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Mini Coupe

 
 
  
  The Mini Coupe was launched in 2011 and is the 5th variant of the Mini since BMW took over the brand in 2001. The two seaters uses a 1.6-litre petrol engine in three different states of tune.

2012 MINI Coupe Targa Raze by RevoZport

When you start thinking about MINI, there’s growing sentiment that the German automaker has become increasingly adept at building some pretty aggressive machines.

Some aftermarket companies has taken notice too, and one of them, RevoZport, has announced their new program for both the MINI Coupe and Roadster, christening it the "Targa Raze."

Built in-house to be the kind of MINI program we just fall head over hells for, the Targa Raze is beyond sick, with a bodykit that includes new bumpers, revised side skirts, and a ventilated hood, all of which are made from carbon and Kevlar. Likewise, a carbon fiber roof and a prominent rear spoiler are part of the program, reducing the car’s weight by 40kg/88 lbs while also widening its profile by 15mm.

Under the hood, RevoZport opted for a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine that now comes with new, larger intercooler, new camshafts, a remapped ECU unit, and a new titanium exhaust system. With all these modifications in tow, the Targa Raze now has an impressive output of 250 horsepower, an increase of 69 ponies from the standard model’s 181-horsepower output.



Mini Coupe JCW GP put on hold

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Back in April, our spy photographers captured the first spy shots of a prototype that looked like it would be the Mini Coupe JCW GP. Now, it looks like Mini has changed its mind and canceled their plans for a Coupe JCW GP. The model was supposed to be based on the R56 hatch GP and should have been lighter than the R56 hatch.

Mini cancelled its plans because it was concerned that a GP Coupe would have made the R56 GP less special and unique, and buyers would have lost interest in that model. Now they are going to go about picking their models a little more carefully - a new thing for Mini and their bazillion renditions of the Cooper - and a full line of GP track-ready high performance models is being reconsidered.

We find it hard to believe that Mini would got through all of that trouble, and money, to develop a car that they are just going to cancel right before it’s complete. Something else may be cooking in Mini’s kitchen and we’ll dig a little deeper to discover if it’s decadent dining or just plain slop.



2012 MINI John Cooper Works Coupe Raptor by AC Schnitzer

German tuner, AC Schnitzer, has blown our minds yet again with another speedy creation based off of a cool, yet uninspiring in power, model. Their new Raptor Concept is based on the MINI John Cooper Works Coupe and has just officially become the fastest Mini on the world famous Grand Prix circuit in Hockenheim. With a lap time of 1:10.87 minutes, the new Raptor has catapulted itself into the premier league of real sports cars, making it faster than the previous AC Schnitzer Eagle by about 1.11 seconds.

In order to obtain this impressive result, AC Schnitzer had to optimize all areas of the vehicle. The job started with the engine where the output was increased from 211 HP to 300 HP. A new exhaust system was added and the total weight was reduced by 220 lbs. The tuner also added a sport chassis with adjustable height and, of course, a new set of 18" lightweight metal rims.

Check out the video to see the Mini John Cooper Works Coupe Raptor by AC Schnitzer in action!



2013 MINI Coupe John Cooper Works by DuelL AG

Japanese tuner, DuelL AG, has become synonymous with building some of the most awe-inspiring tuning programs on that side of the world. Their latest work on the MINI Coupe only adds to their already sterling reputation.

Using the MINI Coupe John Cooper Works Edition for the build, DuelL AG built a sick-looking aerodynamic kit for the German MINI that comes with a bevy of modded parts, including a louvered hood that has been set on both sides, just above the fenders. In addition, the components also include an aggressive new front bumper with fully integrated LED lights, redesigned side skirts, and a new rear diffuser.

DuelL AG opted to keep the MINI Coupe JCW’s performance numbers untouched, which means that you can expect the car’s 1.6 liter four-cylinder petrol engine to produce an impressive 208 horsepower.

For a car that looks as aesthetically endearing as the MINI Coupe JCW, DuelL Ag did a masterful job in giving the German vehicle some serious attitude. Dare we even say that this program is one of the best-looking aftermarket projects done on the MINI Coupe.



2013 Mini Coupe JCW GP

Less than a month after capturing the first spy shots of the Mini Cooper S JCW GP just outside of the Nurburgring during some testing, we now have some shots of the youngest model in Mini’s line-up - the new Coupe - as it sports its new JCW GP equipment. Our spy photographers have spotted a very strange looking Coupe prototype featuring the same wheels and rear diffuser as the GP Hatch prototype spied a few weeks ago. The only explanation that we deemed worthy of this prototype is that a Coupe JCW GP version will be launched soon.

The GP package will make the Coupe lighter when compared to the standard version, but will also add a few extra horses under the hood. Don’t be surprised if there’s anywhere 220 - 230 HP under the hood of this new version.

An official debut for the Mini Coupe JCW GP is expected to be made by the end of 2012, so stay tuned!

UPDATE 07/13/2012: It looks like Mini has changed its mind and canceled their plans for a Coupe JCW GP. The model was supposed to be based on the R56 hatch GP and should have been lighter than the R56 hatch.

Mini cancelled its plans because it was concerned that a GP Coupe would have made the R56 GP less special and unique, and buyers would have lost interest in that model. Now they are going to go about picking their models a little more carefully - a new thing for Mini and their bazillion renditions of the Cooper - and a full line of GP track-ready high performance models is being reconsidered.

We find it hard to believe that Mini would got through all of that trouble, and money, to develop a car that they are just going to cancel right before it’s complete. Something else may be cooking in Mini’s kitchen and we’ll dig a little deeper to discover if it’s decadent dining or just plain slop.



