Category: MINI

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MINI

MINI releases all-new engine details for F56 range

MINI F56 2.0 litre 4 cylinder engine (petrol)

MINI has released details for the engine line up in its new F56 model range, ahead of the car’s November launch. And it’s a case of out with old and in with the new. The range will be headlined by a newly developed 141kW 2.0 litre four cylinder turbo engine and supported by a 100kW three cylinder 1.5 litre turbo.

Both petrol engines, the 2.0 litre has 280Nm of torque (300Nm with overboost), while the 1.5 litre has 220Nm of torque (230Nm with overboost). Joining the two petrol units will be a 1.5 litre three cylinder diesel, offering 85kW/270Nm.

One of the first signs of BMW’s technology more visibly appearing in MINIs is the TwinPower terminology, which will be applied to all engines in the line up. For the petrol engines that means technology such as direct fuel injection, variable camshaft control (dual VANOS) and fully variable valve control (Valvetronic) for more powerful engines, will be employed. While the diesel gets the most recent iteration of BMW’s common rail injection.

All engines are EU6 compliant as far as emissions are concerned.

The all-new engine range will be complemented by new manual and automatic transmissions too. Of the new manual ‘boxes MINI says, they will “feature an innovative gear sensor which adapts the engine speed when gear-shifting. This permits especially fast and sporty shifting with always the right engine speed available during gear shifts.”

As well as engine details MINI has given us brief insights into other technologies to be found in the new MINI. Items such as the Electronic Power Steering, braking systems, electronically adjustable dampers, lightweight construction techniques and improved pedestrian safety are all covered. Make sure you download the PDF after the break for more information.

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MINI Toyota Video

VIDEO: Meet Project Binky

Project Binky

We’d like to introduce you to what we hope will become a YouTube sensation. Looking at the view count three weeks after this video was published it looks like there’s a way to go, but the ingredients are certainly there.

So what are those ingredients. We start with the crusty, rusty Austin Mini 1000 you see above and just out of picture is a slightly less crusty Toyota Celica GT4. Nik Blackhurst and Richard Brunning, from the appropriately named Bad Obsession Motorsport, have decided it might be a good idea to take the running gear from the Toyota and attempt to stuff it into the Mini.

The video you see after the break is the first episode in what we we expect will be a long, painful, but most of all, rewarding journey. From what we’ve seen so far it looks like Nik is the type of guy who doesn’t give up until he gets the result he wants.

This YouTube clip has elements of Wheeler Dealers, Beetle Crisis and An MG is Born, and is every bit as entertaining and educational. So tune in, and enjoy.

[Thanks to Richard for the tip]

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MINI

A better look inside the new MINI

MINI F56 interior

This is probably the best look inside the new MINI you’re going to get until official pics are released. It’s over a year since we got our first peek inside the F56.

Unsurprisingly these photos show a more complete interior, and we can see already that buyers will need to order the Visual Boost package or satellite navigation in order to get the full size screen in the centre of the dash where the speedometer should be. If not the result is U-G-L-Y! Although the ham-fisted radio set up does complement the clichéd and poorly executed carbon fibre patter on the dash inserts.

There are still expected MINI styling cues, there’s no mistaking it for anything else. Yet, the gap between what you expect to see in MINI and a BMW is beginning to close. Fair enough, given the F56 will draw heavily on components to be used in the front-wheel drive BMW 1 Series. And they will both be built on the UKL1 platform.

It won’t be the last time we say this, but after doing such an excellent job of introducing the MINI brand to the 21st century we have grave fears BMW is about to cock it all up.

[Source: CarNewsChina]

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MINI

All-new MINI to be launched on 18 November

MINI F56 under wraps

MINI has announced its all-new F56 model will be revealed on 18 November, the 107th birthday of the original Mini creator Sir Alec Issigonis. The initial unveiling will take place at Plant Oxford, with a launch party in London to follow that evening.

