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Editors note: It’s the holidays and we’re doing something a little different this week. We’re going to be reviewing a few of the most interesting cars we’ve driven this year within the BMW family that aren’t MINIs. We started at the top with the Rolls Royce Ghost Black Badge. now lets take a look at the future of luxury. When we first saw the covers pull back on the BMW i7 and 760i, there were audible gasps from the assembled journalists. It’s a shocking car visual as much as it is daring technically. The exterior design was and still is challenging (even though it’s becoming more compelling with time). But it was the technical aspect of what BMW was doing with the i7 and the 760i that was so novel; offering both electric and an M derived ICE powertrain on one platform. How could BMW do both without making sacrifices? It turns out BMW has done just that and in the process built the most compelling 7 Series in two decades. In fact this new 7 Series might just be the most impressive new BMW in years full stop. Based on a modular architecture changes the scale of the 7 Series, it’s a tour de force of luxury, technology and performance that takes it to the top of the luxury segment and into Rolls Royce and Bentley territory. Trust us, we were just as surprised experiencing it for the first time as you are reading this. This new 7 Series also introduces a new (and contentious) new design direction for the brand that is nothing if not bold. But that bold look (perhaps not surprisingly) has quickly aged well since its introduction this spring and in person look a bit more tolerable. In fact if it wasn’t for the excessive front overhang (surely dictated by pedestrian safety standards) this might be the most interesting BMW design in a decade. But you can’t talk about the design of the car without touching on it’s overall presence. The new 7 Series has grown by 5.1 inches in length to 212.2, by 1.9 inches in width to 76.8, and by 2 inches in height to 60.8. This is a big boy that demands attention in not just its look but in its size. And yet it was the way it drove that really impressed. The 2023 BMW i7 vs the 760i Both of these cars are excellent at being 7 Series and possess all of the best qualities you’d want a large sedan with a roundel. And both were surprisingly engaging as driver’s cars. However it was the BMW i7 that immediately stood out. Not has an electric rocket ship like the Model S or Lucid Air. Its character is much more well rounded and focused on being both the ultimate driving machine as well as the ultimate executive transportation. Even driving the recently released Rolls Royce Ghost Black Badge reinforced the point that the i7 has a legitimate claim to the best driver oriented luxury car in the world. The i7 is effortless performance in elegance and sophistication eclipsing every rival we’ve driven – including the new Mercedes EQS. From the serene roads of Palm Springs to the mountain canyons above the Cochella Valley, the i7 xDrive60i was near faultless. Motivated by a front and year motor producing 536 hp and 549 lbs of torque, the i7 is quick but surprisedly not as quick as the ICE 760i. But despite that the i7 felt more capable in every scenario we threw at it. The fluidity of this 5,917 lbs car going from apex to apex and and the feedback was shocking. While the steering wheel feel isn’t compelling, the feedback builds linearly and consistently. But more impressive is how the suspension deals with it all while still delivering a sense of confidence and even enthusiasm for corners. This 6,000 lbs car showed an eagerness and even precision on our mountains road test route that didn’t initially compute. How could a car this big and heavy feel this good? A 101 kWh battery delivers 318 miles of range but we saw estimates of near 350 with spirited driving. With DC fast charging getting you 80 miles in 10 minutes or from 10% to 80% charge in 34 minutes. This isn’t the 800 watt architecture you see elsewhere but given the state of charging infrastructure in the US I’m not sure you’ll miss it all that much. Back to back with the 1,000 lbs lighter, M engined (S68) 760i was even more shocking. With so much weight so low, the i7 was able to feel both eager and effortless. There’s no question that, on paper, the 760i is everything that we would have preferred. With an M engineered S68 engine under the hood, the 760i has an output of 536 hp and 553 lbs of torque – almost identical to the i7. Given the weight you’d assume the 760i would be the driver’s car here. Yet everything that a great electric drivetrain provides turns out to be exactly what you want in a car like the 7 series. Effortless acceleration, an eagerness in corners and an overall seamless experience is what the ultimate driving machine in this class should be. The Technology in the New 2023 BMW i7 and 760i But numbers only mean so much and this is a BMW. More importantly this is a 7 Series which has a history of ushering in new technology since it was introduced in the 70s. Here we have the first fully electric 7 Series as the headline. But dig deeper and the changes are even greater. In the rear you have that the massive rear screen with Amazon Fire integration and a HD camera for Zoom calls. In the doors are small (phone-like) Android devices that allow rear seat passengers to control just about everything in the car. Then there’s the reclining rear seat and footrest that allowed all 6′ 2″ of me to lay back in total bliss while I watched the latest Rings of Power episode. Upfront the tech is everywhere. iDrive 8 is here along with the massive twin screens that debuted on the iX. Also here are the confusing seat controls and crystal finishes. But where the iX felt a bit hurried, the new 7 Series feels honed. Doors open automatically with a button (or your phone) and interface sits on the glass trim itself inside the car. The shifter is now a very small lever that feels so intuitive that you wonder why it took BMW so long to get to this point. But the highest for us was the Highway Assist. Allowing for total control of the car up to 82 mph, Highway Assist is a game changer for road trip as it takes over full control of driving on all major highways in the US. And with a cost of only $2,100 it actually feels reasonably priced given what it can do. The 2023 BMW i7 and 760i – Conclusions BMW has a history over the last twenty years of not holding anything sacred and not being afraid to rethink some of the very core aspects of the brand. Here, in a quest to rethink what luxury can be, BMW has rethought almost every aspect of exterior and interior design, human interface and even what powers the car. The 2023 BMW 7 Series as much a revolution for the brand as it is a rethink of the 7 Series itself. And as great as the M engined 760i is, no where is that more evident than the all electric i7 model. This is BMW’s first real attempt and electrifying a product core to the brand heritage. And from our first impressions behind the wheel, BMW has pulled off the seemingly impossible by offering everything while giving up nothing. 2023 BMW i7 and BMW 760i Gallery The post Review: The 2023 Electric BMW i7 & BMW 760i Are the New Kings of Luxury appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

