At the time, sources close to MINI gave the insight scoop to Autocar UK fellows who report that the project was close to getting the green light. Some spy photos of a late prototype were posted at that time as well.

Two days ago, Autocar returned with the confirmation that MINI by Rolls Royce will indeed make into production. Highly placed sources at BMW have told Autocar that the cars will “totally individual” and the project is seeking to create “niche vehicles” for customers.

Executives at the company believe that a MINI with the interior luxury of a much larger car has again become relevant thanks to the current trend of downsizing, especially for affluent city drivers.

It is likely that the options will extend beyond trim materials and buyers could be encouraged to choose more luxury features and interior fittings. Back in the 1960s, MINI vehicles featured high standards of trim and were often owned by celebrities, a plan that inspired the Oxford based company.

There are no news on when the new model will be launched or revealed, but we expect to see an announcement sometimes next year.

[Source: Autocar ]

Last week in Hamburg, the legendary New York street artist Craig “KR” Costello customised a MINI in his own unique style. His trademark is the so-called KRINK dripping ink look, in which paint runs down an object as if it had been too thickly applied. The entire MINI was given the typical KRINK drip treatment by the creative artist from Brooklyn, with silver paint running down the distinctive contours of the black MINI – along its body as well as the side and rear windows. The project was accompanied by the “Erste Liebe Film” and captured by photographer Ali Salehi.

For further information on the project and an interview with the street artist, please go to www.MINIspace.com.

About KRINK.

Craig “KR” Costello rose to fame in the 90s art scene with his signature dripping silver paint, which gave rise to the KRINK brand. Today his tags can be found in metropolises around the world – in building entrances, on walls, in underground stations, on street signs etc. As a youngster growing up in New York’s Queens district, KR already began developing graffiti paints. What started out as a personal experimentation with homemade materials swiftly evolved into a product range – initially strictly limited – of special silver paint in bottles, which he handed out to chosen friends. Out of this would grow a flourishing business which, under the name KRINK (from KR-INK), offers a wide range of special markers and inks which are a byword for top quality and enjoy true cult status.

The upshot is a colourful volume depicting a wide range of subjects, and one that will appeal not only to MINI fans. The common thread is that none of the ten artists has ever before worked with the automobile as a medium, and each has transformed it into a transient work of art.

The following artists and authors contributed to the book project: Smash137, Fabian Bertschinger, Marisa Pichler and Gigi Burn, Tika, Euro, Aurèle Sack, Stefan Ege and Seak, August, Rémi Jaccard and, last but not least Dieter Meier, also famous as the singer in the band Yello.

Designer Alfredo Häberli provided two sketches and an article. The author and journalist Michèle Roten and Prof. Dr. Jacqueline Otten, director of the design department at Zurich University of the Arts, likewise made creative written contributions to the book, which will be out in early November.

Art always was, and remains, a key aspect of the MINI brand. MINI is, for example, the exclusive partner of the “Ludlow 38” exhibition space at the Goethe-Institut in New York, located in the heart of the thriving gallery district in the Lower East Side, near Chinatown and not far from the New Museum of Contemporary Art. Since its inauguration in 2008, this gallery space has presented contemporary artistic projects in collaboration with various cultural partners in Germany.

Through its partnership with brands such as Bisazza and its involvement with FIAC 2007 or the International Talent Support / MINI International Photo Award in Trieste, MINI also remains true to its traditional involvement with unconventional cultural projects. Reason enough to welcome the launch of a vibrant photo book that is bound to delight MINI fans as well as design, art and photographic enthusiasts. For further information on the book please go to www.washme.ch.

“MINI drivers can be recognized by the mixture of lust for life, individuality and spontaneity. No matter what, they do not take themselves and their life too serious. We simply call it the MINI ..”

MINI’s culture can be seen in all of their videos, most of their brochures and especially at motor shows where their display area always impresses and stands out.

Thanks for the tip Shrawan!

The calendar has been conceived under the motto MINIMALISM. For MINI, this term means enhanced efficiency, a reduction in harmful exhausts and lower CO2 emissions. Members of MINI Space were called on to send in their artistic take on MINIMALISM. Part of the challenge was to integrate the silhouette of the MINI in their design. The calendar presents the 12 highlight designs selected from more than 4,000 entries submitted to MINIspace.com.

The winning designs hail from a range of countries and continents, including South Africa, Thailand, Mexico, Britain, Romania and many more. The innovative designs range from a MINI variant of the classic arcade game Space Invaders, to finger shadow play, all the way to a MINIMALISM stencil. The distinguished jury comprised the MINI design team headed by Gert Hildebrand.

The calendar, costing 21 euros, will be available as of October 2009 from www.MINI.com/shop and select MINI dealers. This collector’s item measures 58 cm x 53.5 cm.

In early 2009, a second stage of this pilot launched in Berlin, with a total of 50 MINIs. This week, MINI announced a similar program in the UK, but in compare to the US, the requests were far lower: a mere 515. There is one advantage though, the UK fellows will only have to shell out $640 compared to the steep $850 lease price in the United States.

MINI has selected 40 individuals to take part in the program. Only one half of the individuals selected are private users, the other half are commercial or municipal users. The trial, which will run from Oxford, down to London’s West End and west to Andover, will begin before Christmas.

To prepare for the pilot, retailer Marks and Spencer has agreed to install electric charging stations across these areas. Same as in the U.S., the new lucky owners will have a charging unit installed in their homes as well that will “refuel” the MINI E in just 4.5 hours. The range is somewhere in the 120 miles area.

In the meantime, to install charging points at more than one dozen stores across the southeast, where the MINI E test cars will be based.

MINI E was one of the first vehicle to graduate from BMW’s Project i program and more electric vehicles are expected in the next few years.

As a final note, the MINI E vehicles were built with the steering wheel on the left side, so this might give the UK drivers a run for their money.

[Source: AutoExpress ]

Featuring a turbocharger and common rail direct injection, the new version of this four-cylinder unit develops 66 kW/90 hp at 4,000 rpm and sources its peak torque of 215 Nm from as low down as 1, 750 rpm. The MINI One D completes the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 11.5 seconds and hits a top speed of 182 km/h.. Like the petrol-driven MINI One, the new MINI One D provides a particularly economical entry point into the world of the MINI brand.

The fuel consumption numbers reported by the MINI One D are remarkable: 60.3mpg (3.9 l/100km).

MINI One Diesel was revealed this past summer and the international premiere took place at the Frankfurt Auto Show. According to Carscoop, the large UK market will receive their first One D units in 2010 and they are rumored to cost around 12,000 British pounds.

Now if we could only get a similar model in the U.S. ……

“MINI wants to celebrate the ramp-up to the winter holiday season, which is usually a stressful time, and make it a time to thoroughly enjoy motoring,” said Jim McDowell, Vice President, MINI USA. “Nothing says exhilaration like getting behind the wheel of a MINI, and our Motor-Tober celebration encourages customers to do just that.”

Through November 2nd, MINI will offer 1.9 percent financing for up to 60 months on the purchase of any new 2009 MINI vehicle. Additionally, lease rates as low as $259 per month will be available on select 2009 inventory, making now the time for customers to visit their local dealer for some of the year’s best deals.

MINI dealers all over the U.S. will join in the Motor-Tober spirit by hosting local test drive events that encourage customers to spend time behind the wheel of the entire MINI lineup, including the Hardtop, Convertible and Clubman models. There will even be Motor-Tober temporary tattoos and pumpkin-carving stencils available to visitors.

The new Motor-Tober marketing campaign will be used in national radio, online and television ads throughout the month of October.

In this perfect setup, the UK based automaker decided to unveil the “twins”. Both the MINI Coupe and MINI Roadster have been confirmed for production and will be launched in late 2010.

The MINI Roadster Concept takes up features typical of the brand and re-interprets these unique strengths in a refreshingly new manner. Individual style, premium quality and a perfect match of driving pleasure and efficiency just right in this day and age determine the character of this compact two-seater. And through its design alone, the MINI Roadster Concept reflects the focus on maximum driving pleasure with nothing but the sky above.

The MINI Roadster Concept is clearly recognizable at very first sight as a MINI. At the same time, with its two seats, a tight-fitting soft roof and innovative rear-end design, the new model opens up new perspectives both in the context of the brand and in the segment of compact roadsters.

