DimON

Note: Today MINI is launching its next generation with the new MINI Cooper Electric and MINI Countryman Electric. In anticipation of this release, MINI invited us to experience the new cars in Munich and talk to the people that created them. We’ve taken knowledge and poured it into exclusive in-depth articles, reviews and videos you won’t want to miss. MINI Cooper EV: Premier | MINI Cooper EV: Hands-On Review | MINI Cooper EV: Video Review MINI Countryman EV: Premier | MINI Countryman EV: Hands-On Review | MINI Countryman EV: Video Review New MINI Family: 1st Look Video | MINI Circular Display & MINI OS9 Hands-On Review After years of anticipation, the all new J01 MINI Cooper Electric is here. The evolved approach to the exterior design hides the revolution inside and underneath. This is nothing short of a rethink of the entire concept of a MINI. Fully electric from the start and centered around a ground-breaking digital experience, this new MINI Cooper might just be the most important product for the brand since 1959. Article Sections Performance & Range of the New MINI Cooper ElectricImproved driving dynamicsMINI Experience Modes – Integrating Software and Hardware to Create a Tailored Driving ExperienceGoKart ModeGreen ModeThe Design of The J01 MINI Cooper ElectricLooking to the Past to Inspire the FutureThe Most Aero Efficient MINI EverCustomizable LED Lighting Design Front and BackMINI Cooper Electric – Four Optional TrimsEssential TrimClassic TrimFavored TrimJCW TrimA Reinvented Interior – a Revolution in both Simplicity & Digital ExperienceCloth Dashboards?Better Use of Interior SpaceLeather is Dead – Long Live VescinMINI OS9 – A New Digital Experience For All Future MINIsThe Optional Navigation PackageThe Surprising Tech Behind This New ExperienceThe Redesigned toggle barThe Center Rail is BackDriver Assistance UpgradesThe J01 MINI Cooper Electric Pricing & AvailabilityThe Rest Of The New MINI Family While the headline most will focus on is that MINI is going electric with a usable 200 mile range, there’s much more here. First is the performance. While on paper it’s fractionally quicker than before, it’s primed to be the best handling MINI since the original due to its low center of gravity, instant torque and clever software powering it all. But for many the real revolution will be the all new digital experience which is unlike anything we’ve seen from MINI or the automotive world in general. It is beautiful, responsive and fully compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Finally there’s a completely rethought interior which ditches leather and introduces new materials and a fresh approach to design. The result is closer to the 1959 original than anything we’ve seen in the last 20 years. “With its electric drive and purist design, the new MINI Cooper is a perfect fit for an urban lifestyle. In the fifth generation of the MINI Cooper, we combine the traditional MINI DNA with innovative, future-oriented technology while enabling locally emission-free driving fun that is typical of MINI. Stefanie Wurst, Head of MINIFor all this talk about MINI going electric, it’s important to note that there is another (almost) new MINI Cooper that will retain the ICE (internal combustion) powertrain that we’ve known. The F66 MINI Cooper will be an evolution of the F56 that we’ve known since late 2013. Designed to mimic the styling while taking much of the digital experience of the J01 MINI Cooper electric, it will continue to be sold alongside this all new model until the end of the decade. But we’ll have much more on that car later this year. For today, our focus is on MINI’s first all new car in ten years and the most important in 60. With the new MINI family, the brand is leaning into the core DNA that started back in 1959 with the Classic; fun to drive, socially responsible (in both size and efficiency) and unmistakably designed. Performance & Range of the New MINI Cooper Electric The new MINI Cooper electric is a ground-up rethink from any MINI before it. For starters, it’s built on a dedicated electric platform allowing it to have more space efficiency, higher range and better performance. While we won’t know exactly how it drives until we get behind the wheel early next year, we do have some numbers. 2025 J01 MINI Cooper E2025 J01 MINI Cooper SE2026 J01 MINI JCW2023 F56 MINI Cooper SEHorsepower184 hp218 hp250 hp*181 hpRange (WLTP)200 miles250 milesTBA125 milesRange (EPA)148 miles (Estimated)195 miles (Estimated)TBA110 milesBattery Size40kWh54kWh54kWh*32.6 kWh* Confirmed through unofficial sources but unconfirmed by MINIThe new J01 MINI is available in the Cooper E variant (with a higher output and higher range). The 135 kW/184 hp electric motor of the MINI Cooper E generates a torque of 290 Nm, accelerating the vehicle from standstill to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds. There’s never been a base electric Cooper before, but that’s identical to the previous generation electric Cooper SE time and a second faster than the F56 ICE Cooper. With an output of 160 kW/218 hp, the MINI Cooper SE does 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds with a maximum torque of 330 Nm. That’s .6 seconds faster than the previous electric Cooper SE and the same time as the previous ICE powered Cooper S. The range determined according to the WLTP test cycle is up to 190 miles (305 kilometers) for the MINI Cooper E based on the high-voltage battery with 40.7 kWh of capacity. Using rough math that would put the Cooper at an estimated 148 miles range. In the MINI Cooper SE, the calculated WLTP range increases to a maximum of 250 miles or 402 kilometers with to a battery capacity of 54.2 kWh. Again using rough math that would be roughly a 195 mile range with EPA test procedures. However it’s important to note that this is using averaged data where the EPA range is typically around 22% lower than what we see with WLTP testing. In our experience the answer lies somewhere in the middle. Improved driving dynamics The new platform has been designed from the ground-up to not only be an EV but to also offer better driving dynamics. MINI has increased track width for better turn-in while the extended wheelbase provides increased stability at speed. With highly preloaded stabilizer mounts on the axles, the driver experiences a significantly improved body response during cornering as well as material gain in steering precision and accuracy. The result is excellent body control combined with greater levels of comfort. Both the MINI Cooper and Cooper S are equipped with a strut brace for increased torsional rigidity. The tire diameter has increased to 635 mm giving the car more grip at the limit along with a bit more visual presence. In addition, the tire width of the optionally available 17-inch and 18-inch rims is increased as well. The 17″ is has grown 10 mm to 205 while the 18″ has widened 20mm to 225 mm. Available rim sizes range from 16- to 18-inch. Combined with some clever software, the new MINI Cooper Electric should deliver a more precise and engaging driving experience. The revised suspension, steering design, powerful brakes and a low centre of gravity (thanks to the battery mounted low in the floor) should give this new MINI an even greater corner carving feel. However all of this is hypothetical until we get behind the wheel early next year. MINI Experience Modes – Integrating Software and Hardware to Create a Tailored Driving Experience The new MINI Cooper Electric and MINI Countryman will be the first models to introduce “MINI Experience Modes,” which are designed to amplify and personalize the connection from driver to car. Standard specification includes the Core, Green and Go-Kart Modes, each of which has its own specific driving experience, user interface and lighting design. GoKart Mode The various MINI Experience Modes can be activated with a flick of the toggle switch “Experiences”. GO-KART mode emphasizes the racing DNA of the MINI Cooper by adjusting the chassis set-up, creating a more dynamic experience. Quicker throttle mapping, more weight in the steering wheel and a specific DSC program all are key to Go-Kart Mode’s driving experience. The driver can further configure the mode with options change the steering response and even the intervention limits of the traction control. Inside the projector behind the central OLED display also bathes the cockpit in the John Cooper Works- inspired shades of anthracite and red. Green Mode By contrast, Green Mode optimises the efficiency of the drivetrain, orienting the electric motor towards maximum range based on various parameters. Improved recuperation management in the new MINI Cooper is one of the contributing factors here: this feeds excess energy to the battery when braking or coasting, thereby increasing the vehicle’s range. The driving conditions and their influence on the range can be more easily understood through visualizations in the central display and tips for efficient driving and a power meter increase help connect you to the experience. For example, it’s easy to understand the effect of your driving behavior through gaining “bonus range”. The Design of The J01 MINI Cooper Electric The new design language is known internally as “Charismatic Simplicity.” It’s a concept that MINI designers say combines the traditional MINI values with progressive innovations but in a uniquely MINI way. The result reducing the vehicle design to the essentials. Gone are the fake vents, scoops and non-functional plastic bits (most of them). In their place is simple forms and minimal elements – much like the original. Like all MINIs it starts with the compact silhouette. But here MINI has pushed the wheels even further into the corners creating shorter overhangs that feel closer to the R56 or even R50 compared to the outgoing F56 MINI Cooper. Looking to the Past to Inspire the Future If it all sounds familiar that’s because MINI designers looked back to 1959 as a grounding for their work. So much so that they actually had an original press photo printed in large format and hung in the studio to remind them of the genius of the original. Simplicity was a hallmark of that car and we see it here right away. Everything feels less fussy and gimmicky. And looking back at that original classic you see the consistency of that design philosophy in modern terms. MINI Designers validating an early J01 example. Details such as the flush door handles and the absence of fender flares and classic side scuttles support the modern design of the exterior by giving the surfaces a striking clarity. This reduction to the essentials places even more emphasis on the body paint finish on the larger body surface. In this way, typical MINI design features such as the visual three-part division of the vehicle body, the all-round window area and the contrasting roof have a greater impact, helping the new design style to take effect. It’s the side of the car new MINI Cooper Electric where the reduction in elements feels most obvious. For the first time since the 2001 R50, we have a MINI without the plastic wheel arches. Also gone is the side scuttle and side turn signal indicator. That light has now moved discreetly into the rear view mirror. The new rear section will likely be the most controversial part of the exterior as it’s the biggest departure. Featuring clear surfaces and flush rear lights, designers have extended that simplistic approach here as well. Between those lights is a gloss black bar with the model name (Cooper S in the photos) spelled out larger than ever before. While the changes seem subtle at first, the more you look the more you see how MINI has evolved the shape from the F56. The Most Aero Efficient MINI Ever The shape of a MINI isn’t the most aero efficient. Which is why the new MINI Cooper’s .28 drag co-efficient (down from .30) is so impressive. To achieve this MINI designers angled the windshield back further than before, added flush door handles and applied a number of subtle but important aero tricks. And these changes are noticeable – looking at the new J01 next to the previous F56 you can clearly see the windshield is now more angled. The three light signatures that owners can choose to further differentiate their MINI.Customizable LED Lighting Design Front and Back MINI’s new lighting is also striking yet more minimal than before. The headlights once again dominate the front which connects back to all generations of MINIs. Yet they’ve actually shrunk slightly here and lost the chrome trim surround. And the day-time running lights are actually variable based on which signature mode you’ve chosen. The horizontal light graphics you see in some of these photos are part of the Essential Trim. Optionally, the daytime running light elements can be switched to create three adjustable light signatures. In addition, all light modes start and end with a specially orchestrated welcome and goodbye animation. And speaking of animations, true to MINI’s cheekiness, the left light will wink at you when you unlock it. The rear lights are where things are most controversial. Having experienced the car in person we have our own thoughts on the lights (and much more) at our first look review. But the key differences are in the shape and elimination of the trim. They have now taken on a triangular shape that helps to visually widen the rear of the car and create a bit more dynamic feel. They also are customizable and have three different lighting patterns (similar to the headlights) based on the driver’s preference. MINI Cooper Electric – Four Optional Trims The J01 MINI Cooper Electric is available in four different trims that effectively package a number of exterior and interior changes in easy to choose packages. Essential Trim The Essential Trim is standard and features trim in Vibrant Silver. Based on early information, Essential will be available with a limited selection of brighter colors such as the new Sunny Side Yellow. Essential also has the new, optional Spray-Tech design of the Multitone Roof with a combination of three different colours as well as a front grille in Vibrant Silver. According to MINI the Essential Trim features an interior of maximum clarity and reduction. Black sports seats with distinctly patterned multitone textile visually connect to a colored textile band on the dashboard. Certain functional parts on the inside and outside are highlighted with the new accent color Vibrant Silver. Classic Trim In the Classic Trim, MINI uses a modern 2D knitted textile in the interior of a production vehicle for the first time. On the dashboard and door handles, two-tone black knitted textile provides a contrast to the high-quality synthetic leather seat. It’s available in grey and black featuring a perforated houndstooth pattern, while the side contrasts in a blue textile. Favored Trim Favored Trim is the most expressive option, featuring a two-tone houndstooth pattern on the knitted-textile instrument panel. Available in two colors and with traditional accent stitching, the perforated Vescin sports seats complement in dark and light colors. The exterior with the front grille in Vibrant Silver can be combined with the all-new Spray-Tech roof which features a blending of three different colors. JCW Trim Similar to BMW’s M Sport trim, MINI will offer a JCW Trim even on non JCWs. The JCW Trim has a distinctive front and rear design. The frame of the front grille and the logo in high-gloss black are unique to this trim. Additionally the JCW Trim will offer a Chili Red roof for the first time on a non-JCW car. Finally JCW bonnet stripes will be offered in Chili Red or black. Inside, the JCW Trim offers the sportiest interpretation of the new material concept. Combined with multi-colored knitted textile and black synthetic leather with red stitching, the JCW seat with sports seat geometry echoes the color concept of the dashboard and door trim. A Reinvented Interior – a Revolution in both Simplicity & Digital Experience On the inside, the design of the front area echoes the famous minimalist design of the original classic Mini. For the first model in 1959, Mini inventor Alec Issigonis designed an interior with a round instrument cluster in the centre and the characteristic toggle bar below. In the J01 MINI Cooper, it is exactly these two elements, in combination with the steering wheel, that define the interior. Reducing everything to the essentials, the new interior makes do with a smaller number of components that are cleverly designed and implemented to a higher standard than before. There’s no more cluster behind the steering wheel as MINI expects the center OLED screen to suffice. However there’s an optional head-up display that gives all the relevant content in the driver’s field of vision. The result is a sparse and and simpler design that feels much more open. Cloth Dashboards? The curved dashboard features textile surfaces for the first time. It’s a move intended to create a warm, inviting atmosphere while increasing the amount of recycled materials in the car. A specially developed knitting process is used to create the versatile, easy-care structure of the textile in two-color design made of recycled polyester. There is a choice of different colors for the textile surfaces and seats depending on the trim design. Also noteworthy MINI has made the air vent very flat in an effort to decrease the overall size of the dash. Better Use of Interior Space The clear lines and generous space in the front seats give the interior a modern, airy feel – notably more so than the F56 MINI. It’s also slightly roomier. The seats are available in a basic version and in a JCW version, with side panels that are laminated with high-quality textile covering the adjustment buttons. The armrest is now mounted on the driver’s seat itself (a la an office chair) freeing up considerable room in the center console. While it looks small, in our experience it works perfectly. The rear of the vehicle feels very similar to the current F56 with some tweaks to the overall design. For one the split folding rear seats are now a 60/40 configuration. One again there’s additional underfloor storage facility in the luggage compartment – despite this car being electric and full of batteries. By folding down the rear seat in a 60:40 ratio, the luggage compartment can be flexibly expanded from 200 litres to provide a volume of up to 800 litres in total. Leather is Dead – Long Live Vescin Vescin is MINI’s new synthetic material designed to replace leather. Why? A few things. For one leather isn’t a great material to mass produce for things like car seats. There’s some serious concerns around its production and amount of impact it has on the environment. Then there’s the quality of the stuff. In the vast majority of cars its a very thin layer or highly processed leather that feels more like plastic than anything else. MINI found that they could create a product that’s both better for the environment (it’s based on recycled material and can be fully recycled) while being even better to the touch than the standard leather we’re used to seeing in MINIs. While we were skeptical, in our brief time with the new MINI Cooper electric we came way convinced that MINI’s not only found a better material for the environment but one that might even feel better than MINI’s typical standard leather. For more, be sure to read our full review of the Vescin seats. MINI OS9 – A New Digital Experience For All Future MINIs Unlike the exterior, the interior is where MINI has gone full-on revolution. The circular OLED screen houses a unique yet modern user experience that looks as it could have been designed in California by Apple and not in Munich. Let’s start with the specs. The circular OLED screen is 9.5” (240 mm) wide however, because of the bottom cutout, measures about 9” in height. While it may seem like unusual design given the rectangles we’re all used to, it feels very natural in person thanks to the way MINI has organized the information. The “Charismatic Simplicity” design language (as MINI calls it) is focused on both minimalism and a bit of MINI character. The circular OLED display seamlessly accommodates both static and dynamic elements, with a clear and intuitive hierarchy (despite the shape). “The new MINI Operating System 9 is characterised by simple, emotional touch operation that is specific to MINI. Together with the new cloud-based MINI Navigation for particularly precise and fast route calculation, high-speed connectivity and optional 5G capability, the new MINI Cooper takes a giant leap into the digital world, thereby underlining the brand’s charismatic heritage.” Stefanie Wurst, Head of MINIThe top portion is dedicated to critical driving information which is close to your direct line of sight when looking through the windshield. While we didn’t drive the car, we did sit in it for quite awhile and it felt like something we’d get used to within a drive or two. For those opting for the optional Head-up display, vital driving details are projected directly into the driver’s field of view. At the bottom are three zones. The left and right house the dual climate zones which felt very different than other similar experiences due to micro-animations. The center is what Mac users will likely refer to as the dock. Like a smartphone, it allows you to place shortcuts for commonly used apps as well as open the full app view much like the home screen on an iPhone. The pixel density is so high we couldn’t even see any. But perhaps more important was the responsiveness. While this was a pre-production J01 MINI, the experience was fluid and full of micro-animations that felt immediately more modern than even the latest iDrive system in new BMWs. The experience felt almost at iOS levels of intuitive and the interactions and animations felt natural. The Optional Navigation Package Why would you want to pay for navigation if you have it on CarPlay? That was MINI’s challenge when they began creating this navigation experience. Their answer was to create an experience that was faster with just as much data as Google Maps while tying into the car’s technology directly. When driving, the complete MINI Navigation Package in conjunction with the optional MINI Connected Package provides support in the form of realistic 3D visualizations in complicated turning situations, display of the current traffic situation even without activated route guidance, information on parking options including digital payment options and much more. Perhaps even more impressive is the optional augmented reality function that helps with turn-by-turn directions. Finally a charge-optimized route can be calculated for the MINI Cooper electric taking into account a detailed assessment of the car’s condition, traffic and even terrain. In addition, MINI Connected Upgrades allow flexible bookings of additional vehicle functions. In conjunction with the optionally available MINI Connected Package, the MINI Connected Store will offer access to an evolving collection of apps, including gaming, music and video streaming. The new AirConsole app provides a unique form of in-car gaming for all passengers, making the smartphone the controller of the game on the OLED display. The Surprising Tech Behind This New Experience Built on Android Open Source Project (AOSP), the new MINI OS9 is designed for anyone who knows Android to easily build apps for it. Thus it’ll have its own (optional) App Store and the entire OS will be updated over the air quarterly. Before you ask, yes it will also offer wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. And no, it will not feel like Android in use. AOSP is simply the foundational platform that underpins it all. This digital experience will spread beyond just the all new J01 MINI Cooper Electric. We will see it in all new MINIs – from the all-new 2024 Countryman to the 2025 Aceman EV to even the heavily refreshed F66 ICE MINI Cooper. It’s also worth a reminder that the car we see here, the all electric J01 MINI Cooper Electric, will be available in Europe, Asia and South America at launch early next year. Plans are underway to bring the J01 in North America as soon as possible. The first product the North American market will get with this new experience will be the U25 MINI Countryman (available as both ICE and EV) followed by the heavily refreshed (ICE) F66 MINI Cooper and Cooper S. The Redesigned toggle bar Underneath the dashboard, the MINI designers have gone to great lengths to simplify. One of the key factors here is the newly designed toggle bar. Here, the most important driving functions (parking brake, gear selector, start/stop key, experience mode toggle, volume control) are directly accessible. Its design is individual in accordance with its function. The Center Rail is Back With the shifter moved to the dash, MINI has a chance to rethink the entire center console. In its place is an open space that allows for movable cupholders and storage bins. Want more cupholders? You can add them just like you can add larger storage units as well. If that sounds familiar it’s because this new system is inspired by the original Countryman’s center rail, this new system allows for an almost infinite number of configurations with MINI’s upcoming accessory plans. But what makes this different than the rail system is that it’s functional storage with no accessories at all. Rethinking Sound Design for Electric MINIs MINI’s going electric and there’s a lot that will be gained by that transition. But there’s also a lot that can be lost. One of those things is the visceral qualities of driving. Acceleration and even steering feel can be retained but gone is the ability to change gears and the overall aural feedback that so often makes driving satisfying. The last part MINI intends to do something about. Enter the MINI Sound Design team and the all new MINI Sound Design for the all new J01 MINI Cooper electric. The MINI has made the brand and even Experience Mode soundscapes an integral part of the overall driving experience. From all-new driving sounds in the interior to an unmistakable MINI brand sound that aims to confirms the car’s identity from the outside there’s a lot here that’s new. Particularly well done are the new MINI Experience Modes, and a whole collection of 30 new sound signals with information and warning functions. The overall feeling is one that is both familiar yet futuristic. And that’s not by accident. The MINI Sound Design team went deep in the MINI product catalog to capture some of those sounds. Specifically the team spent time with an original 1959 Mini and a 2006 JCW GP to capture some of the more iconic sound moments from those two models. Driver Assistance Upgrades MINI is adding several new driver assistants to the MINI Cooper but not the highway style autonomy features we were expecting. At least not yet. Instead they’ve added a new optional Parking Assistant Plus which is focused on making the parking process easier. Thanks to 12 ultrasonic sensors and four surround-view cameras, the vehicle can identify possible parking spaces more clearly and can even independently initiate space-restricted parking maneuvers. In addition, a manual parking process can be transferred to Parking Assistant Plus at any time. MINI has also added Explore Mode which offers autonomous parking via smartphone – a first for a vehicle this segment. This is particularly helpful if the space available is too tight to enter and exit the vehicle. Also new is the MINI Digital Key Plus option which uses the smartphone as a key with the help of ultra-sideband tech. The welcome projection of the front and rear lights begins as soon as the driver is within 10 feet of the car and the doors unlock when the driver is two feet away. Additionally the digital key can be transferred to different users and replaces the handover of the classic vehicle key for easier car sharing. The MINI App also offers other functions that increase user safety. With the Remote 360 option, for example, the exterior and interior of the parked car can be viewed in the MINI App. And using the interior camera, the Snapshot function offers the opportunity to capture shared moments in a photograph and to upload them via WiFi-Direct to the smartphone. The J01 MINI Cooper Electric Pricing & Availability The new J01 MINI Cooper electric and U25 MINI Countryman (electric & ICE) will debut at the Munich Motor Show next week. While MINI hasn’t confirmed production timing, our sources have confirmed that the J01 will go into production this fall in China and will be sold in Europe, Asia and South America initially. Plans for North America are still being finalized as are plans for UK production. Both should be announced shortly. J01 MINI Cooper (BEV) / ChinaStart of ProductionJ01 MINI Cooper E11/2023J01 MINI Cooper SE 11/2023J01 MINI Cooper JCW*01/2025* UnconfirmedGiven that the J01 MINI Cooper Electric won’t have a full global release, we can only give you pricing in Euros at this time. Market specific pricing from their UK should be announced shortly. Since the J01 will see a delayed debut for the US market, we expect pricing announcements to be focused on the new U25 Countryman. ModelDrivetrainPricingJ01 MINI Cooper EElectric32,900€ J01 MINI Cooper SE Electric36,900€ U25 MINI Countryman CICE (Petrol)39.900€ U25 MINI Countryman D ICE (Diesel)42.900€ U25 MINI Countryman E Electric43.500€ U25 MINI Countryman S ALL4ICE (Petrol)45.900€ U25 MINI Countryman SE ALL4Electric49.500€ U25 MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4ICE (Petrol)56.500€ * UnconfirmedThe Rest Of The New MINI Family There are two other key additions to the MINI range we’ll see in the next 18 months. The forthcoming ICE powered F66 MINI Cooper will be a massive seller in the US and the electric J05 MINI Aceman (effectively a Clubman replacement) will follow in the footsteps of the J01 about a year later. And remember, all of these models will see the same digital experience you see above. If you want the details you’ll not find anywhere else on any of the new MINI’s head to our 4th Generation MINI Section. If you’ve made it to the end, then you might be interested in the other articles we’ve released today with details about this reimagined new generation of MINIs: J01 MINI Cooper EV: Hands-On Review J01 MINI Cooper EV: Video Review MINI Countryman EV: In-Depth MINI Countryman EV: FIRST Review MINI Countryman EV: Video Review The post Premier: The Reinvented MINI Cooper Electric Is The Most Important MINI in 60 Years first appeared on MotoringFile. The post Premier: The Reinvented MINI Cooper Electric Is The Most Important MINI in 60 Years appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

