MINI

Electric vehicle trials gain traction in UK

By Jeff Salton

04:09 June 26, 2009 PDT

A raft of electric vehicle related news from the UK this week with Mitsubishi, Ford, Toyota and BMW (through its Mini brand) all getting a piece of the action. A total of approximately 340 all-electric and hybrid vehicles will begin trials on UK roads within the next 6-18 months. Read More

HP extends its Mini PC family

By Mick Webb

17:00 May 30, 2009 PDT

Those on the go who like to do it in style will be pleased to hear that HP has added three new models to its popular HP Mini companion PC range. The new editions offer a host of customizable designs and configurations, all in a small package that’s light on weight but heavy on features. Read More

The Mini turns 50

By Mike Hanlon

02:41 May 15, 2009 PDT

The Mini, perhaps the most iconic automobile in history, is about to turn 50 years of age. Runner-up in the Car of the Century competition, the Mini was catalysed by the fuel rationing resultant from the 1956 Suez Crisis. Its price and frugality at the pump made the BMC Mini a symbol of freedom for baby boomers and its status as an emblem of the swinging sixties was reinforced in 1966 when The Beatles’ manager Brian Epstein, gave each of the Fab Four a Mini Cooper S as a gift. George Harrison had his Mini painted with psychedelic images, yantras and Sanskrit mantras and it subsequently starred in The Beatles’ film Magical Mystery Tour. BMW, which now owns both Mini and Rolls Royce, has come up with a fresh interpretation of the extravagant original Mini to coincide with the brand’s 50th birthday. Read More

Netbook feature: Asus Eee S101H vs HP Mini 2140 vs Kogan Agora Pro vs Sony VAIO P

By Noel McKeegan

00:54 May 11, 2009 PDT

Less than two years ago, the arrival of a tiny, obscurely-named Asus laptop caused quite a stir. It was affordable, portable, and “good enough” to do most of the things people do with computers that cost several times as much. These small form factor laptops geared for web browsing and email usage have exploded into the marketplace since then, with seemingly every PC manufacturer adding at netbook to its lineup. Over at The Mobiler, Tim Hanlon has been putting four recently released netbooks to the test - the Asus Eee S101H, HP Mini 2140, Kogan Agora Pro and Sony VAIO P (although Sony doesn't use the the term netbook) - and unlike our last showdown between the iPhone 3G, BlackBerry Bold and T-Mobile G1, a clear winner has emerged. Read More

Surf's up: The Mini Clubman Airstream trailer design concept

By Noel McKeegan

00:34 April 24, 2009 PDT

A collaboration between MINI, Airstream trailers and Danish furniture designers Republic of Fritz Hansen has resulted in this hip, beach-ready design study made up of a modified MINI Cooper S Clubman and a customized 6.8m long Airstream trailer. While largely retaining the familiar metallic look of the iconic Airstream trailer on the exterior, the inside of the trailer is kitted-out with wood panel flooring, ergonomic Egg chairs and, in keeping with the sun-loving vibe, neoprene lining and floral prints add to the interior trimming while a bisected surfboard provides the shelf space. But the killer app is an electrically operated fold-out side panel that incorporates an open air day bed where you can kick-back while waiting for the tide to turn. Traditionalist may disagree but, parking issues aside, we think the concept definitely points to a stylish advance on throwing your surfboard and a sleeping bag into the back of a Combi Van. Read More

New MINI Convertible due in March 2009

By Noel McKeegan

19:09 January 19, 2009 PST

Busting out of simulated ice blocks in one of the more notable pieces of razzle dazzle at last week's Detroit Auto Show preview was MINI's new convertible. Due for release in March, the 2009 MINI convertible gets new generation turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engines (118 hp for the MINI Cooper Convertible and 172 hp for the MINI Cooper S Convertible), a pop-up rollover bar activated by the car’s central safety electronics, a redesigned storage compartment and an electrohydraulic-powered soft-top roof that can be opened in 15 seconds at speeds of up to 20 mph. There's also a new "Openometer" feature which keeps track of the time spent traveling with the roof down. Gimmicky? Yes, but it will give you one unique stat that your non-MINI convertible driving friends can't match. Read More

MINI E unveiled in Los Angeles

By Noel McKeegan

02:41 November 20, 2008 PST

Following a preview a few weeks back, the all-electric MINI E has hit the boards at the LA Motor Show for its world premiere. With its lithium-ion powered 150 kW (204 hp) electric motor driving it from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.5 seconds, an electronically limited top speed of 152 km/h (95 mph) and a range of 156 miles, the MINI E will make an impressive test bed for the BMW Group as it heads towards series production of all-electric vehicles. Read More