The MINI Roadster Concept might possibly be powered by the 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbocharged engine already featured in the MINI Cooper S. Boasting direct gasoline injection, this superior power unit delivers maximum output of 128 kW/175 hp and peak torque of 240 Newton-metres/177 lb-ft increasing briefly with the Overboost function to an even more superior 260 Newton-meters/192 lb-ft.

Based on the John Cooper Works bodystyle, the MINI Coupe Concept measures 146.1 inches overall, 66.1 inches wide and 53.3 inches tall. It was designed as a two seater which brings out the idea of a MINI roadster vehicle rather than a coupe. Due to its rear-end design line, the MINI Coupe Concept lacks trunk space, the only storage space is behind the seats. The cargo space measures about 8.8 cubic feet and in the production model, it will be accessible through the a big hatch.

Under the hood, MINI Coupe Concept uses the same engine from JCW, a 1.6 liter four cylinder turbocharged engine which produces 211 horsepower and 260 Nm (192 lb-ft) of torque.

The two new models will join the existing Hatch, Clubman and Convertibles on the production line at Plant Oxford.

MINI evokes new fascination and a wonderful new experience time and again. For each model in the range offers unique opportunities to enjoy supreme driving pleasure and unmistakable style.

Now the MINI Roadster Concept once again sets a new trend for individual mobility borne out by the brand. A purist vehicle concept, elegant design and fascinating, sporting driving characteristics all come together in this unique car to offer the vision of an open two-seater catering for the demands of a modern and self-confident target group.

The new concept car carries over the features typical of MINI to a new segment, the MINI designers thus bringing out yet another attractive facet in the character of the brand. So the world debut of the MINI Roadster Concept at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show will add a new perspective to the future of the MINI brand, presenting yet another great path of development.

The MINI Roadster Concept takes up features typical of the brand and re-interprets these unique strengths in a refreshingly new manner. Individual style, premium quality and a perfect match of driving pleasure and efficiency just right in this day and age determine the character of this compact two-seater. And through its design alone, the MINI Roadster Concept reflects the focus on maximum driving pleasure with nothing but the sky above.

The MINI Roadster Concept is clearly recognisable at very first sight as a MINI. At the same time, with its two seats, a tight-fitting soft roof and innovative rear-end design, the new model opens up new perspectives both in the context of the brand and in the segment of compact roadsters.

MINI Roadster Concept: making every trip a new experience.
Spontaneous pleasure is the stronghold of the MINI Roadster Concept. The car offers everything it takes to provide a truly emotional experience also on short trips – and at the same time it urges the enthusiast to escape the driving conditions encountered so often in city traffic.

Deliberately limited to two seats and optimised for weight, the concept clearly shows its uncompromising agility right from the start. Its stylish look and the high-quality interior ambience give this two-seater truly exclusive character, such innovations alone enabling the concept car to aggressively meet the future challenges of modern mobility.

The existing range with all its diversity already proves the exceptional potential of the brand in a most impressive manner. The MINI, MINI Clubman and MINI Convertible are already well-established in the market as unique characters, embodying the driving pleasure so typical of the brand in individual style different on each model.

Ongoing enhancement of the model portfolio has already enabled MINI to reach additional target groups, with the popularity of the brand constantly increasing over the years. Now the MINI Roadster Concept provides new options to enjoy the agile handling, premium quality and individual flair of the MINI in a new, truly unique and unprecedented manner.

From the start the concept car naturally considers the possibilities to use the advanced engines available in the MINI range – engines which stand out through their dynamic power and the efficient use of fuel. The superior efficiency of the engines is indeed combined from the start with a whole range of further efficiency-oriented technologies created as part of the BMW ¬EfficientDynamics development strategy and featured by MINI as MINIMALISM to guarantee enhanced driving pleasure on even less fuel and lower emissions.

To achieve a high standard of sporting performance, the MINI Roadster Concept might possibly be powered by the 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbocharged engine already featured in the MINI Cooper S. Boasting direct gasoline injection, this superior power unit delivers maximum output of 128 kW/175 hp and peak torque of 240 Newton-metres/177 lb-ft increasing briefly with the Overboost function to an even more superior 260 Newton-metres/192 lb-ft.

With its spontaneous and direct response and smooth surge of power, this outstanding engine offers everything it takes to boost this open two-seater directly to the top of the compact roadster market, making it a supreme performer right from the start.

Fifty years of MINI: strong tradition, promising future.
Presentation of the MINI Roadster Concept in the anniversary year of the brand combines a retrospective view of the brand’s highly successful history with the great appeal of the current model range to offer a wonderful outlook into the future. Introduction of the classic Mini fifty years ago hailed the advent of a revolutionary vehicle concept destined for ongoing fame and popularity for decades to come. Now the current models in the MINI range interpret the traditional values of the brand in modern style, setting the standards for driving pleasure, premium quality and individual flair in the small car segment. And as a vision demonstrating the ongoing flexibility of this unique character, the MINI Roadster Concept clearly presents the exceptional potential of the brand both today and in the future.

The innovative body configuration of the MINI Roadster Concept is combined with the modern drive technology of the current MINI models as well as the features of the brand developed over years and decades. Hence, the study is the result of an ongoing development process opening up attractive options also for the years to come.

Exterior design: unique proportions,
style and the power of expression so typical of MINI.
The body design of the MINI Roadster Concept visualises the identity and innovative power of the brand in a truly fascinating combination. The strong family resemblance is borne out above all at the front end of the car through numerous details typical of MINI and through styling features characteristic of the brand as a whole. At the same time the individual look of this unique two-seater is just as unmistakable, created by new and different proportions as well as the innovative design of the rear end.

An integrating factor bringing all models together is the design language so typical of MINI, to be admired on both the elements characteristic of the brand and on new, innovative features. In its design, the MINI Roadster Concept is therefore refreshingly different but nevertheless comes with all the flair and style so well-known on the MINI. So in an incomparable manner this concept car expresses the ability of MINI design to bring out extroverted style with class and sophistication.

The new two-seater measures 3,714 millimetres (146.2″) in length and 1,683 millimetres (66.3″) in width. Height of the car is 1,356 millimetres or 53.4″.
These dimensions, together with the special contours of the rear end, provide truly unique, sporting and dynamic proportions. At the same time, again reflecting the typical look of the brand, the MINI Roadster Concept comes with extra-short body overhangs front and rear accentuating the athletic stature of the car and alluding even at a standstill to the unique handling characterised by thrilling agility and lauded as that unparalleled go-kart feeling.

The front end is the same as on the MINI Convertible all the way to the A-pillars, while the windscreen is strikingly low and raked to a greater angle. Particularly with the roof opened to the back, this clearly brings out the purist openness of the car.

A short luggage compartment lid forms the rear panel behind the roof folding up into compact dimensions and providing convenient access to the luggage compartment separated from the passenger compartment. With the roof closed this gives the car a notchback look clearly distinguishing the MINI Roadster Concept from the MINI Convertible. Unlike the production model, therefore, the body of the concept car follows the so-called three-box philosophy.

Familiar resemblance at the front.
The front view of the MINI Roadster Concept comes with all the characteristic features also borne out by the four-seater models in the brand. Smoothly balanced contours on the engine lid with large and equally smooth radii, large headlights, the homogeneous design of the radiator grille and a wide air intake at the bottom create that special look so typical of MINI, an expression of openness and flair.

Looking at the car from the front, however, you immediately realise a significant difference from the MINI Convertible, the windscreen both lower and raked to a greater angle giving the MINI Roadster Concept a very different look also from this perspective. The car is strikingly low and stands out clearly as a particularly sporting representative of the MINI brand.

The hexagon radiator grille and the large round headlights are unmistakable design elements re-interpreting their counterparts on the classic Mini in new, modern style. The direction indicators are integrated in the headlights, with the new three-dimensional surrounds for the positioning lights and the foglamps directly below.

While on the MINI Roadster Concept the chrome radiator grille is the same as on the MINI ¬Cooper S, the inner section of the grille comes with bars in body colour at first sight distinguishing the MINI Roadster Concept from the other members of the MINI family. A further point is that the bonnet stripes continue into the radiator grille to provide an additional sporting feature.

The engine lid with its particularly striking curvature bearing reference to the power unit within, as well as the stylised opening, are again the same as on the particularly powerful and fast version of the MINI already lauded for its performance.

Powerful side view, tight-fitting soft roof.
An attractive combination of design features typical of the brand and brand-new highlights also characterises the side view of the MINI Roadster Concept. The front side panels come directly from the MINI Convertible, just as the diagonal body joint so characteristic of every MINI between the engine lid and the side indicator surround again in the same style as on the MINI ¬Cooper S provides an unmistakable sign of distinction with historic roots. The classic Mini was characterised here by a visible welding seam on the body.