Editors note: It’s the holidays and we’re doing something a little different this week. We’re going to be reviewing a few of the most interesting cars we’ve driven this year within the BMW family that aren’t MINIs. And what better place to start than the top of the food chain. Much like the current F56 MINI JCW hatch is harkens back to the best of Mini, the the 2022 Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge is the ultimate expression of a modern Rolls Royce. Stylized to appeal to an audience that’s more Off-White than Yves Saint Laurent, the Black Badge is a modern approach to ultra luxury. But what makes it different beyond the black trim? We took a turn behind the wheel (and lounging in the backseat) in Palm Springs to get answers. If JCW is for MINI owners that love to drive, the Black Badge is a Rolls for owners who like to be in command. Designed with a touch more power, a retuned suspension and even a sportier sounding exhaust, the Ghost Black Badge has just enough driver engagement to make things interesting. But let’s not confuse interesting with involving. This isn’t a car for those looking to feel the tarmac under the tires or understand where adhesion limits are. This is the Rolls you grab from the garage when you don’t mind hearing an exhaust note. In a word the Black Badge is about the experience. From the moment you enter the cabin to the moment you hit start, you’re met with tactile delight. Inside the material quality is as high as I’ve ever seen in a car. Everything that is shiny is either metal or crystal. Everything that appears to be leather is hands-down the best quality hide I’ve ever felt in a car. And every physical control as the perfect weight and reaction. In a world of plastic is design to look like metal and foam masquerades as leather, The Ghost Black Badge drips with authentic materials. However, from a technology perspective the Rolls Royce Ghost (in Black Badge form or not) is woefully behind the times. It’s all last generation stuff that has been probably out of production in BMWs for for several years now. Not that it’s bad mind you. In someways, I almost prefer the tactile buttons and the simpler version of iDrive offered here. But if you’re looking for the latest ADAS system or massive screens you’re in the wrong car. As an owner you spec everything. Want a special commissioned black umbrellas in the rear door? It’s as easy as writing a $1,675 check. Purple extended piping? No worries as long as $2,225 isn’t a problem. And what about that Burnout Grey color you’ve been lusting after? It’s as easy as coughing up an extra $15,900. All well and good but what’s it like to drive you ask? The Black Badge denotes performance purely in Rolls-Royce terms. This is a car that is about experience, delivering you to your destination in the upmost luxury, comfort and safety. It’s not so much a car as it is an experience. Buying a $492,000 Rolls-Royce Ghost is also a very different process than walking into a BMW dealer to look at an X5. You craft this car in collaboration with Rolls Royce to your exacting specification. And you likely know the process well because, according to Rolls Royce’s own customer data, it’s likely your third or fourth Rolls Royce. It’s also at least your 10th car across all of your various houses. In those terms this is just another link in the chain of luxurious experiences an owner has in their lives. One thing that makes this latest generation of Ghost quite a bit different from the previous is that it uses a platform bespoke to Rolls Royce and not a BMW 7 Series cast-off. This has allowed Rolls Royce engineers and designers to craft an experience that feels more isolated and incredibly comfortable. Of course the irony is that we drove the brand new electric BMW i7 back to back with this Ghost and found the i7 to be even more comfortable and quiet. But that’s an unfair comparison given the nature of electric propulsion and the fact that there’s a 6.75 twin-turbo V12 under the hood here. Side note, electrification would suit this brand incredibly well. After a quick drive around Palm Springs we came away not only completely relaxed but also a bit reprogramed. The very question of this car living up to that price tag felt irrelevant. In the terms you and I equate to cars, it of course it can’t possibly be worth $492k. But for its owner, the calculus is entirely different. Does it deliver on the same level as the experiences its owners surround themselves in? Absolutely. Can it wash away the outside world and create an alternatively reality for its drivers and passengers? Effortlessly. Are we already looking on eBay for ragged used ones? Absolutely. The post Quick Drive: The Rolls Royce Ghost Black Badge Is the Car We Didn’t Know We Wanted appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

The MINI Convertible Seaside Edition may be a purely cosmetic special edition but it’s one of the best we’ve seen from MINI in years. With a variety of unique trim pieces as well as unique Caribbean Aqua exterior paint, the Seaside is also a celebration of the MINI convertible’s 30th anniversary. Starting with February 2023 production, the Seaside Edition will be available in either Caribbean Aqua or Nanuq White. The car comes standard with Double decorative stripes in white run from the side doors to the rear of the vehicle, and the exclusive exterior design is rounded off with a unique graphic on the front apron, where a stylized 30 once again refers to the model’s anniversary. What’s really interesting is the unique interior trim and the white door handles and gas cap. Read on for the full press release and all the details of MINI’s latest special edition. Official Release: World Premier: The MINI Convertible Seaside Edition Waves rolling gently onto the beach and the endless horizon in view – a day at the seaside offers refreshingly expansive perspectives and a feeling of freedom. In line with this, the MINI Convertible in the Seaside Edition celebrates 30 years of individual style and maximum fresh-air driving fun. To mark the anniversary of the open-top four-seater, MINI now presents the sporty classic with exclusive equipment and design features – optionally in a shimmering blue Caribbean Aqua paint finish or in the light Nanuq White bodycolor. The Seaside Edition of the MINI Convertible is available as the Cooper and the Cooper S. Currently the world’s only premium convertible in the small car segment and with an impressively distinctive look in traditional brand style, the MINI Convertible embodies individual open-air driving pleasure. In the MINI Cooper S, a 2.0-litre, 131 kW/178 hp 4-cylinder power unit with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology enables acceleration from a standstill to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds. The MINI Cooper also provides typical MINI go-kart feeling, featuring a 3-cylinder petrol engine with an output of 136 hp. The black, electrically operated soft top takes things at a more leisurely pace: it can be opened or closed automatically up to 30 km/h. From February 2023, the limited Seaside Edition of the MINI Convertible will accentuate this stylish model’s hallmark features with an edition-specific design in the exterior and interior. Double decorative stripes in white run from the side doors to the rear of the vehicle, and the exclusive exterior design is rounded off with a unique graphic on the front apron, where a stylised 30 once again refers to the model’s anniversary. This contrasts elegantly with the maritime-inspired paint finish Caribbean Aqua, emphasising the sporty character of the open-top four-seater. In the Nanuq White finish, the consistently light-coloured bodywork has a particularly elegant appeal: here the MINI Convertible is reminiscent of spotted clouds against a deep-blue summer sky. The side scuttles with the edition’s discreet “Seaside” lettering pick up on the 30th model anniversary with graphically designed numerals in light and dark blue. The round birthday is also celebrated with exclusive “Seaside” lettering in sporty orange on the rear. Meanwhile the 18-inch alloy wheels in Pulse Spoke design are reminiscent of pulsating waves in the water. By contrast, the specific wheel caps stand still: here, the number of the anniversary appears once more. A weight behind them ensures a perfect appearance at all times. Even as you enter the vehicle, the trim strips on the vehicle doors in edition design with two white stripes and Seaside lettering convey the exclusive aura of the interior. The Carbon Black leather seats with comfortable knee rolls and armrests in the doors offer comfort as well as harmonising perfectly with the two exterior finishes Caribbean Aqua and Nanuq White when the soft top is open. The decorative trim strips on the front dashboards also appear in edition-specific design: both the printed pattern and the lettering bring the round anniversary to mind once again. This pattern also appears on the floor mats in the form of a graphic badge. The lower spoke of the sports leather steering wheel features the eponymous “Seaside” lettering of the new MINI Edition. The vehicle key featuring the edition-specific graphic wave pattern in iridescent blue tones picks up on both the open atmosphere and the pure elegance of the sea, enabling the owner to take a piece of this exclusive edition home with them. The integrated “Seaside” lettering underlines the model’s unique flair – definitely ruling out any potential key mix-ups. For the driver, the latest generation of the MINI operating system optimizes quick and intuitive control of the vehicle functions, audio program, communication, navigation and apps, while newly compiled equipment packages enable specific individual preferences to be fulfilled in terms of driver assistance and connectivity. The MINI Convertible Seaside Edition – Photo Gallery The post World Premier: The MINI Convertible Seaside Edition appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

