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We’ve spent an enormous amount of time in the previous X1 and its close cousins the MINI Clubman and MINI Countryman. While the X1 was decent take on a front-wheel drive BMW crossover, it did little to excite it and was often overshadowed by the slightly smaller and more engaging MINI Clubman and Countryman. Now BMW is back with a larger X1 that turns up the design, quality and performance making it one of the most dramatic generational improvements we’ve ever seen from BMW. It’s also a great preview of the next generation MINI Countryman that will be based on it. For the first time since the original, 3 Series based X1, we have something that feels closer to what you’d expect from the Roundel. In fact rarely have we seen such a dramatic increase in design, quality and performance from one generation to the next. The BMW X1 28i is offered with the familiar B48 four cylinder turbo with a 241 hp, 295 lbs of torque tune. That propels the car from 0-60 in 6.2 seconds – a respectable number but one that will improve with the forthcoming M40i model our sources have informed us about. We’d expect similar figures with both the forthcoming Countryman S and Countryman JCW. Unlike the previous X1, xDrive is standard and is offered exclusively with a 7 speed dual clutch transmission. In our time with the car the DCT felt both quicker and overall smarter than the previous Aisin sourced 8 speed auto. Shifts were less noticeable which helps the entire package feel a bit more refined. This will be a welcome change in the Countryman line-up as well. One area that is particularly improved is the steering and suspension tuning. In Comfort the steering resistance is noticeably lighter than before to the point of being surprising at first. The X1 we tested at the Adaptive M Suspension which has more range than before. In Comfort the ride is compose but focused on exactly what you’d expect – comfort. In Sport however the X1 comes alive with an heavier steering that feels artificial but does provide positive feedback to the point that you can place the car with trust anywhere in a corner. Along with the hardware and tuning, the .8″ wider track is certainly a part of that. There’s precision here that surprised us and is a clear step forward from the previous X1. The Sport suspension is also a noticeable improvement with better body control and less lean while being no more harsh over expansion joins or rough pavement. In fact with the one inch longer wheelbase it feels more refined and comfortable even in sport than the previous X1. BMW Makes Some Major Changes to Standard Equipment The X1 28i comes standard with BMW’s excellent all wheel drive system xDrive and for the first time in the US. Dynamic Cruise control and Navigation are standard along with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. SensaTec is the only interior material available as BMW has quietly eliminated leather from the X1’s ordering books. While that may sound like a downgrade, BMW’s latest version of SensaTec is a clear step-up and feels better to the touch than mid-grade leather the X1 had before. It will also surely be more durable. We’ll also see this change in the upcoming 2024 Countryman as MINI goes entirely vegan over the next several years. The X1 comes with 18″ wheels as standard but can be optioned with 19″ and 20″. And finally BMW is offering an optional trailer hitch with a towing rating of 3500 lbs. Expect this option to be available next year and eventually on the Countryman as well. All of these changes serve to position the X1 better against it’s less premium rivals in the US while increasing both the quality and driving experience. What This means For the 2024 Countryman? In this redesign BMW has brought this 3rd generation X1 closer to the rest of the BMW crossover range in design, material quality and performance. Everything from the proportions to the technology to the material quality has been improved. Even the feel, feedback and overall driving engagement has been noticeably improved over its predecessor. All of that bodes well for the Countryman which we can imagine will see most if not all of these benefits in a slightly smaller package. But slightly smaller to the now larger X1 means we will still see that car grow noticeably in size. The post 2023 BMW X1 28i- The Best X1 Since The Original & a preview of The Next MINI Countryman [Video] appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

The manual transmission is back and MINI USA is celebrating by launching the MINI Manual Driving School. Located at the BMW Performance Center in Thermal California, the MINI Manual Driving School is intended to spread the joy of manual knowledge through a series of cources and on-track sessions. It’s also intended to show MINI’s comittment to rowing your own as a core brand vlaue. MINI USA is seeing massive interest in the manual since it returned. In fact 30% of all JCW hardtops ordered recently have been manual – easily the highest take-rate of any manual car outside of a Porsche 911 GT3. With clear enthusiasm from would be owners, MINI is leaning into the manual and not only offering it but promoting it and then teaching how to use it. The driving school is a half a day with sessions that start with safety, clutch friction point and the finner aspects of how a manual works. Then you get to the track and test shifting, shift points and emergency braking. Finally you end with a stop and go autocross and puts it all together. The driving school is exclusively avilable at the BMW Performance Center in Thermal California. Official Release: MINI Launches the MINI Manual Driving School Thermal, Calif. – November 3, 2022 – MINI USA is bringing back the fun of driving a manual transmission by launching a new MINI Manual Driving School at the BMW Performance Center in Thermal, Calif. The announcement comes shortly after MINI USA confirmed the manual transmissions would return to specific MINI models for November production. While the manual transmission has fallen to the wayside for many drivers over time, the excitement and passion for driving a manual has never faltered. To expand the accessibility and fun of driving a manual, MINI USA is offering a manual driving school that is open to any drivers looking for the opportunity to learn to drive manual in an engaging and safe atmosphere. The BMW Group Performance Center West will be the exclusive location for the MINI Manual Driving School. Through the team of their experienced instructors, the school will incorporate both a classroom portion and a hands-on driving experience at the on-site test track. Since 1999, the BMW Performance Center has instructed over 500,000 participants at its two locations in Thermal, Calif., and Greenville, SC, through a wide range of driving courses. In 2016 it added MINI driving programs, and now plans to expand its instruction to teach students the fun of driving a manual. MINI owners have long valued the manual transmission models offered by the brand. This initiative welcomes a new generation of manual drivers while allowing others to sharpen their skills after years of driving automatic. The course is designed to create a foundation for drivers to build their comfort with driving manual transmission vehicles, with the curriculum that focuses on vehicle controls, finding the friction point, practicing smooth starts, stops, acceleration, and more. At the conclusion of the course, participants will be tested on a timed course to assess the driver’s knowledge. ’’For over a decade, consumers have ranked MINI as the most fun to drive brand in America, which is exactly why we brought back the manual transmission,’’ said Rah Mahtani, Brand Communications Manager, MINI USA. ‘’The course is not only informative but also a fun and challenging learning experience for a new generation of MINI drivers that they will remember forever. ’’ The experience of manual vehicles goes far beyond the look and feel but focuses on the enjoyment of the drive. For most consumers, the opportunity to drive a manual is limited by their ability to learn how. With the BMW Group Performance Center classes, MINI is giving its audience the confidence to take their vehicles out on the open road and enjoy the experience to the fullest extent. The post MINI Launches the MINI Manual Driving School To Teach The Dying Art of Driving a Manual appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