Leaking low-res photos seems to be an unfortunate inevitability of a car launches. That’s now happened with the highly anticipated New MINI Countryman. Several poor quality images of the new crossover were just leaked on Instagram give the world its first view of official photos of the all new Electric MINI Countryman. What these photos shoe is the more upright yet minimal look of the new U25 Countryman. Also seen here is the all new interior which differs in design from the forthcoming MINI Cooper Electric that we previewed last month. But this these poor quality images are just a glimpse of what we will have for you when both the new MINI Countryman and MINI Cooper Electric launch at 5:01 AM est. We will have an in-depth look at both cars and our own hands-on first impressions followed by exclusive video walk-throughs. The post New MINI Countryman Leaks Ahead of Official Debut first appeared on MotoringFile. The post New MINI Countryman Leaks Ahead of Official Debut appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

The all new (J01) Electric MINI Cooper and (U25) Electric Countryman will be debuting this Friday morning right here on MotoringFile. The simultaneous debut will include not just official information but our own exclusive hands-on reviews and videos. Debuting Friday at 5:01 am EST, the Cooper and the Countryman are the first two models from MINI’s new generation of cars and will set the tone for design, performance and technology we’ll see for many years to come. MotoringFile will have exclusive coverage with in-depth articles, first-look reviews and a collection of hands-on videos all dropping simultaneously at 5:01 am EST on right here. Buckle up, it’s going to be pretty cool. Trust us. The post The All New Electric MINI Cooper and MINI Countryman Debuting Friday first appeared on MotoringFile. The post The All New Electric MINI Cooper and MINI Countryman Debuting Friday appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