Following our first look inside the new 2024 MINI Countryman earlier this year, we wanted to talk about the elephant in the room – almost literally. Yes the next generation 2024 MINI Countryman will be by far the largest MINI ever produced. Riding on the same FAAR platform as the BMW X1, the next Countryman will grow in length in a very noticeable way. How noticeable? Based on some recent sources, we have an idea. Based on these photos and our sources, the all new 2024 MINI Countryman will be about 203 mm (almost 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, our sources tell us that this next generation car will more closely follow the BMW X1 in overall size. This will allow for a larger cargo area and more rear legroom. What about weight? Our sources are telling us that MINI will make use of advanced chassis design and plenty of new aluminum components to reduce the weight gain we’ll see. We can get an idea of weight by looking at the new BMW X1 which has a 3,750 lbs curb weight. That only up 24 lbs despite being marginally larger and being offered with more standard equipment. Given this we’d expect the next generation Countryman All4 will be close to the current car’s 3,726 lbs curb weight. You ca see size of the new G60 2024 Countryman next to the new 2024 ICE MINI Cooper in the row of cars above.2024 MINI Countryman Engines and Transmissions There are no clean-sheet designs in the internal combustion world these days and there’s no exception here. Every petrol powered engine is a revision of an existing one. So things will look familiar but numbers will rise slightly. Based on what we know about the evolved three and four liter family of engines from BMW, we should see something close to the following: The 1.5 three cylinder which will be rated at 137 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque2.0 four cylinder with varying tunes; 170 hp and 206 ft-lbs and 218 hp and 265 ft-lbs. JCW branded 2.0 four cylinder with 330 hp and a mild hybrid systemAll petrol engines will get a 48 volt mild hybrid system and will be mated to a revised 7-speed dual clutch with an all new gear selector design. The manual transmission will be eliminated in all models.Note the The All Electric 2024 MINI Countryman Yes it’s coming and it’s powerful. The FAAR platform was designed from the ground up to accommodate a battery pack and electric motor as part of the brand’s plans to transition all products over the next decade. Again the BMW X1 (in this case the iX1) gives us a clue. Assuming MINI will be leveraging the same technical layout (which we’ve heard is the plan), we should expect the electric Countryman to have a peak output is 308 horsepower and 364 pound-feet of torque. Potentially branded as a JCW, the power comes from a modest 64.7-kWh t-shaped battery pack that produces 266 miles of range using the WLTP testing protocol. That would likely translate into something around 240 miles using the EPA testing. The iX1 supports DC fast-charging at up to 130 kW, which can charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in only 29 minutes. 2024 MINI Countryman – New Technology and Autonomous Features Based on the underlying Android Auto technical framework, MINI is introducing a massive circular display that will be the literal and figurative centerpiece of the brand’s tech moving forward. Looking at the spy photos of the interior the second think you notice (after the giant screen of course) is the lack of switch gear and a very different console design than what we’re used to seeing. Of course the switchgear is there but it’s been re-routed into a temporary space where cupholders will ultimately be. 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. Final, non-camouflaged version as seen in the U25 electric MINI Cooper The gear selector (which will be almost identical to BMWs) is actually not here in production form but will be a small lever or toggle where the white plastic is in the top photo. Also gone is the iDrive multi-function controller. In it’s place will be a digital experience that’s more touch-based and (we’re told) easier to use. We expect MINI to eventually rollout an optional Level 2 autonomous driving features for all of the brand’s next generation cars. Level 2 allows for the car to use adaptive cruise as well as follow the clearly marked roads with hands on the wheel. Keep in mind this isn’t just a lane keeping function but technology that will follow the road as it curves. This is optional on most BMWs currently. But what will be really exciting is L2+. While it’s unclear if we’ll see this at launch, we do eventually expect Level 2+ to be part of the G60 product plans. The system will likely be identical to BMW’s new L2+ system which allows for hands-free driving up to 81 mph an hour (130 KPH) making it massively more helpful for the majority of drivers and likely to be used much more. While MINI drivers are more likely to want to drive their cars, it’s hard to argue with a robot taking over duties on long, straight highway drives. 2024 MINI Countryman Launch Details With the test mules progressing quickly, we believe we’ll see the 2024 MINI Countryman make its debut in the second half of 2023 as a 2024 model in the US. We’ll likely see petrol powered Countryman and Countryman S models first before MINI launches its first ever all electric Countryman. We’d expect the JCW variant to come shortly after launch. The post The All-New 2024 MINI Countryman Will Be the Most Maxi MINI Ever appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

We managed to rally together one more time before closing out 2022! A quick not to the affliates, we do go long. We are pretty sure all y’all won’t mind. Catching up, db sold his MINI (and replaced it with a bicycle). His garage is now home to a BMW X3, which there will be more words about that coming (like, it really should be a wagon). Then, the latest news from MotoringFile, as usual! If you missed Gabe’s review of the BMW X1, go check it out if you want to find out what the next version of the Countryman will be like. We get filled on on life with a non-JCW MINI in Gabe’s garage with a horrible name, product code relevations and spy shots of the G56, plus some other information you will find to be very interesting. Oh, yea. Feather bowling is totally a thing. For those of you that have missed it, we are still recording Black Roof Radio!. Click through for access to the most recent episodes, all available **FREE OF CHARGE**! Also, as db mentioned, RSS is not dead! You can still follow and subscribe to your favorite sites using any of the latest versions of RSS Readers. Check out NetNewsWire (yes, it’s back!) for OSX/IOS, Aggregator for Android and Newsflow on Windows! Any of these will let you subscribe and help break you of your social media habit! The post White Roof Radio 687: db Sold His MINI appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

MINI is re-thinking its long-standing rear design for its iconic MINI Cooper. Since 1959 MINI has used a vertical layout for its lights. That was extended and rethought slightly for the R50 in 2001 and evolved since then over the last 20 years. However for MINI’s next generation of Coopers the brand is completely re-thinking it’s traditional approach. MINI is leaning into digital customization inside and outside. Inside there’s the massive circular OLED screen that will house all of the car’s settings and digital functionality. According to sources that interface and experience will be customizable along with an all new interior lighting concept. But where things get even more interesting is on the outside. The G56 MINI Cooper (ICE) and it’s camouflaged rear tail lightsLeveraging LED technology, an owner of the new J01 or G56 Cooper can change how their front and rear lights look when on and active. Want Union Jack tail lights? Or how about something more minimal? MINI will offer a number of different designs that will help owners differentiate their cars. The J01 MINI Cooper (EV) seen here with no camouflage and rear lights exposed. You can clear see the individual blocks of LEDs and how they would allow for customization.Finally here’s a still from a MINI video showing how they would light-up with a Union Jack designThe post Next Generation MINI Rear Tail light Design To Introduce Radical Customization appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

