Sporty, irresistible – typically MINI.

MINI has faithfully reproduced its hallmark design language within the proportions of a roadster, bestowing on the open-top two-seater its unmistakable look and highlighting its elegant, sweeping silhouette even with the roof closed. The MINI Roadster’s soft-top can be quickly and easily opened by hand – allowing for spontaneous, concentrated top-down driving pleasure.

Moreover, with its 240-litre, visually distinct boot, the MINI Roadster offers versatile loading options, thanks in particular to the wide through-loading aperture behind the seats. The padded stainless steel roll-over bars and the windscreen frame round off the car’s elegant design – while at the same time ensuring optimal safety for both driver and passenger.

The ultimate go-kart feeling.

Powerful engines in tandem with precisely tuned suspension systems generate the customary MINI go-kart feeling. Meanwhile, front-wheel drive – another hallmark brand attribute – teams up with chassis technology of a quality unmatched in the small car segment to ensure unequalled driving fun. Also playing their part are the standard-fitted Dynamic Stability Control system and optimal aerodynamics even with the top down – thanks to an active rear spoiler which automatically extends when the MINI Roadster reaches 80 km/h (50 mph).

High-quality standard equipment, individual looks.

MINI Roadster drivers can also savour their car’s premium character in its high-quality range of standard equipment, which includes air conditioning, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, Park Distance Control, height-adjustable seats and an MP3-capable audio system with CD player and AUX IN connection. On the exterior paintwork front, the MINI Roadster has a palette of two non-metallic and six metallic shades to choose from, as well as three Sport Stripes variants for the bonnet, boot lid and rear aprons. The soft-top is black, in true British tradition. On the inside, the MINI Roadster likewise offers a diversity of design options, with seat and upholstery variants ranging from sporty/compact to elegant. They include exclusive piped sports seats in the colour shade Toffy, as well as black sports seats in Punch Leather with beige perforations, and any of six different trim strip options.

Top-down driving in style – fashion accessories for fresh-air fans.

Fans of open-top motoring will find the perfect accessories for the road in the MINI Lifestyle Collection. Whether you’re driving the new MINI Roadster or a MINI Convertible, MINI makes sure you kick off the open-air season in style. Sunglasses are indispensable companions in fine weather – both behind the wheel and in the passenger seat. The highlight feature of the Vintage Look Sunglasses John is a colourful Union Jack print on the inside of the earpieces. The Peter sunglasses, meanwhile, are a fashionable interpretation of the trendy Wayfarer silhouette with a Black Jack pattern on the inside.

The casual Street Cap with Union Jack badge will protect you against the wind, while the colourful Union Jack Scarf with an artistic UK flag design serves as an all-purpose head scarf or neck scarf. MINI Lifestyle Collection accessories are available on the internet at www.MINI.com/shop and from select MINI dealers.

Model variants: four sporty versions available.

The MINI Roadster will be launched on the market in four model variants. They range from the ultra-sporty MINI John Cooper Works Roadster with a handsome 211 hp, to the elegant MINI Cooper S Roadster and MINI Cooper Roadster, all the way to the frugal MINI Cooper SD Roadster, which requires just 4.5 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres (62.77 mpg imp).

[Source: MINI]

Two engine variants, MINI Cooper and Cooper S, will be offered for the MINI Convertible Highgate, which will be produced over a limited period at MINI Plant Oxford. The new special edition is due to go on sale worldwide in spring 2012.

New exterior paint finishes, soft-top colors and wheel designs developed specially for the MINI Convertible Highgate provide the external expression of its exclusive aura. The new body color, Iced Chocolate Metallic, captures the imagination with its refined and understated basic color, and a special pigmentation that reveals a subtle, bluish luster under the sun’s rays. In keeping with the theme, the brown soft-top roof also has a light metallic sheen. This distinctive look is further enhanced by brown/black bonnet stripes with blue edging. Midnight Black Metallic or White Silver Metallic paintwork can also be specified as an option.

The exterior mirror caps of the special-edition model are also painted in the body color. Another feature developed exclusively for the MINI Convertible Highgate are the 17-inch Double Cross light-alloy wheels in a refined, subtly-shaded aluminum color. The wheels’ spoke arrangement is inspired by the pattern of the Union Jack flag.

