All-electric MINI E to be unveiled at Los Angeles Auto Show
24th October 2008 10:00 am Mini
BMW Group will present the new, electrically-powered MINI E to the global media for the first time at the Los Angeles Auto Show on 19/20 November 2008. 500 MINI E vehicles will then be shipped to the US states of California, New York and New Jersey for testing with private and corporate customers.
The development of the MINI E underlines BMW Group’s commitment to reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions in road traffic, without compromise to the driving experience. The 500 cars bound for North America will offer BMW Group the opportunity to evaluate ownership potential for vehicles supplied with an electric power supply. BMW Group aims to begin series production in the medium term of all-electric vehicles as part of the company’s Number ONE strategy.
The cars will be delivered to customers on a one-year lease with an extension option. Monthly lease installments will cover any required technical service including all necessary maintenance and the replacement of wearing parts. At the end of the lease, all of the automobiles belonging to the project will be returned to the BMW Group’s engineering fleet where they will be subjected to comparative tests.
MINI E specification and performance
The MINI E’s electric drive train produces a peak torque of 220 Nm, and power is delivered to the front wheels via a single-stage helical gearbox. This unique engine and transmission arrangement powers the MINI E seamlessly to 62 mph in 8.5 seconds and on to an electronically-limited top speed of 95 mph.
Based on the current MINI Hatch, the car will initially be available as a two-seater. The space normally inhabited by rear passengers is reserved for a lithium-ion battery.
When in use in the zero-emissions MINI, the battery unit combines high output with ample storage capacity and remarkable power output. The lithium-ion storage unit will have a maximum capacity of 35 kilowatt hours (kWh) and transmit energy to the electric motor as direct current at a nominal 380 volts. The rechargeable battery is made up of 5,088 cells grouped into 48 modules. These modules are packaged into three battery elements that are compactly arranged inside the MINI E.
The energy storage unit’s basic components are based on technologies proven in power supply units for mobile phones and portable computers. The MINI E’s lithium-ion battery can be plugged into all standard power outlets. Its charge time is strongly dependent on the voltage and amperage of the electricity flowing through the grid. In the USA, users can recharge a battery that has been completely drained within a very short period of time using a wallbox that will be supplied as standard with every MINI E.
The wallbox will be installed in the customer’s garage, enable higher amperage, and thus provide for extremely short charging times. Wallboxes fully recharge batteries in just two-and-a-half hours. Only lockable garages or similar buildings will qualify as power stations for the MINI E.
Driven by electricity: zero emissions at minimal cost
A full recharge draws a maximum of 28 kilowatt hours of electricity from the grid. Based on the car’s range, a kilowatt hour translates into 5.4 miles. Besides the benefit of zero-emissions driving, the MINI E thus offers significant economic advantages over a vehicle powered by a conventional internal combustion engine.
The heavy-duty battery delivers its power to an electric motor, which is mounted transversely under the MINI E’s bonnet. This power unit is able to unleash its full thrust from a dead standstill and is complemented by its dynamic deceleration potential, which is directly coupled to the accelerator pedal.
As soon as the driver releases the accelerator pedal, the electric motor acts as a generator. This results in braking force, and the power recovered from the kinetic energy is fed back to the battery. This interaction ensures a comfortable and smooth driving experience. In city traffic, some 75 per cent of all deceleration can be done without the brakes. Making substantial use of this energy regeneration feature extends the car’s range by up to 20 percent.
The MINI E’s brake system comes with a newly developed electric pump. Its Electrical Power Assisted Steering (EPS) is the same as the one used in mass-produced MINIs.
The MINI E’s 1,465 kilograms is evenly distributed across the car. Handling safety is ensured by modifications to the suspension system and the car’s Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), which is adapted due this model’s specific wheel loads.
Unique styling to mark out the new MINI E
Every MINI E produced for this pilot project will have the same paintwork and bear a serial number on their front bumpers.
The MINI E’s coachwork features an exclusive combination of metallic Dark Silver on all panels but the roof, which is clad in Pure Silver. What distinguishes the zero-emissions MINI E is a unique logo in Interchange Yellow, depicting a stylized power plug in the shape of an “E” set against a silver background. It has been applied to the roof, in smaller dimensions to the front and back, to the charger port lid, the dashboard trim, and – combined with the MINI logo – to the door jamb, in slightly modified form. The color of the roof edges, mirror housings, interior style cues and seat seams will also match the logo’s yellow hue.
