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2011 Mini 2 Million Special Edition
 
After only 10 years of production, Mini is celebrating the production of its two millionth unit and there’s no better way to heighten the festivities than to transform it into a special edition model. Called the "Mini 2 Million," the vehicle is a Mini Convertible specially painted in White Silver metallic and topped off with a blue denim roof. Next to the special edition paint job, the Mini 2 Million will also receive a selection of bespoke interior and exterior options including special alloy wheels, a distinctive leather steering wheel, and lounge leather upholstery. The Mini 2 Million will be given away as a prize for Mini’s global Facebook campaign called ‘Two Million MINIs – Two Million Faces.’ For this contest, Mini has been collecting photographs of the faces of two million MINI fans and building a dedicated Facebook ‘wall.’ The winner will be chosen at random after the campaign closes on September 30, 2011. Frank-Peter Arndt, BMW AG board member responsible for production said: "Production of the two millionth MINI comes on the back of strong demand worldwide. Our recent announcement of an additional £500 million investment in our UK MINI production facilities demonstrates the important role that Oxford plays in our global production network. The most essential factors in the success of MINI are the skills, passion and dedication of our associates." 2011 MINI Cooper S "Inspired by Goodwood" by Rolls-Royce
Seeing as both brands fall under the BMW umbrella, it wasn’t really a far-fetched idea to have British luxury automaker, Rolls Royce, and German carmaker, MINI, tie up for a special edition project. The question wasn’t so much if these two highly regarded brands could collaborate, but more of when they would do it. Apparently, that question has finally been answered. At the Shanghai Auto Show, MINI and Rolls Royce will introduce a limited production Cooper S model called the “MINI Inspired by Goodwood’, a direct homage to the latter’s base of operations in Goodwood, England. The car was developed with the help of the Rolls Royce design team and, together with the folks from MINI, they created a car that will be produced in only 1,000 units. The “MINI Inspired by Goodwood” is decked out with the kind of exclusive and luxury amenities that only Rolls Royce can be known for. It’s been a long time in the making, but hey, at the very least we finally get to see the car in full production guise. Let’s just all hope that this car won’t cost as much as a Ghost or a Phantom. UPDATE 08/19/2011:: The whispers of Mini sending some of this special edition MINI’s 1,000 units over to the US were correct, but we don’t have to pay the converted price of $68,000. Nope, official pricing for the Mini GoodWood sits at $52,000, according to reports. This new, lower price still makes the MINI Cooper S "Inspired by Goodwood" the most expensive small premium car. Hey, Rolls Royce inspiration doesn’t come cheap, especially considering the Mini Cooper models in the States cost between $19K and $28K, depending on the model. All in all, Mini will be sending 140 units over to our side of the pond. Orders will begin next month and the first deliveries will be made in the second quarter of 2012. (MotoringFile) More details on the MINI Cooper S "Inspired by Goodwood" by Rolls-Royce after the jump. Full story 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. Full story Mini’s future MK3 lineup gets more powerful engines and a ’Traveller’
After being refreshed back in 2010, the new generation Mini is preparing to be released on the market in 2013. This new generation will consist of 10 individual models, including Mini’s take on a revised Clubman and an MPV variation being called the "Traveller." Mini’s MK3 family, codenamed F56, will be built on a brand-new BMW-engineered platform called the UKL1. This new platform will come in two wheelbase lengths and will adopt three-door and five-door hatches, a super-compact SUV, and a tall 5-series GT-style car. Most of the new models will be powered by a new range of advanced BMW three-cylinder engines that will replace the current four-cylinder engines, but will be much more fuel efficient. These new engines are said to deliver between 120 HP to 160 HP, but there are rumors suggesting the new Mini family, especially the John Cooper Works models, will also use BMW’s new 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine with an output of 230 HP. The new UKL1 platform is also suitable for at least one type of hybrid drivetrain so expect to see this in the next Mini family. The new Mini family will make its official debut by the end of 2012 and will go on sale in 2013.
