Category: MINI

Following the recent release of information from MINI for their new Roadster here’s a more extensive photo gallery of images. Remember, simply click on a pic to load its 2000px wallpaper-friendly version.

The only real changes from the 2009 concept model are now seeing how the manual roof system works and the removal of the rather twee secondary dial on the steering column next to the rev counter.

What we are left is a very smart looking convertible/roadster, call it what you will. There’s another 50 images for you after the break. When the concept was revealed the Roadster look won a few fans; two years on, tell us what you think now.

MINI has just sent out notice of this new promo video for its new Roadster. Here at AUSmotive HQ we’re not normally fans of convertibles, soft-tops, hairdresser cars, whatever you want to call them. But the more we see of this new Roadster the more keen we are to try it out.

Can the Roadster match MINI’s marketing claims? We reckon it just might.

Following the release of the MINI Coupé back in June, MINI has launched its evil twin, the MINI Roadster. It’s essentially a soft-top version of the Coupé.

When compared to the current MINI Convertible the Roadster looks an altogether more cohesive design solution, thanks to its raked windscreen and rear boot lid. In fact, the Convertible looks like a cumbersome wagon. Given the cramped and nigh on unusable rear seats in the Convertible we can’t imagine one compelling reason to choose it over the much better looking Roadster.

The Roadster will be launched in John Cooper Works (155kW), Cooper S (135kW) and Cooper (90kW) spec. All feature a 1.6 litre four cylinder petrol engine, turbocharged in the Cooper S and JCW models. A 105kW 2.0 litre turbo diesel powered Cooper SD will also be offered.

Australian buyers will have to wait until the end of the first quarter of 2012 for the Roadster when it will feature in a dual launch with the Coupé.

Official photos and an introductory press release are available after the break. You can also download a PDF copy of the full international press kit, including specifications for all four model variants.

More pics to follow.

Back in January this year we gave you the scoop that MINI was planning a road-going version of its Countryman WRC. It would stand to reason that Prodrive would be the company to turn their racecar into a road car and that’s exactly what will be happening.

Dave Richards, Prodrive boss says the transformation makes sense, “Mini obviously has the Cooper and John Cooper Works brands and it will want to work out ways of harnessing this campaign, its rally heritage and those giant-killing acts of the 1960s through its road cars.”

While our tip that the road-going Countryman WRC could be on show at Frankfurt didn’t come off, a prototype version of the car does exist and will feature a unique widebody to set it apart from other Countryman models.

It currently has its engine boosted to 230bhp through the use of a Milltek exhaust system and a Superchips ECU reflash. Apparently the chase for more power is on and a larger turbo is under consideration.

We like where this is heading and look forward to learning more as the car’s development progresses.

[Source: Autocar]

MINI USA has been embarking on a campaign to convert lazy automatic drivers into manual. The campaign is called Becoming a manual and uses cheesy 1950s style instructional techniques to get the point across.

‘Driving stick’ as Amercians uniquely call it is one of the world’s great cultural divides with almost everywhere else in the world able to manage the simple pleasure of choosing when to change gears. Americans, it would seem, have struggled with the concept for generations. We doubt this MINI campaign will have a lasting impact, but applaud them for having a go.

Their two-minute instructional video can be seen after the break.

A quick shout out to MINI who are celebrating the production of their two millionth vehicle. BMW must be over the moon at the success they have had with the MINI brand. That success has been built on the bread and butter sales achieved with the regular hardtop model which is, undeniably, a genuine modern day classic. Retro charm and substance, in the form of driving fun, have rarely combined so well.

Ten years on from its initial launch BMW is sending MINI out on all sorts of tangents. Let’s hope they don’t get too greedy and stray too far from the formula that has allowed them to reinvigorate one of motoring’s all time classic icons.

To help celebrate this milestone MINI will be launching a ‘Two Million MINIs – Two Million Faces’ campaign on Facebook where you could be in with the chance to win the specially created MINI Convertible you see here.

More details on that and MINI’s history after the break.

Motor Authority brings us some great pics of a MINI JCW Countryman doing its required Ring schooling before final graduation. We don’t think it’s the Countryman WRC we’re hoping for. However, the JCW version is likely to be fitted with plenty of juicy bits at the factory thanks to increased production capabilities at the Countryman’s Manga Steyr plant.

Those juicy bits include 19″ alloys, a JCW bodykit and a few more ponies from its 1.6 litre turbo four cylinder. In fact, rather than simply boosting the current 155kW JCW engine, there’s talk MINI may introduce a new donk altogether with peak power starting at around 160kW. If they do fit a new engine, let’s hope they can find their way past 170kw, at least.

There’s a remote chance official info will be confirmed by MINI later this year, but don’t get cross if you have to wait until 2012.

[Source: MotoringFile | Pics: Motor Authority]