The “Highgate” lettering on the side indicator surrounds, door sills and seat tags is a nod to the car’s exclusive character, as are the bespoke colors and materials used in the interior. The Lounge Leather seats and leather Color Line elements come in Dark Truffle and feature light contrast stitching. Light blue piping on the seats and Dark Truffle contrast stitching on the gearshift/selector lever and handbrake gaiters are further highlights. Stainless steel pedals, Suntouched Brushed Alloy interior trim elements, the Chrome Line Interior package and floor mats with Dark Truffle edging round off the stylish interior ambience of the MINI Convertible Highgate.

The new special-edition model sees MINI once again emphasizing not only the individuality of the brand – as highlighted by the stand-out design features – but also links to its native Britain. The name of the new special-edition model is taken from one of the most exclusive residential areas of London. Located in the north of England’s capital, Highgate is known for its historic architecture and wide open green spaces, and is home to numerous showbiz celebrities.

In the U.S. the MINI Convertible Highgate can be ordered with the MINI Cooper (121 hp) engine for a package charge of $2,750 on top of the MINI Convertible base price, or with the MINI Cooper S (181 hp) engine for a package charge of $2,500. Both engines channel their power through a six-speed manual gearbox as standard or an optional six-speed automatic. Customers can add their own personal touches to the extensive standard equipment of the MINI Convertible Highgate by dipping into the wide assortment of options designed to enhance both comfort and driving fun.

[Source: MINI]

MINI Roadster is the sixth model in the brand’s current line-up and the first open-top two-seater in its history, and is currently having its press debut in Portugal. The Roadster sits more than 20 millimeters lower than the MINI Convertible and has an elegantly sweeping roadster look thanks to heavily raked A-pillars and a waistline rising up slightly along the length of the body towards the flat rear end.

Under the hood, the MINI Roadster includes latest-generation four-cylinder engines with the most powerful petrol and diesel units in the MINI line-up: MINI John Cooper Works Roadster with 155 kW/211 hp, MINI Cooper S Roadster with 135 kW/184 hp, MINI Cooper Roadster with 90 kW/122 hp, MINI Cooper SD Roadster with 105 kW/143 hp.

“A plethora of vehicles have been sold based on not-that-I-would-but-that-I-could rationale. And so it’s easy to see why Mini would release a bucking-bronco version of its already giddy Countryman S four-door stable mate. To put it simply: sex and fast cars sell. The vehicle then, surfacing from the MIni design house, is called the Countryman John Cooper Works, lovingly named after the performance tuner who turned the original Mini Cooper into a rally-winning race car.    

Though our test car was wrapped in psychedelic camouflage tape – the official launch of the Countryman JCW is still a year away – if you squint hard enough you can sort of see hints of the bulbous, bulging wheel arches and gaping air intakes of Mini’s factory World Rally Championship race car.  If the intention is to get people’s juices flowing and meld thrilling performance into the metallurgy of a practical four-door hatchback, then modeling the Countryman after its big-brother race car makes perfect sense.

Adding excitement while losing practicality and value, however, would be a recipe for disaster in such a hotly contested premium crossover market. Read on to discover whether Mini nailed the bull’s eye.”

The scope of work includes national brand creative, regional and dealer creative, media planning and buying for both national and co-op advertising. The digital work handled by Beam Interactive and multicultural marketing by Sanders Wingo will be retained by the two firms.

AdAge says the review reviews is not related to performance, but rather a directive by the BMW Group. “Mini USA has been very satisfied with BSSP’s services,” Tom Salkowsky, manager of Mini USA marketing, said in a statement. “They have helped support Mini’s growth over the years with groundbreaking, never-been-done-before creative. We are simply adhering to BMW Group corporate purchasing procedures by going to RFP,” He noted that BSSP will participate in the review.

John Butler, executive creative director at BSSP, feels confident that the company will win the new contract.

Out of the total $165 million spent by BMW on domestic advertising in 2010, only $26 million were allocated to MINI marketing.

Its latest advertising, themed “The Best Test Drive Ever. Period,” featured the winner of a contest who submitted a six-word description of his idea of the best-ever test drive. The winner is featured in a two-minute film and 90-second cinema commercial dramatizing his idea.

The MINI WRC Team continued seamlessly into 2012 after scoring two promising podium places during its 2011 learning and preparation year by impressively announcing its presence in the 2012 World Rally Championship. Dani Sordo in the number 37 MINI John Cooper Works WRC emphatically proved the performance of the car in the classic Rally Monte Carlo with a fine second place, simultaneously underscoring the winning spirit which reigns within the entire MINI WRC Team.

