similar to the traditional Cooper S performance. The hotter Cooper SE will have 215bhp and should have JCW levels of performance. While we’ve heard MINI is developing a full JCW version, Autocar has a few new details. According to the publication it will feature the same 54kWh battery as the SE, will arrive in mid-2025 – around a year after the standard cars, with a focus on power over range, suggesting upgraded motors will be fitted. Expect an output around 250bhp. J01 MINI Cooper (BEV) / ChinaStart of ProductionJ01 MINI Cooper E11/2023J01 MINI Cooper SE 11/2023J01 MINI Cooper JCW*TBDProduction will start later this year in China and sales will begin in the UK, Europe and Asia shortly after. According to sources familiar with MINI’s plans, the North American market will not get the initial iteration of the all new electric MINI Cooper or Aceman. Instead we’ll see an updated version in several years likely built in the UK or Europe. For much more on the all new J01 electric MINI Cooper, head over to MotoringFile’s dedicated J01 section. G56 G66G56 G66G56 G66G56 G66G56 G66G56 G66G56 G66 The post MINI Confirmes 240 Mile Range for New Electric MINI Cooper appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article