The 2018 New York International Auto Show is now in full swing, and MINI is getting in on the action with the debut of a unique new version of the Cooper SE Countryman ALL4. Rocking a select group of updates “specially designed for extremely challenging routes,” it’s a fresh take on mixing electric and gasoline motivation in a stylish British package.
Continue reading for the full story.
The Full Story
For those of you who may be unaware, the Pan-American Highway is stretch of interconnecting highways running between Alaska and Argentina, spanning an incredible 25,750 km (16,000 miles) in length. The Guinness World Records recognizes it as the world’s longest “motorable road,” offering adventure-lusty drivers a chance to traverse a variety of climates and terrain, including deserts, jungles, and high mountain passes.
The MINI you see here was specifically designed to tackle this treacherous and lengthy route, and MINI is gearing up to send it on a “long-distance tour from North America to Tierra del Fuego.”
Based on the Cooper SE Countryman ALL4, the largest Mini model on offer, the Panamericana MINI will offer loads of practicality thanks to the plus-sized five-door body style. It also uses the same underpinnings and oily bits as the standard production model, including the very same plug-in hybrid powertrain as the first-ever electric/gasoline MINI.
Thanks to the extra electric motivation, this British icon creates upwards of 224 horsepower and lays it down courtesy of extra AWD grip. It’s also got 40 km (25 miles) of all-electric driving range in reserve, which should be useful when scooting through urban sections of the route.
As for upgrades, the touring theme includes new lighting, tires with “emergency running characteristics,” a large roof rack mounting a spare wheel up top.
Mini says a total of three examples of the Panamericana will head down the intercontinental route. If that kind of thing piques your interest, MINI will chronicle the journey as it occurs.
References
Read our full review on the 2018 Mini Cooper SE Countryman ALL4.
Read more Mini news.
Read more New York Auto Show news.