2012 MINI Coupe by AC Schnitzer

AC Schnitzer has started the new year in style with a refreshing tuning kit for the new Mini Coupe with both exterior and interior modifications. In fact, this is the first kit ever produced for the small Coupe, adding one more desirable trait for the German tuner’s package.

Aside from the appeal of being the first tuning kit made available, AC Schnitzer has polished up the exterior with a new decor set available in various designs, with AC Schnitzer decal sets (several versions), a rear sticker stating "Technology & Design," and a rear skirt protection foil. The interior was also enhanced with a new gear knob with digital gear display, a new aluminum pedal set, foot rests, a "Black Line" handbrake handle, and velour foot mats. The final changes made to the aesthetics of the Coupe are the new 18" Mi 1 silver or bi-color wheels.

The biggest changes, however, were provided for the handling and driving characteristics of the Mini Coupe. The vehicle was updated with the use of a new limited slip differential, a stainless steel sports rear silencer with chromed Racing tailpipe trim, a new sports exhaust system, and a high performance brake system, consisting of 4-piston fixed calipers, slotted brake discs, a set of new brake pads, caliper mounting brackets, and steel brake pipes. These modifications can then all be combined with a height-adjustable racing suspension or an AC Schnitzer suspension spring kit, an aluminum strut brace, and a special antiroll bar for the rear axle.

In addition to the plethora of adjustments, AC Schnitzer has also stated that an upgrade package for the Mini Coupe’s four cylinder engine would follow shortly.



2012 Mini Coupe

Only one day after BMW announced the official details on the new generation 1-Series, Mini has also joined in on the party by releasing details of their own for their much anticipated Mini Coupe . Last seen at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2009 as a mere concept, the first two-seater in the company’s lineup will make its world debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show with sales to begin shortly after. Prices will be announced at a later date.

The new Mini Coupe will come sporting an entire lineup of four cylinder engines ranging from the base Coupe with 121 HP up to the John Cooper Works Coupe with 208 HP. It will also be the fastest-accelerating MINI ever with the highest top speed. The JCW Coupe, for example, will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds and will be capable of a top speed of 149 mph.

UPDATE 06/21/2011: Mini has revealed the official images for their latest model in the line-up, as well as pricing details for the American market. The base model will go on sale at a starting price of $22,000, while the S variant will cost $25,300 and the JCW will be priced at $31,900.

UPDATE 08/09/11: Want to play around and build your own MINI Coupe? Well, now you can get that opportunity! The German automaker has officially unveiled the online configurator for the car, which you can use to make your very own virtual MINI Coupe. Who knows, you might end up liking your work that you buy one for yourself.

Hit the jump to read more about the 2012 Mini Coupe.


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2011 MINI John Cooper Works Coupe Endurance

How long has it been since MINI first unveiled the John Cooper Works Coupe? Yeah, it was only a few days ago, but that hasn’t stopped the German automaker from making a race-spec version of their latest pride and joy to compete at the "SP 3T" class of the 2011 24 Hours of Nurburgring.

So, ladies and gentlemen, we’re presenting the MINI John Cooper Works Coupe Endurance Racer. Take a good look at it in all its shiny and sparkling glory because there’s a good chance that it’s going to be a little worse for wear after it attempts to run for 24 hours straight together with some of the fastest racers on the planet.

Apparently, MINI has taken itself to task in entering the 24-Hour race at Nurburgring in an attempt to take the next step in auto racing after years of plying its craft in the MINI Challenge sprint race. You might also recall that MINI is also entering the World Rally Championship this year with their sand and dust challenger, the Countryman WRC.

Something tells us that this won’t be the last time we’ll see MINI enter a completely new racing event that’s different from what they’re used to, but that’s getting ahead of ourselves. For now, we’re here to talk about their Nurburgring steed, the JCW Coupe Endurance.

More details on the MINI John Cooper Works Coupe Endurance after the jump.


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MINI Coupe and Roadster arriving in 2011/2012

It was first thought that the Mini Coupe and Roadster models would enter production in 2010, but alas, they are not here and they won’t be in showrooms until 2011 and 2012.

“The Coupe will arrive six months after the Countryman, and the Roadster 12 months after the Countryman,” MINI Vice President Jim McDowell revealed to members of the Motor Press Guild. The Countryman is expected to arrive in U.S. dealerships in February 2011, so the Coupe will be in MINI showrooms sometime in late summer with the Roadster arriving in early 2012.

Though we now know a launch year, details on the two cars remain hard to come by. The show car version of the Coupe was equipped with the same 211 horsepower engine that is in the JCW MINI, but we have no idea if that will be the engine on offer with the Coupe when it comes time for production.

The Roadster was fitted with the motor from the Cooper S, but like the Coupe, details on other possible motors remain scarce.

It doesn’t really matter what they put in the Coupe and Roaster models, they are bound to be fun.



New details on the next MINI Roadster & Coupé

Maybe the most highly anticipated Mini models are the next Coupe and Roadster, both previewed by a concept at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. These models will be showcasing not only a sportier look, but they will also result in a sportier driving experience than any similar MINI product before them. Thankfully, we won’t have to wait long for either one of them because they will both be unveiled in 2011; first the roadster in the late spring and the coupe a few months later.

Both models will get a redesigned front and rear fascia and unique hood designs. The models will also feature exclusive trim and color options. The Coupe Concept is powered by a 1.6-liter twin-scroll turbocharged power unit carried over from the MINI John Cooper Works. The engine delivers 211 hp and a peak torque of 192 lb-ft. The Roadster concept is powered by a 1.6 Liter twin scroll turbocharged engine, the same power plant that is used in the MINI Cooper S. Boasting go-fast-goodies, like direct gasoline injection, the boosted mill generates a maximum output of 175 HP and peak torque of 177 lb-ft.

We’ll bring more details on the MINI Coupe and Roadster as soon as we receive them.




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