The Mini convertible is now playing catchup to the hard top. The second generation has been available as a fixed roof and wagonish Culbman since 2007, and so now its time to complete the line. So the most noticeable elements on the 2009 Mini Cooper Cabrio when it appears at the Detroit auto show will be the updated bodylines and interior panels that match the rest of the family.
The updated convertible top can be lowered at speeds up to 20 mph, and the large rear roll bar that slithered across the back headrests has now been replaced with a pop-up unit. Like the soft-top on the previous model, there is still a large sunroof that can be created when the top is stopped half-way through the convertible process.
If you’ve driven the coupe, there’s nothing too special underneath the skin of the convertible. It features the same 1.6-liter units from the coupe, making 118 hp and 175 with a turbocharger.
Orders for the drop-top Mini are being taken now, and deliveries should begin by the end of March. Pricing for the 2009 Mini Cooper Cabrio should start at $24,550 for the regular version, and $27,450 for the turbocharged Cooper S model.
Press release after the jump.
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Since BMW revealed the first info on the Mini E back in October there were 9500 people that signed to get info about the car. But only 500 people will have the chance to actually drive it. The lease price was set by Mini USA at $850 a month.
The Mini E is supposed to be capable of 150 miles on a single charge. The recharge will be done using a special wallbox which will need to be installed in a customers garage. The recharging time is 2 hours and a half.
The MINI E’s electric drive train produces a peak torque of 220 Newton meters, delivering seamless acceleration to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.5 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 152 km/h (95 mph).
BMW will unveil the Mini Convertible in January 2009 at the Detroit Auto Show, with sales to begin later in the spring. The latest spy shots reveal that the differences between the old and new versions of the Convertible are minimal, and the new car retains the current model’s canvas folding roof.
What you see in the spy picture (judging by the paintwork mostly) is a Cooper S model, which will uses the 175bhp 1.6-liter turbocharged engine. This should be good for a top speed of 140 mph and make the 0-62mph sprint in 7.1 seconds.
In europe, the Convertible will be available with a diesel option coupled with BMW’s Efficient Dynamics technology for the first time, using the Cooper D’s 1.6-liter 110bhp engine – which should be able to return a combined fuel economy of over 70mpg.
Mini USA announced there will be a fleet of some 500 all-electric vehicles for private use in daily traffic. Called MINI E, the new electric vehicle it will be powered by a 204 hp electric motor fed by a high-performance rechargeable lithium-ion battery, transferring its power to the front wheels via a single-stage helical gearbox nearly without a sound and entirely free of emissions.
Specially engineered for automobile use, the battery technology will have a range of more than 240 kilometers, or 150 miles.
The MINI E’s electric drive train produces a peak torque of 220 Newton meters, delivering seamless acceleration to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.5 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 152 km/h (95 mph).
Press release after the jump.
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2009 MINI E Picture Gallery
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The states of California, New York and New Jersey have been targeted for invasion. The BMW Group will be starting a pilot project wherein around 500 units of all-electric Minis will be made available to select private and corporate customers in these areas. With the introduction of the Mini E, BMW seeks to emphasize its active participation in the effort to reduce vehicle emissions.
Data gathered from having these EVs used in real, day-to-day traffic conditions will allow engineers to factor-in practical design solutions in the development of future models. The company believes though, that using alternative fuel vehicles should not take the fun out of the experience of driving itself.
The Mini E’s powertrain is comprised of a 150 kW (204 hp) electric motor mated to a single-stage helical gearbox. The driver will not hear the familiar roar associated with an internal combustion engine when the accelerator pedal is pressed but the car will take just 8.5 seconds to go from zero to 100 kph (62 mph). Top speed is electronically limited to 152 kph (95 mph) and the car can be driven up to 240 kilometers or 150 miles on a full charge. A special wallbox that ships with the Mini E can be installed in the owner’s garage. This accessory will allow the vehicle’s batteries to be charged to full capacity in as little as 2.5 hours.
To accommodate the specially designed lithium ion battery packs, the Mini E is initially configured as a 2-seater. Suspension has been tuned so as to compensate for the added weight of the battery, without compromising the car’s trademark agility and handling.
BMW Group’s Mini E will debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show next month and the 500 units to be used for the pilot project will be rolled out starting towards the end of 2008. The distribution of these zero emissions “test units” to the public will comprise a first-of-its-kind collaboration between customers and BMW designers.
The Mini Es will be leased out on one-year terms with all maintenance and service costs, including replacement parts, included in the monthly lease payments. The vehicles will then be returned to the BMW Group at the end of the term for performance evaluation.
Mini E-nvasion Picture Gallery
AutoCar caught the future SUV from Mini testing ahead of launch in 2010. The production SUV should stay close to the Crossman concept that was unveiled at the Paris Auto Show.
As expected, the production will lose some of the show car’s less practical options, including the van-like sliding rear doors. At over thirteen feet long, this Mini SUV is turning its name into an oxymoron. In fact the only thing being downsized on this car is the name: it will go from Crossman to Cross.
The Mini Cross will have the same size as the BMW’s upcoming X1 compact SUV, but the two cars will not share mechanical components. Under the hood Mini will place the same engines as in the existing Mini and Mini Clubman models.
For Mini’s 50th anniversary, artist Alan Aldridge has created a speciality Mini Cooper in the same spirit of his famous 1965 design. It is now on display at the Design Museum in London.
The Mini Aldridge Special is adorned with an array of images, shapes and patterns, each reflecting either a male or female theme, just as the 1965 car did. The design theme is split between each side of the car, the driver side being largely set on a blue background and masculine in appearance, with passenger near side artistry backed on pink.
Press release after the jump.
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Back in September we reported that Mini will bring 500 electric cars to California. Since the cars will be in California, what better place to make its debut than the Los Angeles Auto Show. According to AutoCar, the EV Mini will be a surprise guest at that show.
Technical details are scarce, but its interior will have to be dramatically altered to fit a battery pack – possibly even losing the rear seats. Using modern lithium-ion batteries, the electric Mini is expected to have a range of between 100 and 135 miles after a full recharge.
BMW will unveil the next-generation MINI Convertible next year at the Detroit Auto Show. These are the first officials images that were leaked earlier today. And here are the first official images of the car that will go on sale in the spring on 2009.
The new-generation Mini Convertible (R57) will get two new exclusive colors: Interchange Yellow and Horizon Blue (similar to Space Blue). Rumors says there will also be a “Denim” blue.
The convertible version will likely offer the same engines from the current line up. This means internationally the car will be offered with the 95 HP 1.4-liter, 120HP 1.6-liter and 175 HP turbocharged 1.6-liter gasoline engines and a 110 HP 1.6-liter turbo diesel engine (likely only versions of the 1.6-liter gas engine in the U.S.)
Instead of having to wait for the dealership to install the high performance John Cooper Works package, the R57 convertible will have the JCW package available from the factory as an option. It will also still be available with the dealer installed JCW engine kit.
2009 MINI Cooper Convertible first official photos Picture Gallery
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Mini today revealed the first official video of the 2009 Crossover Concept that will make its world debut at the Paris Auto Show.
The Mini Crossover Concept is a new model variant for the first time measuring more than thirteen feet in length, with four drive wheels, four full doors and four single seats. This car will not only help Mini into new markets because it is a larger car, but it injects a little toughness into the company’s cute image.
2009 Mini Crossover Concept
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