In a MotoringFile exclusive we have our first real look at the next generation G56 MINI Cooper. Whereas the J01 electric MINI Cooper represents a lot of firsts for the brand, the G56 the more than a few lasts. It’s likely going to be MINI’s last ICE (internal combustion engine) car along with the last MINI offered with a manual. But beyond that little has been known about the G56, until now. Th Overview of the G56 MINI Cooper A revised F56 MINI will form the basis of the “new” ICE G56 MINI Cooper and will be built at the Oxford plant. We use the word “new” carefully because this will be an extensively revised F56 and not just a refresh focused mostly on design but the actual structure of the car. While the overhang won’t shrink to R50 or even R56 lengths, it will be fractionally shorter than the F56. Comparatively the J01 electric MINI Cooper will see a decidedly shrunk overhang.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. Why is MINI evolving the F56 after ten years in production? We’ve been talking a lot about the upcoming all electric MINI offerings (the Cooper, Aceman and Countryman EV) but MINI isn’t letting go of internal combustion engines (ICE) yet. In an unprecedented move there will be two next generation MINI Coopers (hatches) built on opposite ends of the planet on two different platforms. This move will allow MINI to offer innovative electric offerings while still selling to the traditional ICE market for as long as possible. But key to this will be upgrading the F56 to a more modern spec in terms of tech. This completely undisguised J01 electric MINI Cooper gives us a clear view of what the G56 ICE MINI Cooper will resemble.What’s The G56 MINI Cooper Going to Look Like? MINI is pulling out all the stops to make the G56 as similar to the J01 design as possible. The goal will be to unify the design language across all models allowing consumers to have a choice that feels strictly about the propulsion system and nothing else. Most don’t realize that the 2007 R56 was a major refresh of the previous generation R50/R53 chassis. Will we see similar radical refresh of the F56? Likely not for two reasons. MINI is intending to keep the current engine line-up and refine them to meet tightening emissions standards. So no new engines but likely different tunes. MINI also doesn’t need to fix any significant issues like they did on the R50 which was never engineered to BMW quality standards. While this will be a heavy refresh, we believe that the changes we’ll see on this refresh/next generation F56 will be focused on design and technology with important tweaks to performance. MINI’s new circular center screen as seen in a recent 2024 J01 prototype in China. The G56 ICE MINI Cooper will have the same screen with the same digital experience.Massive Upgrade In Technology There will be a biggest we can clearly see a camera and sensor module integrated into the top of the grille allowing this next generation of F56 MINIs 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. BMW’s current Active Driving Assistant Pro (optional on most mid-sized to larger BMWs) allows for Level 2+ below 81 MPH for 2023 models. That means you can take your hands off the wheel entirely as long as your eyes are on the road. The car will stop, go, turn and even change lanes on command. When that hits MINI models is yet to be seen but there’s no question it will eventually come. Note the faux F56 lights covering up the angular G56 lightsBut 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 intelligent speed assistance (ISA) requirement that has the ability to limit cars speed in urban environments. Yes you read that right. Yes that is a massive circular screen and it will be present on all next generation MINIs. What you see above is the screen sitting camouflaged plastic enclosure. The final version will allow the screen to float similar to what we saw a few months ago on the upcoming 2024 MINI electric hatch. 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. The automatic transmission gear lever is now going to be on the dash and next to it the return of a twist to start rather than a button. From there MINI will have it’s “experiences” toggle (more to come on that) and volume knob. The all-new electric Cooper will influence the heavily refreshed F56 ICE MINIThe G56 MINI Cooper Engine Line-Up Being the last of the line in terms of ICE engines, the key will be evolution and not revolution. The petrol powered range will use an evolved version of the current B48 engine range with mild-hybrid added to decrease CO2 and add performance. As we detailed in our recent preview of the next generation MINI Countryman, every petrol powered engine is a revision of an existing one. So things will look familiar but we believe numbers might rise slightly. The 1.5 three cylinder could use a more powerful BMW tune that would see it rise to 137 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. Then there’s a series of 2.0 four cylinder that could also use various BMW tunes; 170 hp and 206 ft-lbs and 218 hp and 265 ft-lbs. Most petrol engines will get a 48 volt mild hybrid system and will be mated to a revised 7-speed dual clutch with an all new gear selector design. The manual transmission’s days may be numbered but we believe it will stick around in a couple trim levels on the new F56 through the end of the decade. When Will The Refreshed Next Generation MINI Cooper Launch? With the test mules progressing quickly, we believe we’ll see the refreshed F56 (likely not to be called the F56) sometime in late 2023 or early 2024. We’d expect a tiered launch starting with the Cooper and Cooper S, followed by a JCW model. This will all happen in the shadow of the entirely new and all electric MINI Cooper built in China and meant primarily for Asia and Europe. We’ll have more on that car and MINI’s plan to get it to the US soon. The post Exclusive: First Look At the Next Generation G56 MINI Cooper appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

Did you know there was something known as the Caribbean of Scandinavia? Apparently MINI does as they took a full loaded Countryman Cooper SE complete with an AUTOHOME roof tent out into the back country of Sweden for an epic getaway. The MINI here is the the MINI Countryman Cooper SE Untamed Edition – the plug-in hybrid version. For those scoring at home this is the Countryman with the 3-cylinder petrol engine with 125 hp generated from a 1.5 liter going to the front wheels. In back is a 95 hp electric motor powering the rear wheels making a total output of 220 hp. And there’s an electric only range of 37 miles which is incredibly handy for commutes if you’re looking to stay away from gas stations. Back to the Caribbean of Scandinavia, here’s MINI themselves to talk about the trip. Official Release: Exploring the Swedish Archipelago in the MINI Countryman Untamed Edition Always follow your nose – that was the fisherman’s advice in the small harbour of Björknäs, when asked about the best route towards Björnö. And it indeed proved to be true, because while the widely spread archipelago area east of Stockholm becomes more and more expansive, the route at Mörtviken approaches the open coastal landscape on the Baltic Sea. And that’s not only something for your eyes to feast on, but also for your nose. The cool winter air in this region is wonderfully fresh, salty and invigorating. So it’s great that the MINI Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 can be driven locally without any emissions in the Untamed Edition, thus keeping the sea air unclouded. Just a few kilometres after starting off in Björknäs, the 222 motorway heads east through the Ekobergets nature reserve, repeatedly crossing the fjords cutting deep inland on gently curving, airy bridges. At Gustavsberg, the turnoff leads slightly south into the extensive road network towards Ingarö and deeper and deeper into the wintry landscape. With the off-road suitable plug-in hybrid MINI model, going on excursions off paved roads is also a welcome adventure to go in search of the typical Swedish wooden houses in bright red that lie hidden away. The classic Scandinavian colour used for these houses is due to the high copper content in the earth pigments needed to mix the paint. With the cold temperatures and less and less traffic, road conditions become increasingly wintry. No problem for the perfectly matched drives of the MINI Cooper SE Countryman ALL4. Its 3-cylinder petrol engine with 92 kW/125 hp generated from a cubic capacity of 1.5 litres powers the front wheels, while a 70 kW/95 hp electric motor transmits its power to the rear wheels. With an output of 220 hp overall, the MINI is thus ideally equipped for anything that might come its way. The top speed in purely electric driving mode is 135 km/h. There are always great views of the brilliant white ice up in the high forest around the picturesque Fiskmyran lake. Time for a short break and always enough time to open the AUTOHOME roof tent for taking a relaxed look at the nature surrounding us. What was previously almost indistinguishable from a conventional roof box when closed can now be automatically extended upwards in the blink of an eye by opening two safety latches at the front and back and with the help of four gas pressure springs. Inside, you have almost a metre of space to the top. Rain and wind are of no concern to you. The material keeps you dry and well protected. Your picnic tastes all the better on the comfortable mattress with cotton cover. Travelling to the island landscape of the Swedish archipelago is nothing for the unprepared. This is because the diverse region is too rugged to have a café or restaurant on every corner. After all, that’s what nearby Stockholm is for. Here it’s all about experiencing nature and exploring the wilds off the beaten tourist track. As the MINI Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 Untamed Edition continues its journey towards Björnö, the route passes picturesque Baldersnäs, from where the coastline offers sweeping views towards the southern archipelago. The widely spread-out islands visible from here give you an idea of how many places there are to discover in this region, even from the sea, in the warm season. For example by going on a fishing tour or canoeing – two of the most popular hobbies of Swedish residents. The MINI Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 in the Untamed Edition offers plenty of space for all your equipment with a luggage space with a volume of up to 1,275 litres. As we enter the Björnö nature reserve, the cloud cover opens up to give us a splendid view of the Baltic Sea. The Swedes really appreciate these brief sunny moments, especially in winter – and exploit them in ways that really take some getting used to. At Björkvik’s Båtklubb on the Baltic Sea, there is still plenty of room for beach towels, but the steps down to the ice-cleared water are well filled with swimmers and the bathing season never quite seems to end in this part of Sweden. To warm up, we recommend a visit to the Björkvik bistro opposite, with a view of the other offshore islands of the archipelago. Gazing out over the deep blue of the water, we begin to understand why some of the locals refer to their spot of the world as the “Caribbean of Scandinavia”. The post Exploring the Swedish Archipelago in the MINI Countryman Untamed Edition appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