Inside, the central gauge and battery level indicator behind the wheel of the MINI E - which replaces the MINI’s rev counter - feature yellow lettering against a dark grey background. The battery level is displayed in percentage figures. The central gauge includes an LED display indicating power consumption in red and power recuperation in green.
Maintenance by qualified specialists
The electric drive’s high-voltage technology requires that maintenance work be done by qualified personnel using special tools that are not included in MINI service partners’ standard toolboxes. In light of this, a service base will be set up for customers in California, New York and New Jersey, staffed by MINI service engineers that are specially trained to perform maintenance and repair work on the MINI E’s electrical components. In the event of drive malfunction, these experts will provide professional support at the customer’s local MINI dealer or the service base’s specially equipped workshop. Technical inspections will take place after 3,000 miles (just under 5,000 kilometers) and at least after six months.
Production in Oxford and Munich
The MINI E has already gone through the major phases of product development for mass-produced vehicles and passed numerous crash tests on the way. The MINI E’s energy storage unit emerged completely unscathed from all of the crash tests mandated by US standards, which are especially high.
Production of the 500 cars will take place at the company’s Oxford and Munich sites and is scheduled for completion before the end of 2008. MINI’s Plant Oxford will be responsible for manufacturing the entire vehicle on the standard production line, with the exception of the drive components and the lithium-ion battery. The units will then be transferred to a specially equipped manufacturing facility situated on BMW plant premises where the electric motor, battery units, performance electronics and transmission will be integrated.
MINI Aldridge Special makes public debut at Design Museum
16th October 2008 12:00 pm Mini
A unique MINI featuring a visually stunning exterior designed by legendary artist, illustrator and graphic designer Alan Aldridge, is now on show at the Design Museum in London. The MINI Aldridge Special is an exhibit in a retrospective display of Alan’s work, entitled ‘The Man with Kaleidoscope Eyes’.
Alan Aldridge is known primarily for his creative work throughout the 1960s and 70s. Dubbed ‘The Graphic Entertainer’, Aldridge illustrated lyric books for the Beatles, album covers for The Rolling Stones, The Who and Elton John, was Art Director for Penguin Books and illustrated much-loved children’s books such as ‘The Butterfly Ball’.
Now working in Los Angeles, Alan Aldridge was keen to mark the opening of his exhibition by recreating an iconic cover of the Sunday Times Magazine, which in 1965 featured a classic Mini painted in his own, inimitable style. The updated interpretation of this image, using a new MINI One as the canvas for Alan’s design, featured in the 12 October 2008 edition of the publication. Again, warranting front cover status.
The MINI Aldridge Special is adorned with an array of images, shapes and patterns, each reflecting either a male or female theme, just as the 1965 car did. The design theme is split between each side of the car, the driver side being largely set on a blue background and masculine in appearance, with passenger near side artistry backed on pink.
MINI UK General Manager Andy Hearn said: “The work of Alan Aldridge is synonymous with some of the most important names in the history of British culture, so MINI is delighted to support this exhibition by offering Alan a car to work on’’.
“MINI will be celebrating its 50th birthday in 2009, so this is the perfect way to begin celebrating fifty years of the car in the UK.”
‘The Man with Kaleidoscope Eyes’ exhibition runs until 25 January 2009. MINI fans and the British public will get another chance to see the MINI Aldridge Special in the metal at MINI United next year, the global MINI event which will be staged at a renowned British race circuit between 22-24 May 2009. Further details will be announced by MINI UK in the near future.
4 x 4 x 4 x 4 MINI
15th September 2008 6:48 pm Mini
The MINI Crossover Concept is a design study for a fourth variant in MINI’s current model range. With four doors, four drive wheels, four single seats and at four metres in the length, the Crossover Concept combines versatility and style: its main aim is to tempt new target groups into the world of MINI.
The MINI Crossover Concept is packed with innovative design details and practical solutions. It seeks to retain MINI ownership as a unique prospect as competitors continue to try and replicate the successful MINI recipe.
You know what they say about length
The MINI Crossover Concept is the first MINI model to measure over four metres in length and almost 1.6 m high, giving it greater practicality and enhanced flexibility. Interior personalisation opportunities are also increased.