All-electric MINI E plugs-in to L.A. Auto Show

By Noel McKeegan

19:54 October 20, 2008 PDT

In a further sign that full-electric drive vehicles are headed for the mainstream, BMW Group will showcase a lithium-ion battery powered version of the MINI at next month's Los Angeles Auto Show ahead of a pilot project that will see 500 of the cars evaluated on US roads in 2009. Based on the current MINI Hatch, the MINI E will initially appear in two-seater form with rear seats dropped to make way for the battery pack. Rather than an in-hub motor arrangement, an electric motor mounted under the bonnet drives the front wheels through a single-stage helical gearbox derived from the Cooper S, and being all-electric, the full power kicks-in from a standing start delivering quite adequate acceleration of 0-62 mph in 8.5 seconds with a top speed electronically-limited to 95 mph. Read More

2008 Paris Motor Show round-up

By Noel McKeegan

19:37 October 19, 2008 PDT

As the curtain falls on the Paris Motor Show for 2008 we take a look back at some of the biggest surprises and brightest innovations to emerge from this massive global automotive extravaganza. As a starting point it's hard to go past Lamborghini, which emulated its 2007 most-talked-about crown by showing its Estoque concept. As a mid-engined four-door coupé with a V10 55 bhp motor and permanent four-wheel drive, it's not really eco-inspired but a weapon to behold for the family man. Mazda definitely made our short-list for the most striking design with the aerodynamic Kiyora Urban compact and Citroen also floated some compelling concepts including the colorful Hypnos luxury hybrid crossover and the virtual-meets-real-world GTbyCITROEN which will appear on-screen in the next installment of Gran Turismo. Read More

Four-door MINI with a twist

By Noel McKeegan

05:16 September 11, 2008 PDT

Previews from the upcoming Paris Motor Show keep rolling in, this time from MINI in the form what it calls a 4 x 4 x 4 x 4 Crossover Concept design study - four doors, four drive wheels, four single seats and four meters long. With the wheels pushed to the corners and familiar styling it looks like a MINI, but the unique four is the doors - three of the doors are stock standard but the rear drivers' side door slides backwards. The rear door also swivels to one side to ease process of getting your gear into a MINI which boasts more storage space than any other. If the reaction to the debut is positive there's a good chance it will hit the showroom floor in the not too distant future. Read More

Mazda’s Smart Idle Stop System uses Direct Injection Engine Technology

By Jack Martin

20:12 September 8, 2008 PDT

September 9, 2008 The imperatives of better fuel economy and reduced emissions are breeding some fascinating developments of the good ol’ Internal Combustion Engine (ICE). One of the most logical ideas could have been invented by any schoolboy – turn off the engine when it isn’t being used. VW was the first to trial the idea and BMW, MINI, smart, Citroen and Peugeot have followed suit, all using electrical power to restart the engine, requiring beefed up starting systems to cope with ever-more-congested urban conditions (25% of European driving time is now spent at standstill). Now Mazda has come up with a better idea - restarting the engine through combustion. Mazda’s system initiates engine restart by injecting fuel directly into the cylinder while the engine is stopped, and igniting it to generate downward piston force. Read More

Honda's all-new 2009 CRF450R Motocrosser gets fuel injection

By Loz Blain

17:29 September 8, 2008 PDT

Honda's CRF450R motocross bike has been hugely successful since its launch in 2002 - and although the bike is already recognized as the class leader, it's receiving a kitchen-sink included upgrade for 2009. Lighter, quicker, more powerful and with even tighter mass centralization for quick handling, the 2009 CRF450R also sports a Honda first - battery-free, programmable fuel injection that raises output power and control while dramatically reducing fuel consumption. Out of the box, Honda says it's two seconds faster around a supercross track than this year's bike. Read More

All-new five-door MINI Clubman a technophile’s dream

By Loz Blain

19:32 August 1, 2007 PDT

August 2, 2007 Mini seems very keen to pack all the technology it can into the newest addition to its range – the Mini Cooper Clubman. Almost but not quite a Mini wagon, the Clubman seats five in relative comfort, with a backwards-opening barn door behind the passenger door opening out to give your friends some sense of dignity as they climb into the back seats. The Clubman also features run-flat tyres, smart regenerative braking and a clever fuel-saving system that automatically stops the engine when you’re sitting at the lights in neutral with the clutch out, firing it back to life in an instant the minute you put the clutch down. Twin rear doors, each with its own windscreen wiper, finally give the Mini a decent carrying capacity, but the extra space doesn’t get in the way of the model’s famous go-kart style handling. Safety-wise, the cabin is packed with airbags from all directions, ABS, Electronic Brake Distribution, Cornering Brake Control, Stability Control and a hill assist system that stops the Clubman from rolling backwards on hill starts. A technophile’s delight, the car even provides a real-time analysis of what gear you should be in for maximum fuel efficiency. Dear Mini designers, it appears you’ve left out the kitchen sink… Read More