Subsequent launch events in Los Angeles and Tokyo will usher in MINI’s new era prior to the F56 taking pride of place on MINI’s stands at the LA Auto Show and Tokyo Motor Show from 20 November.

MINI says the F56, built on BMW’s UKL1 platform, will bring “a new era of driving excitement, in-car-infotainment and premium quality in the small car segment.”

We’ve already been given a sneak preview of the F56 through some spy shots and com-gen renderings. So far the jury is out on the looks of this new MINI, we’ll have to wait and see how much of the recently released Vision concept makes it into the production model.

Despite this announcement we’d not be surprised if MINI pulled the trigger on pics for the R56 a day or two before 18 November.

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Drive Thru MINI

Drive Thru: MINI JCW v MINI GP

MINI JCW v MINI GP

The hot hatch market has really taken off in recent times, thanks to headline grabbing models from Mercedes-Benz and BMW. So, what about traditional hot hatches—small, modestly powered front-wheel drives—can they still put a smile on your dial in this era of 350hp+ hatchbacks?

Under BMW’s stewardship for over 10 years, MINI has carved an enviable niche in the hot hatch segment. The factory-built John Cooper Works model has been around for more than five years as well. Upping the ante for MINI in 2012 was the arrival of the John Cooper Works GP. Just 2000 will be made worldwide and 55 have found their way to Australia.

And it just so happens that AUSmotive has driven the two MINI hot hatches back to back. For the purposes of this review let’s refer to them simply as the JCW and the GP. The former is a regular everyday hot hatch, the latter has been stripped out, beefed up and attempts to tread the fine line between track day weapon and daily driver. It’s also the reigning Motor Magazine ‘Bang for your bucks’ champ.

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MINI

MINI Vision: Just make it look like this!

MINI Vision

Is it too late to throw the F56 out and start again? Because these MINI Vision images, based on a virtual 3D hologram, look a lot better than what we’re expecting from the imminent arrival of the third-generation MINI.

In their official media release MINI says the Vision, “previews a sampling of visionary design and innovative ideas,” and that it, “showcases various elements of future MINI design.”

Indeed, the timing of this release is slightly odd given the debut of the F56 is only a few months away. Perhaps some of the elements you see here will translate to the forthcoming production model. Alas, we’ve probably seen too much in recent spy shots to expect that this could actually be a genuine preview of the next-gen MINI.

MINI is well known for its mastery of publicity, but it would seem beyond all reasonable scope to think the car seen in recent spy pics is a hoax and that this is indeed the real deal.

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MINI

F56 MINI Cooper S revealed in unofficial renders

F56 MINI Cooper S rendering

Here’s some very finished looking 3D renders of the new F56 MINI Cooper S. They’ve been created by Humster 3D, who describe themselves as a 3D studio and online store. They also claim their virtual MINI has been created “using official references and descriptions with real units.”

We suspect that means they’ve also seen the spy shots from last month and not that they have an official role working with MINI. We do know the real F56 will be on show at the LA Auto Show in November, but you can probably expect to see pics and info from MINI before its show car debut.

So, that leaves us with these screen grabs and short video for now. Perhaps the third-generation MINI won’t look as bad as we first thought it might.

[Source: Humster 3D via MotoringFile]

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2013 Goodwood FoS in pictures – gallery 2

2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed

This is your second fix of images from the 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed. We start with McLaren and take you all the way to Vuhl, plus a few bonus pics at the end.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s final gallery which is a dedicated set of Porsche images.

See also: 2013 Goodwood FoS in pictures – gallery 1

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MINI

You’ll get your official look at the F56 MINI in LA

MINI F56 prototype

Even thought we’ve already seen the new MINI, its official debut is now expected to take place in November at the 2013 LA Auto Show. At least that’s the word from Sue McCarthy, MINI Australia product planner, who confirmed as much with The Motor Report this morning.