Several weeks ago we gave you an early look at MINI’s all new digital experience and MINI OS9. It’s revolutionary for the brand and, with its circular OLED display, a first for the industry. But how there’s surprising powering it all behind the scenes; Android. But this isn’t Android Auto. It’s something different and in many ways much more important. One of MINI’s biggest problems (and the industry as a whole) is technology inside of cars rapidly becoming dated in comparison to smartphones and other devices. The answer isn’t as easy and simply allowing for over the air updates as some carmakers have found out. Often the tech is cars is based on platforms and coding languages that’s either hard to create for or is simply obscure. Then there’s the problem of automakers not understanding (or willing) to plan and execute like a software company. What MINI (and BMW) has set out to do with this new experience is to future proof it by using one of the most widely known platforms in the world. One that has millions of developers and apps ready to go. This coupled with 5G powered over the air updates and a renewed focus on software development seemingly sets MINI’s 4th generation of cars well. That future-proofing starts with Android Open Source Project (AOSP) software stack which does several things for MINI. For one it allows MINI to leverage the massive scale of the Google Play App store which MINI will create their own subset of. But more importantly it allows MINI to leverage the army of Android engineers worldwide meaning that the platform MINI will rely on for future innovation is open and easy to create apps for. But don’t mistake the software stack as influencing the user experience. That’s 100% MINI’s own thinking and execution which is built on top of this invisible but powerful platform. We’ll reiterate – it’s important to remember we’re not talking about Android Auto here. That is what is known as projection software. AOSP is the the open source layer MINI’s system is built on. Android Auto and CarPlay will continue to run on top of it as projection layers should owners prefer that experience. MINI is keenly aware that most consumers have never heard of AOSP. They want an infotainment system that is intuitive, has the services they need and allows them to use CarPlay and Android Auto. This new MINI OS 9 not only allow that but does so with experience design that is uniquely MINI’s. Wireless CarPlay And Android Auto One of the reasons AOSP is so interesting for automakers is that it allows them to still run wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – both will be standard on the new MINI OS9. Both will work inside of the circular screen as a 4×3 rectangle allowing for the critical drive and climate functionally to be present and functional. That means we’ll see a slightly different layout from CarPlay putting the “dock” at the bottom. However it’s MINI’s hope that it’s new navigation and other apps lessen the appear of these projection offerings. Which MINIs Will Get This New Experience? The new MINI Digital Experience and MINI OS9 will be available across the entire new MINI family; the J01 MINI electric, U25 MINI Countryman (electric & ICE), J05 MINI Aceman (electric) and likely on the heavily refreshed ICE MINI Cooper (F66). Related Articles The post Android – The Surprising Tech Behind MINI’s New Digital Experience first appeared on MotoringFile. The post Android – The Surprising Tech Behind MINI’s New Digital Experience appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

In the build-up to the new MINI Cooper Electric and Countryman Electric reveal next Friday, we’re getting an sneak peek of the center of it all: the MINI Circular Display (or as MINI calls it – the Interaction Unit). This round OLED display, born from a collaboration with Samsung Display Corporation, is set to be the first of its kind in the industry housing perhaps the most inventive interface we’ve seen in the automotive world. Note: If you haven’t, read and watch our hands-on review of the new Circular Display and it’s incredible digital experience. For their showcase at gamescom, MINI has chosen a cutting-edge laboratory theme. Nestled within this MINI Lab, you’ll find a colossal incubator tank, evoking memories of beloved science fiction, gaming legends, and anime classics. Notably, MINI takes the spotlight as the primary sponsor of the gamescom merchandise area for the second time running, and they’re also adding their flair to the Cosplay Awards at the globe’s most massive gaming extravaganza. From August 23 to 27, 2023, gamescom will play host to hordes of passionate gamers from across the globe, spanning a colossal 230,000 square meters of gaming nirvana at Koelnmesse. Embracing the World of Technology. When it comes to glimpsing the future and its technological wonders, few genres rival the immersive experience of science fiction. MINI is steering this year’s narrative in a direction that complements their past playful endeavors. You might recall last year’s MINI Concept Aceman, which introduced the world to the whimsical Pokémon Mode. Stefanie Wurst, Head of MINI, enthuses, “MINI’s affinity with gamescom is a natural fit because MINI is all about creating experiences and fostering a vibrant community. Last year, our spotlight was on the MINI Concept Aceman. This year, we’re shifting gears to put the spotlight on the technological masterpiece within our new MINI family—the round OLED display. And we’re doing it through a playful, digital experience. Science fiction, as an homage to the future, sets the stage perfectly for our innovations.” At the core of the new MINI family lies the iconic MINI Interaction Unit, showcasing the cutting-edge OLED technology from Samsung Display Corporation. MINI and Samsung Display are at the forefront of advancing mobility and user interface solutions, all centered around enhancing the human experience. MINI is synonymous with individuality, and the MINI Interaction Unit is a testament to that ethos. Depending on your chosen Experience Mode, the interface and experience transforms, offering various designs and content. One of our favorite Experience modes is the Personal Mode, which allows drivers to radically change the look of the experience. In this mode, you can set an image (via your phone) as the backdrop of the central display via the MINI app, creating a personalized cockpit ambiance. Visitors to gamescom will have the chance to explore these modes firsthand at the MINI booth. But MINI’s engagement doesn’t stop there. They’re not just inviting gamescom attendees to their MINI Lab in Hall 5.2; they’re also embracing the cosplay community. At the Cosplay Awards, the renowned cosplayer Ben Bergmann, known as Maul Cosplay, will represent MINI as a judge. The winners of this competition will score an exclusive invitation to MINI UNITED—the grand launch party for the new MINI family. Up Next: IAA MOBILITY. For gamescom visitors, there’s an extra treat—a glimpse of the forthcoming MINI family. At IAA MOBILITY 2023 in Munich, this very center display will be seamlessly integrated into the new models, acting as their nervous system, and bringing them to life, just like something out of a mesmerizing science fiction epic. Related Stories The post MINI & Samsung Preview the New MINI Circular Display first appeared on MotoringFile. The post MINI & Samsung Preview the New MINI Circular Display appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

MINI has formatted announced it will debut the all new MINI Cooper electric (J01) and MINI Countryman electric (U25) at the 2023 IAA Mobility Show in Munich. The highly anticipated debut will be out first official look at both cars in their entirety and will usher the most important new models for the brand since 2001 and perhaps since 1959. The debuts will happen simultaneously at a pre-show event and right here on MotoringFile next Friday September 1st. Look for exact timing of the debut next week as we prepare our typical in-depth look at the cars and our first hands-on review as well. How You Can See The New MINIs At the IAA Munich Both the new MINI Cooper electric and new MINI Countryman electric will both be on show for the full public from 5 – 10 September. The IAA Mobility Summit at the exhibition centre and the BMW Group’s Open Space at Max-Joseph-Platz in the heart of Munich will be the main arenas where BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad present their new products. Among the models visitors can acquaint themselves with here alongside the BMW Vision Neue Klasse is the fully electric BMW i5. And they can also experience the world premieres of the new fully electric BMW CE 02 eParkourer as well. The post The Next Generation MINI Cooper Electric & MINI Countryman Electric Official Debut Annoucned appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

MINI USA and the MINI John Cooper Works Team kicked-off the second half of the 2023 SRO TC America season with an impressive performance at the iconic Road America circuit. Their campaign yielded a grand total of four podium finishes, comprising a first-place victory, a second-place finish, and two hard fought third-places as well. The 4.1 mile track saw Clay Williams (#60) clinching a close victory in Race 2 of the Touring Car (TC) class – the final race of the weekend. Cristian Perocarpi, #3, made it the podium twice despite some software struggles. His stellar performance secured a well-deserved second place in Race 1 (missing a win by thousands of a second) and a respectable third place in Race 2 of the TC class. P.J. Groenke, behind the wheel of the #62 MINI JCW, built upon his prior success at VIR by claiming the third spot in Race 1 for the Touring Car A (TCA) class. SRO America Road America 2023 – The traditional parade at Elkhart Lake.Hailing from Brownsburg, Indiana, the LAP Motorsports team, responsible for the operation of the MINI JCW Team, received invaluable support throughout the weekend from a certified MINI Dealer technician. This technician, none other than the skilled Miguel Ponce de Leon from International MINI in Milwaukee, has steadfastly stood by the team’s side for the past four races at Road America. Ponce de Leon was a tireless presence throughout the weekend at Road America, highlighting the importance of the technical expertise that underpins the team’s racing endeavors. Luis Perocarpi, the illustrious team owner of LAP Motorsports, commended the team’s resilience in the face of numerous challenges over the weekend. Their determination bore fruit with a multitude of podium finishes, keeping them at the top of the TC class standings for the year. Perocarpi proudly stated, “I’m incredibly proud of this team and our continued success this season. With just four races left in the season, we’re ready to face the pressure from our competitors and defend our spot at the top.” SRO America Road America 2023 – The Hyundai attempting a move (which failed) into turn 1Although the MINI JCW Team didn’t quite replicate the sweeping victories of the previous year at Road America, the results from the recent weekend underscored their position as the undisputed leaders in the 2023 TC class standings. Clay Williams, the pilot of the #60 MINI JCW Pro, remains atop the individual driver standings in the TC class, boasting a commanding points lead after a streak of consecutive wins. Williams also wrapped up the 2022 season in second place in the Driver’s Championship within the TC class. The next race in the 2023 SRO TC America series is scheduled for September 22 to 24 at the Sebring International Raceway followed by the season finale October 5 to 8 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway SRO America Road America 2023SRO America Road America 2023SRO America Road America 2023SRO America Road America 2023SRO America Road America 2023SRO America Road America 2023SRO America Road America 2023SRO America Road America 2023The post The MINI JCW Team Wins at Road America appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

The MINI brand is dripping with heritage. While every modern MINI has had plenty of nods to the classic Mini stylistically, the brand is looking to make the connection even stronger with the upcoming electric MINIs. One of the ways it’s doing this is with the “Timeless” Experience Mode that will add a classic Mini-inspired interface design and sounds taken directly from an original 1959 Mini. What’s an Experience Mode? With the new MINI family (the first models debuting this September), the brand is introducing “MINI Experience Modes,” which are designed to amplify the connection between drivers and their cars. Standard specification includes the Core, Green and Go-Kart Modes, each of which has its own specific user interface design. However it’s the optional Timeless Experience Mode that will likely appeal to a lot of long time MINI fans. Timeless Experience Mode – The Details With Experience Modes MINI aims to immerse drivers in a personalized driving experience. By combining light and sound, they aim to elevate the overall driving encounter. Timeless brings the aesthetic of the original 1959 Classic Mini with a unique user interface and speedometer design that takes cues directly from the original. Also present is sound that isn’t just inspired by the 1959 is actually taken directly from one of the first Minis ever built. MINI has synthesized the actual sound of the engine and other mechanicals to create an ode to the original. In the MINI “Timeless” driving sound, MINI merged the past and present. The Sound Design team worked to capture the sound from an original 1959 Mini to seamless blend that retro vibe with a futuristic interpretation of the MINI driving sound. Timeless brings the classic Mini aesthetic back with a refined serif typeface and a prominent speedometer, elegantly juxtaposed against a cream backdrop. Timeless Mode is particularly beautiful at night when the display and projections shift darker. 2024 MINI Cooper Electric & 2024 Countryman Debut And Release Timing We can confirm both the J01 MINI Cooper electric and U25 MINI Countryman (electric & ICE) will offer Experience Modes at launch. Additionally we’re expecting the heavily revised F56 ICE MINIs to also have some elements of the Experience modes as well. The J01 and U25 will debut at the Munich Motor Show this September. While MINI hasn’t confirmed production timing, our sources have confirmed that the J01 will go into production this fall in China and will be sold in Europe, Asia and South America initially. Plans for North America are still being finalized. J01 MINI Cooper (BEV) / ChinaStart of ProductionJ01 MINI Cooper E11/2023J01 MINI Cooper SE 11/2023J01 MINI Cooper JCW11/2024** UnconfirmedSimilarly our sources have confirmed that we will see the all new U25 MINI Countryman begin production in Leipzig Germany in November with global exports happening in the months following. 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** UnconfirmedRelated Stories The post Timeless Experience Mode Aims to Turn the New MINI Electric into a Classic appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

As the 2023 SRO TC America season enters its second act, MINI USA and the MINI John Cooper Works Team are eager to build on their triumphant first-half performance. With a spectacular three-win streak at the Virginia International Raceway (VIR) just before the midseason hiatus, Clay Williams achieved an astonishing four consecutive victories in the Touring Car (TC) class aboard the #60 MINI JCW PRO. Notably, Williams currently leads the Driver’s Championship in the TC class, while MINI USA dominates the manufacturer’s championship in the series. In the upcoming races at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, Cristian Perocarpi reunites with Williams in the TC class, taking the wheel of the #37 MINI JCW PRO after his thrilling second-place finish in Race 2 at VIR in July. Joining them this weekend are PJ Groenke in the #62 MINI JCW and Bruce Myrehn in the #64 MINI JCW, competing in the Touring Car A (TCA) class. Groenke, riding the momentum of his first-season victory in the TCA class, is ready to make his mark. SRO America VIR 2023Luis Perocarpi, the team owner of LAP Motorsports based in Brownsburg, Indiana, shared his enthusiasm, saying, “We had a perfect race weekend here at Road America last year, and this weekend marks the beginning of the second half of our 2023 racing season. With PJ coming off his first-ever TCA class win at VIR, with Clay leading the driver’s championship and MINI USA leading the manufacturer’s championship, we are 100% focused on maintaining this performance for the final six races of the year.” Adding to the excitement, the LAP Motorsports team receives support from a seasoned MINI Dealer technician, Miguel Ponce de Leon from International MINI in Milwaukee, who joins the crew during practice, qualifying, and race days as part of the MINI Technician Race Crew Program. Ponce de Leon’s invaluable expertise has been instrumental in the team’s recent success, making him an integral part of their race-day strategy. Looking back at the previous season, both nineteen-year-old racers, Williams and Perocarpi, achieved two first-place finishes at Road America, showcasing their dominance on the renowned Midwest road course. Perocarpi’s teammate PJ Groenke in the #62 MINI JCW was right alongside him at the front of the pack in Race 2, securing a memorable 1-2 finish to conclude the weekend. It’s worth noting that the team wrapped up the last season as the runner-up in the Manufacturer’s Championship in both the Touring Car (TC) and Touring Car A (TCA) classes. Clay Williams, the pilot of the #60 MINI JCW Pro, also claimed a well-deserved 2nd place in the Driver’s Championship in the TC class for the 2022 season. Watch Live: 11:20 CST Saturday & 9:50 EST Sunday The post Watch the JCW Race Team Live At Epic Road America This Weekend appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