MINI tops U.K. retained values list

By Mike Hanlon

July 20, 2007 The MINI has topped the Lex retained values list for second-hand automobiles in the U.K. for the second year running, beating out a long list of seemingly far more prestigious vehicles. The Lex listing looks at how much each model will be worth in the second hand market after a typical three year/60,000 mile contract and the MINI had the highest retained value at 54%, taking out top single car honours. Viewed by brand name, Audi was the most coveted used car brand according to the data compiled by the UK’s leading leasing company. Last year's results can be found here. Read More

The revised MINI Cooper D - 72.4mpg, regenerative braking, auto Start-Stop

By Mike Hanlon

May 31, 2007 MINI hatch models are to receive technological revisions later this year, resulting in jaw-dropping performance and efficiency figures. The MINI Cooper D will be capable of returning an astonishing 72.4mpg, with CO2 emissions of just 104 g/km, thanks to regenerative braking, auto Start-Stop functionality and a Switch Point Display – all of which will come at no extra cost. Read More

The MINI Cooper D

By Mike Hanlon

January 19, 2007 The words Mini and Cooper go together but have traditionally been associated with powerful petrol engines – so prepare the system for a shock because the famous brand is about to have a diesel variant. The Cooper D boasts performance and fuel efficiency from an all-new 1.6-litre 110hp turbodiesel powerplant that promises to be the most fuel-efficient and cleanest MINI ever built. In comparison to the outgoing MINI One D’s combined fuel consumption of 58.9mpg, the Cooper D is capable of 64.2mpg. Read More

MINI back to Bathurst for the 40th Anniversary of its Historic Win

By Mike Hanlon

September 27, 2006 It was one of the most famous victories of its era, and both Bob Holden and Rauno Aaltonen remember their Bathurst victory with much delight. The 1966 event was especially sweet for Aaltonen as the BMC Works drivers had won the Monte Carlo Rally for the third time in a row - claiming first, second and third placings - only to be disqualified on a dubious technicality concerning headlamp globes. Forty years on from its epic win at the Gallagher 500 race at Mount Panorama, Holden will return to Bathurst to lap the famous track on Sunday 8 October 2006. Holden is now 74 and still a competitive racer and has raced at the mountain circuit 34 times, driving MINIs and Escorts in circuit racing and rallying and he raced a V8 Ute at Bathurst earlier this year and will drive a new MINI Cooper S at the reenactment. Read More

The 640 bhp MINI QED plug-in EV

By Mike Hanlon

September 4, 2006 Q.E.D. is an abbreviation of the Latin phrase "quod erat demonstrandum" which means, "which was to be demonstrated". In simple terms, it indicates that something has been definitively proven. Accordingly, the MINI QED electric hybrid is aptly named as it dispels any doubts about the validity of in-hub electric motors playing their part in the future of the automobile. PML FlightLink designs and manufacture electric motors, EV drive systems, joystick controls and controllers and bespoke motors for specialist applications and the MINI QED was built to showcase their expertise in wheelmotors, with a view to supplying what we expect will be a booming market in electric vehicle applications over coming decades. The result is a MINI with four times the horsepower of a Cooper S, supercar performance and the prospects of some very serious EVs in the near future. The QED is a ripper, using four 120kW (160bhp) wheel motors complete with invertors to convert momentum back into stored energy under brakes. With one on each corner you have Ferrari-like power and very controllable independent drive on all four wheels. In the MINI QED, this package offers a 0-60mph time of 3.7 seconds and a 150mph top speed – supercar territory. An on-board petrol engined generator offers enough electrons to run continuously at motorway speeds without depleting the battery, and you can plug it in at night and commute in full electric mode if you wish. Read More

MINI Concept Geneva celebrates Monte Carlo Rally winner

By Mike Hanlon

February 26, 2006 From 1964 to 1967 Mini dominated the Monte Carlo Rally, setting the foundation for its legendary reputation as a highly agile and nimble sports car. Now, commemorating the 100th birthday of Sir Alec Issigonis (the creator of the Mini and the outstanding victories scored by the Mini brand some 40 years ago, MINI Concept Geneva offers an up-to-date interpretation of the small British racer in its great days. In particular, this new concept model presents the core idea of the Mini Traveller, Mini Countryman, and Mini Clubman Estate in a highly progressive new model variant. Read More