The short, low-angle A-pillars merge gently into the roofline with the roof closed, while the glazed part of the passenger cell referred to as the greenhouse is a lot smaller than on the current production models. This provides a strikingly low silhouette clearly emphasising the superior sportiness and performance of the car.

The high waistline accentuates the powerful character of the car even more than on the current production models. In conjunction with the large wheels and the black stripe extending round the body at the bottom, this creates a particularly compact look, the muscular surfaces on the body and the powerful stance of the car on the road alluding from the start to a very intense and extremely agile driving experience.

Both open and closed, the concept car clearly stands out as a roadster, boasting an attractive waistline slightly rising up to the rear and retaining its linear from even with the roof open.

The passenger compartment limited to two seats is protected whenever required on account of wind and weather by a high-quality textile roof reduced in its dimensions to an absolute minimum. The distance between the windscreen frame at the front and the rear end of the roof behind the seats is deliberately kept to a minimum, with the soft roof merging smoothly into the body. The low seating position for the driver and front passenger nevertheless guarantees generous headroom at all times.

The soft top on the roadster opens and closes manually in a simple process taking only a few seconds thanks to the compact dimensions of the roof. The decision not to give the car a power roof not only reduces the weight of the MINI Roadster Concept even further, but also adds to the puristic flair of the car: This two-seater is an uncompromising companion for the enthusiast with an active lifestyle, ensuring maximum driving pleasure under all conditions in close interaction with the driver.

Innovative rear-end look in the design language typical of MINI.
The soft roof of the MINI Roadster Concept rests low down in compact arrangement when open behind the seats, merging smoothly and harmoniously with the straight waistline rising up slightly all the way to the rear end of the MINI Roadster Concept. When closed, on the other hand, the contours of the roof from a roadster-like roofline merging into the low rear end beneath the rear window.

The rear view is characterised by innovative design features clearly originating from the design language so typical of the MINI. The side sections, rear air dam and luggage compartment lid all come together to form a smooth and harmonious sculpture not only boasting the cascading style so typical of the brand, but also taking up existing elements in a new, unique look.

Increasing step-by-step in width from top to bottom, the rear view of the MINI Roadster Concept gives the car a particularly powerful stance on the road also from this angle, the wide track symbolising the strong grip of the wheels for supreme agility, a particularly sporting style of motoring, and safe handling at all times.
The rear light clusters surrounded by wide chrome frames in their upright arrangement are also typical of the brand. The design of the wheel arches and the horizontal flow of the rear panel at the top, on the other hand, take up the design language already to be admired at the front.

In its breakdown and configuration, the rear air dam again shows a clear resemblance to the structure of the front air intake, featuring a diffuser split up into two elements for a smooth and swirl-free flow of air beneath the car.

Impressively functional: large storage space and through-loading to the passenger compartment.
The unusually large and generous luggage compartment beneath the short rear end in typical roadster style offers lots of space for a car of this kind. Deliberately creating the car without a rear seat bench, the designers of the MINI ¬Roadster Concept offer additional options to take along even large and bulky objects in the luggage compartment, thus optimising on the benefits offered by a compact roadster with this concept.

With the soft roof of the MINI Roadster Concept resting directly behind the seats, luggage capacity remains the same at 250 litres or 8.8 cubic feet with the roof both open and closed. And thanks to the low sill, loading the luggage compartment even with heavy and bulky objects is very easy and convenient.

Like the soft roof reduced in size to a minimum, the extra-large luggage compartment is the result of the roadster concept implemented consistently on the car. At the same time the function-oriented design of the new model in typical MINI style provides a range of carefully conceived features setting also the regular production models from MINI clearly aside from their competitors in the market.

This principle borne out on the current production models by features such as the Easy-Load function on the MINI Convertible makes a lasting contribution to the superior substance of the car. The result is a whole range of innovative solutions quite unique in this segment and underlining the premium character of the MINI brand.

On the MINI Roadster Concept these features include through-loading from the passenger compartment to the luggage compartment quite unique on such a compact roadster, the bulkhead between the passenger compartment and the luggage compartment incorporating a lockable opening. This gives the driver and passenger the opportunity to reach their travel utensils in the luggage compartment while driving, keeping bags with, say, beverages, a music CD or maps safe but readily accessible at all times.

Consistent safety concept: stable body structure and rollbar moving up instantaneously when required.
Consistent consideration of occupant safety right from the start in developing the MINI Roadster Concept again underlines the particular quality of this concept car, the safety features provided following the safety technology already developed for the MINI Convertible.

The MINI Roadster Concept therefore comes with an exceptionally strong and stable body structure, the stiff passenger cell, high-load bearing elements and precisely defined deformation zones including crash boxes at the front serving to smoothly divert and absorb impact energy. At the same time the concept car boasts a particularly stiff floorpan as well as extremely strong A-pillars and side-sills.

Occupant safety in the event of a rollover, obviously a particular challenge in an open car, has also been given special consideration in the comprehensive safety system developed for the MINI Roadster Concept, a full-size rollbar moving up instantaneously whenever required from behind the headrests, thus following the same philosophy presented for the first time on the MINI Convertible.

This single-piece aluminium bar spanning the entire width of the interior and moving up electromechanically when required within 150 milliseconds, together with the reinforced windscreen frame, provides maximum occupant safety as part of the passenger cell. In its resting position the rollbar does not extend beyond the headrests, thus not obstructing the driver’s visibility to the rear. And designed as a single-piece element, the rollbar allows full integration of the through-loading connecting the luggage compartment and the passenger compartment.

Interior: elegant and sophisticated ambience with exclusive colours and materials.
The MINI Roadster Concept simply begs the driver and passenger to enjoy spontaneous driving pleasure with nothing but the sky above. The powerful flair of the exterior and the soft roof opening and closing quickly and conveniently with one single movement of your hand gives this concept car particular appeal and wonderful driving qualities.

The MINI Roadster Concept therefore addresses in particular a young and modern target group wishing to enjoy the full pleasure of driving in the open air as part of their active lifestyle, showing their appreciation of a premium car and the individual style of the MINI brand.

The sophisticated character and quality of this two-seater is clearly expressed not only by the harmonious and typical design of the exterior, but also by the high standard of craftsmanship, high-class materials and an exclusive range of colours within the interior.

Wide-opening doors offer the driver and passenger convenient access to the interior where they will enjoy sports seats with ample, high-quality padding in Lounge leather. A three-spoke leather sports steering wheel complete with multi-function buttons ensures smooth steering even in tight bends and on winding roads, as well as safe and easy operation of the car’s audio and communication functions. All other control elements are arranged ergonomically for convenient use, taking the frequency of their operation into account.

The breakdown of the cockpit, the dashboard and centre console all follow the particular style of interior design so typical of MINI. Horizontal lines and air vents positioned far to the outside accentuate the sheer width of the dashboard and, at the same time, the generous look and dimensions of the interior. The slender centre console, in turn, offers the driver and passenger maximum legroom and freedom of movement, while the structure of the door panels now follows a new interpretation with the main elliptic element fully closed.

The rev counter on the MINI Roadster Concept again comes directly behind the steering wheel, with the speedometer forming part of the central instrument in the upper section of the centre console. Well-known as the Center Speedo, this striking instrument also comprises the audio system as well as the car’s entertainment and navigation functions.

The MINI Roadster Concept comes with a multi-functional display in the cockpit enabling the driver to choose the information presented. Placed to the left of the rev counter, this display serves among other things to inform the driver exactly down to the last minute how long he has been driving with the roof down, thus providing the same function as the Always Open Timer already featured on the MINI Convertible today.

This additional instrument is activated as soon as the driver starts the engine and completely opens the soft top of the car.

Apart from the Always Open function, this control instrument comes with five further indicators again typical of MINI, combining the driving pleasure of the MINI Roadster Concept with sustainability and a feature typical of the MINI Community: The Nature Guard function tells the driver how efficiently he is driving at the moment and whether the position of the gas pedal is appropriate for the speed at which the car is travelling and the gear selected. At a glance, therefore, the driver can see how to save fuel.

Should the driver wish to enjoy maximum performance, on the other hand, the Highspeed Shifter gear indicator tells him when and how to use the maximum power of the engine.