What if you could have the same MINI JCW that Bulldog Racing came in 2nd with at the 24 Hours of Nurburgring? Bulldog Racing is making that possible with the release of the Bulldog Racing Edition JCW designed and engineered for both the street and the track with the same components featured on the race car. What’s in it and how can you get one? Read on. Bulldog racing, the MINI supported, independent race team has a long history of building race cars designed to tackle the ultimate track. And now with two years of experience racing MINI’s at the Nurburgring, they’ve built an impressive looking street car that is just as at home on the track. Available for retrofit or as a new car, the Bulldog Racing Edition JCW comes with an incredible pedigree that’s hard to beat. Each model is built to customer specifications and individually setup-adjusted on the Nordschleife before delivery. The only rub for many of us is that it’s currently only available in Germany with no sales planned for the North American market. The Bulldog Racing Edition is based on a highly equipped MINI John Cooper Works with a 6-speed manual gearbox and an output of 231 hp / 170 kW with a maximum torque of 320 Nm. The engine and other modifications are either identical or inspired by the race car with just the safety features being left out. Bulldog Racing will also tailor the build to each customer’s wishes. That will allow components to be installed individually according to the customer’s preferences. The Bulldog Racing Edition – The Technical Details The core of the edition is the KW V3 suspension, adjustable in compression and rebound damping which, among other things, increases grip, improves turn-in behaviour and increases safety at the limit. The suspension setup is carried out individually for each vehicle by one of Bulldog Racing’s professional drivers on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. The 17-inch OZ HyperGT alloy wheels in combination with the Remus brand sports exhaust give each vehicle an unobtrusive yet unmistakable appearance. The car is shod with Pirelli P Zero Performance tires (size 205/45R17) – the same brand that the team used for the N24 earlier this year. Finally the Stern Performance Parts Clubsport set replaces the rear seat with a strut with fitting mesh and carpet. The resulting weight saving improves the performance and helps with rigidity. One of the visual highlights on the exterior is the large Bulldog Racing roof decor foil, which traditionally adorns every race car of the team. Inside, each Bulldog Racing edition comes with an individual badge identifying the car as a numbered limited edition and documenting the day the suspension was set up on the Nordschleife, as well as various other discreet features. The post Bulldog Racing Releases It’s Own Bulldog Racing Edition JCW appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

Since the 2001 R50 MINI, the brand has offered a surprisingly large and versatile way to get light int the cabin. And it makes sense as the design of the Cooper means the roof is massive for the size of the car. However for MINI’s next generation Cooper (the J01), some of that versatility will be going away. Seen in a recent spy video posted on Instagram, the new J01 MINI Cooper electric will have a fixed sunroof. While we won’t go into details we know that are under embargo, we can verify what this video clearly shows us. Why has MINI chosen to eliminate the ability to open the expansive glass sunroof? Several factors likely play a role. For one taking the small electric motor out of the roof and simplifying the design will remove weight exactly where you’d want to reduce it. Secondly it will reduce longterm issues like leaking or even rattles that have plagued some cars in the past. Finally it will reduce cost on a car that is intended to be the entry-point for the brand. It’s a move we’re not that surprised by. In talking to MINI owners for years, quite a few have never even opened the sunroof in their cars. While we’ve love it and will miss the option, we wonder how many will truly even notice. What do you think? Let us know in the comments. The post New MINI Cooper Electric to Get Fixed Sunroof appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

Having driven a handful of electric cars over the last few months we’re genuinely excited to see and experience the new U25 2024 MINI Countryman Electric. But what should we expect in terms of range, performance and even charging speed? We’ve detailed some of these details before but we wanted to take a deep look at day to day life might be with the first ever MINI Countryman electric. MINI Countryman Electric – The Models MINI will launch two electric configurations simply named the Countryman E and Countryman SE. While the Cooper name will now be exclusive to the smaller MINIs, you can think of the E as the Cooper model and the SE and the Cooper S but all of them with more power than you’re used to (more on that later). The Countryman E will make do with a single motor driving the front wheels. The Countryman SE will offer a two motor set-up and introduce an al new All4 system driving (you guessed it) all four wheels. Availability of both models will be dependent on the market. For instance MINIUSA currently only has plans to important the Countryman SE for the US market. MINI Countryman Electric – The Range Range was never going to be massive for a small crossover like the 2025 MINI Countryman electric. And as you can see here it’s likely not going to win many comparisons on range along. According to MINI, the Countryman E will see a 273 mile WLTP range while the SE will get a slightly lower 261 miles. It’s important to note that, unlike Tesla, BMW has a history of rating their cars conservatively from horsepower to range. EPA figures are self reported by automakers, and thus there’s 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. We would expect the same here. 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 AmericaHow does this translate into EPA range for the US market? We’ve done some basic calculations to give us an idea. The WLTP testing protocol produces, on average 22% higher mileage figures than EPA testing by. By doing that we’ve got some rough numbers which at least gives us an idea of what will be on the window stickler. It’s worth noting that, in our experience, real world performance often lies somewhere in the middle, a bit closer to the EPA numbers. Will a 204 Miles Range Be Enough? Will the range be enough for markets like North America? Looking at comparable models (there aren’t many) it would seem that it’s on the low side. But critically it’s not that far off from other models in its space. EPA 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$39,000 (*estimated)Volvo EX30275$36,145Nissan 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 evolves in this new generation as MINI moves the Countryman up a category due to its size increase. Range is only only key data point. There’s charging speed, overall efficiency and of course that all 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 EPA 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? 2025 MINI Countryman Electric Charging Speed Charging speed is as critical is not more so than range depending on your situation. And if we look at the identical electric BMW iX1 sold in Europe, we get an idea of what the Countryman electric should offer in terms of charging speed. The BMW iX1 supports DC fast-charging at up to 130 kW, which can charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in only 29 minutes. While we don’t have global data (much less US specific data), we do have European data on charging speeds which should give you an idea of what we’ll see with the 2025 MINI Countryman Electric. Charging PointMax. PowerPowerTimeRateStandard 11.0 kW On-Board ChargerWall Plug (2.3 kW)230V / 1x10A2.3 kW33h15m11 km/h1-phase 16A (3.7 kW)230V / 1x16A3.7 kW20h45m18 km/h1-phase 32A (7.4 kW)230V / 1x32A7.4 kW10h30m35 km/h3-phase 16A (11 kW)400V / 3x16A11 kW7 hours53 km/h3-phase 32A (22 kW)400V / 3x16A11 kW †7 hours53 km/hOptional 22.0kW On-Board Charger *Wall Plug (2.3 kW)230V / 1x10A2.3 kW33h15m11 km/h1-phase 16A (3.7 kW)230V / 1x16A3.7 kW20h45m18 km/h1-phase 32A (7.4 kW)230V / 1x32A7.4 kW10h30m35 km/h3-phase 16A (11 kW)400V / 3x16A11 kW7 hours53 km/h3-phase 32A (22 kW)400V / 3x32A22 kW †3h30m100 km/h* = Optional in some countries, standard in others. Check local specifications for details. † = Limited by on-board charger, vehicle cannot charge faster. Data provided by ev-database.org2025 MINI Countryman Electric – Performance 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. If that sounds nearly what a current F60 Cooper S you’re mostly right. Except we’d expect the E to have even more performance given the immediacy of its torque. Countryman ECountryman SE*Horsepower185 hp (140 KW)264 hp (200 kW)Battery Size64 kWh 64 kWh*US model.The Countryman SE (the only model to be offered in the US) will offer even more – 264 hp. That coupled with All4 and an unspecified amount of torque likely all available immediately will likely make it JCW equalling in a straight-line. What’s holding performance back will be the weight. While we don’t have that data yet, looking at the similar all electric BMW iX1 we have some thoughts. While BMW and MINI have added plenty of aluminum and lighter steel to the mix, we’d expect the Countryman Electric to weigh in around 4,400 lbs – at least 700 lbs more than the ICE equivalent. The 2025 MINI Countryman Electric – Release Dates 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 JCW03/2023*U25 BEV Countryman E03/2024U25 BEV Countryman SE03/2024*U25 BEV Countryman JCWTBD**US market models2025 MINI Countryman Electric Photo Gallery The 2025 MINI Countryman SE in Melting Silver IIIThe post The 2025 MINI Countryman Electric – Range, Performance And Charging Speed appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

Hitting the 10,000 mile mark on our longterm 2023 MINI Countryman S Untamed Edition felt rather anticlimactic. When a car is this reliable, easy to live and yet still fun to drive, it seems to blend into your life in the best way. While all isn’t perfect, there’s a lot to love about this small crossover that punches above its weight with a style that’s completely unique to the segment. Even if it’s about to be replaced by something bigger and all new. What Exactly Does Untamed Mean? It means an embarrassing name and an awful logo. Untamed is arguably the worst name we’ve ever seen from MINI. I say arguably because Untold and Resolute are neck and neck with it in terms of awkward and even embarrassing names for special editions. While stickers can be taken off (looking at that rear quarter window) the word is everywhere; the side scuttle, rear side windows, steering wheel and even built into the illuminated dash. The good news is that MINI nailed just about everything else with this car. Our 2023 Countryman Cooper S Untamed edition is finished in the exclusive Momentum Grey metallic with the gorgeous Highland Green leather inside. Momentum Grey metallic is extended to the air curtain inserts in the front apron and the side sills, as well as on the reflector inserts and the lower insert in the rear apron. The background to the MINI brand logo on the bonnet and tailgate is in Momentum Grey metallic. It’s a unique look you’ll notice if you’re a MINI fan. It’s combined with a contrasting black finish on the roof and exterior mirror caps as well as on the roof rails and headlight housings. Then there are those stripes finished in Frozen Bluestone on the lower section of each door. The inlays and the carrier plates of the side scuttles are also finished in this color. Like the door sill finishers, the side scuttles also feature a graphic pattern inspired by a mountain landscape, together with the inscription “UNTAMED”. The interior of the MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 Untamed Edition is our favorite part of the car. It features nature-inspired shades of green and blue. The exclusive Highland Green Lounge Leather is combined with blue and green contrast stitching on the surfaces of the heated and power operated MINI Yours Leather Lounge sports seats. It’s really our favorite part of the car as it’s both striking and restrained at the same time. MINI Countryman Cooper S Still Defines Engagement in this Segment Six years into the Countryman’s lifecycle this is a car that still feels fresh in most ways. Part of that is due to how it drives. There’s an engagement and performance here that is not found in most small crossovers. There’s also a playfulness in both how to drives but also how it goes about its business as a family car. From the design to the lighting to even the sound MINI has crafted an experience that feels unique and endearing in a segment that is mostly forgettable. While the steering still feels artificially boosted (it’s hard to find anything in this segment that does it better) there’s still some feel and connectivity to what’s going on underneath. The car is well damped and easily the most compliant MINI we’ve ever had. Of course if you’re looking or something a bit more extreme we cannot recommend the JCW Countryman enough. With dramatically more power, better brakes and a more engaging driving experience, it’s one of the best MINIs we’ve ever experienced. It’s also pricey with our test car last year nearing $50,000. This current Countryman Cooper S Untamed has an MSRP of $45,250 which isn’t as much of a pricing difference as you’d assume driving the two back to back. In other words, as good as this Countryman is, if you can spring for the JCW you’d be pretty pleased. MINI Countryman Untamed – Quality & Reliability We’ve had two issues over 10,000 miles. The first was the a rear seat-back that was stuck in the upright position when a strap broke. While it was easily replaced it did require a bit of disassembly to do so (all under warranty of course). The second is an issue that we haven’t had in years with a MINI – a dash rattle. This one is currently emanating from the HUD and only seems to show up in warmer weather. Suffice to say we’ll have MINI of Glencoe take a look when it’s in for an oil chance next month. Colors, Options and What We’re Missing With that out of the way let’s talk about what we do love. This Countryman Cooper S Untamed edition is finished in Momentum Grey metallic with Highland Green leather inside. The combination is modern and elegant while being unique. Our car is basically loaded with almost every option missing only adaptive cruise, power rear hatch and rear seat center armrest. The only one that really hurts is the Adaptive Cruise. Given that we’re pretty fond of road-trips here at the MF HQ, the omission of Adaptive Cruise has been rather annoying over the past 10,000 miles. And having had it on our last several MINI we can attest to it being a must have option for anyone who drives their MINI long distance. The good is plentiful with this car starting with the car itself. Seven years into a production cycle is not usually an exciting moment for a car but the Countryman still feels fresh both in how it drives and how it looks. Infotainment, CarPlay And Touch-sceens. While the overall MINI OS took a step backwards in 2022 with the introduction of a new home screen, the experience of wireless CarPlay remains excellent. It’s worth noting that in 2021 MINI updated the Countryman’s infotainment with faster processing that thankfully made everything all the more responsive. This extends to CarPlay which we’ve found to be one of the better integrations of the technology in any car at any price-point. Combine this with the digital cluster this is a car that doesn’t feel it’s age as you might think. Summing Up 10,000 Miles This Countryman has been a workhouse for us. Sun, rain or snow it’s been near faultless while providing a driving experience that few other small crossovers can touch. Even in its sixth year of production it feels relatively fresh in design and offers just enough tech to feel relevant. It’s also the perfect size in our view. Small enough to feel like a MINI (in a sea of massive crossovers) yet still offers loads of utility. That’s really unique as we watch models everywhere grow in size year over year. And it’s also something we’ll see next year as MINI debuts an entirely new and larger Countryman. That last bit makes this current F60 feel a bit special. We’ll never have another internal combustion MINI crossover this small and nimble. And while we’re excited about the new U25 Countryman, we will miss the F60’s excellent blend of size and utility which we’ve found near perfect for our needs. 2023 MINI Countryman Untamed Gallery 2023 MINI Countryman Untamed Specifications The post Longterm Review: the 2023 MINI Countryman Untamed Edition appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

