autoMedia Auto News Blog : Mini

autoMedia CARnival 11-20-09: This week in Auto Blogs

Brandy Schaffels — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:06:00 GMT

It's the week ending November 20, and we've browsed our favorite automotive ...(read more)

autoMedia CARnival October 23, 2009: This week in Auto Blogs

Brandy Schaffels — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:55:00 GMT

It's the week ending October 23, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather the highlights from each. Toyota's problem with unintended acceleration remains in the headlines at LeftLaneNews where they suggest the problem goes deeper than loose floormats, perhaps even to a flawed design with a highly computerized engine control system that lacks a fail-safe mechanism for emergency situations. Betcha that's something lots of people are thinking! Tokyo Motor Show is underway, and as much as we especially love all the fun concepts and high-tech prototypes we see there every two years, we also love the Tokyo booth babes, whose costumes are even more funky than the vehicles themselves. Carscoop has posted a gallery of Tokyo Motor Show girls that perfectly illustrate this point. And yes, they also show some fun cars too. Lounging under the influence: A Minnesota man took his motorized La-Z-Boy out for a drive, and after drinking eight or nine beers, crashed it into a parked car while trying to "pop a wheelie." Apparently, his blood alcohol limit was 0.29 - more than three times the legal limit. Yeah, if I had a cushy chair powered by a...(read more)

Could Quiet Cars Get Custom Soundtracks?

Brandy Schaffels — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Safety experts have become so concerned that today's whisper-quiet hybrid and electric cars may pose a danger to visually-impaired pedestrians that they've introduced a study to investigate whether such vehicles should have artificial soundtracks to help people nearby hear them....(read more)

autoMedia CARnival 9-18-09: This week in the auto blogs

Brandy Schaffels — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 10:01:00 GMT

It's the week ending September 18, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather a collection of what we feel is the highlight from each. The Frankfurt Motor Show was the main focus online this week, with exotic alternative fuel concept vehicles such as the the Audi e-tron, Peugeot Globule shapeshifting electric car, Mercedes-Benz BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS, and the Volkswagen E-Up and L1 arnering a fair amount of attention. More traditional vehicles, such as the Ford C-Max compact crossover,
Lexus 600h, Mini Cooper Coupe Concept, next-gen Toyota LandCruiser, 2010 Aston Martin Rapide,
2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, and even an 800-hp Brabus E V12, also gathered headlines. Take your pick, the smorgasbord of vehicles at Frankfurt truly offered something for every automotive taste.

We can always count on Jalopnik for the most unusual tidbit each week. Yes, we can. So, how about a gallery demonstrating the types of the automobiles found parked at everyone's favorite world's largest retailer. No, these are not art cars: they are the cars of WalMart.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety celebrated its 50th anniversary by crashing a modern Chevy Malibu into 1959 Bel Air. The intent of the crash was intended to demonstrate how the leaps and bounds taken in automotive design contribute to passenger safety. Autoblog has an interesting assessment of the video, and while it's sad to see the demise of a perfectly lovely classic car, it's even sadder to see what happened to its crash-test-dummy driver. And as usual, the readers' comments are quite interesting as well.

The Holden Commodore enjoyed a brief run as the Pontiac G8 in the United States, but that came to an end with the demise of Pontiac this summer. Although GM has denied plans to sell a rebadged Commodore as a Chevrolet to U.S. consumers, the automaker might have a new set of customers: American police departments. Apparently, according to LeftLaneNews, General Motors CEO Fritz Henderson recently confirmed in an Australian media interview, rumors saying a Commodore police cruiser could be destined for America.

Jay Leno should be nicknamed "The Regurgitator," because you just can't keep that man down! After leaving "The Tonight Show," Leno has recently reappeared in a new primetime talkshow format, and with him he brings his interest in specialty automobiles. AutoBlogGreen has info on Jay's Green Car Challenge, which puts celebrities behind the wheel of an electric Ford Focus competing for best possible lap times.