Our new long term MINI year far is here and it’s the 2022 MINI Countryman Cooper S Untamed edition. Yes there’s a lot to unpack in that name so let’s get started and tell you some of our early thoughts, the good, the bad and the unfortunate. We’ll start with the unfortunate. As much as we love the look and overall concept of this special edition, the name and how it’s plastered everywhere (literally) is very cringey. The call something “untamed” in 2022 is playing on some very tired analogies that make MINI feel a bit out of touch when it comes to naming conventions. The word is everywhere; the side scuttle, ear side windows, steering wheel and even built into the illuminated dash. The good news is that this one thing is the only thing MINI missed with on this car. The total package looks great. With that out of the way let’s get into the car. This is a 2022 Countryman Cooper S Untamed edition and is finished in Momentum Grey metallic with Highland Green leather inside. It’s loaded with almost every options missing only adaptive cruise, power rear hatch and ear seat center armrest. All three are missed but the adaptive cruise is especially missed given the highway driving this car will see. 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. The dynamics are largely the same as they have been which immediately puts it in the top of its class for engagement and driving enjoyment. Steering feel isn’t the strong suit of the car but you quickly build confidence in both overall grip and precise placement. For a small crossover this thing is fun and that in itself is worth celebrating. Coming from a few years with a 301 hp JCW Clubman and then Countryman there’s clearly a recalibration of performance expectation. Our new Countryman has 190 hp moving all 3,618 LBS to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. The JCW Clubman does that in 4.6 which the Countryman just behind that. Yes that’s a huge difference and one that you feel anytime you have to accelerate quickly. But hear the surprise; in normal city driving you don’t miss the extra performance. Except perhaps one thing – braking. The MCS does fine and if you’ve never driven a JCW before. But if you’ve experienced those massive front brakes you’ll never be the same. Maybe that’s our problem then? What is the MINI Countryman Untamed Edition Exactly? It’s a special edition Countryman is unique trim, colors and decals. There are no mechanical differences to the standard Countryman Cooper S All4 but the visuals do distinguish immediately. The exclusive exterior 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. The Piano Black Exterior adds further black design features: the surrounds of the radiator grille, headlights, tail lights and side scuttles, the door handles, the tailpipe trims, the model lettering. 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”. Yup – that regrettable name is everywhere unfortunately. The inscription is also featured on the rear side windows albeit in easily removable stickers. Finally the 18-inch alloy wheels are unique to the Untamed Edition. The interior of the MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 Untamed Edition features nature-inspired shades of green and blue. The exclusive Highland Green is combined with blue and green contrast stitching on the surfaces of the heasted 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. To finish things off there’s a graphic of a mountain landscape illuminated in the trim in Frozen Bluestone. And yes, at night it lights up and says “UNTAMED”. If you can get passed the name there’s a lot to like about this package. However is it worth the $45,250 given that a JCW can be had for not much more? We intend to find out over the next 12 months. The post Our 2022 MINI Countryman Untamed Edition is Here And There’s a lot to Take In appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

The MINI Convertible Resolute Edition launched in March 2022 is getting a series of enhancements for 2023. MINI is adding new exterior colors, interior upholsteries, technology and the Iconic Trim 2.0 to the convertible special edition. The Resolute has always been our favorite of the special editions but does it get even better? Let’s dig into the details. Official Release: MINI Updates The MINI Convertible Resolute Edition Classically sporty, refreshingly open: The MINI Cooper S Convertible in the Resolute Edition takes up MINI’s long history in Motorsport with its exclusive Rebel Green color. The bonnet stripes, with their color gradient between a light and dark shade of gold, together with the powerful bumpers and resolute bronze frames, give the open-top four-seater an extravagantly individual appearance. Equipped with a 131 kW/178 hp four-cylinder engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo technology, MINI currently offers the world’s only premium convertible in the compact car segment and guarantees typical MINI driving pleasure in the open air. The MINI Resolute Edition can be ordered for the MINI Cooper Convertible and the MINI Cooper S Convertible and will include the “Driving Assistant” as standard from production in November. The post MINI Updates The MINI Convertible Resolute Edition appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

For MINI fans the product code that defines each vehicle internally has become not just an identifier but a rallying cry. Whether you’re an R53 or F57 fan, those three letters matter. Which is why MINI’s next generation product codes are so interesting. They are massive departures and reveal big change ahead for the brand. The first thing you’ll notice is that the prefix letter isn’t consistent. For this next generation of MINI products there will actually be three families of products. Why the change? Starting in early 2024, MINI will be releasing a new generation of cars and crossovers with a focus on all electrification. Made in the UK, a revised F56 (G66) with internal combustion (ICE) is sticking around for another ten years (as is the manual transmission) but the focus for MINI is on electrification across the line-up. This will start with an all new J01 electric MINI Cooper which will be made in China and will pack much more range and performance in a smaller package than the current car. That will immediately followed by both the all electric and ICE U25 Countryman (made in Germany). 4Th Generation MINI Model Line-Up (2024) G66 / Oxford, EnglandU25 / Leipzig, GermanyJ01 / China (GWM)G66 ICE Cooper 3 doorU25 ICE CountrymanJ01 EV Cooper 3 DoorG66 ICE Cooper S 3 doorU25 ICE Countryman SJ01 EV Cooper S 3 DoorG66 ICE Cooper JCW 3 doorU25 ICE Countryman JCWJ01 EV Cooper JCW 3 DoorG65 ICE Cooper 5 doorU25 EV CountrymanJ02 EV AcemanG65 ICE Cooper S 5 doorU25 EV Countryman SJ02 EV Aceman SG67 ICE Cooper ConvertibleU25 EV Countryman JCW*J02 EV Aceman JCW*G67 ICE Cooper S Convertible––G67 ICE JCW Convertible––* Unconfirmed by our sourcesAn early, undisguised look at the J01 Chinese made electric MINI Cooper. Note the camouflaged version next to it and how MINI has hidden the smaller, simpler proportions of the new car. The J01 Electric MINIs The all new 2024 electric MINI will be the brand’s first electric vehicle on a dedicated electric platform. Unlike the current MINI Cooper SE which was built on an existing ICE chassis, this new electric MINI will be designed from the ground up to be an electric car which will allow for much improved performance and range. The J01 will initially be built in China however we believe MINI will eventually transition a version to the UK for production around 2027. What makes the J01 Cooper such a massive car for MINI is that it’s the brand’s first electric vehicle on a dedicated electric platform. Unlike the current MINI Cooper SE which was built on an existing ICE chassis, this new electric MINI will be designed from the ground up to be an electric car which will allow for much improved performance and range. How improved? While we don’t have the final figures, we have some clues. The other major step MINI is taking here is with the interior experience. Gone is the retro-futuristic details that have been part of MINIs for two decades. In their place is a clean, minimal aesthetic that harkens back to the original 1959 Mini. But that doesn’t mean there won’t be a massive technology upgrade. L1 and L2 autonomy features and a massive circular screen will be major additions as well a revised heads-up-display eliminating the need for a traditional instrument cluster. According to sources, the entry level electric MINI Cooper will launch with a 40kWh battery (compared to 28.9kWh in the current Cooper SE) combined with an electric engine producing around 180 hp. That should give the car a range between 180 and 200 miles depending on how it’s measured. That would be a dramatic increase over the current 110 range from the F56 based Cooper SE. And that’s the initial release so there’s surely more to come. You can read more about the J01 here. The G66 will be a heavily revised F56 based on the same chassis but with all new technology.The G66 Generation of MINIs A revised F56 (to be called the G66) MINI will form the basis of the “new” ICE (internal combustion engine) MINI Cooper and will be built at the Oxford plant. This revised car will be an extensively revised F56 that will affect not just the design of the car but the technology and even structure. The look of the car inside and out will nearly match that of the all-new electric MINI built in China. We say nearly because the footprint of the ICE car will be a bit larger and will still include a longer front overhang due to how ICE drivetrains affect pedestrian safety standards. 100% made in the UK at Oxford, this family will include the three and five door Cooper as well as the convertible. Recent spy photos of the forthcoming revised F56 give us some clues as to what to expect. For starters MINI looks to have slightly decreased the front over-hang. We’ve heard for years the brand had been toying with new crash materials that could pass pedestrian safety standards with less space needed. We also know that Oliver Heimler has gone as record several times that the current car’s front overhang is too large and not in fitting with the brand. Also present in recent prototypes is a camera and sensor module integrated into the top of the grille. This should allow the G66 to make use of L1 and perhaps even L2 autonomy features seen on some BMWs. Currently MINI has only one vaguely autonomous feature – adaptive cruise. While helpful it really does one thing – follow the car in front. MINI’s aim is to introduce this technology as an option meant primarily for highway purposes and likely only on automatic equipped MINIs. But perhaps the most pressing reason for MINI to upgrade the Cooper’s camera system is newly introduced EU safety legislation that goes into affect in 2024. More specifically MINI needs to comply with the European intelligent speed assistance (ISA) requirement that has the ability to limit cars speed in urban environments. Yes you read that right. The U25 MINI Countryman The 2024 U25 MINI Countryman will move to exclusively being produced in Leipzig Germany alongside X1 and X2 BMWs. Like those cars it will also grow in size to better serve the US market and make way for the smaller Aceman in the line-up. In total we expect the new Countryman to be about 200 mm (8 inches) larger – specifically in the rear. While MINI chose to modify the UKL chassis to shorten the rear giving the current Countryman slightly more MINI-like proportions, we believe this next generation car will more closely follow it’s BMW twins in overall size but lengthening the rear. This will allow for a full electric version of the Countryman for the first time. The JCW Countryman will also transition into the age of electrification. Our sources have been telling us for the last several years that the next evolution of the 306 hp tune on the B48 four cylinder would include a hybrid component. While that solution might add a bit of weight, it would allow the JCW Countryman around 50 miles of pure electric drive on a single charge. But MINI is well aware that’s not why you buy a JCW. Delivering increased performance will be a 326 hp ICE engine coupled with an electric engine and all the immediate torque you could ever want. Yes that is a massive circular screen. And yes it’s identical to what we saw a few months ago on the upcoming 2024 MINI electric hatch. But there’s seemingly one difference here – that massive plastic enclosure that connects the screen to the dash. However we believe that enclosure is actually camouflage and the final design will feature a floating circular display like we you see to the right from the 2024 electric MINI hatch leak. Beyond the massive screen there’s a lot to take in here. The switches and knobs (which are actually marked) are also identical to what we saw in the electric hatch leak meaning that MINI is moving to a consistent user experience across all models no matter where they’re produced or what platform they’re on. That’s an essential move if MINI wants that digital experience to be a selling point of the brand. Next Germination MINI Timing Given the supply chain challenges we can’t be too specific. However we believe we’ll see the J01 Cooper debut in late 2023 potentially with the G66 Cooper. Sales will likely commence in 2024. U25 Countryman will likely debut shortly afterwards with sales beginning in 2024. The post Next Generation MINI Product Codes Reveal Big Changes for the Brand appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