On the last special stage of the Rally Monte Carlo Dani Sordo ensured a perfect start to the season for his team. With the fourth fastest time on the 5,16 kilometre Powerstage he secured second place overall, having successfully fended off the advances of protagonist Petter Solberg, who had set three fastest times on the previous day to close within 19,1 seconds of Dani. At the finish Dani’s advantage over Solberg amounted to 28,7 seconds, with Sébastien Leob taking overall victory.

“To score a podium place on the Rally Monte Carlo is always something special,” said Dani at the finish. “We had to push hard towards the end, but the result proved well worth the effort.” After places three and two on last season’s Rallys Germany and France respectively, this result marks Dani’s third podium for the MINI WRC Team, bringing his career total to 32 in 92 starts. He has scored 19 second places, and 13 third overalls.

Team principal Dave Wilcock, too, was delighted by the performance delivered by the team on the opening round of the new WRC season. “We are very pleased with this result, and it is pretty special to come second in the Rally Monte Carlo with the MINI John Cooper Works WRC, particularly given the brand’s very successful history here,” said Wilcock. In the 60s the “Three Musketeers”, namely Paddy Hopkirk, Timo Mäkinen and Rauno Aaltonen, claimed three Rally Monte Carlo Rally victories with the classic Mini Cooper S to create a sensation in international rallying.

“Well done to Dani and Carlos. they did a great job,” added Wilcock. “Pierre and Sabrina delivered a good, solid job too. The team has worked hard. This means that their success is well deserved.” Pierre and his co-driver Sabrina de Castelli made their debut for the MINI WRC Team with the number 52 MINI WRC after Pierre made his WRC debut on the Rally France, placing a classified ninth overall on home soil in a privately-entered MINI.

Two privateer MINI WRC crews also celebrated positive results on the Rally Monte Carlo. Portugal’s Armindo Araujo finished tenth for his own WRC team to score a point in the opening round of the championship. Brazilian Paulo Nobre placed a classified 20th for Team Palmeirinha Rally in his MINI WRC.

[Source: MINI Motorsports ]

Both special-edition models will be produced over a limited period and offered for sale worldwide. The MINI Baker Street can be ordered in MINI One, MINI Cooper, MINI One D and MINI Cooper D guise, while the MINI Bayswater is available as a MINI Cooper, MINI Cooper S, MINI Cooper D and MINI Cooper SD.

MINI Baker Street: an individualist with a taste for extravagance.

New exterior and interior design details developed exclusively for the MINI Baker Street mark out this special-edition model. The Rooftop Grey metallic exterior paint shade combines with special bonnet stripes whose basic colour black is given extra character by a subtle V-shape design. 16-inch 6-Star twin-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in high-gloss black along with matching black exterior mirror caps present an attractive contrast to the bold, contemporary appearance of the new exterior paintwork.
The MINI Baker Street can also be ordered as an option in the body shades Pepper White and Midnight Black. In MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper D trim the roof is painted black, while “Baker Street” lettering on the side scuttles framing the side indicators points to the exclusive character of this special-edition model.

In the interior a fresh interpretation of the cloth/leather seats available for the standard MINI teams up with exclusive interior surfaces to create an unmistakable ambience. In traditional British style, the surfaces of the new seat variant in Cross Check Rooftop Grey light feature a diamond pattern. Cross Check Rooftop Grey light is also used for the surfaces of the cockpit and door trim and is combined with a Rooftop Grey light Colour Line. Light grey contrast stitching for the floor mats, gearshift/selector lever as well as the handbrake gaiters and seat tags which, like the door sills, bear “Baker Street” lettering, round off the array of bespoke interior features. The Chrome Line Interior package adds further lustre.

The equipment list for the MINI Baker Street also includes the Pepper Pack, which brings with it air conditioning, an on-board computer, a leather steering wheel, the Chrome Line Exterior package, front foglamps, a lighting package and height adjustment for the front passenger seat. The range of optional equipment, meanwhile, offers a host of other items with which customers can tailor their car to their personal requirements. The range of available engine variants for the MINI Baker Street spans the MINI One (72 kW/98 hp), MINI Cooper (90 kW/122 hp), MINI One D (66 kW/90 hp) and MINI Cooper D (82 kW/112 hp). All the engines channel their power through a six-speed manual gearbox as standard or an optional six-speed automatic.