President Obama made the headlines at Consumer Reports in a blog about his recent visit to a General Motors factory in Ohio. While there, the POTUS unveiled new regulations for fuel economy: By 2012 new cars and trucks must average 29.2 mpg, but those targets will increase to average 35.5 mpg by 2016. Apparently, according to research at CR, "more than 80 percent of Americans said fuel economy was the most important factor in choosing a new car."

Have you ever taken a good close look at the collection of automotive gadgets found in those onboard airline product catalogs? Just because most of us really CAN live without animated hitch critters doesn't mean we can't still secretly wish for them! AskPatty reviews the Delta Airlines "Skymiles" catalog, and discovers some practical devices meant to make life in and with your car more convenient.

Thanks for joining us for this week's autoMedia.com CARnival! Have you got something of interest you want us to include in a future carnival? Then fill out our online form so we can be notified of your interesting entry to our weekly blog CAR-nival. Check back next week for another installment--until then, have a great weekend!

Brandy Schaffels, autoMedia.com Contributing Editor

Frankfurt: Mini Cooper Coupe Concept

admin — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 02:19:00 GMT

Designed to be the most dynamic and agile Mini ever built, the Mini Cooper Coupe makes its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show this week. Production intent has not been announced for this concept, though the automaker says it aims to offer a varied and exciting range of small premium cars to customers in the coming years and has reaffirmed that a crossover model is in the final stages of development.

Looking like a chopped Cooper hatchback with a toupee, the coupe retains all the essential Mini styling cues below the beltline. Despite the dramatic look, it measures just two inches lower than a production hatchback. The roof is constructed of weight-saving aluminum, and it visually lowers the profile while retaining head room.

Inside, there is sculpted, two-tone bucket seating for just the driver and a front passenger. The interior appears common with the production cars, with the exception of two Chronoswiss clocks to the right and left of the tachometer remniscient of earlier Mini concept cars. Rear luggage space is access via a liftgate hinged above the rear spoiler.

Mini says the car was engineered to accept the most powerful engine in the current line-up, the 1.6-liter turbocharged four found in the John Cooper Works models. Presumably, it could therefore also be fitted with a thriftier, naturally aspirated powerplant.

Public reaction will no doubt be a key influence in this concept car’s chances to see production.

Read our Mini Cooper Clubman and John Cooper Works reviews.

autoMedia CARnival July 10, 2009: What is happening this week in the auto blogs?

Brandy Schaffels — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:55:00 GMT

It's the week ending July 10, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather a collection of what we feel is the highlight from each. The biggest news of the week is that GM President and CEO Fritz Henderson led a "state of the company" address this morning, describing the three top priorities for the new General Motors as it emerges from bankruptcy....(read more)

Mini to Add 17 New Dealers – Any Near You?

admin — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 03:08:00 GMT

Mini has weathered the economic storm well, being laser-focused on fun, fuel-efficient vehicles. The larger Clubman broadened the brand’s appeal, and there is reported a new crossover type model now in the works. Where other company’s are cutting their dealer body by the hundreds, Mini is about to increase its by 20 percent over the next 18 months. (Read our Mini Cooper Clubman and Mini John Cooper Works reviews.)

Of course, that is a modest 17 new stores, added to the current 83. This speaks well to Mini USA’s health and future prospects. Further, it means Mini dealers will be more accessible to shoppers and owners. A critical weakness for consumers has been how few and far between dealers are, compounded by the fact that BMW dealers won’t service the Mini Coopers. This made it hard for owners, making routine maintenance a logistical challenge that may involve time off from work and considerable drives.

Well, that will soon change in Birmingham, Alabama. In addition, Mini will later open dealerships in the following cities: Pensacola, Florida; Alexandria, Virginia; Austin, Texas; Seattle, Washington; Fort Myers, Florida; El Paso, Texas; Ontario, California; Louisville, Kentucky; Raleigh, North Carolina; Knoxville, Tennessee; Loveland, Colorado; Madison, Wisconsin; Mount Laurel, New Jersey; Allentown, Pennsylvania; San Diego, California and Tempe, Arizona.