MINI is making some changes to its production plans coinciding with the 2024 launch of its 4th generation MINI family. At the heart of this change will be MINI’s continued desire to make Oxford England the centerpiece of its production while producing cars in both China and Germany. However there is a major short term casualty in the current electric MINI. One of the most intriguing bombshells sources are telling us are MINI’s plans to expand production of the next generation J01 electric MINI Cooper and J02 MINI Aceman to the Oxford Plant later this decade. This redistribution of production will not only help future proof the Oxford Plant but also allow BMW to avoid US tariffs on the cars paving the way for their introduction to the US market. How as part of this focus on electrifying only new models, MINI will kill the current F56 Electric hatch eliminating the only electric product made in Oxford. For now. 4Th Generation MINI Model Line-Up (2024) Oxford, EnglandLeipzig, GermanyChina (GWM)G66 ICE Cooper 3 doorU25 ICE CountrymanJ01 Electric Cooper 3 DoorG66 ICE Cooper S 3 doorU25 ICE Countryman SJ01 Electric Cooper S 3 DoorG66 ICE Cooper JCW 3 doorU25 ICE Countryman JCWJ01 Electric Cooper JCW 3 DoorG65 ICE Cooper 5 doorU25 Electric CountrymanJ02 Electric AcemanG65 ICE Cooper S 5 doorU25 Electric Countryman SJ02 Electric Aceman SG67 ICE Cooper ConvertibleU25 Electric Countryman JCWJ02 Electric Aceman JCWG67 ICE Cooper S ConvertibleG67 ICE JCW ConvertibleFor 2024 the next generation MINIs will be built in three plants however the product mix will shift in 2027Additionally not all new MINIs will actually be new. A revised F56 (to be called the G66) MINI will form the basis of the “new” ICE (internal combustion engine) MINI Cooper and will be built at the Oxford plant. This revised car will be an extensively revised F56 that will affect not just the design of the car but the technology and even structure. The look of the car inside and out will nearly match that of the all-new electric MINI built in China. We say nearly because the footprint of the ICE car will be a bit larger and will still include a longer front overhang due to how ICE drivetrains affect pedestrian safety standards. The Electric MINI Returns to the UK in 2027 While many are reporting that this is the end of electric production at the Oxford Plant, our sources are telling us the opposite. According to those sources MINI is planning to bring a revised version of J01 all new electric hatch (initially built in China) to the Oxford Plant for global export in 2027. This could also point to the J02 Aceman following suit which would bring the entire MINI family into the UK or EU for easier export to the markets with large Chinese tariffs such as the US. The Next Generation MINI Countryman Becomes German The 2024 U25 MINI Countryman will move to exclusively being produced in Leipzig Germany alongside X1 and X2 BMWs. Like those cars it will also grow in size to better serve the US market and make way for the smaller Aceman in the line-up. In total we expect the new Countryman to be about 200 mm (8 inches) larger – specifically in the rear. While MINI chose to modify the UKL chassis to shorten the rear giving the current Countryman slightly more MINI-like proportions, we believe this next generation car will more closely follow it’s BMW twins in overall size but lengthening the rear. This will allow for a full electric version of the Countryman for the first time. The post Exclusive MINI to Kill F56 Based Electric MINI in Production Reorganization appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

MINI is dramatically simplifying it’s product line-up and naming conventions. Starting with the 4th generation in 2024, all small MINIs will move to a simplified model line-up and naming structure to help avoid confusion and make the model names simpler. The base small MINI will be known simply as the MINI Cooper with two different levels of performance and options; the Cooper S and the JCW. The move is one we’ve pontificated about for years as an idea to avoid confusion and lean into the fact that the hatch is known as the “MINI Cooper” worldwide (which MINI likes it or not). This move also means the brand is killing the MINI One and other entry-level models it’s sold in various markets for over 20 years. How will MINI handle the Countryman? According to sources MINI will use the Countryman name as the base model, With S and JCW donating higher performance trims. What do you think? Is this shortening of the names going to solve confusion or add to it? The post MINI To Simplify Naming with New MINI Cooper Base Model appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

MINI USA is making some big changes in small ways for is 2023 model line-up. The headline for many of you will be the return of the manual transmission – something we previewed a few weeks ago. Beyond that MINI USA is making supply chain related changes to packages and killing one favorite color (along with a few others). Oh and they’re introducing a few colors. Limited Return of Manual Transmission After being unavailable for better part of a year, the manual transmission will return to the MINI. The global semiconductor shortage and the Russian invasion of Ukraine had forced MINI into the decision to eliminate the iconic option in an effort keep production flowing. What that allowed for was a simplified production process and a focus on options and components that can be more easily maintained in its parts inventory. In MINI’s own words the move was made to “ensure production stability” for the entire range. However there is enough parts stability in the pipeline that MINI is bringing back the option for limited range of cars. The reintroduction of the manual transmission is offered on the Cooper, Cooper S and John Cooper Works variants of the MINI Hardtop 2 Door. New Colors Along with the Death of Others November production will bring the introduction of the new Melting Silver III color into the full MINI range, as well as the new Nanuq White as a choice on the MINI hardtops, Clubman and Countryman (seen above). Availability of Pepper White, White Silver and Moonwalk Grey will end with October production. Along with Chili Red, Pepper white has been the only consistent color MINI has offered since it’s relaunch and one that we’ve always loved. In its place is Nanuq White which is a brighter white intended to go better with the upcoming next generation MINI vehicles. Revised 2023 Model Year Pricing Structure MINI USA is once again limiting options by grouping them together to create a much simpler ordering process. Due to supply chain restrictions that impacted production earlier this year, MINI USA took steps to simplify the trim offering to ensure continued delivery of new vehicles to the market. These changes included no longer offering the Classic Trim level from the MINI product lineup. As supply challenges have eased, MINI USA is continuing to enhance and simplify the trim offering by adding previously restricted equipment and options back into newly its revised trim levels – Signature 2.0 and Iconic 2.0. By adding more equipment to these two trim levels, MINI USA offers more value to the consumer while ensuring consistent product availability. These changes have resulted in pricing updates to reflect the newly available equipment and options. ModelsTrim BaseHardtop 2DHardtop 4DConvertibleClubmanCountrymanCooperSignature 2.0$28,600$29,700$33,800 Cooper SSignature 2.0$32,200$33,300$37,400$34,500$34,950 Iconic 2.0$36,125$37,225$40,825$39,650$40,125Cooper S ALL4Signature 2.0 $36,600$37,475 Iconic 2.0 $41,650$42,125Cooper SESignature Plus2.0$34,225 Iconic 2.0$36,700 $46,275JCWSignature 2.0$37,800 $42,650$43,250$45,075 Iconic 2.0$40,325 $46,625$47,850$49,075 The post MINI USA Changes Packages, Brings Back the Manual and Kills Our Favorite Color for 2023 appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