For visitors to London and locals alike, the MINI Baker Street’s name will be synonymous with the address of a certain fictional hero. It is 125 years since Sherlock Holmes author Arthur Conan Doyle released his first story with the master detective in the title role. Today, the Sherlock Holmes Museum and Madame Tussauds waxworks museum can both be found just a stone’s throw from Baker Street underground station.

MINI Bayswater: the extrovert sportsman.

The MINI Bayswater wears its inherent sporting élan and extrovert style very much on its sleeve. The Kite Blue metallic exterior paintwork was created exclusively for the special-edition model, as was the interior design and 17-inch light-alloy Sandblast wheels with high-gloss black surfaces and bright machined rim and spoke edges. Midnight Black metallic and Eclipse Grey metallic paint shades can be ordered for the MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper SD as an alternative to the new, radiant Blue finish. The sporty appearance of the MINI Bayswater is emphasised by the black contrasting roof and the likewise newly created Sport Stripes for the bonnet, which streak dynamically towards the windscreen. The exterior mirror caps carry an identical stripe design – blue on the right-hand side of the car, grey on the left.

“Bayswater” lettering adorns the side indicator surrounds, door sills and seat tags. The Punch Leather seats come in the exclusive colour variant Rocklite Anthracite and include side bolsters sporting a metallic sheen and blue and grey contrast stitching. Two-tone contrast stitching also adorns the gearshift/selector lever and handbrake gaiters.

Other innovative design features in the interior include Piano Black cockpit trim strips, which continue the path set by the Sport Stripes over the bonnet, and the leather Colour Line elements in Rocklite Anthracite, whose classy character is emphasised by black stitching. The same leather variant is also used for the armrests, while the model-specific floor mats have anthracite-coloured edging and blue contrast stitching.

The MINI Bayswater also comes with stainless steel pedals and the Chrome Line Interior package, and includes the Pepper Pack in its range of equipment. Plus, the new special edition can likewise be specified with a wide variety of items from the optional equipment list if further individual touches are desired.

In keeping with its sporting charisma, the MINI Bayswater lines up for action with powerful engines at its fingertips. Customers can order their MINI Bayswater in MINI Cooper (90 kW/122 hp), MINI Cooper S (135 kW/184 hp), MINI Cooper D (82 kW/112 hp) or MINI Cooper SD (105 kW/143 hp) trim. The special-edition model is also delivered with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, while a six-speed automatic features in the options range.

The MINI Bayswater takes its name from an extremely vibrant area of London. Located to the west of the city centre – halfway between the shopping hot spots of Knightsbridge and Notting Hill – Bayswater is best known for its unusually high density of bars and restaurants, not to mention the adjacent and no less famous Hyde Park. MINI is therefore returning to the London theme to further accentuate the link with both its home country and the fascination surrounding the London lifestyle. Indeed, both the MINI Bayswater and MINI Baker Street are following in the tyre tracks of a naming tradition begun by the classic Mini and reprised more recently with the MINI Camden, MINI Mayfair and MINI Clubman Hampton special editions.

Segler refrained from offering specific details on the three models, but they will likely use the upcoming front-wheel drive platform that will be shared with the BMW family as well.

The second generation MINI Cooper that debuts in 2014 will be the first to use the new platform. With the additional models, it will bring the MINI family to a total number of 10 members.

This year, MINI debuts in the United States the MINI Coupe and Roadster, “the twins” that were revealed last year.

Another interesting titbit comes from Jim McDowell, head of MINI USA, who said that last year over 40 percent of MINI cars sold in the U.S. were custom-ordered.

To keep up with the explosive growth, the company plans to open new dealerships between now and 2014, for a total of 125.

[Source: AutoNews ]

I’ve yet to drive the Roadster, and given the sub zero temperatures and snowy weather of Kuhtai, I’ll patiently wait for sizzling Toronto summer weather – but in the mean time I’m deeply confused about which car – the Coupe or the Roadster – I would pick.

Given that they both handle similarly, minus some rigidity in the chassis and a little extra weight for the roadster, of course, I’m at a fork in the road. While my time behind the wheel was limited, I was truly smitten with the Coupe’s character. But if you pulled its roof open, it could deliver the extra aural pleasure and wind-in-your-hair feeling that hardtops can never quite deliver.

I’ve always thought that the MINI Coupe would make for a great run-about car on Toronto roads (but then I’ve also felt that the Humvee would make for a great car for Toronto roads… for different reasons). It’s narrow width makes it adept to slipping through heavy traffic and narrow back alley short-cuts. Its style and character make it desirable from the sidewalk, and its efficiency makes sense when 90% of your driving is extra-urban.