Last month we showed you the first ever photos of the 2025 MINI Cooper JCW Electric we spied while in Munich. However since then we’ve learned more about MINI first ever electric hot-hatch and when we’ll likely see it. We also captured an updated test mule this time with proper JCW wheels and brakes and even less camo. 2025 MINI Cooper JCW Electric – Power and Performance We know from sources that MINI will be amping up the power of the electric JCW models far more than what we’ve seen in the ICE variants. In the Cooper JCW model we see here that figure will likely be 250 hp – a 22 hp gain over the ICE JCW. But more importantly will be the increase in torque and the immediacy of its delivery. That points to an upgraded electric motor under the hood and new software allowing for more aggressive throttle engagement among other things With 250 hp and great grip courtesy of MINI’s advanced DSC Sport mode, we’d expect 0-60 times in the low 5 to even high 4 second range. That could be a full second faster than the current 228 hp JCW MINI Cooper. New Exterior JCW Design Details Let’s talk about what we can see through this camo starting with the front. The deeper front splitter extends out further and has a dual-center support for the first time. Also new is a single horizontal cross-member that spans the full width of the deeper tower air intake. Looking closer you can just make out the diagonal lines that connect to a bulge just in front of the wheels. That shape looks to be mirrored by the shape of the front lip as it extends diagonally upward at the same angle. Unlike the mule we personally saw last month, this one doesn’t have that faux trim around the lights or that fake hood scoop. The side sills are also more aggressive and extend further downward at the bottom of the car. Also there’s a new are element (that very noticeable bulge) just in front of the rear wheel that looks to have an identical diagonal angle to the front bumper styling. That is likely there to push air around the wider (likely 225 mm) tires. Let’s talk about the wheels and tires. Unlike the earlier test mule, this car has real JCW wheels and tires. The wheels here are the 18” John Cooper Works Lap Spoke wheels likely wrapped in sticky summer only rubber. For more about the new range of MINI wheels, read our exclusive report. Finally around back we see two obvious JCW details. The first is the massive (for a MINI) rear defuser. Designed to literally suck the car to the pavement at speed, defusers help to limit the lift that is typically seen on cars like a MINI due to its unique aero properties. However it remains to be seen of this is a functional defuser or more of a styling element. But there’s something else hiding in plain sight. Looking closer at the photos you begin to notice a rather interesting rear wing that looks almost like the original JCW GP wing. On the side there are vertical elements on the side design like that GP but in a more subtle and integrated way. An entirely new element is the two small fins that sit just inside of the edge of the wing that appear to be roughly the same width apart as the rear defuser. Expected Electric MINI JCW Range Power is up – way up with this new JCW. But with that we will see range decrease slightly. Why? MINI isn’t pulling back from making the JCW a true performance hatch and thus is using sticky rubber and aero that decreases lift but makes it slightly less slippery through the air. 2025 J01 MINI Cooper E2025 J01 MINI Cooper SE2026 J01 MINI JCW2023 F56 MINI Cooper SEHorsepower181 hp215 hp250 hp*181 hpRange200 miles (WLTP)250 miles (WLTP)TBA125 miles (WLTP)Battery Size40kWh54kWh54kWh*32.6 kWh* Confirmed through unofficial sources but unconfirmed by MINIOur sources tell us that the JCW will get the same size battery as the Cooper SE. That would mean we’d see the estimated 250 miles range (WLTP) decrease a bit. How much? We could make an educated guess but it’s still a bit early. Note these are WLTP number. Final EPA numbers will be slightly lower due to the more stringent way they test. MINI Cooper JCW Interior, Infotainment and Sound Design Go-Kart Experience Mode in the J01 MINI Cooper S. Look for the JCW version to be even more motorsports oriented.Given the incredible rich and varied digital experience that MINI has created for the J01 MINI Cooper electric, we’d expect the JCW variant to have its own UI, sounds and even lighting. We’d also expect specific JCW seat design, fabrics and perhaps even a unique console accessory as well. MINI Cooper JCW Electric Release And Pricing Info As always we have exclusive details on not just performance but also production timing. According to sources the 2025 MINI Cooper JCW Electric will begin production in January of 2025. Initially it will be made exclusively in China via BMW’s venture with Great Wall Motors called Spotlight. That car will be sold in Asia, Europe and South America initially. At some point after launch we expect production expand to the Oxford UK plant which could coincide with the J01’s launch in the North American market. J01 MINI Cooper (BEV) / ChinaStart of ProductionJ01 MINI Cooper E11/2023J01 MINI Cooper SE 11/2023J01 MINI Cooper JCW*01/2025Pricing is still TBD but we do expect MSRP to rise from what we see on the current MINI JCW. In the US that $35,400 price will likely be north of $40k by the time that markets gets the car. In German the currently 39.800€ will likely increase a similar amount. Electric MINI JCW Photo Gallery The post Exclusive New Photos and Details on the 2025 MINI Cooper JCW electric appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

MINI is gearing up to replace its best selling model next year making it larger, more comfortable, more modern and electric. The 2025 MINI Countryman is a global model but one designed with an eye towards the North American consumer – more than any MINI ever. While MINI is releasing both an ICE and electric models, today’s we’re going to focus on the first ever MINI Countryman Electric. What does electrification (much less the other changes) mean in terms of design, performance and utility? We spoke with our sources to give you the clearest picture yet. As you can see in the photos throughout this article, MINI is in the very final stages of testing the Countryman making its last second tweaks to electronic settings and refinement. Some of this final testing was done in the Scottish Highlands and more specifically Lochearnhead Scotland. The 2025 MINI Countryman SE not in Scotland but at a recent LA PhotoshootThe 2025 MINI Countryman Electric – A Bold Look Stylistically the U25 MINI Countryman is a sharper, more bold design that has clearly grown in every dimension. But we knew about the size. What we see here for the first time is the muscular fenders and minimal front and rear styling. More upright with a few technical looking details, MINI has clearly 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. While these aren’t the optional dynamic headlights, the LED daytime running lights do a great job of showing off the new shape. Overall, like the J01 Cooper, the U25 Countryman overall design is minimal and almost elegant while its details are purely functionally driven 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. Improved Off-Road Ability? Sources tell us that MINI will offer a package on Countryman with more aggressive off-road capable tires and a slightly raised suspension. While it won’t offer true off-road capability like a Land Rover or Bronco, it will have better grip and ground clearance for trails and even the ability ford small streams. For most that just means it’ll look more aggressive and capable when running to get morning coffee. The 2025 U25 MINI Countryman Electric next to the 2025 J01 MINI Cooper Electric How Big is the 2025 MINI Countryman Electric? It’s bigger but not huge. While we can’t tell you yet about our experience seeing it in person at a preview in Munich, we can talk about the dimensions that MINI has previously given us. According to MINI we’ll see some modest but 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 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 inHow Much Will The 2025 MINI Countryman Electric Weight? Added size means added weight right? Maybe not as much as you might think in the case of the ICE variant. However the electric version will undoubtedly be the heaviest MINI ever. To keep this weight down 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 ICE generation Countryman All4 won’t be far off the current car’s 3,726 lbs curb weight (assuming equipment levels are similar). However due to the heavy battery pack, we’d expect the 2025 MINI Countryman Electric to be at least 500-600 lbs heavier. Assuming the BMW iX1 is a clue, we could see a final weight around 4,400 lbs. The 2025 MINI Countryman Electric – Range, Performance and Charging Speed 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. But what 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. 2025 MINI Countryman Charging Speed Charging speed is as critical is not more so than range depending on your situation. And if we look at the identical electric BMW iX1 sold in Europe, we get an idea of what the Countryman electric should offer in terms of charging speed. The BMW iX1 supports DC fast-charging at up to 130 kW, which can charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in only 29 minutes. While we don’t have global data (much less US specific data), we do have European data on charging speeds which should give you an idea of what we’ll see with the 2025 MINI Countryman Electric. Charging PointMax. PowerPowerTimeRateStandard 11.0 kW On-Board ChargerWall Plug (2.3 kW)230V / 1x10A2.3 kW33h15m11 km/h1-phase 16A (3.7 kW)230V / 1x16A3.7 kW20h45m18 km/h1-phase 32A (7.4 kW)230V / 1x32A7.4 kW10h30m35 km/h3-phase 16A (11 kW)400V / 3x16A11 kW7 hours53 km/h3-phase 32A (22 kW)400V / 3x16A11 kW †7 hours53 km/hOptional 22.0kW On-Board Charger *Wall Plug (2.3 kW)230V / 1x10A2.3 kW33h15m11 km/h1-phase 16A (3.7 kW)230V / 1x16A3.7 kW20h45m18 km/h1-phase 32A (7.4 kW)230V / 1x32A7.4 kW10h30m35 km/h3-phase 16A (11 kW)400V / 3x16A11 kW7 hours53 km/h3-phase 32A (22 kW)400V / 3x32A22 kW †3h30m100 km/h* = Optional in some countries, standard in others. Check local specifications for details. † = Limited by on-board charger, vehicle cannot charge faster. Data provided by ev-database.org2025 MINI Countryman Electric – Performance 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 264 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. Will a 204 Miles Range Be Enough? Will the range be enough for markets like North America? Looking at comparable models (there aren’t many) it would seem that it’s on the low side. But critically it’s not that far off from other models in its space. EPA 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$39,000 (*estimated)Volvo EX30275$36,145Nissan 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 evolves in this new generation as MINI moves the Countryman up a category due to its 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 EPA 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 MINI Countryman Electric – Release Dates 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 JCW03/2023*U25 BEV Countryman E03/2024U25 BEV Countryman SE03/2024*U25 BEV Countryman JCWTBD**US market models The post An In-Depth Look At the U25 2025 MINI Countryman Electric (New Photos) appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