The MINI Resolute, Untold and Untamed Special Editions launched in March 2022 are getting a series of enhancements for 2023. MINI is adding new exterior colors, interior upholsteries, and engine variants and the Iconic Trim 2.0 across all of the Special Editions. How do they look? Let’s dig into the details. MINI Resolute Special Edition The MINI Resolute Edition, currently offered with Rebel Green body color with a Pepper White Roof and Cloth/Leatherette Black Pearl Light Chequered seats with Carbon Black Knee Rolls will now also be available with Enigmatic Black metallic body color with the same Pepper White roof on all models, or Nanuq White on the Hardtop variants with Body Color roof. Additionally, the MINI Yours Lounge Leather Carbon Black is available for $750 as an alternative upholstery. MINI Untold Edition Since July production, the Untold Edition has been available exclusively as a MINI John Cooper Works Clubman. However, after a temporary pause in availability, MINI is pleased to welcome come back the Cooper S and Cooper S All4 variants to the Untold Edition range starting in November production. The MINI Untold Edition will also pick up Midnight Black metallic with black spats as an alternative versus the original Sage Green metallic with Sage Green Dark spats. As before, the MINI Yours Lounge Leather in Carbon Black or Sage Green are available upholsteries. MINI Untamed Special Edition The Untamed Edition, which is currently available as a MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 with Momentum Grey body, can now be ordered, finished in the new Nanuq White paint color. Both body colors will come with the black contrast roof and mirrors, along with unique Edition graphics in Matte Bluestone. The body color accents will also be found in the side skirts, bumpers, and MINI wing badges. The post MINI USA Adds Features and Colors to Its Special Editions appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

We still aren’t driving very much, but Todd just got back from Philly, Detroit Tuned is still busy, Gabe is still pivoting. Mini (yes, Mini) Heritage Recharged, which is a classic Mini that has been fully converted to electric, to MINIs specifications. Gabe was even able to drive it! We also catch up with Gabe and his trip to the UK to attended The Goodwood Revival which is a great story! He even got to meet Paul Smith and check out the MINI Strip Concept! The post White Roof Radio 686: You Aren’t Driving Fast Enough appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

And they look promising. But first background. We’ve seen MINI USA sales dip dramatically from its 2013 high before beginning to rebound a bit before COVID. Since then, it’s been a rollercoaster of highs and lows in terms of sales totals with one critical positive – dealers and MINI USA have seen profits increase substantially. That points to cars being sold for MSRP, low inventory and repeat buyers. And in Q3 we saw more evidence of that. MINI brand sales in the U.S. totaled 7,178 vehicles in the third quarter of 2022, an increase of 11.4% vs the 6,445 vehicles sold in the third quarter of 2021. But the numbers are fairly interesting and likely point to product constraints as much as anything. For instance the Countryman was down substantially – almost 30% from last year at this time while the Hatch was up a shocking 81.7%. The latter surpassed the 3,000 unit sold mark which is especially impressive given that the F56 and F55 have been on the market for almost 10 years now. The post MINI USA Q3 Sales Results Are In appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

The MINI Aceman is on the road. Based on spy photos on Autocar (among others), MINI has begun testing the Aceman in Europe ahead of its 2024 launch. Of course the last time we saw the Aceman was in a lightly disguised concept form a few months ago (which you see above). But what these spy photos show (beyond how good a job MINI’s camo does) is just how similar the final car will be to the concept. In MINI’s words this is a crossover version of the iconic MINI three door hatch. In other words it bridges the gap from the new electric MINI hatch and the forthcoming (larger) 2024 MINI Countryman. What that means to us is that the MINI Aceman is almost the same size as the original R60 MINI Countryman at 4.05 meters in length, 1.99 in width and 1.59 in height. However thanks to its dedicated EV platform, the interior space will be even greater than that first generation Countryman. MINI Aceman and the Next Generation MINI Family Starting in late 2023, MINI will be releasing a new generation of cars and crossovers with a focus on all electrification. Made in the UK, a revised F56 (G66) with internal combustion (ICE) is sticking around for another handful of years (as is the manual transmission) but the focus for MINI is on electrification across the line-up. This will start with an all new electric MINI Cooper which will be made in China and will pack much more range and performance in a smaller package than the current car. That will immediately followed by both an all electric and ICE Countryman (made in Germany) and then the Chinese made Aceman you see here. An early, undisguised look at the J01 Chinese made electric MINI Cooper. This is MINI’s new design language we’ll see across the line-up. Note the camouflaged version next to it and how MINI has hidden the smaller, simpler proportions of the new car.How does the Aceman compare to the Countryman? The Aceman will sit under the forthcoming, larger Countryman while sitting on the same platform as the upcoming all electric hatch. It will also serve as a replacement to the much loved but slow selling MINI Clubman wagon. Will the MINI Aceman Be Sold in the US Market? If we read between the lines, we believe MINI is working on several strategies in parallel to keep the latest MINI products in the US market. The first would be to use several economic levers to make the next generation (Chinese made) electric MINI Cooper financially viable in the US (despite the 25% tariffs. The second is to begin a parallel sourcing of components (along with what could be a mid-cycle refresh) to bring these next generation cars to Oxford to be produced in MINI’s historical home The post First Spy Photos of MINI Aceman Appear appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

At first glance the MINI Strip seems like an lightly modified F56 Cooper S with matte paint. But go hands-on and you soon realize how radically transformed this car has been. And then you realize who’s behind this transformation; none other than fashion and design icon Paul Smith. Yes the Paul Smith that created one of the most iconic special edition Minis ever. He’s back with a collaboration that points to the future of MINI design itself. We had a chance to have a walk and talk with Paul Smith and hear how the MINI Strip came about and the ideas behind such a radical transformation. The video was a one-take, off the cuff recording that Paul himself encouraged us to publish as he felt it was the best way for the public to understand the car. That is coming from the man himself. The MINI Strip Concept As Paul Smith explained the first call with MINI didn’t go that well. But once MINI understood his vision (and realized that Paul wanted total control) it was game on. The result is the Paul Smith MINI Strip it points to the brand’s much more sustainably focused future. While this is a one-off, the MINI Strip is interesting in context to the brand’s transformation over the years. Guided by the overarching theme of ‘Simplicity, Transparency, Sustainability’, the concept showcases inspirational ideas for a more sustainable method of automotive design. The collaboration applied the concept of maximum reduction to produce a minimalist design inside and out. The exterior is full of interesting applications of that concept creating a unique aesthetic. Raw materials are a very deliberate part of the exterior design. This meant the body was left in its unfinished state with no coloured paint applied, but instead just a thin film of transparent paint to protect against corrosion. Grinding marks from the factory have been consciously left intact on the galvanized steel panels to clearly identify the car as a functional object. This intentionally rough-hewn effect was also dubbed “the perfect imperfection” by Paul Smith. These are details that are hard to appreciate in photos but in person come to life. Sections of the familiar MINI black trim are 3D-printed from recycled plastic and their basic material qualities have been left exposed, like the metal panels. Taking a cue from bikes, you see visible screws in the add-on parts, which show how simple dismantling would be and how easily the vehicle could be reincorporated into the raw-material cycle at the end of its service life. The functional and distinctive front and rear apron inserts were likewise manufactured in a 3D printing process, which produced their striking texture. The MINI STRIP holds true to the motto of ‘Simplicity and Transparency’ on the inside, too, courtesy of some radical stripping-back. All trim parts have been purposefully omitted (with the exception of the dashboard, topper pad and parcel shelf), turning the bodyshell into the dominant visual feature of the cabin. It has been coloured blue at the explicit request of Paul Smith, producing a particularly eye-catching effect. The exposed basic material and intense blue tone give the interior a raw yet functional aesthetic. Instead of the usual multi-part design, the dashboard consists solely of a large, semi-transparent section with a smoked-glass finish. Taking its cue from MINI design’s traditional use of circular elements, the geometry has been greatly simplified with a far more graphical interpretation. There is no classical centre screen just an area where the driver’s phone would be mounted. The only physical controls in the interior are located lower down in the centre stack, where the toggle switches for the power windows and the start/stop function can be found. The concept is rather straightforward in that it’s a MINI stripped down to its core. That means the only thing here are components deemed absolutely necessary. And trust us, photos don’t do this car justice. The details are inventive, unique and functionally beautiful. If this points to MINI’s future, count us in. The post Video: Paul Smith Talks to Us About the MINI Strip Concept appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