Looks matter
The MINI Crossover Concept still features many of the typical MINI characteristics, such as the wheels located at four corners to highlight the ‘go kart’ feeling, the circular design features and the entertaining use of space and functions. More than just an allwheel drive, however, the MINI Crossover offers fantastic flexibility and meets more specific customer requirements.
With four doors, two on each side, you may think the MINI Crossover Concept has a conventional feel after all. But you’d be wrong. Two conventional doors can be found on the passenger’s side (front and back), with a third for the driver. The fourth door, for the rear passenger on the driver’s side, slides back along the outside of the car for convenient access and loading.
The rear door has a frameless, retractable window and when open, swivels to one side to facilitate the loading of long items, such as skis, snowboards and surfboards. But it doesn’t stop there: the capacity can be increased even further due to the folding roof cover which extends across the whole length of the roof and there’s even a transport case which can be fitted on to the outside of the rear door.
But it’s what’s inside that counts
With more storage space than ever seen before in a MINI, the MINI Crossover Concept offers additional capacity and uniquely, the opportunity to personalise the layout of the interior.
The four seats are individual, single seats which can be adjusted forwards and backwards by up to thirteen centimetres in the rear – allowing more legroom to the rear passengers.
The front and rear seats are linked visually by the new MINI Centre Rail – a mattpolished aluminium fastening rail which extends from the dashboard through the middle of the car, to the rear. A unique fastening system can be used with the Centre Rail to attach cupholders, storage units and entertainment consoles which can be passed between the front and the rear passengers.
A special collection of dishes and cups have been created by Porzellan Manufaktur, Nymphenburg, specifically for the Crossover Concept’s Centre Rail.
The MINI Crossover Concept features a new display and control console which hosts all major entertainment, telecommunication and navigation functions: the MINI Centre Globe. This three dimensional globe can be personalised independently by both the driver and passenger as the display is shown in two hemispheres – for example, allowing the passenger to surf the net whilst the driver follows the navigation.
Operated by a touchsensitive surface, the MINI Centre Globe can also be programmed by a trackball situated on the steering wheel, buttons or slide controls in the lower section of the globe, or even by a keyboard which extends out from the dashboard on the passenger’s side.
The MINI Centre Globe also hosts the stop/start function, whereby the driver inserts a Keyball into the upper edge to start and switch off the engine.
The MINI Crossover Concept previews at the Paris Motor Show and is the basis on which a series production will be developed in the future.
4 x 4 x 4 x 4 MINI
10th September 2008 11:09 am Mini
MINI goes Channel hopping with Crossover Concept debut at Paris Motor Show.
The MINI Crossover Concept is a design study for a fourth variant in MINI’s current model range. With four doors, four drive wheels, four single seats and at four metres in the length, the Crossover Concept combines versatility and style: its main aim is to tempt new target groups into the world of MINI.
The MINI Crossover Concept is packed with innovative design details and practical solutions. It seeks to retain MINI ownership as a unique prospect as competitors continue to try and replicate the successful MINI recipe.
You know what they say about length…
The MINI Crossover Concept is the first MINI model to measure over four metres in length and almost 1.6 m high, giving it greater practicality and enhanced flexibility. Interior personalisation opportunities are also increased.
Looks matter…
The MINI Crossover Concept still features many of the typical MINI characteristics, such as the wheels located at four corners to highlight the ‘go kart’ feeling, the circular design features and the entertaining use of space and functions. More than just an all-wheel drive, however, the MINI Crossover offers fantastic flexibility and meets more specific customer requirements.
With four doors, two on each side, you may think the MINI Crossover Concept has a conventional feel after all. But you’d be wrong. Two conventional doors can be found on the passenger’s side (front and back), with a third for the driver. The fourth door, for the rear passenger on the driver’s side, slides back along the outside of the car for convenient access and loading.
The rear door has a frameless, retractable window and when open, swivels to one side to facilitate the loading of long items, such as skis, snowboards and surfboards. But it doesn’t stop there: the capacity can be increased even further due to the folding roof cover which extends across the whole length of the roof and there’s even a transport case which can be fitted on to the outside of the rear door.
But it’s what’s inside that counts…
With more storage space than ever seen before in a MINI, the MINI Crossover Concept offers additional capacity and uniquely, the opportunity to personalise the layout of the interior.
The four seats are individual, single seats which can be adjusted forwards and backwards by up to thirteen centimetres in the rear – allowing more legroom to the rear passengers.