McCarthy also indicated that Australian sales of the F56 MINI are expected to commence in the second quarter of 2014.

[Source: TMR | Pic: Autocar]

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Drive Thru MINI

Drive Thru: MINI Paceman Cooper S

MINI Paceman Cooper S

Sometimes the most rewarding times behind the wheel are when you start your journey with no expectation. This was brought to my attention after a chance opportunity to test a Paceman Cooper S came my way. Such was the enjoyment experienced I want to give the game away right at the start; the Paceman Cooper S was fantastic! Now to explain why.

To some the Paceman is a bit of an oddball proposition, and while I quite like the look I can understand why some people will never warm to it.

Inside it’s the usual MINI fare, albeit with a bit more space than is the norm. That’s not to say there’s plenty of space to spare—there’s not—but the Paceman does offer more practicality than the regular hardtop. Certainly, the driver and passenger won’t be wanting for more room and while there is an improvement in rear seat legroom it’s no limousine back there. Rear headroom, too, is compromised by the Paceman’s sleek roofline. Most passengers will make do, but if you’re well over six foot make sure you shotgun the front seat.

Similarly, the boot is much bigger than we’re accustomed to for a MINI, but again, it’s not going to be a class leader.

Around town I was surprised, amazed in fact, at the ride quality. The test car was fitted with 19” alloys wrapped in Pirelli run flat tyres and was running sports suspension as well. Except for extreme bumps on the road that would upset any car the Paceman Cooper S was never harsh and rode with a smoothness and surety that MINI’s engineers can be justifiably proud.

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MINI

MINI officially responds to F56 spy pics

2014 MINI F56 prototype

MINI has taken the unusual step of releasing an official statement in response to the spy shots of its new F56 Cooper S which spread around the interwebz on Tuesday:

Aggressive and relentless papping is something British celebrities have had to learn to live with. Members of the Royal Family, as well as actors, footballers and top models are all familiar with the sensation of being caught in uncompromising situations, and now MINI is the latest victim. Absolutely unaware and without make-up, the youngest member of our family was caught by sensationalist photographers in a highly private moment. The young one was yellow and completely defenceless. We understand the worldwide interest in our family but it is not the British way to send such unfavourable pictures around the globe.

But like a good stiff-upper-lipped Brit, MINI shall not complain, although we would like to officially state that we are not flattered. The published pictures do not reflect our good looks any way. As every celebrity knows, those extra long telephoto lenses have the devastating ability to negatively distort all surfaces, lines and angles. Therefore our advice: next time come closer to the object of desire. If that doesn’t work, don’t worry,  shortly you will have the opportunity to experience the MINI up close and personal, and to take pictures from all angles.

We think that statement means one of two things. Either the whole thing is a publicity stunt to attract attention ahead of the official release of pics and information (more likely), or they have been shocked into last minute changes after unfavourable commentary about the look of the F56 (less likely).

More pics of the original spy shots can be viewed at Autoblog.

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MINI

F56 MINI spied ahead of late year debut

MINI F56 prototype

Autocar brings us a series of images showing the 2014 MINI Cooper S with almost no disguise. It looks as though the two cars captured were on location for a photo shoot and this the first real opportunity we’ve had to see what the third generation MINI will look like.

Restyled headlights appear to have circular LED daytime running lights around the outside. Based on these pics the new front grille is less than successful. Let’s hope it looks better in reality.

In side profile view there’s no obvious differences from the current R56 model, aside from the larger rear wing. The new model does have a longer wheelbase. At the back you can see the centre-mount exhaust tips for the Cooper S are more prominent than they’ve ever been. Actually, from the back the new MINI looks quite good.

We don’t have a lot more to go on inside other than what we learnt in July last year, which is a heavier reliance on BMW parts and the loss of the centrally-mounted speedometer.

The F56 is due for a debut later this year, most likely at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show. Sales will commence in 2014.

[Source: Autocar]

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