The all-new MINI Countryman debut is just around the corner and MINI is already testing its fire-breathing JCW variant. While this video bills this new MINI has just a Countryman, it’s actually a full-on 2025 JCW Countryman complete with MINI’s first ever quad exhaust pipes. But what makes this MINI a true JCW? We’ve got exclusive details on everything from power to release date. 2025 JCW Countryman – What’s Under the Hood? There are two competing rumors from our sources on the all important engine question. One source tells us to expect the new JCW Countryman to make use of the current B48 power plant with no changes. That means we’d see a 306 hp with 331 lb-ft of torque mated to a 8 speed Aisin automatic. While that might sound disappointing at first, having owned a 2021 JCW Countryman is that same combo, there’s not a lot to complain about with that combination. The second (and the one we’d bet on) is that this new JCW Countryman will leverage the revised B48 from the just announced BMW X1 M35i. That would mean we’d see an increase to 312 hp and a downgrade to 295 lb-ft (a 36 lb-ft of torque decease) why more power but less torque? Our assumption is that it’s all about the transmission. MINI and BMW are keen to reduce the number of components used across the range and are standardizing the 7 speed dual clutch across all small ICE powered front wheel drive cars. That DCT could very likely have a torque limit of around 300 lb-ft of torque. That change aside this revised B48 has incorporated several innovative new features. Notable advancements include the adoption of the Miller combustion cycle, redesigned intake ports and combustion chambers, and various changes to the camshaft timing, injection, ignition system, and exhaust gas routing. If MINI uses this revised B48, we’ll see stronger crankshafts and an optimized oil supply system for the pistons with cooling channels. It also benefits from main bearing shells and caps carried over from the latest-generation 6-cylinder engines. Then there’s the Sport Boost which helps to maximize performance. The Sport Boost function gives a temporary boost in power by pulling and holding the left-hand shift paddle for at least one second. When drivers activate this feature, all powertrain and chassis systems to their sportiest settings. Quad pipes – a first for any factory MINIThose Quad Exhaust Tailpipes They’re real and they are straight from BMW M. Well let’s be clear. They are derived from an M Performance product – the X1 M35i. While engineered by M, the X1 M35i is not a full M car but one that takes elements of what M does and applies it to a car that is more accessible and forgiving than an M car. What do four pipes mean for performance? Likely not a lot. But they are nice eye candy and they clearly mark the M35i and the JCW Countryman out as distinctly different from their pedestrian versions. New All Wheel Drive Mechanical Limited-Slip Differential At The Front Axle Sources have confirmed that the all new 2025 JCW Countryman will feature the same revised xDrive system seen on the recently released BMW X1 M35i. That means we’ll see a mechanical limited-slip differential built into the 7-speed DCT. This serves to limit the difference in rotational speed between the front wheels, boosting agility and handling dynamics when taking corners at speed and increasing traction over loose terrain or in adverse weather conditions. Note those air-inlets on the corners. Those mark this text mule out as a JCW.Larger Brakes with Options BMW M Compound Pads Sources are telling us that the new 2025 JCW Countryman will also get The new BMW X1 M35i’s uprated braking system comprised of four-piston, fixed-caliper brakes with 15.2-inch drilled discs at the front wheels and single-piston, floating-caliper units with integrated parking brake and 13.0-inch discs at the rear. The inner-vented brake discs are composed of a grey cast iron ring and an aluminum chamber. In addition to this, weight has been minimized and unsprung masses are substantially lower compared with conventional braking systems. The X1 M35i offers the optional M Compound brakes which offer better bite and reportedly more feel. We have zero information on this option but it would make sense for MINI to offer something similar as an optional extra. The BMW X1 M35i’s Sport seats.M Sport Seats Look A Lot Like JCW Seats To US The optional M Sport seats offer a wide range of electrical adjustment and feature an illuminated M logo in the upper section of the backrests. But more importantly they look like the second generation of the JCW seats that we saw on the previous (F60) JCW Countryman. Clad in MINI appropriate alcantara and cloth, these would make an excellent JCW seat. Near-Actuator Wheel Slip Limitation For Sharper Agility. Given all the tech coming from the X1 M35i, we also expect to get the near-actuator wheel slip limitation technology. In this system, the traction control function is integrated into the engine management. This eliminates the long signal paths to the DSC control unit, meaning that the corrective inputs are applied up to ten times faster than in conventional systems and with exceptional precision. Near-actuator wheel slip limitation thereby ensures optimum traction (even on slippery roads), unwavering straight-line composure under hard acceleration, and excellent directional stability in corners. This spy shot taken from a recent photo shoot is the all electric Countryman SE. But it’s not hard to imagine what a JCW might look like.Will There be an All-Electric Countryman JCW? MINI isn’t ready to talk about what might come down the road – and yes we have asked. But it doesn’t take much to realize that it would fit perfectly in the the brand’s ambitious electric reinvention. But if so when? We’d bet it would be something MINI would add later in the lifecycle as it concentrates on its core models. But this is just us guesstimating at this point. 2025 JCW Countryman Release Dates And Pricing While we don’t have confirmed release dates yet, sources tell us that the ICE U25 Countryman and Countryman S will begin production in November 2023. U25 / Leipzig, GermanyStart of ProductionU25 ICE Countryman11/2023U25 ICE Countryman S11/2023U25 ICE Countryman JCW03/2023*U25 BEV Countryman E03/2024U25 BEV Countryman SE03/2024U25 BEV Countryman JCWTBD**UnconfirmedThat would likely mean we’ll see the JCW Countryman begin production in March of 2024 as that’s the next major production change-over in BMW’s typical schedule. Given that the all new U25 Countryman will debut in early September, we’d expect the 2025 JCW Countryman to be shown off a few months after that. Does this new JCW Countryman sound interesting enough to ? Let us know in the comments. The post 2025 JCW Countryman Caught Testing As It Nears Debut appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

We love the smell and touch of high quality leather. But there’s a big environmental impact due to the production of leather in the quantities that companies like MINI need. So much so that MINI has made the bold decision to eliminate leather from its coming starting with the all new J01 MINI Cooper electric. But can the vegan only interior compete against leather? We went hands-on with the new MIIN to find out. What’s wrong with leather? It’s complicated. While the leather industry is vocal about its use as a smart byproduct of livestock farming, there’s some serious concerns around its production and amount of impact it has on the environment. Converting animal skin to leather demands vast energy and involves hazardous chemicals like mineral salts, formaldehyde, coal-tar derivatives, oils, dyes, some cyanide-based finishes. Suffice to say it’s not the most natural and environmentally safe process. It’s also not inline with MINI’s brand image of being environmentally conscious and animal friendly. But how do you replace something as iconic as leather seats? Hands-on with MINI’s Vegan Friendly Interior Ok so leather isn’t the best for the environment. But can there be a legitimate alternative that feels as good as MINI’s Lounge Leather or BMW’s Merino Leather? We spent time in the new 2024 J01 MINI Cooper Electric and talked to the people behind the new generation of MINI products to get some answers. One thing that’s clear – BMW and MINI are confident in products like Vescin. So much so that a similar product (known in BMW terms as Sensafin – an improved version of Sensatec) is being used in several cars with MSRPs well over $100,000. What’s it like in person? Getting into the new J01 MINI Cooper electric it’s clear that Vescin is a step-up from what we’ve known as Leatherette. The off-white perforated seats in the MINI Cooper electric we experienced were softer to the touch than leatherette and felt much more supple. But how do they compare with leather? In short very well. Compared with the standard Chesterfield or Cross Punch leather seating, Vescin feels softer and more premium. It’s not on par with the feel and softness of MINI’s Lounge Leather but then again that’s $2500 option on the Signature Trim. What was on par with Lounge Leather and even the high-end Merino Leather on BMWs was the Vescin material on the new MINI’s steering wheel. In fact as I put my hands on the wheel for the first time I turned to one of the program managers of the new J01 and told him this clearly must be leather. He smiled and told me it was in fact a higher-end version of the same Vescin on the seats. Having experienced leatherette in various forms for decades in BMWs and MINIs, I simply couldn’t believe how it felt essentially identical to MINI’s higher-end Lounge Leather. While I only sampled a couple of different seats made of the new vegan friendly Vescin, it was clear that MINI was right to be confident about its ability to replace leather in terms of look and feel. Does it have the same smell? Naturally no. But then again the low-end leather on most cars (I’d put Cross Punch and Chesterfield in that category) doesn’t have much of a scent either. And when it does it’s often due to chemicals designed to replicate the scent of full grain leather. Our Early Verdict The concept of taking leather out of cars has become emotional for some. But the reality is real, full grain leather doesn’t exist in cars unless you’re well into the six figure price range. What we’ve had with MINI’s mid-tier leather is essentially a veneer applied to leatherette on about 80% of seats (the rest is leatherette). And in our experience it can scratch, stain and eventually crack with use. While Lounge Leather is much higher quality, even that will suffer with age unless you like the patina of cracking bolsters. Vescin solves all of those problems with an easy to clean, long lasting product that happens to be much more environmentally friendly to make and is 100 recyclable to boot. Crucially it looks and feels better than the mid-tier leather we’ve come to know in MINIs. And there’s hope for a higher quality version as well given the Vescin on the steering wheel we felt was on par with the best Lounge Leather we’ve even experienced in MINIs. Add in the ability to stay cooler in extreme heat and it feels like a real step forward. Yet final verdict will have to come after a few years of living with the new material. While Leatherette has proven to be incredible durable (more so than leather in our experience) we’ll withhold judgement on that front until we have real data. Until then Vescin looks and feels very promising in our initial experience. As much as we love the feel of that $2,500 Lounge Leather in MINIs, we’re ready to move on to something all around better. The post Hands-On With Vescin – MINI’s New Vegan Friendly Interior That Replaces Leather appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

After weeks of new MINI news we wanted to dig into the MotoringFile archives for a blast from the past. Behold the MINI Maverick trading cards from the MINI Maverick campaign. Mavericks was part of the early, award winning work done by Crispin, Porter + Bogusky for MINIUSA’s launch of the R50 and R53 MINIs. This particular part of the campaign featured Ed Roth inspired illustrations designed to not just make MINI cool but give it an edge that most brands would shy away from. The work done during this time by CP+B for MINI was not just award winning but creative in that there was no TV. This was marketing that was meant to feel as different as the MINI did at the time. Of course this is just a part of that amazing time period of MINI marketing. In total the work one multiple awards and moved the needle of a relatively unknown brand in the US. And it did so with a fraction of the spend that most automakers shelled out. MINI spent roughly $567,000 for each percentage point of awareness. The other 12 brands in MINI’s competitive set spent an average of $5,973,000 (or more than 10 times as much) to do the same. In CP+B’s own words the broader campaign was designed to: Showcase the defining look of the new MINI – its size and contrasting roof. Create as many opportunities as possible for people to come in contact with the new MINI so they could experience its smile generating magic. Subtly anthropomorphize the new MINI. Communicate our unique benefit – life-affirming exhilaration at an attainable price. Emphasize customization and individual self-expression. Use non-traditional media and traditional media in very non-traditional ways. The overall work went onto to win Creativity’s Campaign of the year beating out well known work like Apple’s famous Switch campaign. However it was always the trading cards that so many fans loved. Amazing what you can find in the MotoringFile garage.The post A Look Back at MINI Mavericks – An Early Ad Campaign From MINI USA appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

Wireless CarPlay has been a massive add to the current generation’s digital experience for several reasons. For one the current experience is lacking and CarPlay immediately solves that. Second is the excellent integration the our digital lives. With the new OS9, MINI aims to Crete an experience that makes CarPlay and Android Auto feel less required. But that doesn’t mean their going away. With the all new OS9 powering the digital experience, MINI will not only continue to offer wireless CarPlay but will also add wireless Android Auto as well. In fact MINI is aiming to make both standard across not just the J01 MINI Cooper but the entire range of models. Given the new circular OLED screen there’s been a lot of speculation on how this would work. Having gone hands-on with the new OS9 we have some answers. Both will work inside of the circular screen as a 4×3 rectangle allowing for the critical drive and climate functionally to be present and functional. That means we’ll see a slightly different layout from CarPlay putting the “dock” at the bottom. Will you still use CarPlay or Android Auto if MINI’s new OS9 is as good as it seems? Let us know in the comments. The post The New MINI Digital Experience & What It Means for CarPlay and Android Auto appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

Yesterday we showed you the future of the MINI digital experience with the new circular OLED screen and MINI OS9. In that massive report we give you a glimpse of the new MINI Experience Modes. But there’s more to show so we wanted to go in-depth on the concept and what each of the modes will deliver. MINI Experience Modes – A New World of Personalization The latest MINI models introduce “MINI Experience Modes,” which are designed to amplify the connection between drivers and their cars. Standard specification includes the Core, Green and Go-Kart Modes, each of which has its own specific user interface design. However there are a handful to optional and model dependent modes. With Experience Modes MINI aims to immerse drivers in a personalized driving experience. By combining light and sound, they aim to elevate the overall driving encounter. At the center of this experience lies the circular OLED screen, the MINI Interaction Unit, which adapts its design and content based on the selected mode. Core Mode Core is the standard mode and the one you’ll in most photos when the J01 MINI Cooper Electric launches. In other words its the standard mode that most people will probably use. When Core Mode is selected is the main menu with the MINI widgets remains in the foreground. The interface on the circular display switches to Laguna – an almost teal blue. Additionally both the optional projection and ambient lighting adjust automatically to match this color. The “Core” driving sound is introduced as the new electric MINI brand sound, which can be heard both inside the car and from outside (functioning as acoustic pedestrian protection). MINI describes the sound as inviting, energizing, and stimulating. Since we haven’t driven the car yet, will withhold judgement. Go-Kart Mode Our favorite both thematically and visually has to be Gp-Kart mode. Inspired by MINI’s motorsport DNA, Go-Kart Mode changes the display interface and the interior to a darker look using anthracite and red. The circular display adopts a classic speedometer that can transform from digital to analogue across the full surface of the screen. The projection and ambient lighting are adjusted automatically to the Go-Kart colors. Crucially for most of us, Go-Kart also remaps throttle response allowing for the feeling of more immediate torque. The Go-Kart driving sound is marked out by strongly pronounced pitch and fall which should go along with the remapped throttle well. We’ve also heard rumors of things like drift mode and remapped steering but we’ll have to wait for the official debut for more information. Green Mode Not surprisingly MINI has a Green most and it’s focused on efficiency. As you guessed the screen and ambient lighting is green. But more interestingly MINI has gamified the experience using an animal (to us it looks like a stylized cheetah) to indicate through both their coloring and their character which efficiency level (high, medium, low) the driver is currently achieving. As you’d expect the throttle response of the accelerator pedal is optimized for efficient driving. There’s likely other energy saving measures at play but MINI isn’t going into details yet. Balance Mode Balance mode exudes tranquility and unpretentiousness. The driving sound of Balance draws inspiration from the serene symphony of a forest, from the gentle babbling of streams and the melodious chirping of crickets to the rustling whispers of the wind through the tree. On paper it sounds like an artfully crafted auditory landscape and all very relaxing. Timeless Mode The one many of you will love, Timeless brings the classic Mini aesthetic back with a refined serif typeface and a prominent speedometer, elegantly juxtaposed against a cream backdrop. Timeless Mode is particularly beautiful at night when the display and projections shift darker. In the MINI “Timeless” driving sound, MINI merged the past and present. The Sound Design team worked to capture the sound from an original 1959 Mini as well as the original 2006 JCW GP. The result is a seamless blend with a futuristic interpretation of the MINI “Core” driving sound. Vivid Mode This mode revolves around the presentation of media content. The user interface design has a vivid spectrum of colors, while the projections and ambient lighting inside the car are derived from the cover artwork of the currently playing music, leveraging automatic color selection technology. Personal Mode With Personal Picture Upload, the realm of possibilities is endless. This mode allows customers to select and showcase their own pictures as the backdrop for the MINI circular display via the MINI App. Personal Mode also extends to match the interior lighting and dashboard projection with a seamlessly chosen hue, complementing the relevant image, much like the Vivid Mode. Trail Mode While most if not all of these modes will carry over to the entire MINI family, Trail will be unique to the MINI Countryman.m Thematically Trail is designed feel rugged and fit the profile of the MINI Countryman. A virtual compass, accompanied by real-time vehicle inclination data, symbolizes venturing into off the conventional path. Or down the street. Either way it looks cool. The post An In-Depth Look at the New MINI Experience Modes appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

