2013 MINI Countryman JCW starts at $35,550

MINI USA has release full details on the long waited 2013 MINI John Cooper Works Countryman Cooper S ALL4 (Is this the longest ever name or what! - Definitely not a 'mini' name for sure) It has the goods, 208hp turbocharged 4 pot, all wheel drive, JCW sport suspension, and all the other JCW extras, but be prepared to folk out big bucks, $35,550 including $700 destination charge. It will easily go over the 40k mark once you start adding myriad of packages and options. Expensive? Hell ya! In comparison, it's corporate cousin, BMW X1 with 240hp turbo 4 pot and Xdrive starts at around $33k. Thus don't expect to see tons of these bad boys on the road, but do envy the driver behind the steering wheel when you see one!

2013 MINI JCW Countryman Cooper S ALL4 Interior with revised door trim and center console.

Full press release after the break. 

[ Source :: MINI ]

More Images of MINI Paceman Interior

Looking into the new Paceman interior with new images captured from released video footage by MINI. We get more detailed look into new door armrest with window switches and center console toggle switches. More after the break.

MINI Paceman Interior Revealed

While MINI hasn't officially revealed the interior of Paceman, its own site, MINIspace has betrayed itself yet again with images revealing the interior of Paceman. It features a new door design that moves window switches to the door from the center console for the first time in MINI. Quite similar in theme with the Rocketman concept, it has slimmer elliptical door trim with elongated armrest that houses window switches. The center gauge/navigation screen housing has been also revised to separate itself from the circular vents, reducing the "Mickey Mouse" effect. It is rumored that the production of 2013 MY Countryman was delayed to September (with deliveries starting in November) to incorporate revised interior. Detailed analysis after the break.

Updates

Hi Countryfolk,

This post is just a mish mosh of things that have been going on with Kowalski and the MINI community!

OFFICIAL! MINI Paceman unveiled

This time, it's for real. MINI unveiled the MINI Paceman online today, coinciding with iPhone 5's pre-order launch date! (Yup I got mine and it's coming on 9/21!) One significant information is that Paceman will become the first MINI ever to have the window switches on the door, instead of on the center console (MINI didn't release the photo of the dash just yet) This means 2013 Countryman will be getting the same treatment, hence the delayed start of production of November of this year. Official release after the break.

[ Source :: MINI ]

MINI Sales Figures August 2012

MINI USA reported the best August ever with sales of 5,718 automobiles, an increase of 83.9 percent from the 3,109 sold in August, 2011.  Year-to-date, MINI sales in the U.S. are up 15.9 percent on volume of 43,632 compared to 37,636 in the first eight months of 2011.

Note that YTD increase in Countryman sales compared to last year is wooping 32.5%. 

MINI Paceman image leaked

Uh-oh! As if MINI has its own alter ego, MINI Space, its online version of its print magazine, 'accidentally' revealed the forthcoming MINI Paceman, in a story about southeast London's wonderful Gastro scene featuring two well known local foodies. While the original source quickly removed the images and MotoringFile also blurred the images per request, the secret is certainly out, thanks to folks at Autoblog. So here they are. The soon-to-debut MINI Paceman that will grace the land of the free early next year.

[ Source :: Autoblog via MotoringFile via MINI Space ]

This is the interior of next F56 MINI hardtop!

Courtesy of MotorAuthority via MotoringFile, we now have a more clear view of what the next generation MINI's interior will look like. Putting aside some of the trim details (BMW steeringwheel, misfitting shiftknob boot, etc) on this prototype tester, this is a real deal. The next Countryman will feature an interior derived from the above design theme with more sophisticated, grown up feel. More detailed insight is available at MotoringFile.

MINI Paceman name confirmed

At the start of MTTS 2012, Dr. Kay Segler has confirmed that MINI Paceman will be the name of the upcoming Countryman coupe. Likely to be unveiled at this year's Paris auto show, it will be available in the stateside sometime next year.

2013 MINI LINEUP PRICING AND EQUIPMENT UPDATES

MINI USA has released 2013 MINI lineup pricing and equipment updtaes. Some highlights include

Bluetooth will be standard on every 2013 MY vehicle (formerly a $500 option), replacing Sirius Satellite Radio.

Sirius will now be an option ($250) and includes a one-year subscription.

The Technology package now includes Sirius Satellite radio, Comfort Access in addition to the existing MINI Connected feature. A center armrest (with integrated iPhone adapter pre-wiring) is also included.

A new Premium package ($1,250) has been added for the MINI Hardtop and Clubman that includes the three most-popular options—a Dual-pane panoramic sunroof, Automatic wipers and Automatic climate control. Bundled together, they offer a $500 discount.

The JCW now comes with what MINI is calling “the JCW steering wheel”. However this could just be the standard wheel with a JCW logo on the button spoke – we’re awaiting confirmation.

Kite blue is now available as a JCW option – as we indadvertedly alluded to in our Roadster speccing article a few months ago.