Research the Mini Cooper coupe, convertible, and Clubman in the 2009 new car buyer’s guide.

autoMedia CARnival June 5, 2009: What's happening this week in the auto blogs? June 5, 2009

Brandy Schaffels — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 12:00:00 GMT

It's Friday, June 5, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather a collection of what we feel is the highlight from each. The biggest auto news of the week is that GM officially declared bankruptcy on Monday, while Chrysler emerged from its own on Tuesday. Punctuating those announcements is an offer by a Chinese construction-equipment manufacturer to purchase Hummer. It just makes one's head spin! What have you got planned for this weekend? Keep an eye out for Brooklyn Hilary and her green Ford Fiesta as she road trips across the country. Details for all this can be found below!

First off, what are you driving today? Apparently, according to the folks over at Motor Trend, Mini has asked its owners to give their car the day off on Friday, June 5, to show support of World Environment Day. The website says "World Environment Day is an event organized by the United Nations that first began in 1972. It's always on June 5 and, like Earth Day, seeks to increase worldwide awareness of the environment." Mini suggests you "organize a walk pool," "take the pedal off the metal," and "burn calories, instead of fuel."

E3 is visiting the halls of the Los Angeles Convention Center, and the gamers at AutoBlog have shared a sneak peak at the upcoming version of Forza Motorsport 3. Gamers know that the physics engines, track reproductions, and the vehicle renderings have become so realistic that, between Forza and Gran Turismo, there is no longer a vehicle or road course that can't be experienced in full glory with a racecar driver's glee. Like this? We've got overviews of several other driving games, here at autoMedia.com.

"There are no second chances," stressed General Motors CEO Fritz Henderson, as he wrapped up a media briefing called to detail the bankruptcy of the 101-year-old automaker. Despite the announcemenet, Paul Eisenstein at The Detroit Bureau believes there are plenty of things right about General Motors that will support its eventual revival.

Chrysler might be emerging from its own bankruptcy, but dealership owners across the country are racing against the calendar to get their inventories sold before their contracts expire. In what has become the poster child for the dire situations faced by Chrysler dealerships nationwide, The Car Connection details the saga of this Pohanka showroom slashing prices to unload its last 40 cars. The dealership has until June 9 to dispense with all its cars; after that date, it can't legally sell them as its franchise agreement has been ended by the bankruptcy courts, and Chrysler won't be compelled to take the cars and trucks back.

LeftLaneNews reports the Hummer brand will find a new home with China's Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery Company. While that change of ownership will no doubt alter several aspects of the off-road marque, Hummer head Jim Taylor says the brand will keep true to its original DNA. And, if you can somehow manage to roll it, look for the "made in China" sticker underneath!

Autobloggreen has an ongoing series of features called "Greenlings" meant to help educate the green motoring neophyte. This week's article details how gasoline turbocharged direct injected engines operate, and explains why they are expected to become one of the more popular choices coming over the next several years.

Jalopnik knows that if you drive anywhere, you must encounter traffic signals. However, while our boring red/yellow/green signals can be annoying, we apparently have nothing on these 15 crazy traffic signals. Click to view the detail shots in the gallery, and then you'll be thankful for our boring, annoying traditional red/yellow/green traffic lights.

Are you following the Fiesta Movement? AutomotiveTraveler.com is featuring Fiesta Agent #41 Brooklyn Hilary and her adventures in her Euro-spec Ford Fiesta. Can you believe she's put 10,000 miles on her car in just six weeks? Can't think of a better way to learn to drive than to take this fun little car on a cross-country tour. Or Two. Stay tuned, it appears Hilary has lots of driving fun in store for her Fiesta.

Thanks for joining us for this week's autoMedia.com CARnival! Have you got something of interest you want us to include in a future carnival? Then fill out our online form so we can be notified of your interesting entry to our weekly blog CAR-nival. Check back next week for another installment--until then, have a great weekend!

Brandy Schaffels, Contributing Editor

Mini Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Cooper Fun

Brandy Schaffels — Wed, 27 May 2009 13:00:00 GMT

It was August 1959 when British Motor Corporation showed its first two models: The Morris Mini-Minor and the Austin Seven. These two tiny British cars made the most of their diminutive dimensions, offering excellent fuel economy, seating for four, and such charming character that they quickly developed a fanatic following.