The front and rear seats are linked visually by the new MINI Center Rail – a matt-polished aluminium fastening rail which extends from the dashboard through the middle of the car, to the rear. A unique fastening system can be used with the Center Rail to attach cupholders, storage units and entertainment consoles which can be passed between the front and the rear passengers.
A special collection of dishes and cups have been created by Porzellan Manufaktur, Nymphenburg, specifically for the Crossover Concept’s Centre Rail.
The MINI Crossover Concept features a new display and control console which hosts all major entertainment, telecommunication and navigation functions: the MINI Centre Globe. This three dimensional globe can be personalised independently by both the driver and passenger as the display is shown in two hemispheres – for example, allowing the passenger to surf the net whilst the driver follows the navigation.
Operated by a touch-sensitive surface, the MINI Centre Globe can also be programmed by a trackball situated on the steering wheel, buttons or slide controls in the lower section of the globe, or even by a keyboard which extends out from the dashboard on the passenger’s side.
The MINI Centre Globe also hosts the stop/start function, whereby the driver inserts a Keyball into the upper edge to start and switch off the engine.
The MINI Crossover Concept previews at the Paris Motor Show and is the basis on which a series production will be developed in the future.
MINI visits the 2008 Olympics in Beijing
14th August 2008 10:48 am Mini
Just in time for the biggest sporting event of the year, the Olympic Games in the Chinese capital of Beijing, MINI is on top sporting form too - and is making a great start in Beijing!
A very special MINI vehicle is providing passengers with a fantastic, unforgettable driving experience of a most unusual type. Locals and visitors to the games alike can move smoothly through the busy traffic in the Asian capital in a MINI Rickshaw made specially for Beijing - a typical MINI experience.
Pure muscle power drives this exciting, emission-free vehicle through the streets of the Olympic city. The MINI Rickshaw perfectly captures Beijing’s dynamic combination of tradition and progress, coupled with a touch of fantasy and individuality - as only MINI can do.
From 11 August, anyone looking for excitement who would like to explore Beijing in a slightly different way has been able to experience the mixture of bicycle and MINI Clubman in trendy club and scene districts such as the old Beijing quarter of Hu Tong. Simply get in and enjoy the typical MINI feeling in this pulsating city of a million. In addition, it is also possible to try out this unique form of transport at the local MINI dealership.
The real Chinese lucky charms and talismen on the bicycle and in the inside of the vehicle are intended not only to bring the passenger luck, but also, of course, to release positive energy for the entire Olympic Games.
Alongside Japan, China is now the most important market in Asia for MINI and one of the fastest growing markets worldwide. For the year to the end of July 2008, the BMW Group sold 2,278 MINI brand cars in China (including Hongkong/Taiwan).
MINI (in a Rickshaw) visits the Beijing Olympics!
13th August 2008 1:41 pm Mini
A very special MINI vehicle is providing passengers with a fantastic, unforgettable driving experience of a most unusual type. Locals and visitors to the games alike can move smoothly through the busy traffic in the Asian capital in a MINI Rickshaw made specially for Beijing - a typical MINI experience.
Pure muscle power drives this exciting, emission-free vehicle through the streets of the Olympic city. The MINI Rickshaw perfectly captures Beijing’s dynamic combination of tradition and progress, coupled with a touch of fantasy and individuality - as only MINI can do.
From 11 August, anyone looking for excitement who would like to explore Beijing in a slightly different way has been able to experience the mixture of bicycle and MINI Clubman in trendy club and scene districts such as the old Beijing quarter of Hu Tong. Simply get in and enjoy the typical MINI feeling in this pulsating city of a million. In addition, it is also possible to try out this unique form of transport at the local MINI dealership.
The real Chinese lucky charms and talismen on the bicycle and in the inside of the vehicle are intended not only to bring the passenger luck, but also, of course, to release positive energy for the entire Olympic Games.
Alongside Japan, China is now the most important market in Asia for MINI and one of the fastest growing markets worldwide. For the year to the end of July 2008, the BMW Group sold 2,278 MINI brand cars in China (including Hongkong/Taiwan).
Already a classic: The last MINI Convertible of the current generation comes off the production line
11th August 2008 12:46 pm Mini
Global success story with around 164,000 units produced.
