2014 MINI LINEUP PRICING AND EQUIPMENT UPDATES

MINI has big plans for 2014, as the new F56 generation MINI will be unveiled in the upcoming Frankfurt Auto Show in September. Thus MY 2013 Hardtop model soldiers on until the production of new F56 hardtop begins. There are no changes to other hardtop-based models other than different package grouping. Even the price stays the same. MY 2014 Countryman/Paceman do receive some changes/updates including SAD elimination of rear bucket seats (which lessens the uniqueness of Countryman in the marketplace and will be dearly missed by me! For the record, for me, no rear buckets, no more Countryman, sadly...) Press release containing detailed info and pricing after the jump.

MINI Says Happy Birthday to Porsche 911

This year marks 50th anniversary for the famous brand Porsche and MINI pays its tribute to the brand with a nice special photo shoot, plus a long press release hailing the famous brand and itself. IMO, those two, one in pale yellow and the other in mustard yellow, look adorable. Full press release after the jump.

[Source  :: MINI ]

MINI celebrates production of 250,000th MINI Countryman!

Yesterday was a big day celebration for MINI Countryman as 250,000th MINI Countryman has rolled off the production line from the factory in Graz (owned by Magna Steyr, BMW's manufacturing contractor). It's a huge production milestone for MINI as Countryman is the first modern MINI with 4 proper doors with the size that earned its nick name MAXI-MINI, and all wheel drive. It took about 2 1/2 years to reach this milestone as the very-first MINI Countryman rolled off the the production line on August 2nd, 2010. BTW, sexy Black with Red top JCW Countryman being the 250,000th is no coincidence, however. I am sure MINI planned it to have its most potent and exciting model to receive all the spotlights and glory! Full press release after the jump.

Countryman will get a big, fat badge

How would you like to have big, fat "C O U N T R Y M A N" emblem plastered on to the hatch of your Countryman? According to MotoringFile, the MINI Countryman will follow the Paceman and become the second MINI to have its model name emblem across the rear hatch. The move will start with March production of Countryman models rolling out of its Austrian factory by Magna Steyr. MotoringFile claims that according to the insider, MINI is bowing to market research that has show how people don't understand the differences between various MINI models.

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 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 ]

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.

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 ]

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 ]

OFFICIAL :: MINI JOHN COOPER WORKS COUNTRYMAN

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

#1 US Market Complaint About MINI Countryman

I've been meaning to post this 'ridonculous' finding that surfaced about a month ago on MotoringFile. While Countryman is the largest MINI ever, according to research MINI USA has received, its #1 complaint from US is...... It's too small! Remember Countryman is a MINI that raised eyebrows of many MINI faithfuls when it was first unveiled. But just like all other MINI (R50, R53 and R56) many American consumers think it's not big enough.

MINI bringing Countryman JCW to Geneva (show) in March 2012.

We finally have a confirmation from MINI that Countryman JCW is coming. It was no secret that MINI was preparing one for our consumption, but it was rather a matter of 'When' than 'If'. According to Autoblog and MotoringFile, we can expect more out of JCW model range starting Countryman JCW. For starters, rather than stock Countryman Cooper S suspension set up (under previous JCW model setup), JCW will now have more aggressive suspension setup as standard. That means the car will sit 10 mm lower with stiffer spring rate and large anti-rollbars. It will also feature prince engine with horsepower rating well above 210hp - perhaps 220-225hp range?

However, what it is not is the rumored Prodrive version of Countryman. Prodrive version is suppposed to be a super Countryman that is basically a road version of Countryman WRC racer.

Countryman JCW will arrive on our shores summer/fall of 2012. Price? Expect starting price at around 33k.

[ Source :: Autoblog | MotoringFile ]

MINI at LA Auto Show

LA Auto Show officially starts tomorrow, and CountrymanMotoring brings you the early preview of the MINI booth. I didn't bring my better camera.. so images from my iPhone 3GS would have to do. Obviously, the new MINI Coupe tates the center stage. Displayed are a pair of MINI Coupe models, Cooper S and JCW. MINI Coupe JCW is striking the White Silver with Red Roof combo.. which I like quite a bit. Exterior is purely iconic. You cannot miss this car as anything else on the road today. Truely unique. While some, my coworker for example, may not like the helmet roof, I think it's a well done piece. I also did like the more cozy feeling of Coupe interior with more raked windsheild and lower roof.

Recaro Seats are coming to MINI... all models except Countryman (and Convertible)

MINI USA is adding Recaro Seats MINI fans have been asking for as an option starting 2012 March build. Awesome I say.. as my other car, GTI 337, has special Recaro Seats and it provides amazing support. However, it comes with two catches. The option will be available on R55 Clubman, R56 Hatch, R58 Coupe and R59 Roadster....... that's it. It is not available on Countryman and Convertible model. BOOOOOOOO~~~! Another one is the price. If you check Recaro Seats option box when you order yours (known as option 4FA), you should expect to shall out $3,000 on Cooper models and $2750 on MCS and JCWs. It does, however, includes heated seats.

SPONTANEOUS, OPEN, IRRESISTIBLE: THE MINI ROADSTER.

MINI has finally unveiled the sixth member of its growing family, MINI Roadster. Essentially an open top version of the Coupe that was introduced a few month ago, the two-seater convertible aims to bring more fun and thrills to open motoring, sitting 20 millimeters lower than a traditional Mini convertible, and adding exclusive chassis tuning, electronic differential lock control, rollover bars and active rear spoiler. Full press release after the jump.

MINI Paceman confirmed for production

MINI Paceman, basically a three door version of MINI Countryman, is confirmed for production according to Car and Driver. It has been no secret, we now have a official word from MINI chief Kay Segler that we will see Paceman (The name still might change) on the road for 2013 or 2014 model year. Other than losing two doors, slightly lower roof, and other necessary design changes, you can expect same level of technical specification and equipment/trim level as Countryman.

[ Source :: Car and Driver ]

MINI Connected / Navigation shortage coming to an end

Due to certain parts shortage directly caused by Japanese Tsunami, ordering MINI Connected with/with out Navigation was unavailable for past few month. (Reported Back in May) Now, good folks at MotoringFile is reporting that such constraint is ending as of August production. This is surely a welcome news to those who delayed their MINI order because of it and new shoppers looking to order one. So don't miss out on the good stuff and order one!

[ Source :: MotoringFile ]