Fast forward to 2009, and Mini is celebrating its 50th birthday. Nobody knew when it debuted that the Mini would become such an iconic vehicle, or that it would generate such a cultlike crowd of adoring drivers, but 50 years later at this month’s Mini United event at the legendary British race track in Silverstone, United Kingdom, 25,000 fans from more than 40 countries made the pilgrimage to pay homage to their favorite little car. They made the road trip driving more than 10,000 Mini models, most of them lovingly individualized to fit each owner’s particular taste.

There were plenty of unique models on display at the event to get pulses racing among the visiting crowd, including vehicles customized by British fashion designer Paul Smith, David Bowie, Kate Moss, Missoni, and acclaimed illustrator and graphic designer Alan Aldridge. Also on hand were the original cars from films like “The Italian Job” and “Austin Powers.”

In the days of the classic Mini, only particularly prominent or affluent customers had the option to choose special customization features straight from the plant. However, Mini has released some very fun special-edition and highly customized cars in the recent few months, so I thought I’d share a few of them with you here.

Mini celebrated its 50th birthday with a reinterpretation of George Harrison’s flamboyant model presented at the Mini United event to his widow Olivia. The car will be auctioned this year to raise funds for the Material World Charitable Foundation, a charity George Harrison founded in 1973. This fun Mini Cooper has been designed according to the wishes of Olivia Harrison and rekindles the look of George's famous original with colorful paintings of psychedelic images such as yantras and Sanskrit mantras.

One of the pair of production models specially created for the anniversary is the Mini 50 Mayfair: For the first time, and only on this anniversary model, the body is finished in special Hot Chocolate metallic paintwork trimmed with light-brown Toffy metallic stripes and white roof. (The body is also available in Pepper White or Midnight Black.) Inside, the car is fitted with gorgeous toffy leather seats, special floormats, and piano black and chrome trim. Special Mayfair logos announce its exclusive provenance. The second anniversary vehicle is the Mini 50 Camden, painted in a technical looking silver, white, and black paint scheme outside (as well as Midnight Black metallic or Horizon Blue metallic), and Carbon Black interior with Fluid Silver trim. Two-tone seats combine leather and cloth as well as white and turquoise to create a stunning interior, which also stars an amazing Harmon-Kardon audio system and “Mission Control” style in-car entertainment system. Special Camden logos identify this vehicle’s unique standing. Both cars are fitted with the usual assortment of standard Mini equipment and 17-inch light-alloy wheels, as well as distinctive “50” badging to signify this important anniversary.

Another notable vehicle recently released includes the outlandish pink-and-leopard-spotted model created for this year’s “Life Ball.” Now in its eight year, the Life Ball held annually in Vienna is the largest charity event in Europe, generating revenues for national and international aids care projects. Designed by David and Phillipe Blond for Katy Perry, the wild cat theme continues on the inside, where the seats and part of the dashboard are lined with black imitation fur and floormats feature black, glittery, deep-pile carpeting. Fans wishing to own this one-off model can enter to win the Life Ball MINI 2009 in a prize draw: Tickets will be on sale until the end of August and the official draw will take place on September 1, 2009. Detailed information on the drawing can be found at www.mini.at and www.lifeball.org. All proceeds from the prize draw will go to Life Ball and projects fighting HIV/AIDS.

Finally, have you seen the MINI Cooper S Clubman and Airstream creation designed by The Republic of Fritz Hansen? Airstream and Mini teamed up to combine design and functionality in this one-off concept presented in April at the Interni Design Energies exhibition at the world-renowned Salone del Mobile show in Milan. Drawing inspiration from the outdoor lifestyle of surfing, the Airstream interior features new interpretations of Arne Jacobsen’s Egg™ and Swan™ Chair and a table set up with four unique Series Seven™ chairs, allowing plenty of room for guests. Sleek wood panelling top it off, giving it the ultimate “modern surfer” look. The Mini Cooper S Clubman is predominately jet black with black “wetsuit” neoprene accents and green trim; the 22-foot silver Airstream trailer shares the same exterior details but will have an interior designed for beach goers with such features as a waterproof interior and a cool sun bathing bed. This one is just to look at; no announcements have been made regarding winning it in a contest or any other type of special purchase.