Supplementing this performance program, the Gravity indicator presents the lateral forces, g-forces and the direction of acceleration acting on the driver and the car.
Heart Beat, to present the next example, visualises the speed of the engine by referring to the human heart beat as a yardstick: The more sporting the driver’s style of motoring, the faster the heart will beat.

Buddy Radar, finally, is a MINI Community feature showing the driver where other MINI drivers are currently out on the road nearby the MINI Roadster Concept.

The colours and materials within the MINI Roadster Concept clearly symbolise the exclusive style of the car and a strong focus on quality. Wooden interior trim and carefully selected colour highlights on the door linings and seat upholstery, for example, provide specific contrasts to the interior kept discreetly in black. At the same time the sporting elegance of the interior is additionally accentuated by the piping on the leather seats and the Chrome Line finish.

New standard of go-kart feeling thanks to the optimisation of
weight and modern suspension technology.
With its current model range, MINI already sets the standard for driving pleasure going far beyond the small car segment. And now, in its purist form, the MINI offers all the character of an agile performer with supreme handling in bends and on winding roads. The MINI Clubman and MINI Convertible, in turn, combine the unique handling so typical of the brand with their own distinctive features and qualities.
Powerful engines and suspension technology far superior in the small car segment ensure a unique driving experience under all conditions, front-wheel drive, powerful disc brakes on all four wheels, the front axle with McPherson spring struts and a central arm rear axle with aluminium longitudinal arms and anti-roll bars providing the foundation for unparalleled safety and agility on the road.

EPS Electronic Power Steering with speed-related power assistance enables the driver to steer precisely through bends, providing consistent feedback on road surface and driving conditions. At the same time on-demand variation of power assistance helps to make the car even more efficient. Equipped with this kind of modern drivetrain and suspension technology, the MINI Roadster concept would be perfectly suited to provide a new and very appealing rendition of that go-kart feeling so typical of the brand. Doing without a fixed roof and introducing appropriate body reinforcements instead, the shift in weight on the car enhances its agility to an even higher standard. This, in turn, noticeably reduces body movements and optimises the car’s steering behaviour in bends.

Traditional values, modern quality, future-oriented concept.
Practical qualities, sporting talent and a high standard of all-round economy have helped to ensure the popularity of the brand over no less than five decades. Representing the epitome of modern lifestyle, this small car has indeed become an outstanding success the world over.

Through all these years and decades MINI has re-invented itself time and again, always remaining faithful to its underlying philosophy. The anniversary year is therefore the ideal time to present the MINI Roadster Concept as yet another look into the future of the brand. This, therefore, is the vision of a sporting two-seater combining sophisticated design and exclusive features with spontaneous driving pleasure under the open sky and the uncomplicated enjoyment of premium motoring.

The traditional values of the brand also help to give the MINI Roadster Concept its unmistakable character, modern drivetrain technology providing further opportunities to combine an even higher level of performance with efficiency optimised to a new standard. At the same time the innovative concept of the car caters for the challenges of the future, offering a clear focus on both driving pleasure and all-round quality. So where less is more, the MINI Roadster Concept is a supreme rendition of purist design, offering style and enthusiasm of the highest standard.

One of the models based on the MINI Coupé Concept and a concept of the second vehicle will be unveiled for the first time to global media at Frankfurt Motor Show on 15 September. Images of the stunning MINI Coupé Concept were issued to press on 26 August 2009, exactly fifty years after the first classic Mini was presented to the public.

Likely to feature the impressive 1.6-litre turbocharged MINI John Cooper Works power train, the MINI Coupé Concept is designed to be the most dynamic and agile MINI ever built.  Strictly a two-seater, the low roof line, compact dimensions, perfect axle load distribution and lightweight construction are all trademarks of a genuine sports car.

Details of the second model have not yet been announced.

The two new models will join the existing Hatch, Clubman and Convertibles on the production line at Plant Oxford, where all derivatives are produced seamlessly just-in-time and just-in-sequence.

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said: “The production of the two new MINI models is very good news for Oxford, and for the UK car industry. It is a demonstration of BMW’s long term commitment to the UK as it celebrates its 50th birthday this year.

“British drivers have had a long love affair with the MINI and I’m sure that this will continue for many years to come.”

Dr. Juergen Hedrich, Managing Director of MINI Plant Oxford, said: “The fact that Plant Oxford will be building these exciting new models shows the high level of flexibility of the plant and its associates.  The MINI family has a bright future.”

Start dates for these two new models to enter production will be confirmed in due course.

[Source: BMW ]

Now the bad news: despite the fact that we and many other publications were led to believe that the MINI Crossover will also be unveiled at Frankfurt, well, that’s the bad news part. According to MINI, the first crossover coming out of the Oxford gates will debut in early 2010.

Sources indicate that the Crossover model will play a big role in MINI’s future strategy and will serve as basis for many other models to come.

As some of you might remember, the MINI Crossover Concept made its debut last October at the Paris Auto Show and if we were to guess on a future venue for its launch, we would go with Detroit.

[Source: InsideLine ]

It was designed as a two seater which brings out the idea of a MINI roadster vehicle rather than a coupe. Due to its rear-end design line, the MINI Coupe Concept lacks trunk space, the only storage space is behind the seats. .

Under the hood, MINI Coupe Concept uses the same engine from JCW, a 1.6 liter four cylinder turbocharged engine which produces 211 horsepower and 260 Nm (192 lb-ft) of torque.

According to sources, MINI Coupe Concept could be seen on the road in two to three years from now. No official name either at this point, but MINI considered names like Speedwell, Broadspeed or Downton.

Based on the John Cooper Works bodystyle, the MINI Coupe Concept measures 146.1 inches overall, 66.1 inches wide and 53.3 inches tall. It was designed as a two seater which brings out the idea of a MINI roadster vehicle rather than a coupe. Due to its rear-end design line, the MINI Coupe Concept lacks trunk space, the only storage space is behind the seats. The cargo space measures about 8.8 cubic feet and in the production model, it will be accessible through the a big hatch.

Under the hood, MINI Coupe Concept uses the same engine from JCW, a 1.6 liter four cylinder turbocharged engine which produces 211 horsepower and 260 Nm (192 lb-ft) of torque.

The car was designed by a team led by MINI’s Design Director Gert Hilderbrand and it was sketched by Marcus Syring. The interior is based on the one found in the regular MINI, similar dash with slightly more luxurious touches. The interior is done Oliver Leghard and the color palette was chosen by Annette Baumeister.

Even though the final decision has not been made, the MINI Coupe Concept could be seen on the road in two to three years from now. No official name either at this point, but MINI considered names like Speedwell, Broadspeed or Downton.

As always with any new models, we have a full gallery of wallpapers for your personal viewing.

MINI is celebrating a great birthday: Exactly fifty years ago, on 26 August 1959, the classic Mini was presented to the public for the first time, a unique story of success starting out and today giving MINI the perfect opportunity to look ahead without losing sight of the brand’s great tradition.

The MINI Coupé Concept is an expression of MINI design and the great ability of the brand’s designers to fill the elementary values of the brand with new life, using the options of modern drivetrain and suspension technology, and developing fascinating perspectives for the future of the brand on this basis.

Presenting the concept of an uncompromisingly sporting two-seater to be seen for the first time at the Frankfurt Motor Show (17–27 September 2009), MINI is unveiling an unusually attractive vision of how the model family may well develop in future. The source of inspiration is once again the fundamental motive so characteristic of every MINI: driving pleasure. The MINI Coupé Concept therefore represents the ideal of a car destined in every respect to offer a thrilling experience and make every journey a truly unique thrill.

The MINI Coupé Concept brings together a wide range of features for a truly sporting and ambitious style of motoring. Limited to two seats and following a philosophy of consistent lightweight construction, the car clearly meets all the requirements made of a particularly active and dynamic coupé. Compact dimensions, perfect axle load distribution and a low centre of gravity offer ideal conditions for enhancing the agility typical of MINI to a level never seen before.

Through its design alone, the MINI Coupé Concept brings out all the thrill of individual mobility and the focus on pure driving pleasure. Powerful proportions and dynamic design language evoke a sense of desire and strong appeal, the MINI Coupé Concept offering a particularly undiluted expression of the brand through its sporting and unconventional stance on the road.

The MINI Coupé Concept: an invitation to enjoy spontaneous mobility.

With the growing model portfolio, the popularity of the MINI brand has also grown consistently in recent years. The MINI has moved beyond the restraints of urban mobility, opening up additional options and winning over new target groups. And MINI allows you to enjoy spontaneous mobility, sporting and agile handling and unmistakable style on virtually every occasion.