Most powerful Mini ever – the MINI GP for Geneva Motor Show

By Mike Hanlon

February 21, 2006 The MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works (JCW) GP Kit will make its first public viewing at the Geneva Motor Show. The fastest, most powerful production MINI ever will reach 62mph in under 6.5 seconds and achieve a top speed of 146mph. The GP has a power output of 218bhp, a stunning 136bhp per litre, and a maximum torque of 245Nm. Only 2000 of this special production model will be built with production beginning from July onwards. The guide price is UKP22,000 which includes UKP10,000 worth of additional equipment if specified on a standard MINI Cooper S. In the spritual home of the MINI, the United Kingdom, almost three-quarters of the UK allocation have already been ordered by MINI enthusiasts six months ahead of launch. Read More

New MINI production model announced - inspired by Traveller Concept

By Mike Hanlon

January 12, 2006 BMW will be enhancing the MINI family with a further model. The new MINI model will offer increased interior space and increased functionality in order to appeal to the distinctively experience-oriented and active MINI customer. The new car will take its inspiration from the MINI Detroit design concept shown at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) this week. Although it has yet to be defined which of the unique ideas and design features presented on the concept will be implemented for series production, Dr. Michael Ganal in his speech at the NAIAS stated a time frame of three years for the realization of the new MINI model. Read More

Limited Edition high performance MINI

By Mike Hanlon

November 21, 2005 MINI boosts output and cuts weight to offer the world a limited edition super performance model dubbed MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP Kit. Producing a feisty 160 kW (up 6 kW on the regular factory John Cooper Works Tuning Kit), the lightweight car was revealed to MINI enthusiasts at a global MINI festival called MINI United, held in Italy this weekend. Just 2,000 copies of this new model will be produced starting from July 2006. Read More

MINI Picnic Set Concept

By Mike Hanlon

October 25, 2005 The concept of cars designed to be reconfigurable for multiple purposes has long been one we've shown great fondness for at Gizmag. Our automotive section is full of interesting twists and concepts based on existing chassis and the latest concept to come out of BMW-owned Mini is one that will appeal to a lot of people. After the success of the MINI Concept Frankfurt at the Frankfurt Motor Show, MINI launched a new interpretation of the classic Mini Traveller at the Tokyo Motor Show that reflects the Japanese appreciation for all things British. The concept is experimenting with access and storage solutions. The roof system houses a table and two chairs for impromptu picnics and weary guests at cricket matches. The cargo box in the rear of the car can be taken out and attached to the side window when open to create a table for serving tea and scones. An extensive photo gallery of one of the most detailed concept cars you're ever likely to see (not to mention very narrowly focussed). Read More

Mini Wagon Concept surfaces

By Mike Hanlon

September 13, 2005 Forty-five years after the launch of the Mini Traveller (wagon) in September 1960, MINI has unveiled a new MINI wagon concept at the Frankfurt motor show. The MINI Concept Frankfurt is the first MINI design study since the launch of the MINI brand at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1997 and it re-interprets the feel of the original British-built Traveller via a new concept of “Travelling in Style” for the 21st century. The MINI Concept Frankfurt is packed with innovation inside and out. Its coupe-like profile and wide-opening doors feature intelligent parallelogram hinge mechanisms. Read More

High Performance MINI is Now Ex-Works

By Mike Hanlon

August 23, 2005 MINI has announced its most potent factory built car yet. From this month, the steroid-enhanced MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works Tuning Kit is being built alongside MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S models on the Oxford production line. Previously, the John Cooper Works Tuning Kit had been retro fitted by MINI Garages. Now, MINI buyers can order the hot-shot 154 kW 1.6-litre supercharged engine version (with 254 Nm of torque) direct from Oxford. A MINI Cooper S fitted with the tuning kit is capable of generating a top speed of 143mph and reaches 0-62mph in 6.6 seconds. The 'Works' features a modified cylinder head with higher compression, modified engine electronics and increased throughput injectors. The factory option will also include the following JCW products as standard: air filter system, 16" disc brakes and calipers, exhaust pipe finisher, front apron and tailgate badges, certificate of authenticity. A limited slip differential is also included in the cost in the UK and for Australian buyers, any MINI Cooper S ordered with the John Cooper Works Tuning Kit also includes additional specification, comprising the powerful John Cooper Works brakes package. Read More