Happy 50th Birthday to the Mini Cooper! How much do you love the Mini Cooper? Are you considering purchasing one for yourself? Then check out our review of the 2009 MINI John Cooper Works or Mini Clubman here at autoMedia.com

By Brandy Schaffels
Contributing Editor

Top 10 2009 Fuel-Efficient Favorites

Editor — Sat, 16 May 2009 05:57:00 GMT

While we’re more than six months away from ringing in the 2010 calendar year, and several manufacturers are already—or soon will be—selling 2010 models, we decided to piece together this list of the top 10 best-selling green cars for the 2009 model year, with city/highway mileage figures. Click on any of the make/model names to get pricing, specs and a brief overview about each in autoMedia.com’s 2009 New Car Buyer’s Guide.

1. 2009 Toyota Prius: 48/45

2. 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid: 40/45

3. 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid: 35/33

4. 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD: 29/27

5. 2009 Smart fortwo: 33/41

6. 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid: 33/34

7. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI: 30/41

8. 2009 Toyota Yaris: 29/35

9. 2009 MINI Cooper: 26/34

10. 2009 Honda Fit: 28/35

And, even though sales results obviously aren’t in yet, here are some of the most significant new high-mileage competitors, one of which may just knock its own predecessor from the number one spot. Click on any of these to read the full road test review on autoMedia.com.

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

2010 Honda Insight

2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid

2010 Toyota Prius

-Deborah Neal, Editorial Director

U.S. Car Sales Tank in November

admin — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 02:04:00 GMT

As the monthly sales figures have poured in for November, it is clear that the economic impact on the auto industry goes far beyond the Big 3 automakers. While Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors may be in the media spotlight for their hybrid drives to Washington, D.C., with proposals in hand, every brand except Mini has revealed major double-digit year-on-year sales drops.

Often cited as examples of how companies have been able to better predict today’s economic challenges and more quickly react to it, Honda and Toyota were both hard hit. Despite a product line known for its fuel economy and a redesign (and quite good) Fit hatchback, Honda has seen sales plummet 30.6%. Saddled with some larger vehicles, Toyota has shown a 33.8% drop.

Still, that is just a prelude to the Big 3. Chrysler Corp. is down 47%, Ford Motor Company 30.6%, and General Motors 41.3%. Even Nissan, who sounded relatively confident at the recent LA Auto Show, has seen a 42.2% drop.

The single brand hardest hit is the crisis poster child, Hummer, at 63.9%.

Should one of the major domestic companies fall under the weight of its credit crisis, suppliers will follow, and the domino effect will shatter the industry. Tough times, indeed.

What can you do?

Take advantage of the stellar deals available from hungry dealerships and buy a car. Short of that, visit theengineofdemocracy.com, an independent site by an automotive industry coalition. It includes the industry’s perspective and ways you can show your support.

Research a new car in our 2009 buyer's guide and give the industry some economic stimulus.

Unveiled: 2010 Mini Cooper Convertible

admin — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 22:55:00 GMT

Well ahead of its scheduled debut in January at the Detroit auto show, the next-generation Mini Cooper Convertible has been officially unveiled online. Following the pattern with the previous Mini, and also with each BMW 3 Series generation, the Mini hardtop has been on sale for a couple years before being joined by the redesigned convertible.

The new Convertible has a neat trick: there is a sliding roof section that can be opened while driving, like a moonroof, leaving the rest of the soft top up. This allows for spontaneous open-air motoring. The entire top can be lowered in just 15 seconds, and the transformation can occur at speeds up to 20 mph. A fun extra, the car has a unique Openometer next to the tachometer that challenges the driver to log as many top-down miles as possible by recording the hours spent open-air motoring.