The current models in the range already meet the most varied demands. As individual characters in their own right, the MINI, MINI Clubman and MINI Convertible all offer a unique rendition of the driving experience so typical of the brand. And now the MINI Coupé Concept brings out driving pleasure in its most concentrated form, extreme lightweight technology making this two-seater particularly agile and unusually efficient. At the same time the low roofline, the precisely defined spoiler edge at the rear and other aerodynamic features enhance the car’s performance to an even higher standard. So that in its design and in the use of high-performance drivetrain technology, the MINI Coupé Concept offers ideal conditions as a compact sports car in the premium segment.

This two-seater is designed to accommodate even the most powerful engine currently available in the MINI – and with the 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbocharged power unit carried over from the MINI John Cooper Works, the MINI Coupé Concept offers truly outstanding performance. Maximum output is 155 kW/211 hp, peak torque 260 Newton-metres/192 lb-ft increasing through the Overboost function for a short while to an even more substantial 280 Newton-metres/206 lb-ft. And now the MINI Coupé Concept offers everything it takes to exceed even the supreme performance of the MINI John Cooper Works with this unique power unit.

At the same time this concept car clearly follows the BMW Group’s EfficientDynamics development strategy. More driving pleasure, lower emissions – the MINI Coupé Concept lives out this philosophy expressed by MINI as MINIMALISM in a particularly attractive manner.

Fifty years of MINI: a vision of tomorrow marking an anniversary of today.

Fifty years after the launch of the classic Mini, the appeal of the brand is greater than ever before, with the model range exuding sheer fascination wherever you go. And now, in the anniversary year of the brand, MINI is bringing together this unique tradition and the successful model range offered today with even greater creativity and technical innovation for a truly promising future.

The MINI Coupé Concept is a further milestone in this ongoing development of the brand. The car takes up elementary strengths of the MINI and, through its modern technology and an innovative body concept, offers new standards and characteristics never seen before. So that the MINI Coupé Concept offers many new highlights in adding yet a further character to the existing model range.

Exterior design: the look typical of MINI but with individual character.

The body design of the MINI Coupé Concept also bridges the gap from the earliest days of the Mini’s history all the way to the more distant future of the brand, emphasising the unique nature of the concept as well as its full membership in the MINI family. At the same time the individual and emotional design language arouses the expectation of a particularly thrilling experience on the road.

Especially at the front end of the car a number of icons typical of the brand, as well as the design style so characteristic of MINI, all come together to create a strong family resemblance. In addition, the individual look of the MINI Coupé Concept comes out also in the side view of the car as well as in the design of the rear end.

This unique new two-seater measures 3,714 millimetres (146.2″) in length and 1,683 millimetres (66.3″) in width. Height is 1,356 millimetres (53.4″). Through these dimensions and its athletic proportions alone, the MINI Coupé Concept stands out from the beginning as a compact and muscular sports machine.

The typical MINI look in particularly sporting style.

The new concept car carries over the unmistakable front end look from the four-seater MINI. Smoothly balanced contours on the engine lid characterised by wide and sweeping radii, the large headlights, the homogenous shape of the radiator grille and the wide lower air intake give each model that unique look, openness and charm so typical of the brand. Through the greater rake of the windscreen on the MINI Coupé Concept, the car looks even more striking and dynamic, the low and streamlined body proving clearly that the MINI Coupé Concept is a particularly outstanding performer.

The hexagon radiator grille and the large round headlights are unmistakable design features re-interpreting the front view of the classic Mini in particularly modern style. The direction indicators are integrated in the headlights, just above the innovative three-dimensional surrounds for the positioning lights and the foglamps. The entire front air dam has been adjusted to the sporting look of the car, standing out even wider and more striking than before.

The chrome radiator grille on the MINI Coupé Concept is the same as on the MINI Cooper S. The inner section in the grille is however finished with bars in body colour creating a clear sign of distinction at very first sight from the other members of the MINI family. The bonnet stripes also extend into the radiator grille to provide an even more sporting and dynamic touch.

With its very dynamic curvature and the stylised opening, bearing testimony to the power of the engine lurking within, the front lid likewise comes in the same look as on the particularly powerful versions of the MINI.

Individual roofline as a sign of sporting presence.

The side view of the MINI Coupé Concept also brings together features typical of the MINI family and new highlights in design to form a fascinating whole. The front side panels, for example, come straight from the MINI Convertible. The body joint forming the diagonal line characteristic of every MINI along the front lid and the surrounds on the front side indicators bearing out the style of the MINI Cooper S again provide an unmistakable sign of distinction with historic roots – here the classic Mini had a visible welding seam along the body.

The familiarity in design resulting from these features forms an attractive contrast to the far greater rake of the A-pillars leading into the brand-new, sweeping line of the roof. Large wheels and a high waistline already give the MINI, the MINI Clubman and the MINI Convertible a particularly powerful and sporting look, with the black strip around the lower section of the body underlining this compact appearance and short body overhangs front and rear emphasising the athletic stature of the car and bearing testimony to that typical go-kart feeling at very first sight.

All this now comes out even more convincingly in the MINI Coupé Concept, also through the unique flow of the roofline. The glazed section of the passenger cell referred to as the greenhouse, for example, is much lower and even more dynamic than on the brand’s “regular” models.

Another feature of the MINI Coupé Concept is the strongly inclined windscreen merging gently into the roof. At the rear the roofline initially moving straight back above the heads of the driver and front passenger flows on into the sturdy C-pillar. The entire roof with all its contours thus comes in a bridge shape quite unmistakable and featured for the first time on the MINI, made up of a strong rear cornerstone formed by the C-pillar and the almost filigree structure above the passenger cell.

The C-pillar is a strong visual expression of the particularly solid and torsionally rigid body structure providing not only superior occupant safety, but also the agility typical of MINI in fast manoeuvres. The C-pillar very powerful in design serves at the same time to guide your perspective towards the rear end of the car, while the side view of the MINI Coupè Concept forms a very strong and convincing wedge shape created by the roofline tapering out to the rear and the waistline rising up slightly in typical MINI style. All this gives the MINI Coupé Concept a forward-moving impression right from the start, the car clearly expressing its power and muscle even at a standstill. Through its design alone, therefore, the MINI Coupé Concept authentically visualises sporting qualities of the highest standard.

Striking contours and smooth flow of air ensured by the roof spoiler and the rear spoiler edge.

The rear-end design of the MINI Coupé Concept consistently follows the need to optimise the flow of air in the interest of both driving dynamics and efficiency. The principle of “form follows function” so essential to MINI, the look and design of various body elements, fully reflects the characteristic features and qualities of the car. Through its design alone, therefore, the MINI Coupé Concept clearly confirms its sporting potential in a particularly credible and convincing manner.

The rear spoiler with its wing profile at the same level as the C-pillar also makes a particularly effective contribution in guiding the air along the rear end of the MINI Coupé Concept. This large air guidance element spans the entire width of the roof, increasing aerodynamic downforce on the rear axle.

Tapering down elegantly, the rear window on this unique two-seater merges into a short and low rear end with staged contours in typical coupé design. Again, this follows the overriding objective to ensure an optimum flow of air without any turbulence harming the car’s aerodynamics – which is also why the air spoiler on the rear panel is appropriately sharp and clear in its profile.

Beneath the air spoiler at the rear the overall look and design of the MINI Coupé Concept follows the typical philosophy of the brand. Horizontal lines running parallel to one another emphasise the wide track of the car, the body growing wider from top to bottom in cascading style highlighting the muscular stance of the car resting on its wheels in that characteristic style.

The rear light clusters in upright arrangement and surrounded by a wide chrome frame are also typical of the brand. The rear air dam on the MINI Coupé Concept, in turn, comes with a diffuser split up into two sections and ensuring a smooth, swirl-free flow of air beneath the car.

Impressively functional: wide-opening tailgate, 
generous luggage space. The tailgate on the MINI Coupé Concept is yet another highlight of the car. Deliberately foregoing the rear seat bench, this unique two-seater offers lots of additional space for taking along all kinds of luggage.

Luggage capacity is 250 litres or 8.8 cu ft. To use this space most conveniently, the rear end of the MINI Coupé Concept comes with a large and wide-opening tailgate. Hinged above the roof spoiler, the entire tailgate including the rear window swings up gracefully, offering convenient access to the generous luggage space behind the rear seats of the car. And thanks to the low loading sill, accessing the luggage compartment with even heavy and bulky objects is significantly easier.