2011 MINI Cooper "MINI Goes Tumi"
Mini and Jerome Griffith, CEO of luggage label TUMI have unveiled a special car developed specially for the Chinese market. The new model is called the "Mini goes Tumi" and will combine design, along with art and technology. The concept will be offered in two versions: one painted in Black (or Alpha) and the other one painted in classic Hunter Green (or Alpha Brave). Every detail of the car has been outfitted with special Tumi-inspired paint jobs from silhouette to tires and grill to trunk lid. The concept car will have the exclusive features of the Clubman and the Cooper S Clubman model of he Mini Cooper and will be offered with a matching set of luggage to show the perfect collaboration. The interior combines custom Tumi fabrics in black and orange, or black and red depending on the version. The concept cars will be on tour world-wide during the coming year. There’s been no word as to if the concept will be put into production. 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. Full story 2011 Mini JCW Eagle by AC Schnitzer
The mad car tuning scientists over at AC Schnitzer in Germany have apparently been working on a secret project based on the Mini Cooper John Cooper Works that transforms the cute little car into the fastest Mini JCW ever. Apparently, in the company’s latest testing, the racing Frankenstein pulled off a sensational lap time of 1:13.341 min. around the Hockenheim Circuit. Okay, so it still can’t beat the KTM X-Bow, the BMW M3 Kompressor, the Mercedes AMG, or the Caterham models, but the power boost was enough to bump it into the next class and leave its class rivals behind. The AC Schnitzer Eagle, or "little rocket," is able to up its performance from a standard 211 HP to 260 HP with the use of a new turbocharger and intercooler, a new sports clutch, a limited slip differential, a lightweight ion battery, and AC Schnitzer’s Motronic program. Then a stainless steel exhaust system with racing catalyst, a new racing suspension, and a ’Short Shift’ transmission were thrown in to round off the technical specifications. The power modifications allow the Mini Cooper JCW to sprint from 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds (down from 6.5) with a top speed of 155mph (up from 148mph). Aesthetically speaking, the Mini Cooper JCW had to be made meaner with the use of anti-roll bars, a carbon fiber body kit, a carbon bonnet, carbon wings and doors, and a new set of 18" wheels. AC Schnitzer has valued to Eagle at EUR62,000, or about $88,600 at the current rates, but don’t whip out those wallets just yet; this car isn’t for sale. 2011 Mini Cooper S by Vilner
Back in April 2011, Rolls Royce and Mini rolled out the Mini Cooper S "Inspired by Goodwood" by Rolls-Royce, a model based off a standard Mini Cooper S and inspired by Rolls Royce’s design elements. Vilner Studio took one look at the special edition and decided if Rolls Royce could do it, then they could do it even better by opting to transform the Mini’s interior into that of a Bentley model. Their package is called the "Italian Job" - after the movie - and features one of the most impressive interiors anyone will ever see in a Mini. The package starts off with Nappa leather, the same leather used in Bentley’s factory, offered in brown and combined with two colors of high-tech Alcantara. This tan leather has a diamond-shaped texture that also matches Bentley’s pattern and can be found on the seats and doors where they are combined with smooth black leather. All of the original plastic parts were then sprayed down with a sparkling gray finish. The Mini Cooper S package was all about transforming the interior to look like a Bentley, but the exterior was not left out entirely. Vilner chose a matte gray wrap and then added two matte black racing stripes going up the hood towards the full matte black roof. The package is completed by a new set of 18" black wheels. 2011 Life Ball MINI by DSQUARED2
Every year since 1993, one of the biggest and most spectacular annual charity events in the world has raked in money to support those affected by HIV/Aids. The Life Ball has succeeded in raising money for the cause and has also facilitated raising the awareness of the disease. Since 2001, Mini has also taken part in the event by creating a legendary one-off MINI to be placed up for auction to benefit the organization. This year, a Mini Cooper S will be designed by Dean and Dan Caten - better known as the design duo from DSQUARED - and will make its official debut on May 21, 2011 in Vienna. Last year, the Life Ball Mini designed by Calvin Klein designer Francisco Costa was auctioned off for $61,000, but since 2011 marks the 30th anniversary of the discovery of the HIV virus, we expect to see this year’s model bring in much more. Dean and Dan are thrilled with the assignment: "If we were a car, it would be rugged and robust. Our MINI ‘Red Mudder’ is an accurate reflection of that. With the maple leaf on both doors and the DSQUARED logo on the front shield and wheels, this is unmistakably our style." UPDATE 05/23/11: The 2011 Life Ball MINI designed by the duo of Dean and Dan Caten was officially unveiled in all its ’Red Mudder’ glory. While we’ve spent the better part of two weeks looking over sketches of the car, these new photos show the special edition Countryman in full battlegear, complete with photos of the car with the proud designers themselves. Check out the new snapshots, folks! MINI Folding Bike
What’s the deal with all these automakers each coming out with their own set of new bicycles? In the last two months, we’ve seen something new from Audi, McLaren, Range Rover, and Maserati, none of which can be described as anything close to being a four-wheeled vehicle. Bicycles. That’s been the ‘in’ thing these days, and lo and behold, another brand has decided to jump on the bandwagon with the launch of their new – and collapsible – bicycle. The irony of the bicycle’s uninspiring name given by a brand that’s usually the most creative of the lot isn’t lost on us. But nonetheless, here it is: the MINI Folding Bike. The bicycle is built around a lightweight aluminum frame that can be folded in mere seconds to be stowed inside the car’s trunk – preferably a MINI, we suppose. In addition to the frame, the bicycle’s crossbar, handlebars, and pedals also fold up while the gel seat retracts to save up even more space for when the bicycle is ready to be stored in the trunk. To add to the convenience of it all, the bike only weighs around 11 kilos, which is somewhere around 24 lbs, making it extremely lightweight even relative to the other new bikes we’ve seen in recent months. And to top it off, the MINI Folding Bike also comes with eight gears, a pair of 20-inch wheels with mud guards, an under-seat pouch, and a Teflon-coated chain. We’ve seen some nicer looking bicycles, particularly the Audi Duo. But in terms of overall style, performance, and ease-of-use, this MINI Folding Bike is one that’s definitely right up our alley. | featured reviews:Mini cars reviews2014 2013 2012
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Mini cars
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