MINI is collaborating with musician and fashion icon Pharrell Williams to support Polar Bears International. The collaboration is with Pharrell Williams brand ICECREAM, a global brand dedicated to giving back to the community and aligning to various causes. Each MINI x ICECREAM Save the Polar Bears Collection includes a tee, a hoodie, and a keychain, all which nod to the polar bears and will retail for $150. The price point honors the bears, as well, since Antarctica is losing 150 billion tons of ice per year, a critical habitat for the polar bear. The Keychain features a polar bear attempting to lick his head, which is topped with whipped cream and red cherryThe Hoodie pays homage to the Arctic Sea Ice Day ad, and the bear is seen hanging outside of the MINI Electric The Tee features a running polar bear honoring the Running Dog graphic which ICECREAM has become known for. On the back, the tee sports a paw print, representing the positive steps being taken towards saving polar bear’s melting habitats. The collaboration is being released on NTWRK on December 15 @ 4PM ET / 1PM PT. OFFICIAL RELEASE: Pharrell Williams & MINI release Product Capsule Supporting Polar Bears International MINI USA and ICECREAM, a sub-label of Pharrell Williams and Nigo’s streetwear brand Billionaire Boys Club have teamed up to celebrate the new MINI Electric in Nanuq White with an exclusive earth-conscious capsule collection via leading livestream shopping platform NTWRK on December 15 @ 4PM ET / 1PM PT. At the heart of the partnership, one hundred percent of the proceeds at checkout will be donated to Polar Bears International and their education and outreach efforts dedicated to informing, inspiring, and providing a powerful platform for saving the polar bears and the arctic region. Through science, media and advocacy, Polar Bears International works to inspire people to care about the Arctic, the urgent threats to its future, and the connection between this remote region and our global climate. Globally recognized brand ICECREAM is dedicated to giving back to the community and aligning with important causes that make a difference. The influential lifestyle brand is also loving fans of the polar bears, which is evident through their thoughtfully designed collection created to provoke thought and support the arctic inhabitants. As part of its shared advocacy for the polar bear, MINI USA collaborated with Polar Bears International earlier this year for Arctic Sea Ice Day (watch this adorable ad of a polar bear taking a sweet ride in a MINI Electric) where they encouraged American audiences to make donations to and consider eco-adopting a polar bear via Polar Bears International. The MINI Electric now features a new special color, Nanuq White. The color was inspired and chosen with feedback from customers following MINI USA’s ongoing campaign to support Polar Bears International, featuring the MINI brand’s special polar bear mascot, Nanuq. “MINI is always looking to find impactful and unconventional ways to affect positive change in the world, especially when it comes to sustainability.” said Rah Mahtani, head of brand communications at MINI USA. It is why we are pleased to partner with ICECREAM and NTWRK to amplify the environmental advocacy of Polar Bears International in a fun and exclusive way.” “Our team is honored to spearhead this partnership with MINI USA and ICECREAM. We are driven by bringing brands together, but we’re also driven by brands charting ways they can give to charitable initiatives. In this case, it’s ensuring a future for polar bears with the help of Polar Bears International, who’s doing just that,” NTWRK CEO Aaron Levant says. “From day one, BBC ICECREAM has been focused on inspiring others in positive ways.” Said Joseph Au, Creative Director for BBC ICECREAM. “This partnership is no different, we are very excited to be able to share this vision of a sustainable future and use our collective platform to further drive this message, together with MINI USA & NTWRK” The MINI x ICECREAM Capsule Collection will be available for purchase during a NTWRK live episode – which will feature exclusive footage of the Creative Director of BBC ICECREAM and the new MINI Electric filmed in the Santa Monica Mountains, CA. Pharrell Williams MINIThe post Pharrell Williams & MINI release Product Capsule Supporting Polar Bears International appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

The MINI Oxford Plant is the spiritual home of the brand since new MNI production started in 2001. In 2004 we visited the plant and found it full of new energy and incredible automation. While BMW has added contract production in Austria and the Netherlands and even leverages BMW production facilities in Germany, Oxford remains the largest producer of MINIs and is clearly a key part of the brand’s future. But what’s changes over the last twenty years since it went online? We went to Oxford to find out and see a hint of the future. When we last visited the plant in 2004 it was still ramping up various aspects of production. For instance the stamping that happened offsite back then is now in a separate facility on the plant grounds. There’s also a new level of automation – especially in that stamping plant. In fact it seems almost devoid of humans as we walked through a sea of busy robots twisting and turning metal and nearly complete chassis. The immediate take away in seeing this part of production is the precision throughout the process. BMW takes the structural design and build of its cars seriously as it had several high-profile issues in the late 90’s and early 2000s with sub-frames. Our guide explained the levels of engineering that goes into every weld and the safety checks that happen throughout the process. The result is a level of precision that wouldn’t seem out of place in an aerospace factory. The Future is Now One of the most interesting aspects of Oxford’s current production line-up is the fact that the plan produces both ICE and electric MINIs side by side. This clearly foretells the future of the brand as MINI looks to aggressively move to become an all electric brand. Perhaps most interesting were the date codes I could clearly see on many components. Each component that BMW puts in their cars has a form of a date code that states the production date of the part and the range that the part is applicable in a vehicle. In other words you could clearly see when many of the core components for the current MINIs were scheduled to be end of life. That date was marked 2027 in many components were saw. Knowing what we know about the current generation MINI we would expect that that means we’ll see some for of redesign and/or final LCI for the petrol powered F56 range. It also lines-up well with the rumored introduction of the all new electric MINI at Oxford. Our 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. Up Close With the Rarest MINIs in the World Whether it be one of the first MINIs ever produces or a recent GP, the Oxford Plant has a small MINI museum that houses one of the best collections in the world. The 30 minute guided tour is also not to be missed as it not only walks through the collection but goes into depth on the production process, the history of the plant and the plans for the future. The trip is well worth it if you’re in the UK. It’s not only a fascinating look at the history of Mini but an inside look at the very heart of the brand. Booking a tour is as easy to heading to MINI UK’s website and buying a £21.00 ticket. The post Video: We Toured the MINI Oxford Plant & Saw a Glimpse of the Future appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

Silver Power Systems (SPS), battery analysis company have early findings that show EV battery life degrades faster than previously expected. This was especially present in the BMW i3 they tested which may make our dreams of a used i3 as a city car go out the window. And what about the electric MINI Cooper SE and any future battery degradation? First seen in Autocar, the study shows that there are wide variations in performance, especially within fleets of the same vehicles. SPS found that a 2015 BMW i3 with 33,000 miles had seen major reduction in range. In total the 22 kWh battery pack had degraded by 19%. Its owner claimed that on a full charge and in Eco Pro mode, the car had a driving range in summer of 85 miles. Other models fairs differently. 2014 Nissan Leafs tested showed a 23% degradation after almost six years while a 2015 Tesla Model S saw 10% degradation. It’s worth noting that some dealers are skeptical of SPS’s methods in testing these batteries. One EV specialist told autocrat that “A warm battery will give a good figure, so sellers run the car first then check it,” he said. “I’ve seen it happen when dealers are selling to the public as well as to each other. This way, they get a better price for the vehicle. The best thing is to go by the car’s range display. We’ve sold hundreds of EVs, and on this basis, we see 1-2% battery degradation each year.” Autocar then spoke to EMR, a vehicle recycler who works directly with BMW. Interestingly they are coming to a slightly different conclusion. “EV batteries are lasting far longer than anyone expected,” he said. “Although batteries degrade over time, for third owners and beyond, driving range is less of an issue. The car is probably a second or third vehicle for short trips, and in any case the car is much cheaper than a new one, so they make allowances. “I see EVs easily lasting as long as ICE cars; possibly longer because they’re simpler. It’s going to be 2045, long after sales of ICE vehicles have ceased, before we start seeing end-of-life EVs with seriously depleted batteries in large numbers.” For our money that’s an important perspective here. The degradation of batteries are inevitable but the reduction of other maintenance costs that electric cars offer should also be factored in. The total cost is something that is still somewhat unknown but there is clearly a massive shift in how owners spend money on EVs versus ICE cars in regards to maintenance. What do you think? Does battery life degradation scare you in terms of electric MINIs? The post UK Study – EV Battery Life Degrading Quicker Than Expected appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