Munich. Style icon, global player, “value master” and now already a classic. Now that around 164,000 units have been produced, the MINI Convertible of the current generation has reached the end of its production period. As planned, the MINI plant in Oxford ceased production of the open-top four-seater. The final specimen - a MINI Cooper S Convertible Sidewalk painted in metallic White Silver has been sold to a MINI fan in the USA. In the land of limousines, the nimble little automobile with the electrically folding soft top has won over a very loyal group of fans. Only on its domestic market of Great Britain and Ireland were more units of the MINI Convertible sold in the past four years than in the USA.
Similar to the MINI and MINI Clubman, the MINI Convertible has long since established itself as a globally successful model. Although around 77 percent of the total sales in the production period are attributable to the five major automobile markets - in addition to Great Britain and Ireland plus the USA, these are Germany, Italy and Japan - there are only a few untapped areas on the map of the distribution network. Australia and Canada also rank among the top ten of the MINI Convertible bastions and particularly high growth rates were recently recorded in China and Russia. The fascination of the open-top two-door automobile enchants people everywhere - irrespective of cultural differences and weather conditions. In chilly Scandinavia, almost twice as many people drive the MINI Convertible than in fair-weathered Greece; in Austria, there are at least five-times as many MINI Convertible drivers than in sunny Portugal.
At the Oxford plant, employees said a rather emotional farewell to the MINI Convertible. “For us, this is the end of an era”, said Plant Director Oliver Zipse. “It is a great joy to build a car and know exactly how much fun customers will have with it”. Due to the constant rise in demand, the British plant has until further notice reserved its manufacturing capacities for the models MINI and MINI Clubman.
Since spring 2004, the MINI Convertible has been built with three engine variants in Oxford. With more than 79,500 units, the bestselling edition was the 85 kW/115 bhp MINI Cooper Convertible, followed by the MINI Cooper S Convertible (125 kW/170 bhp), with around 56,500 units, and the MINI One Convertible (66 kW/90 bhp), with around 28,000 vehicles.
The MINI Convertible inspires fashion designers and Hollywood stars.
Right from the outset, the MINI Convertible established itself as a guarantor for driving enjoyment that evokes desire and inspires imagination. At the market launch of the new MINI in 2001, many fans were already longing for an open-top model, which at this time was already being very carefully developed under the aegis of the BMW Group, to be launched just three years later. The new body variant added a further facet to the unique MINI feeling. The brand’s typical sporty handling was now successfully combined with stylish open-air driving enjoyment. The aura of the MINI Convertible also inspired the fashion industry. At the sales launch, designers of the Italian lifestyle label Bisazza had the idea to enrobe the MINI Convertible in a dress of tesserae. More than 30,000 glass stones were used for this purpose. The result was radiant and unique design specimens. In the following years, further lifestyle and fashion labels created special designs as a result of the inspiration of the MINI Convertible.
Just one year ago, the MINI Convertible even became a Hollywood star. In the comedy “The Heartbreak Kid”, the leading roles, played by Malin Akerman and Ben Stiller, went on honeymoon with it. The open-top MINI Cooper became a stage for lively dialogues and amusing disputes between the two newlyweds.
A very special MINI, an extraordinary Convertible.
The two-door vehicle secures its position as a very special MINI and an extraordinary Convertible with numerous unique features. Thanks to an integrated sliding roof function, the soft top can be opened 40 cm wide, even while driving up to a speed of 75 mph. In just 15 seconds, the soft top can be completely folded up behind the back seat.
Under the tailgate of the MINI Convertible, when the roof is closed, there is a boot that is 165 litres in volume. Its load capacity is an impressive 400 kilograms. And with the Easy-Load-System, even bulky luggage can be effortlessly stored by folding up the back part of the top and using the large opening to the luggage compartment to pass through the luggage. In conjunction with the fold-down back seats, the storage space can even be expanded to up to 605 litres.
The mixture of driving enjoyment, cleverly devised details, premium quality and expressive design have given the MINI Convertible a lead in the popularity stakes, which remained constant up until the end of its production period and will not wane even afterwards. The assessments of independent market experts, which give the MINI Convertible an unusually stable value rating, already indicate this. Back in 2007, the MINI Convertible was already dubbed the “value master” of all classes by the industry magazine “Auto Bild”. This was based on the pre-calculated residual value of 70 percent of the new price after three years. In the current ranking for 2008, the value stability of the MINI Convertible is only surpassed by one “competitor” from its own brand: the current MINI Cooper.