Again, without driving them both, it’s hard to decide which would be the most rewarding. Stay tuned for BMWBLOG reviews of both the MINI Coupe and Roadster!

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

The company states that the problem with the affected models lies in the electronic circuit board that controls the electric auxiliary water pump, which cools the turbocharger. In some cases, that circuit board can overheat, causing smoldering and, in the worst-case scenario, a fire.

A similar recall was issued in 2011 for 32,000 BMW-branded vehicles.

The MINI recall affects 88,911 vehicles across multiple models and years:

2007-2011 MINI Cooper S
2008-2011 MINI Cooper S Clubman
2009-2011 MINI Cooper S Convertible
2011 MINI Cooper S Countryman
2009-2011 MINI John Cooper Works
2009 MINI John Cooper Works Clubman
2010-2011 MINI John Cooper Works Convertible

The owners will be alerted in February and after receiving a notice, they will be able to take their MINIs to a local dealer, who will replace the water pump free of charge.

If you have questions in the meantime, we encourage you to contact your local MINI dealer, or call BMW Customer Service at 866-275-6464. Alternately, you can ring the NHTSA at 888-327-4236 and ask about recall campaign #12V008000.

The MINI Coupe JCW is powered by a 1.6 liter four-cylinder petrol engine with twin-scroll turbocharger and direct injection, plus numerous technological details carried over directly from motor sport. The engine outputs 155 kW/211 hp at 6,000 rpm, has maximum torque of 260 Nm/192 lb-ft at 1,850 – 5,600 rpm (280 Nm/207 lb-ft with Overboost at 1,700 – 4,500 rpm). Acceleration from 0–100 km/h (62 mph) comes in 6.4 seconds, with a top speed of 240 km/h (149 mph).

Let’s have a look at the track results.

Test Results:

Acceleration
0-30 (sec): 2.6 (3.0 w/TC on)
0-45 (sec): 4.4 (5.0 w/TC on)
0-60 (sec): 6.7 (7.1 w/TC on)
0-60 with 1-ft Rollout (sec): 6.4 (6.9 w/TC on)
0-75 (sec): 9.0 (9.6 w/TC on)
1/4-Mile (sec @ mph): 14.6 @ 97.3 (15.1 @ 98.0 w/TC on)

Braking:
30-0 (ft): 28
60-0 (ft): 114

Handling
Slalom (mph): 68.5 ( 67.0 w/TC on)
Skid Pad Lateral acceleration (g): 0.91 ( 0.88 w/TC on)

Db @ Idle: 45.3
Db @ Full Throttle: 84.5
Db @ 70 mph Cruise: 68.2

Comments:

Acceleration: (58.2 mph @ redline in 2nd gear.) Fairly dramatic throttle closure with Trac on, and very easy to light tires with Trac off means a tricky launch either way. Boost hits hard at about 2,500-3,000 rpm. To make matters more frustrating, long-throw shifter has very narrow gates and I missed several shifts (e.g. 2-1 instead of 2-3!) This could spell disaster for some. Adequate cooling as trap speed fell only slightly.

Full review at InsideLine

The MINI Coupe comes fitted with a set of 18-inch diameter Mi2 bi-color alloy wheels can be fitted with 225/30, 215/35 or 205/40 tires or, alternatively, customers can opt for the company’s classic five spoke Mi1 alloy wheel in a 17-inch diameter.

To improve handling, AC Schnitzer includes their own limited slip differential, height-adjustable racing suspension kit, aluminum strut tower brace and rear axle anti-roll bar.

Performance enhancements include chip tuning for all models and stainless steel rear silencer or complete exhaust system for the Cooper S and John Cooper Works versions.

A high performance braking system is made available for the MINI Coupe: 4-piston fixed calipers with slotted discs, upgraded brake pads, caliper holder and braided steel brake lines.

Moving inside, there is a set of aluminum pedals, suede floor mats, a gear knob with digital gear display, “Black Line” handbrake cover, foot rests, handbrake handle and velours foot mats.

What MINI evidently overlooked, however, is the significance of the talent behind the wheel. Millions are being spent on MINI’s World Rally Championship efforts – so shaving money from the most important performance factor beside (well, inside) the car makes no sense at all.

