MINI
Four-door MINI with a twist
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
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
MINI back to Bathurst for the 40th Anniversary of its Historic Win
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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.
The 640 bhp MINI QED plug-in EV
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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.
MINI Concept Geneva celebrates Monte Carlo Rally winner
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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).
Mini Wagon Concept surfaces
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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
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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
Stretched MINI - with on-board spa
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MINI brought a smile and a couple of world records to the Olympics in Athens when it unveiled a new six-metre long MINI XXL. The oversized compact will service visiting celebrities in Athens and is sure to make an impression thanks to its fully-functioning on board spa. The XXL has a detachable hardtop roof section which pulls away to reveal the spa. And it's the first MINI ever to have room for an awesome foursome in the back, thanks to two rows of paired seats. Read More
MINI Cabrio Unveiled
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The MINI, one of the great success stories of modern automotive design, is to be released as a convertible. The newly designed MINI Cabrio features some ingenious design in the roof and sunroof and the way the vehicle cleverly uses space. Another stunner! Read More
BMW and MINI release Data Storage Watches
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A portable USB drive incorporated into a wristwatch - we were impressed by the idea when we first discovered the MEMIX watch, and now BMW and MINI have jointly released their own versions of a Memory Watch. Storing up to 128MB of data via an internal memory card, both watches emulate the style of the automotive namesakes... Read More