MINI going electric and there’s a lot that will be gained by that transition. But there’s also a lot that can be lost. One of those things is the visceral qualities of driving. Acceleration and even steering feel can be retained but gone is the ability to change gears and the overall aural feedback that so often makes driving satisfying. The last part MINI intends to do something about. Enter the MINI Sound Design team and the all new MINI Sound Design for the all new J01 MINI Cooper electric. While we had plenty of hands-on time with the interior and the digital experience, we didn’t get a chance to hear the new sound design in context. But we did hear them isolated and here’s what we know. The MINI has made the brand and even Experience Mode soundscapes an integral part of the overall driving experience. From all-new driving sounds in the interior to an unmistakable MINI brand sound that aims to confirms the car’s identity from the outside there’s a lot here that’s new. Particularly well done are the new MINI Experience Modes, and a whole collection of 30 new sound signals with information and warning functions. The overall feeling is one that is both familiar yet futuristic. And that’s not by accident. The MINI Sound Design team went deep in the MINI product catalog to capture some of those sounds. Specifically the team spent time with an original 1959 Mini and a 2006 JCW GP to capture some of the more iconic sound moments from those two models. The aim is to add an extra dose of emotional appeal to the interior of the MINI, shaping its acoustic statement and providing a distinctive MINI-typical feature on an acoustic level. Is sound really fundamental to the experience? In our time driving EVs (and the current F56 MINI Cooper Electric) there’s little question that they do add to the experience. But this new sound design taking things much further than we’ve seen before. The new sound design will extend to the entire range. We believe even some elements will make it to the internal combustion Countryman and Cooper. However not surprisingly the majority of the sound design will only be available on the EV models; the 2024 MINI Cooper electric, the 2025 MINI Aceman and the 2024 MINI Countryman Electric. The post New Sound Design for the 2024 MINI Cooper Electric Inspired By Past Models appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

The all new MINI digital experience is a breathtaking change from what we have know for years. From the circular OLED screen to the modern yet funky interface, MINI has created something that feel truly differentiating in a sea of sameness. True to the brand, there is simply nothing like it in the marketplace. But what is it like to experience in person? We went hands-on with the new MINI digital experience in Munich recently and have a lot to say. For those that missed our (very long) in-depth look at the new circular display and the MINI OS9, make sure to reach our full review here. If you’re hear for our video review, then you’re in the right place. The New MINI Digital Experience – The Background MINI is reinventing every aspect of the brand and it starts not just with what’s under the hood but what is on the dash. We recently went hands-on in Munich with the new 2024 J01 MINI Cooper Electric and its circular OLED display, experiencing the new MINI OS9 in-person. While we can’t yet spill everything about the car, we’re excited to finally lift the veil on this revolutionary new digital experience. Last week we showed you the new MINI Cooper Electric interior. But the singe most interesting thing about the new interior was also the one thing we couldn’t talk about. Today we get to finally go into details on that circular OLED screen at the center of everything (or as MINI calls it, the MINI Interaction Unit). The post Video Review of the All New MINI Digital Experience appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

Last week we went hands-on with the new mini interior. This Week MINI has take the wraps off of its new (circular) in-car digital experience and we can Finally Give you our hands-on impressions. While it looks great on at a glance, there’s much more going on below the surface. MINI is reinventing every aspect of the brand and it starts not just with what’s under the hood but what is on the dash. We recently went hands-on in Munich with the new 2024 J01 MINI Cooper Electric and its circular OLED display, experiencing the new MINI OS9 in-person. While we can’t yet spill everything about the car, we’re excited to finally lift the veil on this revolutionary new digital experience. Last week we showed you the new MINI Cooper Electric interior. Written from inside the car itself, we walked you through every inch of the new MINI interior design. But the singe most interesting thing about the new interior was also the one thing we couldn’t talk about – that circular OLED screen at the center of everything (or as MINI calls it, the MINI Interaction Unit). Today we can finally talk about this radically different digital experience and its circular OLED display – the first ever in the automotive industry. A New Experience For All Future MINIs This digital experience will spread beyond just the all new J01 MINI Cooper Electric. We will see it in all new MINIs – from the all-new 2024 Countryman to the 2025 Aceman EV to even the heavily refreshed F66 ICE MINI Cooper. It’s also worth a reminder that the car we see here, the all electric J01 MINI Cooper Electric, will be available in Europe, Asia and South America at launch early next year. Plans are underway to bring the J01 in North America as soon as possible. The first product the North American market will get with this new experience will be the U25 MINI Countryman (available as both ICE and EV) followed by the heavily refreshed (ICE) F66 MINI Cooper and Cooper S. The Go-Kart Experience Mode in the new 2024 MINI Cooper ElectricHands-On With the New MINI Digital Experience Let’s start with the specs. The circular OLED screen is 9.5” (240 mm) wide however because of the bottom cutout measures about 9” in height. While it may seem like unusual design given the rectangles we’re all used to, it feels very natural in person thanks to the way MINI has organized the information. The “Charismatic Simplicity” design language (as MINI calls it) is focused on both minimalism and a bit of MINI character. The circular OLED display seamlessly accommodates both static and dynamic elements, with a clear and intuitive hierarchy (despite the shape). The top portion is dedicated to critical driving information which is close to your direct line of sight when looking through the windshield. While we didn’t drive the car we did sit in it for quite awhile and it felt like something we’d get use to within a drive or two. For those opting for the optional Head-up display, vital driving details are projected directly into the driver’s field of view. There are three parts of the experience – the driver centric top, the app-centric middle and the dock and tool belt as MINI calls it at the bottom.One cool trick – a single tap on the digital speed display transforms the entire circular display into the MINI speedometer. At the center of the screen lies the start menu, providing a hub for personalized content accessible through easy side-swipes. Just below, a fixed status bar houses essential menu items like “Navigation,” “Media,” “Telephony,” “All Apps,” and contextually, “Home,” all within direct reach. The tool belt can also be activated with a press of the star button on the multifunction steering wheel. The middle houses three live widgets that allows apps to run and display information. For instance you could have your paired phone to the left and your music playing to the right and the navigation app running in the center. All positions have the ability to show live updates and allow for a quick top to maximize. At the bottom are three zones. The left and right house the dual climate zones which felt very different than other similar experiences due to micro-animations. The center is what Mac users will likely refer to as the dock. Like a smartphone to allows you to place shortcuts for commonly used apps as well as open the full app view much like the home screen on an iPhone. The pixel density is so high we couldn’t even see any. But perhaps more important was the responsiveness. While this was a pre-production J01 MINI, the experience was fluid and full of micro-animations that felt immediately more modern than even the latest iDrive system in new BMWs. The experience felt almost at iOS levels of intuitive and the interactions and animations felt natural. MINI’s Secret Weapon – An All-New Technology Stack This is all made possible by not just talented strategists and designers but a very thoughtful technical approach. With this new digital experience MINI is also taking the wraps off of a completely new set of technologies that are aimed at future-proofing MINI experiences for some time to come. That future-proofing starts with Android Open Source Project (AOSP) software stack which does several things for MINI. For one it allows MINI to leverage the massive scale of the Android App store which MINI will create their own subset of. But more importantly it allows MINI to leverage the army of Android engineers worldwide meaning that the platform MINI will rely on for future innovation is open and has a bright future. But don’t mistake the software stack as influencing the user experience. That’s 100% MINI’s own thinking and execution built on top of what is invisible but powerful technology. It’s also important to remember we’re not talking about Android Auto here. That is what is known as projection software. AOSP is the the open source layer MINI’s system is built on. Android Auto and CarPlay will continue to run on top of it as projection layers should owners prefer that experience. MINI is keenly aware that most consumers have never heard of AOSP. They want an infotainment system that is intuitive, has the services they need and allows them to use CarPlay (and to a lesser extant Android Auto). This new MINI OS 9 not only allow that but does so with experience design that is uniquely MINI’s. This is not CarPlay – photos of that feature have yet to surface.Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be standard on the new MINI OS9. Both will work inside of the circular screen as 4×3 rectangles allowing for the critical drive and climate functionally to be present and functional. However it’s MINI’s hope that it’s new navigation and other apps lessen the appear of these projection offerings. All New Navigation Takes on Google Maps The new, cloud-based MINI Navigation system provides fast and precise route calculation that MINI says is on par with Google and Apple Maps. Drawing on real-time traffic data transmitted at 5G speeds, in conjunction with sophisticated forecasting models, the system’s route calculation feels lightning-fast and highly dynamic. As users open the navigation app, the circular display is filled entirely by an immersive map, its color scheme adapting to the chosen MINI Experience Mode. One area MINI has an advantage on other mapping apps is the tight integration with the car itself. Once the destination is entered, an optimized charging route is calculated if the vehicle’s current range falls short. Constantly evolving, both the algorithm and speed of charging-optimized route calculation undergo continuous refinement. Crucial charging information, such as the estimated state of charge upon arrival, recommended charging time, and target state of charge, is laid out in the route overview. Live data updates during the drive and will alert you if originally planned charging stations are suddenly unavailable. Worth noting, the system ensures a minimum 10 percent charge level at the final destination and charging stops, but adaptable drivers can tweak this setting to their preference. Charging becomes even more convenient with the integration of authorization and start/stop functions into the MINI App. All well and good but MINI needs to do something truly different to win against Google and Apple Maps. Enter Augmented View which gives drivers a live stream in the circular display with overlayed information added for navigation. In complex intersections, for instance, an animated directional arrow seamlessly integrates into the video stream, guiding the driver toward the optimal turn-off for their intended route. Adding to the magic, augmented reality overlays in the live video stream also furnish information on local parking regulations. While we haven’t experience this yet in the new MINI, we have driven similar systems in BMWs and it’s genuinely helpful. The optional MINI Connected Package includes a host of innovative navigation functions, including precision lane guidance visualizations. MINI Experience Modes – A New World of Personalization The latest MINI models introduce “MINI Experience Modes,” which are designed to amplify the connection between drivers and their cars. Standard specification includes the Core, Green and Go-Kart Modes, each of which has its own specific user interface design. However there are a handful to optional and model dependent modes. With Experience Modes MINI aims to immerse drivers in a personalized driving experience. By combining light and sound, they aim to elevate the overall driving experience. At the center of this experience lies the circular OLED screen, the MINI Interaction Unit, which adapts its design and content based on the selected mode. The circular OLED screen (aka the MINI Interaction Unit) adapts its designs and content according to the chosen mode. An optional projector situated behind the OLED display casts color and patterns onto the dashboard, resulting in a unique, immersive experience that extends even to the door trim. While there’s a few really compelling Modes, Personal Mode was really intriguing. Owners can integrate their own pictures from their smartphone gallery as the backdrop for the display, using the MINI App. The ambient lighting automatically adopts a color that complements the selected image. Interestingly the optional Head-up display adapts to the chosen MINI Experience Mode as well. But we’ll have to take MINI’s word for it as this point we didn’t get to see it in action. Core Mode Core is the standard mode and the one you’ll in most photos when the J01 MINI Cooper Electric launches. In other words its the standard mode that most people will probably use. When Core Mode is selected is the main menu with the MINI widgets remains in the foreground. The interface on the circular display switches to Laguna – an almost teal blue. Additionally both the optional projection and ambient lighting adjust automatically to match this color. The “Core” driving sound is introduced as the new electric MINI brand sound, which can be heard both inside the car and from outside (functioning as acoustic pedestrian protection). MINI describes the sound as inviting, energizing, and stimulating. Since we haven’t driven the car yet, will withhold judgement. Go-Kart Mode Our favorite both thematically and visually has to be Gp-Kart mode. Inspired by MINI’s motorsport DNA, Go-Kart Mode changes the display interface and the interior to a darker look using anthracite and red. The circular display adopts a classic speedometer that can transform from digital to analogue across the full surface of the screen. The projection and ambient lighting are adjusted automatically to the Go-Kart colors. Crucially for most of us, Go-Kart also remaps throttle response allowing for the feeling of more immediate torque. The Go-Kart driving sound is marked out by strongly pronounced pitch and fall which should go along with the remapped throttle well. We’ve also heard rumors of things like drift mode and remapped steering but we’ll have to wait for the official debut for more information. Green Mode Not surprisingly MINI has a Green most and it’s focused on efficiency. As you guessed the screen and ambient lighting is green. But more interestingly MINI has gamified the experience using an animal (to us it looks like a stylized cheetah) to indicate through both their coloring and their character which efficiency level (high, medium, low) the driver is currently achieving. As you’d expect the throttle response of the accelerator pedal is optimized for efficient driving. There’s likely other energy saving measures at play but MINI isn’t going into details yet. Balance Mode Balance mode exudes tranquility and unpretentiousness. The driving sound of Balance draws inspiration from the serene symphony of a forest, from the gentle babbling of streams and the melodious chirping of crickets to the rustling whispers of the wind through the tree. On paper it sounds like an artfully crafted auditory landscape and all very relaxing. Timeless Mode The one many of you will love, Timeless brings the classic Mini aesthetic back with a refined serif typeface and a prominent speedometer, elegantly juxtaposed against a cream backdrop. Timeless Mode is particularly beautiful at night when the display and projections shift darker. Timeless is a influenced by the original Mini gauge designIn the MINI “Timeless” driving sound, MINI merged the past and present. The Sound Design team worked to capture the sound from an original 1959 Mini as well as the original 2006 JCW GP. The result is a seamless blend with a futuristic interpretation of the MINI “Core” driving sound. Vivid Mode This mode revolves around the presentation of media content. The user interface design has a vivid spectrum of colors, while the projections and ambient lighting inside the car are derived from the cover artwork of the currently playing music, leveraging automatic color selection technology. Personal Mode With Personal Picture Upload, the realm of possibilities is endless. This mode allows customers to select and showcase their own pictures as the backdrop for the MINI circular display via the MINI App. Personal Mode also extends to match the interior lighting and dashboard projection with a seamlessly chosen hue, complementing the relevant image, much like the Vivid Mode. Trail Mode will be exclusive the all new MINI CountrymanTrail Mode While most if not all of these modes will carry over to the entire MINI family, Trail will be unique to the MINI Countryman.m Thematically Trail is designed feel rugged and fit the profile of the MINI Countryman. A virtual compass, accompanied by real-time vehicle inclination data, symbolizes venturing into off the conventional path. Or down the street. Either way it looks cool. Sound Design That is Distinctly MINI With MINI going electric, sound design will become an integral part of the driving experience. While we had plenty of hands-on time with the interior and even elements of the digital experience, we didn’t get a chance to hear the new sound design in context. But we did hear them isolated and here’s what we know. Going back to the roots, the MINI Sound Design team sampled elements of the 1959 Classic Mini.The MINI is making bold claims about their brand-centered soundscapes being an integral part of the digital user experience. From all-new driving sounds in the interior to an unmistakable MINI brand sound that supposedly confirms the car’s identity from the outside, jingles for the new MINI Experience Modes, and a whole collection of 30 new sound signals with information and warning functions – it seems like they’re leaving no stone unturned in making sound key to the overall driving experience. The MINI Sound Design team grabbing element of sound from the 2006 R53 JCW GPMINI’s aim is to add an extra dose of emotional appeal to the interior of the MINI, shaping its acoustic statement and providing a distinctive MINI-typical feature on an acoustic level. Is sound really fundamental to the experience? In our time driving EVs (and the current F56 MINI Cooper Electric) there’s little question that they do add to the experience. But MINI is taking things further than we’ve seen before. For instance the new MINI Experience Modes have their own all-new soundscapes that connect to each theme. You can hear more in our first look video. The MINI itself is the default character for the Intelligent Personal AssistantMINI Intelligent Personal Assistant – Alexa in MINI Form Like the new Sound Design we didn’t get a chance to use the new personal assistant but we have used similar tech in new BMWs. Like the BMW Perusal Assistant, the MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant can be activated using the prompt (In this case “Hey MINI”) or by pressing the push-to-talk button on the steering wheel, initiating a voice-controlled interaction showcased on a circular OLED display with dynamic graphical elements, typography, and an avatar. Users will have the option to select between two visual representations – a stylized “MINI” or the familiar figure “Spike,” catering to the preferences of MINI enthusiasts. The capabilities of this intelligent assistant extend to controlling essential functions such as navigation, telephony, radio, and temperature via voice command. Moreover, drivers can make travel-related requests, such as inquiring about weather conditions at their destination or locating nearby charging stations. The system incorporates two front-headliner microphones to automatically discern between the driver and front passenger’s speech, ensuring seamless interactions. Spot is an optional character for MINI’s Intelligent Personal AssistantAdditionally, MINI promises a unique and engaging experience with the assistant’s chit-chat functionality, which will provide MINI-specific answers, jokes, and stories to users. This feature aims to add a touch of personality and brand-typical character to the driving experience. In the United Kingdom, the MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant will be powered by Alexa Custom Assistant’s AI technology stack at the time of market launch. This integration is expected to deliver natural dialogue capabilities, complementing the brand-defining voice. However, in other markets, these advanced voice features, along with other capabilities enabled by the Alexa Custom Assistant, will be introduced later through over-the-air updates. The BMW App Store in the new BMW X1 gives us a clue as to how the MINI version might workThe All New MINI App Store Based on the Google Play Store MINI’s previous foray into in-car apps has been less than successful. Yes MINI was a first mover in the space debuting apps well over a decade ago. But time has quickly moved on and the current experience is clearly dated. That is ending with the new generation of MINI models with an all new MINI Connected App Store. In conjunction with the optional MINI Connected package, the MINI App Store offers users access to a diverse array of practical and entertaining apps that continue to evolve over time. This selection includes gaming, music, and video streaming apps, among others, tailored to cater to the preferences of customers in different regions. Building upon its introduction in current BMW models, the new MINI family introduces a distinctive in-car gaming experience to its customers. When the vehicle is stationary and awaiting high-voltage battery recharge, drivers and passengers can engage in casual gaming through the AirConsole App. Setting up the gaming experience is a straightforward process, with players using their smartphones as controllers and connecting to the MINI Interaction Unit via a QR code on the OLED display. The AirConsole technology allows games to be readily accessible and controlled through smartphones, accommodating multiple players, including those in the rear, who can participate in the in-car gaming fun during breaks in the journey. Whether playing solo, as a team, or in competition mode, the experience is designed to be inclusive and engaging. The game selection primarily consists of casual games, known for their ease of play and intuitive controls. Players can enjoy a diverse range of gaming genres, including racing, sports, general knowledge quizzes, music quizzes, simulation, strategy, jump-and-run, and puzzle games. Notable titles such as Go-Kart Go, Golazo, Music Guess, and Overcooked contribute to the ever-evolving portfolio of available games. Spotify and the 3D map view are just some of the ways you can customize the experienceIn addition to gaming, music enthusiasts can seamlessly integrate their Spotify accounts with MINI Operating System 9, enhancing the music streaming experience. By scanning a QR code, MINI customers can enjoy an intuitive and visually appealing music streaming service integrated into the circular MINI Interaction Unit. The MINI Connected services, with their refreshed offerings, are set to be rolled out in over 40 countries upon the launch of the new MINI family. 2024 MINI Cooper Electric & 2024 Countryman Debut and Release Timing The new J01 MINI Cooper electric and U25 MINI Countryman (electric & ICE) will debut at the Munich Motor Show this September. While MINI hasn’t confirmed production timing, our sources have confirmed that the J01 will go into production this fall in China and will be sold in Europe, Asia and South America initially. Plans for North America are still being finalized. J01 MINI Cooper (BEV) / ChinaStart of ProductionJ01 MINI Cooper E11/2023J01 MINI Cooper SE 11/2023J01 MINI Cooper JCW11/2024** UnconfirmedSimilarly our sources have confirmed that we will see the all new U25 MINI Countryman begin production in Leipzig Germany in November with global exports happening in the months following. 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** UnconfirmedThe Rest of the New MINI Family There are two other key additions to the MINI range we’ll see in the next 18 months. The forthcoming ICE powered F66 MINI Cooper will be a massive seller in the US and the electric J05 MINI Aceman (effectively a Clubman replacement) will follow in the footsteps of the J01 about a year later. And remember, all of these models will see the same digital experience you see above. If you want the details you’ll not find anywhere else on any of the new MINI’s head to our 4th Generation MINI Section. The New MINI Digital Experience – Photo Gallery The post The Revolutionary New Circular MINI Cooper Digital Experience Is Here & We Go Hands-On appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