The complete design of the rear end with its large tailgate is yet another example of the functional design so typical of MINI. All options offered through the concept of the car are optimised to the highest standard through carefully thought-out solutions and a good overall balance. Indeed, this principle already to be admired on the brand’s existing models, for example through the easy-load function on the MINI Convertible, makes a significant contribution to the overall substance of the car. The result is a wide range of innovative solutions quite unique in the market, emphasising the premium character of the MINI brand.

On the MINI Coupé Concept this philosophy is borne out by yet another distinctive feature providing extra space and practical value: The bulkhead between the passenger and the luggage compartments comes with a lockable opening. The through-loading provided in this way, quite unusual on a two-seater coupe, gives the driver and passenger direct access even while driving to travel items they are taking along in the luggage compartment. So that bags with, say, beverages, a music CD or maps are stowed away safely but always within easy reach.

Interior: sports car ambience with an exclusive range of colours and materials. The MINI Coupé Concept combines the vision of a compact sports car with thrilling agility, on the one hand, and the individual flair and style of the MINI, on the other. Through its entire concept, the car is perfectly designed to offer concentrated driving pleasure of the highest standard. This is borne out not only through the extroverted exterior in its fascinating, sporting look, but also through the interior conceived from the start for active motoring.

Wide-opening doors give the driver and passenger convenient access to the interior, where they enjoy sports seats with strongly contoured side supports for a secure seating position even in particularly fast bends. A three-spoke leather sports steering wheel with multifunction buttons enables the driver to steer precisely into bends and control the audio or communication functions with maximum ease. All other control units, in turn, are arranged ergonomically on the dashboard, taking their frequency of use into account. The breakdown of the cockpit, the dashboard and centre console again follows that special interior design so typical of MINI. Horizontal lines and air vents placed far to the outside emphasise the sheer width of the instrument panel and, at the same time, the generous style of the interior, the slender centre console giving the driver and passenger maximum legroom. The structure of the door linings so typical of the brand, finally, has also been re-interpreted, with the elliptic main element now completely closed in.

The MINI Coupé Concept also comes with a large rev counter directly behind the steering wheel, while the speedometer is part of the central instrument in the upper section of the dashboard. This circular instrument well known as the Center Speedo also houses the audio system as well as the optional entertainment and navigation functions.

Two Chronoswiss clocks to the right and left of the rev counter provide a close link to earlier concept cars by MINI, bridging the gap between the analogue age of the classic Mini and the digital age of the MINI. One clock is a purpose-built stopwatch for taking lap times, the second clock shows the time in classic style.

The colours and materials featured inside the MINI Coupé Concept symbolise the classic sportiness of the car. Like the dashboard, the roof lining of this unprecedented two-seater comes in black providing a calm atmosphere just right for concentrating on driving conditions and essential requirements. Black trim bars combined with a carbon interior trim strip, finally, further enhance this purist look.

Lightweight construction and modern suspension technology 
providing a new feeling of go-kart driving.

The MINI Coupé Concept is definitely a MINI and definitely a sports car. The particular charm of this combination results from both the drivetrain and the suspension technology already featured in the current production models, as well as the special highlights of this two-seater concept car.

Over and above their body design, the MINI, MINI Clubman and MINI Convertible already set the standard today for agility and driving pleasure in their respective segments. Powerful engines and suspension technology quite superior in the small car segment then ensure a truly unique driving experience. Front-wheel drive, powerful disc brakes on all four wheels, the front axle with McPherson spring struts and a centrally guided rear axle with aluminium longitudinal arms and anti-roll bars set the foundation for uniquely safe and agile handling.

EPS Electronic Power Steering with speed-related power assistance, finally, ensures precise manoeuvring round bends and gives the driver exact feedback at all times on road and driving conditions. At the same time on-demand management of steering assistance serves to maximise the car’s efficiency.

The MINI Coupé Concept offers ideal conditions for raising the go-kart feeling created by the car’s drivetrain and suspension technology to an even higher standard. Its entire construction is based on a lightweight concept reducing weight particularly where it really counts for even greater agility. As an example, this two-seater comes with an aluminium roof not only optimising the overall weight of the car, but also lowering the car’s centre of gravity for a significant reduction of body movement and optimised driving behaviour. Since lower weight also means greater efficiency, the MINI Coupé Concept again offers the option to combine even greater driving pleasure with fuel consumption and CO2 emissions reduced to a minimum as an important sign of our times.

Traditional values, modern quality, progressive concept. Sporting success and agile handling of the highest standard are significant highlights in the history of MINI now going back five decades – and both factors have made a fundamental contribution to the ongoing popularity of this small premium car.

Three overall wins in the Monte Carlo Rally and the concept of driving pleasure expressed so clearly by the car’s go-kart feeling definitely confirm the sporting potential of this small compact both back then and today. The anniversary year is therefore the ideal time to present the MINI Coupé Concept as the vision of an uncompromisingly active sports car. Another concept car presented even before the re-launch of the MINI brand proves that this philosophy has always fuelled the creativity of the MINI’s designers: The MINI Concept Monte Carlo presented in 1997 was a two-seater with a 160-hp mid-mounted engine. Through its design alone, this concept car already came with a wide range of features destined to be taken up again by the first MINI, short body overhangs front and rear, round headlights and the re-interpretation of the hexagon radiator grille providing an outlook at important styling elements on the production model to follow later. With its extremely powerful body and direct references to motorsport, the MINI Concept Monte Carlo also made a clear pledge to the rally history of the brand.

Now the MINI Coupé Concept, through its unique look, takes up the almost aggressive and extroverted appearance of that former concept car, at the same time providing a new link between the history, the present and the future of the brand. It takes up traditional values of the MINI brand and combines them with the most advanced technologies to offer a fascinating vision of how the MINI model family may continue.

Once again, therefore, MINI is following the needs and wishes of new target groups fully appreciative of the individual style of the brand and associating this character with clearly defined product features. The MINI Coupé Concept addresses the motorist thrilled by that unique combination of driving pleasure, lifestyle, and premium quality so typical of MINI and, at the same time, looking for sporting driving qualities of an even higher standard.

Fifty years later, we know that few vehicle concepts have survived as long or achieved such popularity. No other vehicle has ever spawned such a wide range of variants as the Mini.

Last year’s MINI E premiere was definitely one of the highlights of MINI’s long history, fulfilling its future promise in a way that no one could have foreseen 50 years ago.

Reducing fuel consumption was already becoming an important issue for vehicle developers fifty years ago. Back in 1956 the Suez crisis and petrol rationing were major factors for the automobile industry. BMC management gave designer Alec Issigonis the following guidelines: the Mini must make creative use of the limited space available; accommodate four passengers; and guarantee perfect handling and low fuel consumption.

By 1962 – within three years of its market launch – Mini production already exceeded 200,000 vehicles a year. Once the world’s rich and famous (Peter Sellers, the Beatles, Brigitte Bardot, Clint Eastwood, Lord Snowdon, Twiggy…) adopted the Mini as their preferred city car, it rapidly became the symbol of an entire generation. Over the next 40 years the Mini became an icon – a brand with a unique tradition and charm that appealed to all ages.

Brand re-launch
Following its acquisition of Rover in March 1994, the BMW Group decided to revive the MINI brand tradition and continue writing Mini’s history: The new MINI was to create a unique premium brand with unmistakeable charisma and excellent product qualities in the compact segment – respecting its history, but at the same time meeting the needs of its present customers. The brand was successfully re-launched thanks to consistent positioning as a premium global brand and a clear focus on its new target customers. The re-launch relied upon excellent product qualities and a modern design that paid tribute to its earlier iconic status. Communications also give the brand a consistent global profile, or to be more precise, a unique MINI feeling: MINI not just as an A-to-B car – but as an expression of an outgoing and spontaneous lifestyle, with “enthusiasm” at the very heart of the MINI brand.

MINI as a pillar of the BMW Group
Since the MINI brand’s acquisition by the BMW Group, it has become an important element in the BMW portfolio. MINI sales have increased every year since 2002, with more than 232,000 MINI brand vehicles sold in 2008. The United States was the single largest market for MINI cars last year. To date almost 1.5 million vehicles have been sold worldwide since the “New MINI” was launched in 2001. Its characteristic combination of driving fun, individualistic style and premium quality has led to rising sales on all continents in recent years. This unique premium compact car is now sold in 80 countries around the world, with Brazil becoming its newest market in 2009. The MINI brand has come of age and become an important pillar of the BMW Group in virtually all international markets.