MINI RECHARGED is MINI’s official answer for those wanting to convert their classic Minis to electric and we’ve driven it! But does it still feel like a Mini? And could it be a blueprint for other MINI electric conversions? We find out. In many ways the classic Mini was a revolution in mobility not that different than a modern electric car. It was a car that rethought everything and in the process introduced new and novel ideas to the automotive world. And they stuck, influencing almost every small to mid-size car in the decades that followed. But can it still be relevant today? In our short time with the car the answer is yes, and no. Yes because MINI Recharged as engineered the car to maintain the same weight and weight distribution as the original. Add to that immediate torque and you have a classic Mini that does 0-60 mph in six seconds and drives like the classics we all know and love. And before you ask, it could go faster but traction is the limiting factor. In our short time with the car we were blown away by how normal it all felt. The only interior giveaway is the modified shifter and vintage looking range gauge/ Otherwise you are in a classic Mini. The up-cycling is handled by MINI UK and includes a modern electric motor that generates an output of up to 90 kW and accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in approximately nine seconds but can be turned up to around 6 seconds if requested. The energy is supplied by a high-voltage battery, which can be charged with an output of up to 6.6 kW and enables a predicted range of around 160 kilometers or 100 miles. The final version will have a finished boot.How Can I Get One? The 107bhp Classic Mini electric comes with 12kW battery and will cost £10,620 including VAT. However there is more cost associated with the procurement of a clear classic Mini and the actual conversion itself. All in we were quoted around £60,000 for perfect example. For the time being its only availability is in the UK market. However the company that is patterning with MINI to bring MINI Recharged to life as ambitious to open up shop in the US sometime next year. Which begs the question – what about the R50/R53 generation of new MINIs. They becoming classic cars but they have one Achilles heel – engine parts. In many ways those cars are also an ideal candidate for a conversion like this. We asked that question and stated the case that there might be a market in the US and there was general enthusiasm for the idea. But as with all things, the market will dictate the offering. So with that said would you be interested in a electric conversion of classic Mini or even an R50 or R53? Let us know below. The post FIRST DRIVE: MINI Recharged – Official Classic Mini Electric Conversion Kit appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

Experiencing the Goodwood Revival is like stepping into a time machine and coming out in a dream-like, gold-tinged world of vintage motorsports. It’s a time-warp that takes the greatest hits of the 1940s, 50s and 60s motorsports and culture and creates an experience that is unlike any other in the world. Whatever expectations we had were shattered by the scale and quality of it all of every aspect of the Revival. And yes, there are Minis everywhere. Let’s back up a bit. The Goodwood Revival takes place on an estate owned by Charles Gordon-Lennox, 11th Duke of Richmond and his family. He took over the family estate in early 90’s and begun the process of refurbishing the classic 1940’s era Goodwood racetrack and introducing several motorsports events to the grounds. The famous Festival of Speed is a hill-climb that takes place on the driveway to the main house itself and nurmous other events always draw a crowd. But the Good Revival is unlike all of them. And unlike anything in the world for that matter. Yes the U.S. has the events like the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at Laguna Seca and the WeatherTech Challenge with Brian Redman at Road American but neither come close to the scale let alone to the vibe of the Revival. And if you want racing royalty, it’s here. I saw a good half dozen former LeMans winners along with Jackie Stewart, Jenson Button, Jimmy Johnson, Scott Dixon and Dario Franchitti roaming around the paddock ducking in and out or races. Jackie Stewart was one of many motorsports royalty in attendanceAnd yes, there are endless races pitting almost mythical vintage machinery against one another. In fact the racing itself was as good as any I’ve seen all year. But what really makes the Revival different is the atmosphere. I’ve checked a lot of motorsports boxes off over the years and I can assure you that nothing really compared to the Goodwood Revival. Part of that is the cars of course. But a funny thing happens when people dress up in period costume. The egos tend to melt away and are replaced by smiles. Everything and everyone feels accessible and simply happy to be there. And of course there are Minis. In the 1960’s the Cooper S was a giant killer not just in rallying but also in British touring car racing. Going up against both British and America sedans (yeah the massive ones), the Minis were a crowd favorite all weekend. Charlie Cooper (grandson of John Cooper) was in the mix all weekend ultimately crashing out of the last touring car race on Sunday. Along with the 24 Hours of the Nurburgring, the Goodwood Revival has been our bucket list for years so our expectations were high. But nothing prepared us for the scale and immersive quality of the weekend. The Revival had both the scale, quality of cars and attention to detail that make great vintage motorsports events. So much so that it might just be the single best vintage event in the world. A massive thanks to MINI for inviting us to attend and being incredible hosts throughout the weekend. +44(0)7740583906The post The Goodwood Revival – the Most Epic Vintage Motorsports Event in the World appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

MINIUSA is celebrating 20 years with the launch of tue MINI 20 Years Edition. Exclusively offered in as a four door hardtop, the MINI 20 Years Edition brings an exclusive look to a DCT equipped Cooper S with unique graphics and trim. The MINI 20 Years Edition is well eqiipped and will retail for $36,315 when it hits dealers this fall. Our quick take is that like all special editions, the MINI 20 Years Editions offers fair equipment for the money in a unique design. The big downside in our mind is that its stuck on tie most awkward looking of all MINIs – the four door hardtop. Official Release: MINI 20 Years Edition Woodcliff Lake, NJ, September 21, 2022. MINI USA today announced the launch of the MINI 20 Years Edition, in celebration of the brand’s 20 years in the U.S. The special edition has been produced as a 2023 MINI Cooper S Hardtop 4 Door and will arrive at dealers in the U.S. this month with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $36,315 plus an additional $850 for Destination and Handling. “We came into the industry 20 years ago when trucks and SUVs were in high demand and disrupted the mindset of America’s driving consumers,” said Mike Peyton, Vice President, MINI of the Americas. “Here we are today a small fun to drive car that still celebrates every aspect of the spirit of the MINI brand, our owner community and the passion that exists 20 years later.” Patriotic Exterior. While MINI launched in the U.S. back in 2002 in Chili Red, the MINI 20 Years Edition is available in three Patriotic colors: Chili Red, Pepper White, and Island Blue. These three body colors represent the core elements of the American and British flags, a perfect way to commemorate 20 Years in America. The exterior also features a Silver Roof and Mirror Caps as well as Piano Black trim. The bonnet includes an offset stripe accented in red, white and blue on the driver side and a star adorning the passenger side. The design is offset with a host of accessories including Side Scuttle inlays, Door Sill Plates, and C-Pillar decals. Additionally, the exterior features the 17” Tentacle Spoke black wheels wrapped in All-Season Tires. Also included are Roof Rails and the Panoramic Moonroof. Sporty Interior. The interior of the MINI 20 Years Edition features sports seats in Carbon Black Leatherette and a Nappa Leather Steering Wheel with 20 Years Edition insert. Paddle shifters support a 7-Speed Sport Dual Clutch Transmission. The interior surface features Piano Black with 20 Years graphics and Anthracite Headliner. Comfort features include Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control, , Heated Front Seats, Storage Package, as well as Touchscreen Navigation Package, MINI Assist eCall, TeleServices, Advanced Real-Time Traffic Information, Remote Services, Apple CarPlay, Enhanced Bluetooth with USB, and a Dynamic Digital Instrument Cluster. The MINI 20 Years Edition units went into production in July 2022 and are expected to begin arriving at U.S. dealerships this month. The post MINI 20 Years Edition Launches to Celebrate MINIUSA’s Anniversary appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