Worse still, it’s rumored that MINI will be giving up Meeke’s seat to the highest bidder in an all too familiar “wimpy rich kid gets the drive” show down – or should we say ‘slow down.’ Look no further than Formula 1 to see how sluggish most rich-kid drivers have proven. Still not bad enough news for your tastes? It’s been said that this race seat will be sold to the highest bidder on a race-by-race basis! So on the unlikely chance that MINI finds a rich kid who actually has talent – it won’t matter much because there will be no consistency behind the wheel, he’ll likely be dispatched by the next illegitimate kid in a golden jump suit.

MINI, we know you march to the beat of your own drum and like to do things differently, but this is the wrong kind of different. If you’re serious about your racing endevours, don’t play around with your drivers.

Meeke is still under contract and it’s possible that he will remain at the helm for testing and development purposes. But with such limited seat time it would be far more difficult to positively influence the car.

BMWBLOG is looking forward to the 2012 WRC season, but with some trepidation given the recent news.

Now excuse me as I make a phone call to some wealthy relatives…

[News source: AutoCar]

From thousands of entries only one rose to the top, and MINI made it a reality. Mathew Foster’s entry was picked as #1 in The Best Test Drive Ever. Period.

Mathew’s six word entry: STEWARDESS, SALT FLATS, PARATROOPERS, SUSHI, FALCONER.

The MINI Coupe JCW is powered by a 1.6 liter four-cylinder petrol engine with twin-scroll turbocharger and direct injection, plus numerous technological details carried over directly from motor sport. The engine outputs 155 kW/211 hp at 6,000 rpm, has maximum torque of 260 Nm/192 lb-ft at 1,850 – 5,600 rpm (280 Nm/207 lb-ft with Overboost at 1,700 – 4,500 rpm). Acceleration from 0–100 km/h (62 mph) comes in 6.4 seconds, with a top speed of 240 km/h (149 mph).

[Source: MINI ]

Over 1000 guests at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel for the motorsport equivalent of the Oscars saw double World Champion Carlos Sainz present the coveted prize to Dr. Kay Segler, head of MINI Brand Management, and MINI WRC Team Principal David Richards. This is the first time the title has been awarded to any manufacturer other than Citroen since 2007.

“Wherever MINI has competed this year, it has seemed like all the fans have been cheering us on,” said Dr. Segler. “It is, therefore, fitting that it is the fans and readers of AUTOSPORT that have voted the MINI WRC as the Rally Car of the Year.”

David Richards: “This award caps what has been a truly memorable debut year for MINI in the World Rally Championship. This award is a testament to the dedication of the whole team behind the project in Banbury and the commitment of BMW and MINI who have fully supported the programme.”

Following the huge success enjoyed on the international rally scene in the 1960s, the MINI brand celebrated its return to the World Rally Championship at this year’s Rally Italy. Dani Sordo twice steered the number 37 MINI John Cooper Works WRC to a podium finish. The MINI WRC Team also won seven special stages.

As well as the two MINI works cars, up to four private MINI cars were also in action in the 2011 WRC. By the end of 2011, 15 MINI WRC cars will have been delivered to customers and in 2012 it’s anticipated that there will be as many as 80 car starts for customer teams in the WRC.

[Source: MINI ]

MINI of Charleston plans to begin building and selling turnkey B-Spec racecars early next year and will also offer conversion kits to owners of older cars.

All four of the major racing sanctioning bodies — SCCA, Grand Am, NASA and World Challenge — will host B-Spec races in 2012. The MINI racecar will be joining cars such as the Ford Fiesta, the Honda Fit, the Mazda2, the Toyota Yaris and the Kia Rio. MINI will expand its contingency program to include payouts next year to sanctioned B-Spec race teams with podium finishes.

Only MINI Cooper hardtops are eligible for B-Spec competition, so Convertible, Cooper S or John Cooper Works models need not apply.

All MINI Cooper B-Spec models use the 1.6 liter four-cylinder stock engine which makes 121 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. The cars are equipped with a KW coilover suspension, stock brakes with Carbotech pads and braided stainless lines, 15-inch Kosei wheels shod with series-specified Hoosier tires, a complete roll cage, Kirkey road racing seat and Schroth Hybrid III harnesses, a cage net and a window net.

MINI has yet to release the pricing details and availability date.

Before you skip straight to the comment section, I offer you some food for thought.

The topic for this week’s “Opposite Lock” has been bouncing around in my grey matter for some time, brought into focus however by the recent launch of the MINI Coupe. What a handsome product. The MINI Coupe is, in fact, the first MINI I’ve ever set my eyes on that gave me palpitations. I absolutely love its design, and in early photos it had me drooling. No one ever uses the rear seats anyway – to the best of my knowledge – so why not do away with them altogether and morph this car into something more impractical and indeed, exotic.