Like the rest of the automobile industry, MINI has been unable to escape the effects of the global economic crisis this year. However, by July 2009, with deliveries up 0.3%, sales of MINI brand vehicles were already slightly higher than in July of the previous year at 19,281 vehicles. The new MINI Convertible in particular, which has been available since late March, has given sales a boost. Last month, the brand reported its best July sales ever in Germany (3,207/ +16.1%). On the international markets, 120,813 MINI cars were sold in the year to the end of July.

Production Triangle
The BMW Group has invested more than 380 million British pounds in the MINI plant in Oxford since 2001, as well as a further 100 million pounds in the Hams Hall and Swindon production facilities which also form part of the MINI Production Triangle. The MINI plant in Oxford is currently jointly manufacturing the MINI, MINI Clubman and MINI Convertible models. It is also producing the extremely sporty MINI John Cooper Works, MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and MINI John Cooper Works Convertible models. Around 1.24 million of the 1.5 million MINI vehicles so far built in Oxford were based on the traditional body design of the standard hard-roofed two-door version. The Oxford plant has also produced some 179,000 MINI Convertibles, as well as 79,000 MINI Clubman. If these figures are added to sales of the classic Mini, the brand can claim to have sold 6.8 million vehicles worldwide.

Outlook
The MINI 50 Camden and MINI 50 Mayfair birthday editions will make their world debut at the IAA 2009, where further product surprises await visitors. To mark its 50th birthday, the MINI presence will focus on the brand’s 50-year success story. Visitors will be greeted by an oversized “What a Birthday. It’s MINI.” banner. With its MINI, MINI Clubman and MINI Convertible versions, the brand’s potential is far from exhausted. Ventures into other vehicle segments are another appealing prospect for its designers. While the MINI Crossover Concept may appear to be a typical example of the MINI design philosophy – it is also a new model version without historical roots that can take the brand to a whole new dimension. The market launch of the MINI Crossover is scheduled for 2010.

[Source: BMW ]

“MINI owners appreciate technological innovation and will welcome the additional peace of mind that comes from having fast, easy access to the free roadside services provided during their warranty period,” said Jim McDowell, Vice President MINI USA.

Whether it’s for a battery boost or to replace a flat tire, the new MINI Road Assist app for iPhone and BlackBerry users puts control in the driver’s hand – and handset. Perhaps the best part, it eliminates the need for lengthy conversations about vital vehicle information and location and jumps directly to sending help after a short call.

To begin using the app, MINI owners will need to download it to their iPhone or compatible BlackBerry device. Step-by-step instructions guide users to enter their Vehicle I.D. (VIN), name, address and other details – even uploading a photo of their MINI. When a MINI owner needs roadside help, they simply launch the app, select their service need and press the “call” button. Their user information, vehicle location and service need are all transmitted automatically to customer service representatives – saving valuable time to get them motoring again as quickly as possible.

This feature utilizes global positioning system (GPS) technology, pinpointing a caller’s location to help customer service representatives identify the nearest available service provider and communicating their exact location. Once service is confirmed, the mobile app delivers the driver with the service provider’s name, an estimated time of arrival and an automated service follows up to ensure the issue has been resolved.

“As the exclusive provider of roadside assistance for MINI USA and a number of other prestigious auto brands, Allstate Roadside Services is proud to launch this application designed to enhance the MINI owner’s experience,” said Patrick O’Brien, president of Allstate Roadside Services.

In the U.S., BMW offered 450 MINI E vehicles to only the residents of New York, New Jersey and Los Angeles. The total number of requests exceeded 1,800, despite the $850 monthly lease payment.

The first customer to receive the MINI E was Peter Trap, a Los Angeles resident, who is documenting his one year MINI E lease on a personal blog. These early customers are helping BMW gather all the feedback and information needed, so a more accurate real-life usage can be recorded.

Initial responses include a wide variety of input including:

• Optimization of the energy consumption through brake regeneration
• Managing the trip to the amount of range available
• Feedback on continued development regarding on-board efficiencies

More information in the press release below

ELECTRIC-POWERED MINI E TRIAL PROVIDES PRACTICAL, REAL-WORLD FEEDBACK FROM HUNDREDS OF DRIVERS

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – August 13, 2009. Two months into its pioneering field trials of electric-powered automobiles, MINI USA is gathering valuable, real-world data from 450 drivers of MINI E electric-powered vehicles.

These vehicles are now in daily use in metropolitan New York, New Jersey and Los Angeles, where they are being driven by private customers, municipalities, universities, public utilities, non-profit and commercial organizations.

Since the field trials began in June, these experiences have been fed back to MINI USA, with users describing what it is like to live with, and to drive a vehicle that has a purely electric drivetrain. Initial responses include a wide variety of input including:
o Optimization of the energy consumption through brake regeneration
o Managing the trip to the amount of range available
o Feedback on continued development regarding on-board efficiencies

A research partnership between the BMW Group and the University of California at Davis (UC Davis) has been established to further focus on real-world experiences with the MINI E, and is expected to provide valuable insights into real-life usage and perceptions about electric vehicles during the trial period. The study is gathering information from 50 voluntary participants, a subset of the 450 MINI E customers in the US, through online travel diaries, written questionnaires and a series of interviews conducted throughout the one-year study.

Several MINI E pioneers have started blogging about their experiences on the web, reporting on detailed aspects of their day-to-day experiences of their plug-in MINI.

“The feedback and data provided by these early users is valuable because it comes from real-world, everyday use and not some laboratory experiment,” said Jim McDowell, Vice President, MINI USA. “Whether it’s coming from the UC Davis research, consumer blog sites or from direct feedback to our company, this trial is giving us an important insight into the practicalities of using an electric powered vehicle in this country.”

Residential charging stations have been installed in the garages of MINI E drivers. There are two high voltage charging systems – the 220 volt 32 amp system allows a full charge in three to five hours, while a 48 amp system allows a full charge in two to three hours. Every MINI E comes with a 110 volt cable that allows MINI E drivers to also charge the car at locations away from home charging points.

MINI customers have always had a unique sense of camaraderie and this project has taken it to the next level. One group of customers has created a web site to share their charging stations with other MINI E pioneers for “charging on the go”: http://www.waterway4.com/mini-e/.

The 100-mile range on a single charge that is being reported in the trials is an accurate reflection of the typical range of the MINI E on a full charge driven in the variable conditions of the real world. Although one contributor to a dedicated MINI E Facebook group has reported that he has achieved 141.2 miles on a single charge. The driving range of an electric vehicle depends on the driving style and environmental conditions, much more so than a conventional vehicle and is an important real-world consideration for future attention and product development.

In preparation for the field trials, the BMW Group was involved in discussions with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help determine an official range for the MINI E and obtain EPA certification as well as the appropriate Electric Vehicle Energy Consumption labels. The company also worked closely with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to obtain Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) certification.

This pioneering experiment has presented several challenges. As part of the installation process for MINI E residential charging systems, the project was complicated by the flexibility needed to meet a range of local community code compliance issues. There were some initial delays in supplying the 220 volt cables for the fast-charging wall boxes and in obtaining Underwriters Laboratory (UL) approval for the charging boxes from local building inspectors in some cities. These challenges are now resolved.

The MINI E is the first chapter of BMW Group’s Project i, the company’s long-term commitment to research and develop a new type of vehicle specifically to meet the needs of the world’s fastest growing mega-cities, where the majority of vehicle growth will come in the next 20 years.

Just last week BMW Group announced that it has opted for SB LiMotive as the supplier of battery cells for the first megacity vehicle.

[Source: BMW ]

The front-bumper has the same wider separation between the  top and bottom grille sections that we have seen in the latest spy photos. The headlights have also been drawn slightly different from the Concept Crossover unveiled at the last Paris Motor Show.

The MINI Crossman/Countryman will be offered with a four standard with a four seating configuration, but some markets will have the option of a 5-seater vehicle as well. The MINI crossover measures 158 in. long, 63 in. high, and 72 in. wide, with a wheelbase of 102.6 in.

It is also expected to have a relatively low ride height and it will be available both with the regular front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive which is rumored to have been imported from BMW models.

The MINI Crossover will make its debut at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show and it is interesting to see how it will measure against the BMW X1 and its targeted customers.

[Source: Road and Track ]

Time will tell, but in the mean time……..