Official Release: From Los Angeles to Las Vegas in the MINI Electric The morning at Santa Monica beach belongs to the surfers. Looking out over the glittering Pacific waves, noisy Los Angeles on California’s southwestern coast seems very distant indeed. Nevertheless, in the MINI Cooper SE it only takes about 30 minutes from the colourful beach houses along Ocean Avenue to the eastern end of LA. Just before San Bernardino, we head north on Interstate Highway 15 to Las Vegas. Here, Route 66, legendary since the film “Easy Rider” with Paul Newman and Dennis Hopper, once took free-spirited explorers to new adventures on almost 4,000 km of highway. On the route through the green mountain landscape around Mount Baldy, the MINI Electric can really strut its stuff. While down in the valley the traffic of the metropolis almost comes to a standstill during rush hour, the MINI Cooper SE is simply a joy to drive as it corners smoothly, hugging the rode also thanks to the lithium-ion high-voltage battery (32.6 kWh gross value) installed in the floor. The brake energy regeneration system, which can be set in two stages, decelerates the car with strong energy recuperation as soon as the driver takes his foot off the accelerator in the bends. This not only makes it easy on the brakes, but also charges the battery of the all-electric MINI Cooper SE while you are driving. Speeding towards the Mojave Desert. After almost two hours, the green of the mountains has meanwhile given way to the fascinating red and brown tones of the first desert foothills and it’s time for a restorative break with Mexican tacos in Victorville. In the shade of the palm trees, the MINI Cooper SE can also be charged to 80 percent battery power in just 35 minutes at one of the fast chargers for the upcoming leg towards the Mojave Desert. In the 113,300 square kilometre Mojave Desert, temperatures average 45 °C in July and August. A very welcome refreshing option on the MINI Cooper SE is its pre-conditioning feature, which can be activated from the restaurant table using the MINI Connected remote app. This allows you to pre-cool the car’s interior. The next 150 km lead deeper and deeper into the vast, barren landscape to Baker. The small town is right in the middle of the Mojave Desert and at the southern end of the route to Death Valley National Park, one of the hottest areas in the USA. To keep an eye on the record temperatures here at all times, Baker is home to the world’s highest thermometer at 134 feet and refers to the highest temperature measured on site of 134 ° Fahrenheit, which corresponds to 57 °C. You simply can’t miss it on and it also reliably points the way to another fast charger stop. In a place like this they they naturally get their sustainable energy from solar panels, which also serve as a welcome sunshade when you plug in the charging cable. Pleasant temperatures in the hottest place in the USA. As we drive on, the highway gives us a view of the majestic mountain ranges of the Mescal Range after a few kilometres. The MINI Cooper SE was not designed exclusively for such extreme temperatures as here, but it stands up to the heat test with aplomb. The high-voltage battery remains cool, as does the interior, and the battery power drops only very gradually. The reason for this is a highly effective overall cooling system that acts particularly efficiently thanks to the integrated heat pump technology. Beyond the mountains, Interstate 15 leads straight to Paradise on the last 80 kilometres, the town immediately south of Las Vegas. Stopping at the imposing Allegiant Stadium, home of the three-time Super Bowl winning Las Vegas Raiders football team, the MINI Cooper SE can be charged with the Flexible Fast Charger charging cable for the relaxed cruise to Las Vegas. When night falls, no navigation system is needed to find your way to the legendary “strip”. Sparkling facades, a sea of neon lights and the legendary “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign reliably show where the nightlife is raging. Since it first opened, the 6.8-kilometre-long boulevard has attracted numerous show stars from Elvis Presley to Britney Spears, Elton John and Lady Gaga. Between the perfect replicas of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Egyptian pyramids and Venetian canals, the electric MINI Cooper SE finds its way almost silently to the well-deserved hotel check-in at the end of this tour. The post Los Angeles to Las Vegas RoadTrip In the Electric MINI appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

After being unavailable for better part of a year, the manual transmission will return to the MINI. According to MINI USA themselves, the parts shortage that led to the elimination of the manual transmission (among other options) is beginning to ease. The result is that we should see the option return for November production and available globally. The global semiconductor shortage and the Russian invasion of Ukraine had forced MINI into the decision to eliminate the iconic option in an effort keep production flowing. What that allowed for was a simplified production process and a focus on options and components that can be more easily maintained in its parts inventory. In MINI’s own words the move was made to “ensure production stability” for the entire range. Thankfully those days now appear to be behind us and we should see the manual transmission and as of November 2022 manual transmission production will resume for the following MINI Hardtop and Convertible models equipped: F56 MINI Cooper 2-door HardtopF55 MINI Cooper 4-door HardtopF56 MINI Cooper S 2-door HardtopF55 MINI Cooper S 4-door HardtopF56 MINI John Cooper Works 2-door HardtopF57 MINI Cooper ConvertibleF57 MINI Cooper S ConvertibleThe post The MINI Manual Transmission is Back! appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

For a MINI fan there are a few must-see attractions around the world. One, the 24 Hours of the Nurburgring we had a chance to attend earlier this year. Now we are getting a chance to experience two more in the span of as many days. First up is the spiritual home of the brand, the Oxford MINI Plant. We’ll have not just the normal guided tour but an inside look at the brand, it’s history and even how it will evolve in the future. Then it’s on to another coveted motorsport tradition – the Goodwood Revival. The Revival is nothing short of the world’s greatest historic motor race event and the only sporting event of its kind to be staged entirely in a period theme. It’s an entire weekend of the most amazing historic racing cars on earth going wheel to wheel in actual races. But it’s perhaps best known for the period correct nature of the event that requires throw-back clothing and a complete lack of technology. You can follow our experiences right here on MotoringFile.com and get quick updates on Instagram as you roam the English countryside. The post Follow Us As We Tour The Oxford MINI plant and the Goodwood Revival appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