MINI Roadster – The semi-automatic roof and rear wind deflector are now standard on all MY 2013 Roadster variants.

More info after the jump

[ Source :: MINIUSA | MotoringFile ]

Updates + Reviews of Modifications to Kowalski

Hi Countryfolk!

In this post I'm going to be talking about what has been done to Kowalski as well as some thoughts on some MINI related products.

Hit the jump to continue reading.

A tribute to the capital of Britain: The new-look MINI Rocketman Concept.

The MINI Roucketman concept is back! While it's rumored that BMW canned the idea of producing this attractive super MINI of MINIs, in partnership with 2012 London Olympics, MINI has reimagined the original concept with a theme that celebrates both the games and the capital of the country that hosts them. The red, white, and (deep) blue adorning the car inside out, is rather striking and very attractive, even more so than the gray/white original concept. MINI... BUILD IT! Full details after jump.

[ Source :: MINI ]

Next JCW models to feature 217hp 3-cylinder turbo mill?

BMW announced during the SMMT 2012 Internation Automotive Summit in London that its new N37 3-cylinder petrol engine for the upcoming i8 plug-in hybrid sports coupe will be produced exclusively at the firm's UK engine plant at Hams Hall, near Birmingham. More importatnly, this certainly means that the new 3-cylinder engine family destined for future MINI and FWD small BMWs will be produced at Hams Hall plant, currently producing all 1.6L 4 cylinder "Prince" engines that power all current MINIs and some BMWs.

The aforementioned N37 turbocharged 1.5L 3-cylinder petrol engine powering i8 is known to be producing 217-horsepower (220PS) and 300Nm (221 lb-ft). This exactly same engine could possibly power the next generation JCW models, meaning increase of  9 to 10 horsepower and about 30 lb-ft torque over the current generation JCW models powered by twin scroll turbocharged "Prince" engine.

[ Source :: CarScoop ]

MINI Sales Figures May 2012

MINI USA reported sales of 6,153 automobiles in May, an increase of 6.1 percent from the 5,801 sold in May 2011. Year-to-date, MINI sales in the U.S. are up 6.0 percent on volume of 26,064 compared to 24,588 in the first five months of 2011.

The Britalian Job

MINI has a big plans for rapidly approaching London 2012 Olympics. Being a great host MINI is, MINI partnered up with Team GB and Paralympics GB to create a new short film inspired by the classic 1969 movie "The Italian Job" covering some of the capital's most iconic landmarks including the Houses of Parliment and the brand spanking new Olympic Stadium.

MINIprofile #005 :: Gemma's 2011 MINI Cooper S Countryman All4

CountrymanMotoring's fifth MINIprofile looks into Gemma's 2011 Cooper S Countryman All4, a.k.a Coopah. Gemma accidently stumpled upon CountrymanMotoring while googling the chrome peeling off problem that many owners, including yours truly, have been having. Gemma also just celebrated MINIversary only a few weeks ago on May 24, just a few days after my own on May 21. Scroll down to find out more about Gemma's Countryman.

Steampunk MINI Countryman

Big fan of MINI Countryman and even a bigger fan of Steampunk culture? Polish tuner Carlex Design has just the car for you; MINI Countryman Steampunk project. This is the most ingenious and original turning project I've seen incorporating MINI Countryman. Adored in authentic Steampunk fashion, while the exterior takes relatively restrained approach with two tone matte greay and bronze color theme, the interior is 100% Steampunk with classic brown shades leather and mixture of bronze metal accents and see-through look of steering wheel and seats steampunk fashion gears and mechanisms inside. Unique.

Happy MINIversary!!!

It's been exactly one year since I took the delivery of 2011 MINI Cooper S Countryman. Yup. 365 days of happy motoring. Happy MINIversary!!

MINI USA actually remembers the date and sent an anniversary email. Such a heart warming feeling thing MINI does! Do other brand do this sort of thing?

  Details after the jump

Quick Tip: Stickers

If anyone is interested in putting some MINI related stickers on their car check out Stuck on MINI's.  If the sticker you are looking for isn't on their website, friend them on Facebook and Joanne has many other designs she can hook you up with.

Kyle

15,000 miles update

After almost one year of joy, whether it be every time I grab the steering wheel, or simply gazing at its funky good looks, my Countryman's the odometer recently hit 15,000miles mark!  and I am happy to report it has been almost drama-free. The only time that required service, other than 15k miles scheduled maintenance, was to replace the peeling chrome DLO trim, which was covered under warranty.

Countryman Coupe testing caught on camera

MINI Countryman Coupe or Paceman, whatever it will be finally called when it is officially unveiled at coming 2012 Paris Auto Show in Octorber, was caught on camera. There really is nothing secret about Countryman Coupe/Paceman, as it was already previewed by Paceman concept, and is basically a three door version of Countryman with chopped roof and different rear fascia. But if you must, check out the images after jump to spur up your imaginations on what the final version will look alike!