Happy National Day of Motoring! MINI USA is once again promoting the joy of driving and celebrating the beloved American road trip. And there’s no better automotive brand to promote the road trip than MINI. Haven’t heard the National Day of Motoring and why is MINI promoting it? In short this official holiday serves as a reminder to all Americans to embark on journeys across the vast expanse of the United States, relishing the freedom and excitement of open roads. At the heart of this celebration lies MINI’s dedication to delivering an unparalleled “fun to drive” experience, attracting a closely-knit community of enthusiastic owners. Their shared passion for rallying on the roads whenever the opportunity arises creates a camaraderie that sets MINI apart from any other automotive brand. While this year may not see the legendary biennial event “MINI TAKES THE STATES,” which has been a cornerstone of MINI owners’ road rally since 2006, we take this opportunity to revisit some of the remarkable moments from the various annual MINI owners’ rallies, thoughtfully organized by both MINI USA and the passionate owners themselves. MINI Takes the States Among these iconic events, “MINI TAKES THE STATES” stands out, a biennial extravaganza that gathers MINI owners from all corners of the nation and beyond. The event presents a remarkable opportunity to revel in the charm of U.S. backroads and byways, whether traversing coast-to-coast, heading north to south, or converging from multiple starting points at a central meeting spot. Thousands of MINI owners congregate during the balmy summers of alternate years to partake in this unforgettable celebration of the open road and the unbreakable bonds within their community. However, MINI’s commitment to fostering togetherness and shared experiences extends beyond “MINI TAKES THE STATES.” A prime example is “MINI Together,” a nationwide rally experience that combines three unique elements: an individual driving adventure, a digitally engaging app-based experience featuring tasks, trivia, and a thrilling scavenger hunt, culminating in a grand virtual get-together where participants from all corners of the nation come together to share their day’s experiences. This year’s “MINI Together” event is slated for November 2023. MINIs On Top Moreover, each year, MINI owners excitedly assemble at the base of Mount Washington in New Hampshire for “MINIs on Top,” an annual event where camaraderie, competition, and customization converge. MINI owners showcase their vehicles vying for top honors. But the true beauty of this event lies in its philanthropic mission, having raised over $130,000 for various charitable causes over the years. Run by a dedicated committee and supported by MINI dealerships and part suppliers nationwide, “MINIs on Top” embodies the spirit of giving back. MINIs on the Mac The enthusiasm and fervor of the MINI community know no bounds, as demonstrated by the awe-inspiring “MINIs on the Mack” event. This jubilant gathering sees over 1,300 MINI Coopers parading across the iconic Mackinac Bridge in Mackinaw City, Michigan, with the aim of breaking the record for the largest-ever MINI Cooper parade. Organized with unwavering zeal by MINI of Grand Rapids and backed by MINI USA, this spectacle brings together a vibrant community of car enthusiasts for a memorable and heartwarming experience. This year’s MINIs on the Mac takes place August 4-5th. MINIs on the Dragon Not to be outdone, “MINIs on the Dragon” is the single best driving event in North America. Here, MINI drivers embark on an enthralling drive along the famed “Tail of the Dragon” (US 129), an awe-inspiring road enveloped by the majestic Great Smoky Mountains and the Cherokee National Forest. Featuring a delightful array of activities, including a food drive, cabin crawl, car show, scavenger hunts, and group dinners, “MINIs on the Dragon” is perhaps the best old-school, driving oriented MINI event there is. MINIs Take Route 66 Last but not least, “MINIs Take Route 66” serves as a crowning jewel in the roster of MINI owner events. Drawing participants from all corners of the country, this remarkable journey traces the iconic Route 66, starting from the picturesque Santa Monica in Los Angeles, California, all the way to the vibrant city of Chicago, Illinois. This privately owned and organized event, led by the passionate MINI owner community, embodies the spirit of adventure and unity that defines the MINI experience. As National Day of Motoring comes to a close, MINI USA remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing the bond between car and driver, fostering unforgettable experiences, and embracing the cherished American road trip spirit. With each passing year, the MINI community grows stronger, and their passion for the open road burns brighter, uniting car lovers from all walks of life in a joyous celebration of motoring freedom. The post MINI USA Celebrates National Day of Motoring: Embracing the American Road Trip Spirit appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

We were able to check everything out earlier in the week and it’s been difficult not sharing this sooner! While you listen, go ahead and open up MotoringFile to view the pictures and see what we are talking about. It’s very cool! We teased this during Black Roof. Remember, this is always a free download. While you are there, if you want to help keep WRR listener supported, you can do that too! Thank you for your support! Don’t forget to get your favorite graphics and badges over at MotoringStripes.com, including the Pride Badge! For those of you playing the home game, there are a few updates under the White Roof! First, The Hollywood Car Show is back, baby! Fireball Tim and I talking about movie cars, diecast, movies and TV. It’s so fun and we hope you’ll give us a listen! Also, Ride Bikes Radio is making it’s triumphant return with updates from our boy Brian, and myself, talking about riding bikes, like we like to do. The post White Roof Radio 691: The New Interior appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article