The MINI Aceman is the brand’s next generation crossover designed and built from the ground up as a full electric car and now it’s been seen testing in Europe for the first time. Previewed in the form a concept earlier this year, it’s a smaller crossover than the current Countryman (it’s actually similar in length to the original R60) yet it has as much interior volume due to the smaller electric drivetrain. Sound perfect? It might be if it wasn’t for one glaring issue. Before we touch on the elephant in the room for the Aceman, let’s talk about what we see above. Unsurprisingly the MINI Aceman will forgo some of the more outlandish aspects of the concept while maintaining that minimal design language MINI has been forecasting. The proportions look promising with short overhangs and an overall shape that looks far more athletic than any of the first two generations of the Countryman. How does it slots into the MINI line-up? In MINI’s words this is a crossover version of the iconic MINI three door hatch. In our words the Aceman will bridge the gap from the new electric (J01) MINI hatch and the forthcoming (larger) 2024 MINI Countryman. What that means 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 while retaining a more point and shoot driving experience that lower weight distortion of the electric platform promises. Since it’s all electric, it uses design geometry that reduces the overhangs and maximizes the interior volume. You can clearly see this in the images inside and out. And to us that’s one of the more exciting aspects of this new direction for MINI. The MINI Aceman concept – a lightly disguised version of the final car.The MINI Aceman Interior Revolution Recently MINI told us that the brand is “working up fresh ideas on the design of urban mobility in the future and the User Experience associated with the use of the display and control system of MINI makes a major contribution to the driving fun so typical of the brand.” We can begin to get a sense of that with this concept and the unveiling of that circular OLED display and the textile dash with a built-in screen. The Big Issue with the MINI Aceman The MINI Aceman, along with the all new electric MINI hatch will initially be made only in China. The fact that it’s made in China doesn’t bother us as the time when Chinese cars meant poor quality is long passed. No the issue are the US based tariff’s which will likely keep the Paceman from the US market – at least initially. Geo-politics aside, those tariff’s will make it uniquely difficult for MINI USA to bring the Paceman to the market given its razor-thin margins. And then there’s also the issue of the forthcoming electric MINI Countryman. The next generation Countryman has been designed from the ground up to better appeal to North American tastes. As we’ve reported previously it will be both larger or more rugged in its overall design. According to sources MINI USA deems the Aceman too small for the US market given how close the cost would be after tariffs are factored in to the forthcoming larger Countryman. To us that’s a massive shame given how progressive this crossover looks to be. We also love the size which feels like a grown-up four door hatch to us. There still could be a chance as rumors point to MINI bringing the J01 electric MINI Cooper to the UK for production later this decade. We could imagine the Paceman following suit as well. The MINI Aceman – The Future Of MINI Design Sharper, more angular and less retro-futuristic. Those are the themes that we see in the concept and now the initial spy photos. But the biggest theme here is reduction – something Oliver Heimler, Head of MINI Design, has been forecasting for years. We see it especially in the interior where MINI is harkening back to the original 1959 car. Outside MINI is creating a more angular design that will leverage lightning personalization in new ways. For instance you’ll be able to program the rear LEDs to have a Union Jack design or something a bit more modern. The Next Generation MINI Family The Aceman is the first of many vehicle debuts we’ll see over the next 18 months as MINI prepared to launch it’s new generation. But not all will be entirely new. What we’ve been focused on with the Aceman is the entirely new, all electric MINI platform which will be built in collaboration with Great Wall Motors in China. But there’s another, petrol powered hatch coming which might be just as, if not more important for the MINI fans. MINI intends to heavily revise the UK made F56, give it a new chassis designation and sell it as a new MINI hatch. It will be MINI’s last ICE (internal combustion engine) powered car and will be critical to the US market as it’s still unclear of any of the Chinese made electric MINIs will make it to the US. G56 / Oxford, EnglandU25 / Leipzig, GermanyJ01 / China (GWM)G56 ICE Cooper 3 doorU25 ICE CountrymanJ01 EV Cooper 3 DoorG56 ICE Cooper S 3 doorU25 ICE Countryman SJ01 EV Cooper S 3 DoorG56 ICE Cooper JCW 3 doorU25 ICE Countryman JCWJ01 EV Cooper JCW 3 DoorG55 ICE Cooper 5 doorU25 EV CountrymanJ02 EV AcemanG55 ICE Cooper S 5 doorU25 EV Countryman SJ02 EV Aceman SG57 ICE Cooper ConvertibleU25 EV Countryman JCW*J02 EV Aceman JCW*G57 ICE Cooper S Convertible––G57 ICE JCW Convertible––4Th Generation MINI Model Line-Up (2024) * Unconfirmed by our sourcesTiming is in flux at the moment given the supply chain challenges. However we believe we’ll see the J01 Cooper debut in late 2023 potentially with the G56 Cooper. Sales will likely commence in 2024. U25 Countryman will likely debut shortly afterwards with sales beginning in 2024. The J01 MINI Aceman should follow shortly after in 2024. MINI Aceman Photo Gallery The post MINI Aceman Seen testing In Europe For the First Time appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

For the MINI obsessed there are bunch of choices out there for great gift ideas. Obviously there’s the aftermarket and all the mods you can throw at your car. But there’s also a raft of the latest accessories straight from MINI. But the best part is you don’t have to visit your dealer. Outmotoring.com will have anything with a MINI part number often for less with quick shipping. Have a look below and head Outmotoring.com with and use code E22 for an additional 10% off today only! Official Release: Gift ideas with style: The MINI Lifestyle Collection 2022. The MINI Lifestyle Collection 2022 is bursting with great gift ideas for family, friends or your own wish list. For many people, travelling to see family and friends is a big part of the Christmas season. To make sure they have everything they need on board, MINI fans will find many practical helpers for when they are on the move. The current collection includes the MINI Two Tone Belt Bag for securely storing your valuables, the comfortable MINI Cabin Trolley and the MINI Two Tone Traveller Bag for hand luggage when travelling. Little adventurers travel in comfort with the MINI Kids Trolley in Chili Red. On the road, the MINI Scooter, MINI Tricycle or the speedy MINI Baby Racer are a fun way to explore the surroundings. If there is a MINI Cooper miniature among one of the presents, the dream of driving a MINI begins right under the Christmas tree. The new line of apparel offers fresh styles, features lots of ideal gifts and is a real eye-catcher under every Christmas tree. The MINI Graphic Wordmark T-Shirt, for example, combines a comfortable fit with the basic colour sage and typical MINI design elements. The same colour is used for the new MINI Striped Binding Zip Hoodie with a striped pattern for the hood edging and a white MINI Wing logo. All items of clothing are available in different cuts for women and men. With the MINI Wordmark Circle Zip Hoodie Kids, the little ones will shine as brightly as the Christmas tree in their new favourite piece of clothing. The colourful MINI Graphic Bibs, available in a set of 3, will protect against stains at the feast. For those who don’t want to leave the house on frosty days, the MINI Graphic Cup is particularly suitable. It’s perfect for spending a cosy evening with a hot chocolate, a good book and a nice warm spot by the fireplace. This is also the ideal setting for rethinking your Christmas list. The MINI Graphic Triangle Notebook made of high-quality stone paper is especially suitable for writing down your wish list. At Christmas visiting the Christmas market is a must. If you like your mulled wine to-go, you can use the well-insulated MINI Graphic Travel Mug. The MINI Water Bottle in timeless colour block design, on the other hand, is perfect as a gift. If you’ve put on a few pounds over the holidays, you can take the MINI Water Bottlewith you to the gym. No more excuses now. MINI fans can decorate their Christmas tree at home in style with the adorable MINI Charms in the shape of the MINI silhouette or the Bulldog mascot. With the high-quality workmanship and the conscientiously selected materials, the products of the MINI Lifestyle Collection also make a clear statement in favour of sustainability. The charms, for example, are made 100% from leather scraps that come from MINI seat production. The post Need a MINI Gift Idea? The MINI Lifestyle Collection is Here to Help appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