Ironically, eliminating the rear seats has actually made the new MINI more versatile and practical, with an impressive 8.8 cubic feet of rear storage space. Yet its newfound utility does nothing to detract from its enormous sex appeal. If Austin Powers makes a return to the big screen, you know what he’ll be driving.

With the above in mind, I saw the MINI Coupe in a completely different light from all previous MINIs. I saw the MINI Coupe both as a car that I want, and a car that meets my exhaustive criteria (well, nearly: the MINI is not RWD, nor does it have a LSD). “This little sports car would make quick work of Toronto,” I thought. But before rushing down to the dealership to put my name on a waiting list, one last ominous consideration popped into my mind: “How would I look in the MINI?”

As a recently single bachelor, this questions matters. Let’s be frank: if I pulled up to my next date’s house in a pink Mazda Miata, I would quickly find myself set firmly in the “friend zone.” “You’re so much fun!” she’ll say as she slaps my knee and giggles, concurrently checking out the driver of the passing mud-covered pickup. Truth is, in a dating environment as tough as Toronto’s – a man needs all the help he can get.

So back to the original question: “How macho is a MINI?” It’s funny that we just tripped over the Mazda Miata, because while even the “Urban Dictionary” defines it as a “chick car” – it remains one of the best driver’s cars on earth. It has a terrific chassis, balanced and playful handling, gears in all the right places (RWD, Manual 6-speed), and it’s light-weight to boot. There’s even a spec-racing series devoted to it; how much more macho can you get? And yet, somehow, the Mazda Miata remains etched in the collective opinion as a girly car, a “chick car.” We probably owe this travesty largely to Hollywood, who have done their share to use the Miata in estrogen-soaked product placement. Perhaps a stint as the next Bond car could undo the reputation? Pop-up machine guns and bumper mounted surface-to-air missiles could probably shoot down the populist image. Perhaps it doesn’t much matter though, as the Miata is still selling strongly after all these years – to satisfied male and female buyers.

The MINI is similarly a terrific driver’s car, with significant racing pedigree. Like the Miata, it is petite in proportions, and features arguably “cute” styling. Yet the MINI has largely evaded the “chick car” stigma. A consideration of the car’s history could help to explain why.

The original Mini (written in lower-case letters back then) was designed by Sir Alec Issigonis for the British Motor Corporation or BMC. The Mini was a tour-de-force of the time, uniquely space efficient thanks to its clever front wheel drive layout – allowing 80% of its footprint to be devoted to passenger accommodations. The Mini had an impressive run, produced from 1959 until the year 2000, largely in its original form and following the same basic construction. But the plot thickened in the year 1961. John Cooper, a friend of Alec and a successful Formula 1 and Rally race-car builder turned his eyes toward the Mini. He saw the performance potential in it, thanks in large part to its feather-light 650 kg (1,433 lb) curb weight. The Mini Cooper was born, and thanks to the ingenious performance tuning of Mr Cooper, Mini saw great racing successes around the world, namely in victories at the 1964, 1965, 1966 (technically, as they crossed the line first but were later frivolously disqualified) and 1967 Monte Carlo Rally. Hence, the MINI is seen as an icon of motorsport – and its rich racing lineage establishes it as a sports car before a “cute” car.

To this day, the MINI Cooper remains a true driver’s car. Okay, I prefer rear wheel drive sports cars – but as far as front wheel drive sports cars go, you’d be hard pressed to find a better performer. The Honda Civic SI is a great fwd product, fast and fun with a trick front limited slip differential – yet it somehow lacks the playfulness of the MINI. There are other front wheel drive sports cars that are worth a look – the Focus RS and the Fiat 500 Abarth among others – but at the end of the day, the MINI Cooper remains a favorite with its well-rounded performance.

The only issue I have with the MINI is its interior. If anything about the car can be labeled as girly – it’s the interior. Googly, big round instruments pop out from everywhere, and the overall look is bit feminine for my tastes. I would appreciate a second interior design option that tones down the vogue and offers more traditional lines and stronger surface tension. While we’re on the topic, I can also point criticism at the quality of the interior itself – full of cheap feeling plastics that bend and wiggle to the touch. I suspect MINI may have moved on and improved the quality of the plastics since the 2007 model Cooper I last drove, but I’ll have to test a new one to find out.

