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.