The festive MINI is back. First started four years ago, the Festive MINI Is an Electric Cooper SE wrapped in 3,000 app-controlled twinkly lights, capable of generating customizable animations. The Festive MINI can even include light patterns and messages, and rhythms synced to your favorite song. This type of light animation is actually a hint of what’s to come with the lighting on the next generation MINI family. Official Release: The Festive MINI This year each individual light is available to sponsor for just £2, and to spread festive cheer and big love even further, Nico will be visiting as many streets as possible in his hometown throughout the festive period. The official ‘switch on’ of the Festive MINI 2022 will take place at The Lexicon Bracknell, on 25 November. In December 2020, the illuminating car came to the rescue when Christmas switch on displays were cancelled due to lockdown, spreading much needed joy and bringing cheer and positivity to people on their own doorsteps, whilst also raising awareness and over £5,000. Ahead of this year’s fundraising period, Nico said, “I’m delighted to be bringing the Festive MINI back for 2022 to raise more money for charities that are really close to my heart. I love having the opportunity to cheer people up whilst raising funds for the MS Trust and Duchenne UK”. “My mother was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis seven years ago and the MS Trust were instrumental in supporting her to understand her condition and how to cope. Back in 2019 I was asked to take the Festive MINI to surprise an incredible young boy, Marcus Rooks, who had been diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy – a genetic condition that causes degeneration of muscles. It was incredible to see his smile light up and a reminder that the Festive MINI is truly special and brings joy to many each year”. The Festive MINI is once again supported by MINI UK and MINI Plant Oxford, helping Nico spread Big Love in his local area and beyond. Nico added: “The continued support from MINI is amazing and its brilliant to have the team involved again this year – while driving a MINI Electric helps to reduce my emissions whilst driving”. Federico Izzo, Director, MINI UK said, “We’re very proud to support the Festive MINI Electric again this year, helping Nico’s incredible fundraising mission. It’s a fun and festive way to bring people together, spread big love and raise funds for some amazing charities.” For more information on the Festive MINI tour and to keep updated on where it’s headed visit www.festivemini.comor follow his journey on @drivingwithnico. The post The Festive MINI is Back appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

MINI USA didn’t have an official presence at the LA Auto Show this year but the brand certainly had an impact. Harkening back to the early 2000s that saw MINI use various gorilla marketing strategies to get attention, the brand unveiled a giant RC car controller that actually charges electric cars via a 240v Level 2 system. Read the full release below for all the hilarious details. Official Release: MINI USA Unveils Giant RC Car Controller That Charges Electric Vehicles Before getting behind the wheel for the first time, many of today’s drivers found their love for cars at an early age with electric remote controlled, or RC, cars. Today, MINI USA looks to bring back that playful, childhood element to full-sized electric vehicles, many of which are expected at the 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show kicking off this week. Playing on MINI’s small size and fun-to-drive spirit, MINI has erected a giant 240V Level 2 electric vehicle charger in the shape of an attention-getting “MINI-fied” RC controller. The oversized charging station is located in close proximity to the Los Angeles Convention Center, at 698 West Olympic Boulevard at the corner of Flower Street. The RC controller-shaped charger will be in place and fully functional November 18-19, the first two days of the LA Auto Show. EV owners interested in plugging into the RC charger can look for a parking space with the message “OUT-FUN THE COMPETITION” spray-painted within, as well as signage on either side pointing arrows and the message “CHARGE THIS WAY.” “At MINI we always like to bring a splash of excitement that reminds people of the fun and creativity inherent to MINI’s culture,” said Rah Mahtani, Brand Communications Manager, MINI USA. “We strive to keep that fun and excitement alive for everyone that loves to drive, and this project unites the ideas of today’s electric vehicles with our collective nostalgia for the electric RC cars of our youth.” The giant sized charger sits at approximately nine feet tall and is finished in Nanuq White, the newest color offered on the MINI Cooper SE, with a name chosen by MINI fans. The top of the charger is painted in a contrasting black which pays homage to the signature MINI contrast roof, and the giant wheel control on the side is an actual full-size MINI wheel and tire. In the base of the charger is a 10-inch interactive screen that features video content of MINI USA’s most recent “Nanuq the polar bear”, campaign spot. A QR code is also displayed that allows people to access the MINI Electric augmented reality filter to explore and have fun learning about the MINI electric while they wait for their EV to charge. Following its stint at the LA Auto Show, the MINI RC charger will go on tour, with its temporary installation at several local MINI dealers throughout California, before being packed up in a giant cardboard box and stored in the attic at mom’s house. The post MINI USA Unveils Giant RC Car Controller That Charges Electric Vehicles appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

The campaign for the new 2023 MINI Cooper Electric SE kicked off on Earth Day in April starring a cute polar bear character in the passenger’s seat. As things work the polar bear went viral, leading to a huge outpouring of love from the MINI community and an invitation to give it a name. Nanuq, which means polar bear in Inuit, was the chosen name that has now become the name of MINI’s latest white paint color (replacing the beloved Pepper White). As part of the campaign MINI USA partnered with Polar Bears International to convert the enthusiastic reaction towards the campaign into a chance to help real polar bears through an Eco-Adoption site. The new Nanuq White is now available across the MINI range for 2023. Official Release: MINI USA Reveals 2023 Electric MINI Cooper SE New Nanuq White Following the celebration of International Polar Bear Week, (October 30-November 5), MINI USA announces the launch of a new Nanuq white paint finish on the 2023 MINI Electric Cooper SE. The new paint color, named Nanuq White was inspired by the name of the loveable polar bear character created by the brand’s creative agency Pereira O’Dell along with enthusiastic feedback from the MINI owner community. The campaign for the 2023 MINI Cooper SE Electric first launched in April 2022 on Earth Day, features a partnership with MINI USA and Polar Bears International to encourage eco-adoptions from the MINI community – and the polar bear love grew from there. In response to the campaign, MINI USA received an outpouring from the MINI community with questions asking where they could get hold of a polar bear bobble head featured in the campaign. The overwhelming engagement of the MINI community with the polar bear character led to the idea to let the community give it a name. Nanuq – Inuit for “polar bear” – was the chosen name, which led to the new MINI Cooper SE paint color with the same name to be revealed following International Polar Bear Week by MINI USA. “We’re excited to see the strength of our MINI owner community and our commitment to sustainability intersect in a very creative way to help support Polar Bears International.” said Rah Mahtani, Brand Communications Manager, at MINI USA. “MINI is a brand that is not only about having fun, but also about amplifying the voice of its customers and community to affect positive change.” The 2023 MINI Cooper SE stays true to what owners love about MINI, while providing the broader benefits of full electrification. The MINI Cooper SE provides MINI’s signature electrified go-kart feeling and driving fun, while helping to minimize its environmental footprint. The model is an important step in MINI’s stated goal of offering an all-electric line-up of vehicles around 2030. The original campaign ran with paid media across DOOH, Social, Digital, and was featured on the MINI and PBI websites. A fun case study video was created to highlight the creative journey from initial campaign to fan engagement that led to the name of both the polar bear mascot and the new paint color. “This was supposed to be a story about a car that is good for the environment and super fun to drive.” said PJ Pereira, Creative Chairman at Pereira O’Dell. “Maybe about the charm of this not-so-little mascot too. But then it snowballed into an even better story about enthusiasm, passion and creativity of the MINI community.” To give that enthusiasm an even bigger impact, MINI USA partnered with Polar Bears International (PBI) on the 2023 MINI Cooper SE Hardtop campaign. PBI is the only non-profit organization dedicated solely to polar bears and Arctic sea ice, and MINI USA’s partnership aims to promote awareness of the NGO’s polar bear conservation efforts. Anyone that donates $40 or more to PBI via the PBI Eco-Adoption page during the month of November will receive a polar bear bobblehead and a thank you card while supplies last. Customers who pre-order a MINI Cooper SE during the month of November will also receive a bobblehead while they wait for their MINI. MINI USA are also refreshing their paid assets to feature the new Nanuq white paint color, which will include social and digital assets driving to the MINI Electric Pre-Order page. “We’re grateful to MINI USA for their generous support and pledging their polar promise in protection of polar bear conservation efforts and the company’s dedication to a more sustainable future,” said Krista Wright, Executive Director of Polar Bears International. “By participating in this campaign, we hope to inspire conversation around the important steps we can each take in preserving the planet for future generations.” Scientists predict that if greenhouse gas emissions continue at the current rate, most polar bears could disappear by 2100 due to lack of sea ice. State-of-the art climate models indicate that an ice-free Arctic in summer will likely occur by the middle of the century if greenhouse gas emissions aren’t regulated. Anyone can make a difference and encourage their community to slow climate change. The post MINI USA Reveals 2023 Electric MINI Cooper SE New Nanuq White appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

