Category: MINI

Anders Warming, MINI’s design boss, talks us through some of the finer aspects of the upcoming JCW GP2. Sadly, for us, it’s all about the cosmetic stuff. We still don’t have the final specification of the engine to be used in this car. And not even the smallest clue was given by Warming.

But, if you’re a fan of the GP2, then we think you’ll still appreciate another look at the “fastest MINI ever made.”

MINI has used its Facebook account to release four new “spy shots” of the forthcoming Paceman. In their own style they left this note:

Here’s your first look at the MINI Paceman, still sporting some secret camouflage. The newest MINI is a two-door powerhouse ready to roar onto city streets soon. Powerful and agile, with a most exceptional take on MINI design, it’s not a ride fit for wallflowers. Don’t worry, it’s OK to stare.

However, evo magazine has gone one better and has actually driven the prototype. In their review they state:

You’re probably expecting to hear that the Paceman drives pretty much like the Countyman. But it doesn’t. The revised suspension settings have, on our first acquaintance, turned it into a considerably more dynamic machine, with less roll, more grip and a far less front-biased chassis balance, certainly on the dusty tarmac of our Spanish test route.

We drove the ‘All 4’ version which, like its Countryman sister, uses a part-time four-wheel drive system to redistribute torque to the rear axle when slip is detected at the front. On the Countryman you need to be pretty much driving on ice or mud to feel the benefit, but the Paceman proves far happier to play on slidey surfaces than its understeery sister. In that regard it feels like a bigger Mini hatchback.

So there’s some promising signs, then, for what is mostly a two-door Countryman; albeit with re-tuned suspension and a 25mm lower ride height. We’ve said it before, but we do like where the Paceman is going. Although, we will need to sample it first hand before declaring outright love for this most narrowly focused of MINIs.

It’s due for overseas release in March 2013 and we expect it will be on Australian shores a couple of months thereafter.

[Source: Facebook]

Following our earlier story about the rumoured increase of MINI JCW GP2s coming to Australia we thought it was worthwhile bringing your attention to MINI’s Facebook competition on the car titled The Source.

After the break we have a total of four videos on the car, the first is a behind the scenes look at how the image above was created. The second is a too short highlights clip confirming MINI’s claim that the GP2 can lap the Nürburgring in 8 minutes 23 seconds. The latter two concentrate on the GP2’s carbon fibre body parts and aerodynamics.

If that takes your fancy then you should follow the source link below for new images and further information.

[Source: Facebook]

Good news for fans of the second coming of the MINI John Cooper Works GP. After official confirmation that 20 GP2s will be coming to Australia, word has come our way suggesting the actual number of Australian-bound GP2s will now total 30 cars.

Remember worldwide production of the new GP is only 2000, so if MINI Australia has increased their allocation by 50% we reckon they deserve a pat on the back.

And if you think that’s good, wait until you hear the price. Our source says the GP2 is expected to be priced around $60K, plus on roads. True that’s not cheap, but it’s not too bad for a limited-run model very likely to gain cult status.

We expect MINI Australia to remain quiet for a while yet. The JCW GP isn’t due to arrive down under until early next year, so we don’t expect to hear any official confirmation of pricing and local spec until late this year at the earliest.

German magazine Auto Motor und Sport brings us the best look inside yet of the new F56 MINI platform. Above you can see the new style toggle switches and an increase in black plastic interior trim. Eagle eyed observers will also note there are no longer toggle switched for the windows in the central stack.

It’s all part of the apparent maturation of the MINI brand and, we think, some of the brand’s playful character is being lost. This is further evidenced by the removal of the centrally-mounted speedometer. The speedo will now sit atop the steering column, with a smaller dial beside for the rev counter (see image below).

An infotainment screen, mounted inside a circular shape, will sit in the middle of the dashboard where the speedo used to be placed. It follows a similar look to current generation MINIs that are equipped with either satellite navigation or Visual Boost. Although, there’s no speedo around the outside, of course.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via MotoringFile]

Here’s a short video of the MINI Paceman undergoing testing at the Nürburgring. Judging by the front spoiler we gather it’s a Cooper S model being put under the pump. It sounds alright too.

We’re not really quite sure what to make of a two-door Countryman, but we have this growing feeling that we’re going to like it. Quite a lot. Why, we’re not so sure!

It’s expected the Paceman will be displayed for the first time at the Paris Motor Show in September, with pics and other details released beforehand.

A few months back we passed on word that the production version of the MINI Paceman Concept would be called the Countryman Coupé. It now appears we need to back that truck up and return to the Paceman name.

According to MotoringFile, MINI’s Brand Manager, Dr Kay Segler, has confirmed with them that the Paceman badge will make its debut when the production model goes on sale later this year.

The thinking behind the return to the concept name is that it will help MINI to create a unique model line for the Paceman, distinct from its Countryman roots.

[Source: MotoringFile]

This bastardised MINI Countryman is supposedly a prototype for the new Traveller. Also referred to as the Spacebox, the Traveller will join the ranks of four door MINIs in 2014, or thereabouts. Although, this MINI, built on the versatile UKL1 architecture, will be designed to seat five people.

Offering buyers the most space ever in a “MINI” the Traveller will share many components with the BMW Compactive Sport Tourer (which will stem from the 1 Series GT).

Entry to the rear seats could be via suicide doors, similar to the Clubman, but on both side of the car. Access to the rear cargo area is expected to be through barn-style doors, again, as seen on the Clubman. Although, the Traveller may offset the opening 60/40 to allow a smaller door for easier access to smaller items, and vice versa.

As its internal Spacebox name suggests, the Traveller will be all about practicality and innovative ways of using space.

[Source: Autoblog & MotoringFile]

MINI Australia has used its Facebook page to confirm it has secured an allocation of 20 John Cooper Works GPs for local sale. MINI Australia sent a request for 20 cars to Germany back in May when the GP2, limited to 2000 models worldwide, was first announced.

In announcing the GP2 allocation MINI Australia added: “With huge interest already, these are bound to go like hotcakes. Get on down to your MINI Garage to secure one. Final price and spec to be announced later in the year.”

Expect local pricing and details to be revealed in September.

This will be the first time the John Cooper Works GP has been sold in Australia, after noise and ride height issues made the original 2006 model unsuitable for Australian homologation.

[Source: Facebook]