To maximize the limited storage space, the split rear-seat backrests fold flat and there is a rear tailgate that exposes the luggage space. Behind the seatbacks is a single-piece rollover protection bar. It tucks neatly away without obstructing the driver’s visibility, and it moves into position automatically when a potential rollover is detected.

Like the hardtop, the Convertible will be offered with two 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine variants: 118 horsepower and 172 horsepower, with a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct gasoline injection. For those seeking peak fuel economy, the base engine delivers among the best available in America. The turbo engine provides a good balance of spirited performance and fuel economy. Both engines come with a six-speed manual transmission, though a six-speed automatic is optional.

The new Mini Cooper Convertible sees a price increase from a base $22,600 to $24,550. The Cooper S Convertible shows a smaller increasing, moving from $26,050 to $27,450. All prices include the $650 destination charge.

Mini is accepting pre-orders for this certain-to-be-hot convertible, with the first deliveries expected to begin on March 28, 2009.

Read our last Mini Cooper Convertible review and our 2008 Mini Cooper Clubman review. Research Mini Coopers in the 2009 new car buyer’s guide.

Sneak Peek: 204-hp Mini E Electric

admin — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 03:13:00 GMT

BMW has electrified the beloved Mini Cooper instantly making EVs cool. Scheduled to make its public debut at the LA Auto Show next month, the Mini E will be powered by a 204-horsepower (150 kW) electric motor fed by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, transferring its power to the front wheels via a single-stage helical gearbox.

The advanced battery pack will have a maximum capacity of 35 kilowatt hours (kWh)and will allow a generous 150-mile range. The rechargeable battery is made up of 5,088 cells grouped into 48 modules. It can be recharged using a standard power outlet, though the car will include a quick-charging wallbox for garage installation.

Due to the space requirements for the batteries, the Mini E is a two seater. It weighs a portly 3200 lbs, and the suspension has been revised to account for the heft and weight distribution. The powerful motor can accelerate the Mini E from 0-60 mph in 8.5 seconds and top speed is limited at 95 mph.

The Mini E will initially be made available to select private and corporate customers as part of a pilot project in California, New York, and New Jersey. BMW plans to ultimately deploy 500 all-electric vehicles for private use. This high-volume program speaks loudly to the rapid move to electricity as a prime transportation power source.

Read our Mini Cooper review, and research the 2009 Mini Cooper models in our 2009 new car buyer's guide.

Learn more about alternative fuels and driving green.

2009 Mini John Cooper Works Clubman

admin — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 01:59:00 GMT

At the Geneva Motor Show next month, Mini will debut its new, performance-focused sub-brand, Mini John Cooper Works. (OK, so it isn’t entirely new.) Two models will be shown in ever-icy Geneva--a JCW Cooper and a JCW Clubman--each promising maximum verve in their compact packages.

Underhood, the 1.6-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder is stoked to product 207 horsepower, marking an increase of 35 horses. This mini-displacement engine will be able to reach a matching torque peak during overboost state. It otherwise tops out at 192 lb.-ft. The standard six-speed manual transmission is fortified to withstand the increased power output. The combined powertrain enables the Mini JCW Cooper to boast a 0-60 mph time under 6.5 seconds, with the larger JCW Clubman trailing just 0.3 seconds behind.

Three levels of suspension are available, from the sporty JCW configuration, to the firmer midlevel setup, to a lowered, track-focused arrangement. The brakes are derived from Mini Challenge race cars, with red-finished calipers emblazoned with JCW logos. The brakes are supported by an alphabet soup of safety systems, such as electronic stability control and brake assist.

Inside, the cabin features a three-spoke steering wheel, glossy Piano Black interior surfaces, and checkered seating surfaces. True to form, the JCW cars offer a wide range of customization choices, such as seat upholstery types, interior colors, decor options, audio systems, and comfort features.

The new JCW Minis are expected to go on sale in the fall.

Read our last Mini Cooper S review, our last Mini Cooper JCW review, and our Mini Cooper Clubman review.

Research the 2008 Mini Cooper in our buyer’s guide.