The 2024 MINI Countryman will be offered in several configurations highlighted by an all electric model and a mild-hybrid four cylinder. Built alongside the X1 and X2 in Leipzig German, the next generation 2024 MINI Countryman will also grow larger and will be designed to appear more to outdoor enthusiasts. But today we’re here to talk the new drivetrains and what to expect in the next 18 months. The ICE 2024 MINI Countryman – More Power and Tech For the ICE models, MINI is moving 7-speed Steptronic Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) and will be offered with a revised family of mild-hybrid four cylinders. The revised B48 engine will have a second-generation 48V mild hybrid technology comprised of an electric motor integrated into the seven-speed double clutch. The transmission will act as a starter generator and is able to both ease the load on the engine and act in unison with it. It produces nominal power of 19 hp and nominal torque of 41 lb-ft. Depending on the driving situation, the electric motor delivers additional drive power that translates into a more rapid response both when pulling away and when putting in a sudden burst of speed. The starter generator also enables more comfortable operation of the Automatic Start/Stop and coasting functions. The BMW X1 28i with what will be an identical drivetrain to the forthcoming MINI Countryman SMild Hybrid with Adaptive Recuperation The system in the next generation Countryman will be the same as the one just launched in the new BMW X1. Based on that we know the energy required for providing the electric power boost is stored in a 48V battery located under the luggage compartment. As well as the electric motor, it also supplies the car’s 12V electrical system via a voltage transformer. The 48V battery is charged by means of adaptive recuperation in overrun and braking phases at a rate of up to 15 kW. This provides an efficient means of recuperating previously unused kinetic energy generated by braking. Here, the system uses data from the navigation system – even when route guidance is not activated – and driver assistance system sensors. In this way, upcoming roundabouts or vehicles traveling in front, for example, can be detected in order to adapt deceleration accordingly as soon as the driver takes their foot off the accelerator. Our sources tell us that the Countryman will use an identical system. 2024 MINI Countryman – Likely Engine Configurations The 2024 MINI Countryman S will see a major increase in power from the 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit and 48V mild hybrid technology. There are two tunes from the X1 that could be used – 218 hp and a 241 hp. Our guess is that we’ll see the 218 hp tune giving the forthcoming 320 hp JCW more room. The 218 hp would be made up from the 204 hp engine and a 19 hp electric motor. Having driven a version of the revised engine in our recent BMW X1 test, what you’re struck my immediately is it’s power boost function during acceleration. The peak torque of 265 lb-ft (developed by the combination of the combustion engine with up to 236 lb-ft at 1,500 – 4,000 rpm and the integrated electric motor with up to 41 lb-ft is key here. The US spec X1 28i gets to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds with this system. The upgraded three-cylinder engine in the new BMW X1 sDrive18i will see duty in the base Countryman. That engine has a maximum output of 136 hp and maximum torque of 170 lb-ft from its 1.5-litre capacity. The Electric 2024 MINI Countryman SE – An Electric MINI For The Rest of Us We love the current electric MINI Cooper SE but with an EP rated 110 miles of range its use cases don’t work for everyone. That’s why the 2024 electric MINI Countryman S with over 200 miles of range is a game changer. Based on the new BMW iX1, the electric Countryman SE will be the first all-electric variant for the model. The 2024 electric Countryman SE will likely be powered by one electric motor at the front axle and another at the rear, each sitting together with the accompanying power electronics and transmission within a single, compact housing. These integrated drive units deliver a combined output of 313 hp (including temporary boost) and post overall torque of 364 lb-ft. The power-to-weight ratio of both the eDrive 5.0 M170SF drive unit at the front axe and the eDrive 5.0 M170SR drive unit at the rear is 1.5 kW/kg. Yes this thing will be JCW fast and might even be marketed as a JCW. The BMW iX1 with an identical electric drivetrain to the forthcoming Countryman SEThe same system found in the slightly heavier BMW iX1 xDrive30 reaches the 100 km/h (62 mph) mark from rest in 5.6 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 112 mph. The MINI Countryman SE will make use of the fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology charging technology and the battery tech providing 64.7 kWh of usable energy. The battery’s high energy density of 152 Wh/kg in relation to its weight or 199 Wh/l in relation to its volume, and the drive system’s efficiency, with combined electric power consumption in the WLTP cycle of 18.1 – 16.8 kWh per 100 kilometres (figures in NEDC cycle: –), form the basis for a range of 417 – 440 kilometres (259 – 273 miles). The EPA figures are all guesses at this point but sources are telling us to expect something over 200 miles. Assuming the Countryman SE uses the Combined Charging Unit in the BMW iX1 xDrive30, we should see single- and three-phase AC charging at a rate of up to 11 kW, which can be optionally increased to up to 22 kW (three-phase AC). This allows the high-voltage battery to be fully recharged from empty in 6.5 hours as standard and in just 3 hours 45 minutes as an option. DC power can be taken on board at a rate of up to 130 kW, making it possible to boost the high-voltage battery’s energy reserves from 10 to 80 per cent of total capacity in the space of 29 minutes. Within this charge level range, enough energy can be sourced from a high-power-charging point in just ten minutes to increase range by 120 kilometres / 75 miles. 2024 MINI Countryman Launch Dates We should see the 2024 Countryman launch in late 2023. Rumors point to the ICE and electric version launching simultaneously with sales in the US beginning in the spring of 2024. Pricing will be launch likely in Q1 of 2024 for the US market. Head over to the U25 Countryman section within MotoringFile for a deeper look at this new MINI. The post Next Generation 2024 MINI Countryman To Offered With In Electric and ICE Models With a DCT appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

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