[ Source :: Autoblog ]

MINI Paceman concept coming soon as Countryman Coupe

According to Car and Driver, the production version of MINI Paceman concept will be debuted as Countryman Coupe. It is a logical choice as Paceman is really only a two door version of Countryman with slightly lower and beefier design cues and different details. Expect the new Countryman Coupe officialy unveiled later this year or early next year.

[ Source :: Car and Driver via MotoringFile ]

MINI "Black Line" Exterior Trim coming soon!

Reliable folks at MotoringFile is reporting MINI is preparing "Black Line" exterior trim for our consumption. With the popularity of "Murdered Out" trend (Technically, though.. it should be matte black paint throughout) it was only a matter of time MINI would offer something like the "Black Line". Germans have been on this for awhile (BMW black shadow trim on 3 series and Audi's Titanium trim on A4 come to our mind) Couple upcoming notable cars with "Blacked Out" factory trim include 2013 Ford Explore Sport and Jeep Latitude model range.

Trim details for "Black Line" will include the rear taillight trim rings, the rear fog light trim ring, the side scuttles and the headlight trim rings. Once they become available (sometime soon? details released at New York Autoshow tomorrow? We don't know), these parts will be available at MINI parts desk for retrofit. There is no word yet on whether there will be a matching “Black Line” interior package.

[ Source  :: MotoringFile ]

MINI Sales Figures March 2012

MINI USA reported sales of 5,866 automobiles in March, a decrease of 3.6 percent from the 6,087 sold in March 2011. Year-to-date, MINI achieved its best first quarter sales since the record year of 2011 retailing 14,180 vehicles, up 14.9 percent compared to 12,341 vehicles sold in the first three months of 2011.

MINI Connected: How to Bluetooth Audio Stream

Hi Countryfolk,

I made a quick video explaining how to set up Bluetooth Audio Streaming with MINI Connected and an iPhone.  Hit the jump to check it out.

Countryman Motoring Welcomes Motoring Alliance!

Motoring Alliance

Aaron and myself are proud to welcome Motoring Alliance as a new sister site to Countryman Motoring!

Nathan (along with a team of MINI enthusiasts) at Motoring Alliance have done a terrific job bringing MINI fanatics together in a friendly forum environment.

Everyone please sign up, if you haven't yet, and join the family!  I'm sure you will learn a lot from everyone, and even make some friends along the way!

Motoring Alliance

Kyle

Road Trip + Mods

Hi Countryfolk,

Last week I took my MINI from Connecticut to Florida and back - This is my post to tell you about my experience!

OFFICIAL :: MINI JOHN COOPER WORKS COUNTRYMAN

MINI has finally revealed the long waited JCW Countryman! Juicy details after the jump.

How To Get Involved

Hi All!

I'm making a real quick post today.  Not much to say about the Countryman, haven't taken it on many road trips but I did have the car detailed last week!

MINI recalling some Cooper S and JCW models for water pump

MINI is recalling 88,911 turbocharged models built between November 2006 and January 2011 for a water pump problem that could result in a vehicle fire. NHTSA states on its website that "the electronic auxiliary water pump that cools the turbocharger has an electronic circuit board that can malfunction and overheat." This can cause a vehicle fire. 

Affected models include the 2007-2011  Cooper S Hardtop, the 2008-2011 Clubman S, the 2009-2011 Cooper S Convertible, the 2011 Countryman S, and John Cooper Works models from 2009 to 2011.

MINI will be sending out a letter asking owners to bring their car in for a free water pump replacement.

2012 MINi Countryman Lease for $299 per month or 0.9% APR Financing!

MINI USA has a new offer on its sleeves this month! You can finally lease a Countryman at factory offer rate of $299 per month, $2,050 cash due at signing. The lease rate and fees are based on example of a 2012 MINI Cooper Countryman with Auto transmission with MSRP of $23,700 includes destination and handling charge. If you'd rather buy one, MINIUSA is offering 0.9% APR financing for up to 6 months on Countryman and other models excluding the new Coupe.

They are both quite excellent rate, and they are VALID whether you pick up a Countryman from the dealer lot or order your own from the factory. So, if you've been eyeing to get one, it seems to be a good time. While the promotion runs till Jan 31, 2012, the deal will most likely roll over to February (but don't take my words for it!)

MINI Sales Figures December 2011

MINI USA reported sales of 5,711 automobiles in December, up 32.2% from the 4,320 sold in December 2010.  For the year 2011, MINI sales in the U.S. are up 26% on volume of 57,511 compared to 45,644 sold in 2010.


“MINI’s record setting sales results in 2011 prove that small is a success in its own right even without the prodding of rising fuel prices,” said Jim McDowell, Vice President – MINI USA. “Our U.S. customers have found they can have a great motoring experience even while enjoying strong fuel economy and a smaller footprint. Motor On!”