Both MINI and BMW have given us plenty of hints a move to vegan interiors was coming but this is the first official word. Beginning in the 2023 calendar year both MINI and BMW will begin offering entirely vegan interior. But it’s not all about saving the cows. BMW is positioning this change also about the CO2. According to the brands replacing leather will reduce the CO2 emissions from interior production by 85%. There are some hurdles to overcome including that all important feel. However according to Uwe Kohler, Head of Develpment Body, Exterior Trim Interior at BMW Group, they believe they’ve found a solution. “With a steering wheel made from a high-quality vegan surface material, we are fulfilling the wishes of our customers who do not want to make any compromises in terms of look, feel and functionality. The innovative material withstands wear and tear caused by abrasion, perspiration and moisture and has all the desirable properties of leather.” Official Release: MINI and BMW to Introduce Vegan Interior in 2023 The BMW Group plans to launch its first vehicles featuring completely vegan interiors in 2023. This is being made possible primarily through the development of innovative materials with leather-like properties. It will also be possible to use these materials for steering wheel surfaces, which must fulfil demanding criteria when it comes to feel, premium appearance and wear resistance. Fully vegan interiors will be available for both BMW and MINI models for the first time from 2023. The BMW Group is thus serving the demand for vegan and leather-free interiors, which is set to increase further in the near future, especially in the US, China and Europe. The reduction of CO2 emissions over the entire life cycle of a vehicle is the central goal of the BMW Group on the road to climate neutrality, which is to be achieved by 2050 at the latest. Material selection has a key role to play in achieving this goal. Replacing raw materials of animal origin makes a significant contribution to increasing sustainability in vehicle production. The introduction of a new surface material for steering wheels will see the proportion of vehicle components that contain traces of raw materials of animal origin fall to less than one percent in the respective BMW and MINI vehicles. As a result, these materials will now only be found in areas that are not visible to the customer, for example in various waxy substances such as gelatine used in protective coatings, lanolin in paints, tallow as an additive in elastomers and beeswax as a flux for paints. The BMW Group has for a long time been offering various fabric alternatives to leather. Now, for the first time, it is possible to offer a suitable substitute for leather for the most important interface between driver and vehicle. The steering wheel surfaces must fulfil demanding criteria when it comes to appearance, wear resistance and durability. “With a steering wheel made from a high-quality vegan surface material, we are fulfilling the wishes of our customers who do not want to make any compromises in terms of look, feel and functionality. The innovative material withstands wear and tear caused by abrasion, perspiration and moisture and has all the desirable properties of leather,” says Uwe Kohler, Head of Develpment Body, Exterior Trim Interior at the BMW Group. The only distinguishing feature of the new material will be a new grain effect on the steering wheel rim. Leather-free surfaces reduce CO2e emissions by 85 percent. The fact that there is now a high-quality vegan surface material with equivalent properties to the real leather previously used in the production of steering wheels represents another major step towards CO2 reduction. The new steering wheel surface material reduces CO2e emissions along the value chain by around 85 percent compared to leather. Up to now, most of the emissions produced, around 80 percent, were in the form of methane gas from cattle rearing. The remaining 20 percent was accounted for by processing of the cowhide, which is highly energy- and water-intensive. Climate neutrality and a circular economy are the top priorities. To achieve the goal of climate neutrality, the BMW Group is relying on the use of green electricity in production and in the supply chain, a consistently increased proportion of secondary materials and natural raw materials, highly efficient electric motors and combustion engines and a high recycling rate in line with the principles of a circular economy. It’s all in the detail: The floor mats for various models are made from mono-material, thus avoiding material mixes that are difficult to recycle. As a result, the BMW Group saves around 23,000 tonnes of CO2 and an additional 1,600 tonnes of waste every year, since the recycled floor mats and waste material are also reused within the production process. Research and development in the field of secondary raw materials and sustainable materials are a top priority. Future vehicle generations will offer other attractive alternatives to leather. The BMW Group is working with startup companies to develop innovative bio-based materials. Compared to the synthetic leathers previously used, these result in around 45 percent lower CO2 emissions. Mirum, which is 100 percent bio-based and petroleum-free, has the potential to mimic all the properties of traditional leather. Anothernew material, Deserttex, is made from pulverised cactus fibres with a biobased polyurethane matrix. With these materials, replacing raw materials of animal origin can be combined with a significant reduction in CO2. The post MINI and BMW to Introduce Vegan Interiors in 2023 appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

Today MINI is taking the wraps off of its first special edition cars to feature the unique “Multitone” roof. The MINI Multitone Edition is a range of vehicles that brings together the multitone roof with some special styling elements. And as one of the last special editions for the current generation, it may be one of the cleanest and most successful to date. What is the Multitone roof? The multitone top is a wet on wet paint job that is the first of its kind in the industry. This paint process is the first in the industry. As it involves painting layers on wet paint every single one will be subtly unique to the car. It’s also great example of how the brand strives to be different. That differentiation has been important to owners as they look to make a style statement or simply stand-out in a sea of drab mid-sized crossovers. A key part of that differentiation has been the iconic contrast roof. For decades the contrast roof has been an iconic option in the MINI design palette that made the cars stand out and truly look different. And MINI customers have loved it as the desire for customization and new design ideas have grown over the last decade. And other automakers have taken note and have begun offering their own contrast roofs on all types of cars and crossovers. The Multitone roof is an answer to that. OFFICIAL RELEASE: World Premier: MINI Multitone Edition The unusual design of the MINI roofs has always been a special feature of the British premium models, which customers have used to emphasise their own individual style. From the colourful 26-colour striped version of the MINI Paul Smith to the British Union Jack and the elegant colour gradient of the Multitone Roof, the roof has always been the perfect canvas for individual and expressive design throughout the history of MINI. The new MINI Multitone Edition celebrates the diverse MINI community and adds exclusive exterior and interior details to the expressive design. The colou variations of the new special edition allow MINI fans to express their own personality and be part of the progressive MINI journey. With the Multitone Roof, the MINI Cooper SE pioneered this innovative form of roof design. The MINI Multitone Edition is available for the MINI 3 door and MINI 5 door in the premium small car segment as well as for the MINI Clubman, which is successful in the premium compact car segment. The new colour gradient of the MINI Multitone Edition extends from the windscreen frame to the rear across the entire roof. From the light Aspen White in the front section of the roof, the colour scheme transitions elegantly to the more subdued grey shade of Melting Silver II, then changes to Jet Black in the rear section. The unique aesthetic appeal created by this colour gradient is complemented in the MINI Multitone Edition by an abstract, white rainbow on the roof, which is also featured throughout the design of the special edition. The high-contrast colour gradient on the roof is unique in the competitive environment. It emphasises the characteristic three-part MINI silhouette and becomes an expression of personal style. The special look is made possible by the innovative wet-on-wet painting process used by the British MINI plant in Oxford. With this Spray Tech paint finish, the three colour shades are applied directly one after the other. Due to changing environmental conditions, deviations in the colour pattern may occur, making each MINI Multitone Edition vehicle unique. The MINI Multitone Edition conveys a friendly, positive attitude to life and picks up on the many different “facets of life” in terms of colour. Both the MINI 3 door and the MINI 5 door are available exclusively with Sage Green paintwork, while the MINI Clubman is offered in Indian Summer Red finish. The graphic rainbow of the special edition stands for diversity as well as a positive attitude and is depicted as an abstract white logo on the two complementary colours red (Indian Summer) and green (Sage). In this way, the central design feature of the MINI Multitone Edition features on the iconic side scuttles on the exterior as well as the C-pillar with a PU sticker. In addition, the wheels have exclusive wheel caps in a two-tone colour scheme. Depending on the vehicle model, 17-inch light alloy wheels in the Scissor Spoke 2-Tone design or 18-inch light alloy wheels in the Pulse Spoke 2-Tone or Multiray Spoke design complete the positive aura of the special edition. The name-giving “Multitone” lettering, together with the rainbow on friendly complementary colours, characterises the design of the door sill trims and reappears as a badge on the driver’s and front passenger’s floor mats. The abstract rainbow sweeps across the dashboard and adorns the sun visors. The multifunctional sports leather steering wheel with the Edition emblem on the lower spoke is a pleasure to hold, as is the 3D printed, customised key cap of the MINI Multitone Edition. The post World Premier: MINI Multitone Edition appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

The MINI Aceman is our first look at the new MINI design language and its range of next generation cars. This is a bold new step for the brand that leans into both driver experience and digital experience as core to the brand. All of this is wrapped in a minimal design language that is a radically departure from the retro futuristic aesthetic that MINI has relied on for two decades. And now we have our first real-world photos of the concept. The MINI Aceman – The Future of MINI Design But first a little recap. While the word concept is in the title, rest assured this is a lightly disguised version of the forthcoming electric MINI Aceman crossover coming in 2024. There are design details we won’t see (that funky fabric on the seats) and some we will (that massive circular display). The biggest theme here is reduction – something Oliver Heimler, Head of MINI Design, has been forecasting for years. Along with the clear and reduced exterior and interior design, the digital user experience, lighting and even sound reimagine what’s possible in terms of driving experience. How Big is the MINI Aceman? In MINI’s words this is a crossover version of the iconic MINI three door hatch. In other words it bridges the gap from the new electric MINI hatch and the forthcoming (larger) 2024 MINI Countryman. What that means to us is that the MINI Aceman is almost the same size as the original R60 MINI Countryman at 4.05 meters in length, 1.99 in width and 1.59 in height. Inside it promises to be even larger. Read more about the MINI Aceman and why we’ll likely not see it in the US market here. MINI Aceman Concept Hands-on Gallery The post First Hands-on Look at the Electric MINI Aceman Concept appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