Turned up to Eleven : The Amplification of MINI.

MINI is more than just a brand , MINI envelopes Culture , Music , Film and Fashion as a integral part to it’s urban lifestyle city car status.

Moving in new directions for the brand is inevitable to justify it’s appeal to more consumers , people that want new lifestyle choices in our cars today and more personal cars whether they be pure sports cars or regular runabouts.

When traveling in a car albeit a back seat passenger you get to understand the purpose of the car , sitting back either in day or light there is cars of different size , different shape , cars that are equally sporty to cars that are regular shapes but they all have a purpose whether it is a hatchback , a coupe , a roadster , a supercar or a sedan.

When introduced in 2001 MINI was at the beginning identified as just a car , until the culture kicked off and surpassed the original claim that the MINI will be a passing fashion just as the VW beetle was before it.
Now we have come further and still no chance of the MINI fad being far from over.
At first MINI was labeled a small premium hatchback but has since matured into a lifestyle of it’s own it represents culture and a lifestyle that no matter how much other manufacturers say they will develop a MINI killer that they just do not understand the appeal of MINI.
For MINI customers some enjoy the image , more enjoy the feel of driving a MINI , and some reckon the MINI is just automotive Nirvana.

MINI has come a lot further since it’s introduction in 2001 and when you see a MINI today in a passing car you can see the MINI in 3 different formats – The MINI hatch , Cabrio and the Clubman.
This triplicate of MINI’s each having a different purpose like any other car.
How do you progress a brand like MINI ? , How can you keep MINI Exciting? Successfully labelled as the “Other” MINI The MINI Clubman offered an individual first progression of a new concept for MINI , a successful integration of the MINI Clubman as a unique Individual choice which not only appealed to current MINI owners but brought some new clientle to the MINI brand.
MINI Clubman was born from the idea of usibility in a MINI but make it more unique and appealing to a MINI customer with that fun factor to progress the fact that underneath the uniqueness and individuality there is a MINI underneath and that means no lack of typical MINI driving characteristics.
Leaving the MINI SAV aside at the moment , The MINI crossover is possibly the right product at the right time especially against high fuel consumption SUV’s. The MINI CrossOver is like the MINI and the MINI Clubman still a MINI so the SAV will remain nimble , and responsive as a MINI should be but with a commanding driving position.

What more can be done to Progress the typical MINI character ?
Make it lower , Make it dynamically more raked , tweak the design to suit it’s most sporting incarnation yet but overall make it so appealing that MINI enthusiasts will want one while aspiring MINI customers will adhere to have one.

The idea of a MINI Speedster was initially discussed in the early stages of the first under BMW developed MINI . Back then we had the idea to experiment and see what is interesting as design concepts to show off that MINI will not be a passing fashion and that we wanted to bring a fun factor to small cars which was lacking in that period.
The press after they saw our ideas were very enthusiastic regarding a MINI Speedster , unfortunately the birth of MINI to the market place took considerable time to establish it self which is a rule at BMW that the first product must establish itself before we begin production development of additional variants. By the time the establishment period had identified the car was a huge success , already attention was switching to the next generation MINI leaving marketing to concentrate on only the MINI Cabrio and the MINI GP.

Now that the current MINI family is about to complete with an additional MINI SAV model. MINI turned to the creative side to discuss how to keep the brand ticking over until the next generation MINI arrives in a few years. The rule of marketing is that we look at each car intensively and see if current platforms can be used for ideas that are coming through the design studios. At MINI design there has always been the creativity to work on ideas that would suit the MINI brand , The Clubman was like the Speedster intended for the first MINI , a Speedster for the second MINI was not originally intended as BMW reckoned the Cabrio would be self sufficient.
The MINI Cabrio does have appeal and the greater percentage of MINI cabrio owners worldwide are Female , so how do you appeal to the Male demographic? The good thing is that the MINI is seen as a car that is universal with models that appeal to both male and Female customers.
But more and often there comes a car that can lure your customers away from your brand and it is how to retain the customer who wants something more personal and interesting from a typical sports car concept.
The MINI Speedster is purely intent to offer customers the opportunity to see how far MINI can go in it’s Individuality , not everyone wants a Clubman as is not everyone wants to see the brand offer an SAV.
MINI Speedster is a car that will offer the characteristics that are evident with the MINI brand whilst keeping the Image and the Lifestyle intact.
Identified as “MINI Amplified to 11″ shows that the engineering department are working well within the chosen brief to make it so exciting that MINI customers have never experienced anything like this before in a typical MINI. MINI Speedster is conceived from the current MINI Cabrio (R57) platform with a wider track for a compact , squat look with equally massaged wheel arches with the typical MINI cladding highly evident.
The headlights follow a more raked into the corners look surrounding a wide MINI grille , The S model will feature the hood mounted air intake bit will be positioned as if it is a bulge on the bonnet with two lines disappearing before the windscreen meets the bonnet. The screen is more raked back than a typical MINI with the cockpit being retained from the current MINI but will feature new color and trim pieces for a unique Individual appearance. The MINI speedster is strictly for two with the loss of the rear passenger compartment being covered by twin buttress canopy that secures the easily fixed hood. Roll bars are positioned at the front of these buttresses, the rear deck is short and stubby with the MINI tail lamps , the exhaust like the MINI Cooper S is centrally mounted but the rear intake is larger as is the front intake.

In making the MINI Speedster such a unique choice that will offer a lot of appeal. The color and trim department have been devising unique color choices that signify the vibrant amplification , such as a new unique shade of Orange that in high sunlight turns bright gold , a Unique shade of Gold that again in sunlight reveals a rust type of effect, A new Blue which is very gray in tone like the effect you see on the top of a Great white shark. As is a new metallic green like the original Light Green but more vibrant.

MINI Speedster is seen as having something Post recession that will offer something that today only exists in enthusiast manufacturers and not in mainstream segments.

Originally born as a Speedster but with designers adding a roof to the model to develop a unique twin brother a sporting coupe that will offer more structural areas which will provide an even more sporting model with the Coupe. Known internally as the “BroadSpeed” and incarnation taken from the MINI history books , although not properly and officially licensed by BMW. The challenges of going from the Speedster to the Coupe have met with many design challenges , 1 example is the shape of the rear window , with many models depicting a typical MINI like rear squared off that wraps around the c pillar ? , A Ford Fiesta type rising Window line ? One idea definitely nixed is a BMW typical window line , The finished model takes the idea off the Broadspeed but shrinks it allowing a sloping roof and a rounder quarter light with a shallow glasshouse.
Like the Speedster the Coupe will remain a two seater.

The idea of a Coupe was introduced after investigation that there was a period that there were small cars like this especially from Japanese manufacturers such as the Honda Civic CRX either in both it’s original Coupe incarnation or the later sliding hardtop model , or the Toyota MR2 , One model which was around at the time of the 2001 MINI was Fords Puma a small front wheel drive coupe which based on an existing Ford The Fiesta offered an excellent handling small coupe. It is true that no one really offers anything like this today but they are coming both Honda and Toyota have something under development.

Again it falls under of focusing on the compact and city segments to further your growth , a direction that both BMW and MINI have invested highly in for the future. It is this area where customers will be advancing to new vehicle concepts that are either making a return to the market or indeed as BMW know well enough creating new niche’s.

With the promise of excellent driving dynamics , a unique image and adequate performance for such a car , engines are at first limited to the Twin scroll Turbo as found in the MINI Cooper S and a JCW model initially , Other engines will be added but not at first , Although engineering and design are done inhouse at BMW , chassis will be made at Oxford whereas Body shells and final marriage will take place within a 3rd manufacturing site (not Magna Steyer)

Will the cars be universally received by the MINI Community , I would like to say yes because I am sure there are customers who will be enticed by such a concept for MINI , not only current customers but customers who could be new to the MINI brand is always at the front of our minds.
It’s a car that could do well with further integration of the image of MINI to customers who might want something exciting enough that they never previously considered the MINI brand. Especially older customers who might be partial to the Speedster as an interpretation of those classic British Sports cars driving along say- Highway one in California , either during the day or at sunset with the roof open and the occupants exposed to the elements. A car that can conjure up some past emotions for some another for just listening to your favourite music as you negotiate all those curves whilst retaining that permanent grin.

It’s believing in your product that makes you get excited at the prospect of a new concept it’s a MINI although turned up to 11, which is not an issue.
I dont think there is anything that can suit the brand better as the top MINI model of the brand portfolio that signifies what the brand has been about all along .