If the MINI is considered a “chick car” by some – it remains a car I’d be proud to drive. A “chick car” story pops into my mind, and it’s one that only builds adoration for the brand. I had spied a mint condition BMW E30 325iS out of the corner of my eye as it passed me on the Danforth. I immediately spun my car around in hot pursuit. When I came upon the E30, I found it was driven by an elderly lady. Perfect. In good condition and “lightly driven” I thought. I pulled along side the car at the next red light and motioned for the driver to lower her window. She looked back at me with a scared look, and took off for the next intersection. Thankfully, we were met by another red light, and after mustering what was apparently a more innocent smile, the driver rolled her window down. A brief conversation about her car ensued, and I soon found myself standing beside her car at the road side, in an engaging conversation.

Sheila turned out to be a proud grandmother – and E30 driver! She went on to explain that she would like to move on to an automatic transmission as her hip is beginning to pain her, but she just “can’t let go” of her E30. “It drives so well” she explained. After a few more minutes conversing she offered the root cause of her love of driving. Sheila used to rally race a Mini Cooper through the forests of England as a young teenager. “My Aunt used to stand as flag marshal, with a flag in one hand and a bottle of spirits in the other!” “I love driving, and I miss that car,” she exclaimed.

It was then that I realized two important things: If Sheila was several decades younger, we could have been a great match. Second, from the testimony of such an enthusiastic and experienced driver, the MINI Cooper is a brilliant car – for everyone.

How “Macho” is MINI in YOUR opinion? Tell us in the comment section below!

[Photo Credit: Historical Monte Carlo Race Photo, click here
MINIs old and new, click here.]

Whether it’s in Jamaica or in sunny Istanbul – MINI fans worldwide will have some real driving fun. This is clear from the current cross-media campaign with the start of the online film “Saturday in Istanbul”. The reveal film can be seen from now on at http://youtu.be/v04D-53Lh5M and on the MINI Brand channel atwww.youtube.com/MINI. TV, print and social web elements will follow from January 2012.

TV and print

“Another Day. Another Adventure.” – in the TV spot, the lust for adventure takes the new MINI Roadster to the metropolis of Istanbul. After using Rio de Janeiro, Iceland and Hong Kong as locations, the rising sun over the Bosporus offers plenty of potential for following less familiar paths. As the campaign claim announces, the “Saturday in Istanbul” spot once again presents a very special challenge for the new MINI Roadster. The American director Peter Berg, who is famous for films such as “ Hancock” and “Very Bad Things”, is responsible for the filming of the TV spot. The EMMY-nominated director has a great sense of humour, and will be presenting the new MINI Roadster from January 2012 in a way that is both entertaining and breathtaking. The music was written by the famous Turkish musician Orhan Gencebay (“Hayat Kavgasi”). The accompanying print advertisements and posters also awaken a desire for adventure with the MINI Roadster.

The print campaign shows the youngest member of the MINI family alone or with its accomplice, the MINI Coupé. Amusing and innovative slogans round off the print campaign.

Social Media

MINI fans particularly love the “All the Wrong Places” social media campaign, which was created by MINI in cooperation with VICE. In line with the campaign claim “Another Day. Another Adventure.”, our “Adventure Man” accompanies the MINI Coupé on its adventurous trip. The most exotic places and cultures around the globe are discovered. But the driver and the MINI Coupé are not alone on their voyage of discovery. MINI fans can not only follow their hero’s adventures online – they can also experience them directly, with a bit of luck. For each of the five adventures in all, a co-pilot from the MINI community will have the chance to go travelling with the “Adventure Man”. These special adventures will be presented as an online film in the social web. The first of the five documentary episodes shows the first lucky co-pilot’s trip in Japan. It can be seen from 14 November on MINI’s Facebook page, on MINIspace.com, on the MINI channel at youtube, and on the VICE websitewww.vice.com/allthewrongplaces. A further clip will follow every three weeks. The fifth episode with the new MINI Roadster offers the last chance to experience an extraordinary adventure with the latest member of the MINI family. From 21 November 2011, MINI fans will be able as usual to upload their personal profile to Facebook, at www.facebook.com/MINI, and to tell MINI why they are the perfect co-pilot for the turbulent excursion with the MINI Roadster.

http://youtu.be/v04D-53Lh5M

www.youtube.com/MINI

www.facebook.com/MINI

www.vice.com/allthewrongplaces

[Source: MINI ]