What looks like a purely conceptual exercise from MINI is actually a clear view at groundbreaking interior experience MINI plans to launch with its next generation cars. The Aceman is getting it’s first public display this week at Gamescom while also giving us a sneak peak at the future of MINI’s “experience modes”. But we’ll have more on that soon. In the meantime read-on for a look at MINI’s wild Pokémon collaboration. OFFICIAL RELEASE MINI will be the main sponsor at this year’s gamescom in Cologne. From 24 August to 28 August 2022, the convention will gather gaming fans from all over the world on 220,000 square metres of exhibition space, around 1,100 exhibitors and hundreds of thousands of gaming fans from all over the world. MINI is the main sponsor of the gamescom merch area “powered by MINI” and the official mobility partner of gamescom 2022. With its commitment, the company is the first non-endemic sponsor from the automotive sector of the world’s largest games event and is living up to its brand promise to enrich the lives of MINI fans with joy and variety. “A major feature of MINI is the positive and future-oriented approach to individual mobility as well as the distinctive design of the vehicles. Gamification will play an increasingly important role in the MINI of the future and offer a unique experience for our customers. In cooperation with Pokémon, the shared joy of the franchise brings two iconic characters, that are a perfect match, together with millions of fans. This is how we reach a whole new target group at gamescom 2022, as an event for modern fandom, gaming and pop culture,” says Stefanie Wurst, Head of MINI. The main sponsorship of the exhibition hall, which is geared towards exclusive collectables, is therefore an ideal way for MINI to connect with the enthusiastic gaming scene. The various limited MINI editions also make the hearts of loyal fans beat faster time and again and quickly become coveted collector’s items. The vehicle concept of the MINI Concept Aceman is characterised by a playful, novelty-seeking approach to challenges. The brand’s authentic driving fun uniquely inspires and brings together a steadily growing MINI fan community worldwide – for example at the MINI Community Meetings that take place all over the world. Gaming fans are also enthusiastically diving into ever new worlds and actively shaping the story of their heroes. At gamescom 2022, that is why MINI is encouraging all fans to continue playing with the “PLAY ON!” campaign and is promoting an open and diverse society with playful enthusiasm. Visitors to gamescom 2022 can relax on the numerous seating areas in Hall 5.2 at Stand B10 / D19 in the MINI Arena, recharge their own energy stores with water and popcorn, while bringing their smartphone back up to 100 percent at one of the USB charging stations and listening to DJ sets. The MINI Concept Aceman is full of surprises Visitors to the gamescom merch area powered by MINI can discover the MINI Concept Aceman featuring an additional exclusive vehicle mode. During gamescom, Pikachu, the iconic character from Pokémon, takes over the OLED display as the new central instrument when operating the Experience Mode toggle. Through advanced projection technology, the animation also extends across the dashboard, front doors and apron projection. In the animated loop, the Poké Ball first appears in the OLED display and moves, then opens in a blue glow that moves impressively from the OLED display via the dashboard and the light bar of the doors as well as the apron projection through the vehicle interior. In another loop, Pikachu appears in the display at the start. The famous electric Pokémon launches a bright yellow lightning attack that also travels through the vehicle via the interior doors as well as the apron projection. The design team behind the MINI Concept Aceman have also created an exclusive MINI Art Toy to coincide with gamescom 2022. Like the concept car, the MINI Art Toy embodies agility and a self-confident presence. The X-O symbols, for example, are reminiscent of the interior design as well as the playfulness of the MINI Concept Aceman and are a perfect fit for gamescom and the huge gaming scene in attendance. In addition to the MINI Concept Aceman, the concept car will also be presented as an Action Pack at gamescom 2022. In the clear box packaging typical for action figures and with special design features, like a Poké Ball in the centre of the wheel rim, the unique MINI Concept Aceman Action Pack becomes the ultimate collectible for MINI fans and gaming enthusiasts. Pokémon is one of the most successful entertainment franchise which first launched in 1996 in Japan, with the release of Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green. The video games capture the wonder of discovering, collecting and training Pokémon when taking on the role as a Pokémon Trainer. MINI could not have chosen a more suitable Pokémon than Pikachu for the cooperation. After all, the iconic Pokémon is small, special and and has electric abilities. With the fifth model generation, MINI is consistently pursuing the path of electrification and will be a fully electric brand by the early 2030s. Sales of the MINI Electric almost doubled last year, showing that the MINI community is growing and moving more and more in the direction of electric mobility. The MINIverse focuses on shared fun Parallel to the premiere of the MINI Concept Aceman at gamescom, the company is launching the MINIverse and creating a fascinating digital world in which the MINI community can playfully discover the new concept car. Various excitingly designed digital city districts as well as numerous interaction options and gaming elements invite you to explore the MINI Concept Aceman. The virtual world can be accessed simply via URL on the smartphone and on the desktop, without having to install anything else. Varied multiplayer games offer MINI fans the opportunity to meet up on the online platform and experience the digital world full of BIG LOVE together. Together with the MINI Concept Aceman in the exclusive “Pokémon Mode” and as the ultimate Action Pack Collectable, MINI is underlining its commitment at gamescom 2022 and promoting a playful view of the world. The post MINI Aceman Pokémon Mode Shown at Gamescom appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

Today MINI released a slew of photos of their collaboration with Pokémon at Gamescom in the form of the MINI Aceman. However what caught our eye is the first photos of MINI’s new “Experience Modes” which is set to play a large role in the future of customization for the brand. With the circular OLED display as the centerpiece, MINI is showing how small projectors can transform the interior of the car through color, shapes and even moving images. Even more interesting MINI is creating a modes that will create a certain mood that would enhance personalization on the fly. While MINI hasn’t released any official information on Experience Models it’s clear with these photos that the brand intends it to play a large role in the future of customization. What is also unclear is what cars will get the technology and what will ultimately be included (ie those projectors). The post MINI Aceman Concept Shows Off The Future of Customization With Experience Modes appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

If you’ve been following our recent articles in MINIs move to electric, you’ll likely be aware of a major flaw in the plan. In 2018 the US government imposed a 25% on all electric vehicles (and components) coming into the country from China. At the time MINI was in the middle of finalizing its plans with Great Wall Motors to collaborate on a platform that would form the basis of the next generation MINI Cooper (J01) and MINI Aceman crossover (J02). This sudden geo-political twist mandated a shift in strategy for MINI and the decision to bring the Chinese made, electric MINIs to the US was effectively cancelled. The plan was to rely on the heavily modified F56 two door and F55 four door (to be called the F66 and F65) along with the all new, German made Countryman (U25) for the US market. But a funny thing happened. The pace of adoption of electric vehicles increased beyond expectations and sales of the electric F56 have been far better than expected. An early, undisguised look at the J01 Chinese made electric MINI Cooper.How could MINIUSA overcome the 25% tariff on a small car with razor thin margins? There are several scenarios. The first (and the only one discussed publicly) would be to combine a slightly higher price with a reduction in dealer margin to make the car (slightly) profitable. The rational would be to build the brand’s EV credentials in the near term. But why can’t MINI simply move all production to the UK? Given the thousands of components in the car (many Chinese), a move like that would be incredibly hard from a supply chain perspective. It would also not solve the tariff issues given those Chinese components would still be affected. What about sourcing new components? That’s a clear strategy and one that we believe MINI is focused on. But sourcing, testing, validating, pricing and ultimately bringing them into the supply chain for production will take years. If we read between the lines, we believe MINI is working on several strategies in parallel to keep the latest MINI products in the US market. The first would be to use several economic levers to make the next generation (Chinese made) electric MINI Cooper financially viable in the US. The second is to begin a parallel sourcing of components (along with what could be a mid-cycle refresh) to bring these next generation cars to Oxford to be produced in MINI’s historical home. The last point would be critical if MINI wants to transition entirely to electric cars by the early 2030s. They’ll need to solve these issues sooner later, why not solve both problems at once and have the J01 and J02 be made in England paving the way for their successors around 2030. Or MINI could simply carry over the current F56 based electric hatch into the new G66 and call it a day for the US markets. But that seems counterintuitive for a brand so focused on the future. What would you like to see from MINI USA and are you excited about the Chinese made all electric MINI Cooper? The post Once Killed by Tariffs, the Next Generation Electric MINI Could Still Make it to the US appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article