MINI: the dealers’ choice
30th July 2008 1:43 pm Mini
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MINI: the dealers’ choice
Latest award for MINI confirms its unique appeal as MINI John Cooper Works revs up for its UK début at ExCeL
With over 1.1 million cars sold worldwide since launch in 2001, the best residual values in the car market*, record sales**, a dedicated dealer network and now in its eighth year of production, MINI has been presented with Motor Trader’s Car Franchise of the Year award. The judging panel of Ray Hutton (CoTY/Sunday Times), Louise Wallis (RMIF NFDA), Toby Procter (Trend Tracker), Ken Rogers (Fleet World), Mike Moran (Automotive Partnership) and Richard Bost (consultant) made MINI its most sought after car brand for UK dealers at the annual Motor Trader awards night, Wednesday 16 July.
The Car Franchise of the Year Award is presented to the car manufacturer who has, according to the panel, “excelled in terms of producing new models, successfully marketing them and building close relationships with its dealer network. These factors make the brand a must-have franchise for dealers.”
The win acknowledges not only desirability of the franchise amongst dealers, but also sales success and product quality – key indicators of customer desirability.
Andy Hearn, General Manager at MINI UK said: “This is an important award for us as it highlights the great relationship between MINI and our dealers in the UK at a time when we’re strengthening the network. Our MINI Dealers have invested massively in their franchises, and that commitment is paying dividends both for their business and the customers’ experience.”
Curtis Hutchinson, Editor of Motor Trader stated: “The brand’s extraordinary success since it launched in 2001 has seen it become a valued and admired franchise throughout the motor trade. The judges also praised the success of its popular ‘tlc’ extended warranty package and the success of its used car business, while also recognising its excellent latest generation models.”
MINI’s great investment
By the end of 2008, the MINI dealer network will have invested a total of
£57.1 million over a two-year period, with a further investment of £12.4 million due in 2009. This significant investment from the network underlines the commitment MINI has shown to deliver a product range which will stand the test of time.
By the end of September 2008, the MINI UK Dealer network will span 148 dedicated showroom sites. Customers visiting the showrooms can expect to see dedicated personnel and services which go to give MINI customers a unique experience.
June 2008 saw record sales through the MINI dealer network – totalling 5,290 registrations: an increase of 23 percent on June 2007 (and going against the grain compared to total industry volume which is back six per cent year on year). MINI Cooper D Clubman has wooed drivers with its award winning MINIMALISM technology benefits, which include its low emissions (109g/km CO2) and great fuel economy (combined consumption of 68.9 mpg).
Having recently been awarded a number of accolades (including What Car? ‘Green Award’, Parkers ‘Slowest Depreciating Car’, Fleet News ‘Best Small Car’ and British Insurance Car Security Awards in the City/Supermini category to name but a few), new MINI drivers can be reassured that they have made the right choice given growing concerns regarding the environment and affordability.
The new 211 hp MINI John Cooper Works
A new model arrives at the award winning dealerships next week – the MINI John Cooper Works goes on sale on 22 July. As MINI’s first unlimited production John Cooper Works model, it pushes out 211 hp, 280 Nm of torque (with Overboost), 0-62 mph in 6.5 seconds* and has a dynamic aerodynamic body kit.
The John Cooper Works brand name has been synonymous with MINI for over
40 years, and now that BMW Group owns the name, it will go on from strength to strength. Priced at £20,995, the MINI John Cooper Works will be first to launch, followed by the Clubman in early 2009 (price tbc).
Initial press feedback has been incredibly positive:
Autocar referred to it as: “The hottest version of the new age MINI so far.”
WhatCar? Claim: “As hot hatches go, it’s hotter than a blacksmith’s armpit.”
The Daily Telegraph’s Honest John declares “…the 211PS John Cooper Works is a little monster.” He continues: “The upside is they have managed to do all this, yet still certificate the car at 165g/km CO2 and 40.9 mpg combined. So the fun doesn’t hit you in the pocket in running costs.”
MINI goes back to university
The MINI John Cooper Works model makes its UK début at the British International Motor Show on 22 July. Set on a university-themed stand, the first MINI John Cooper Works customer will be handed the keys to their 211 hp car. Other areas of the MINIVERSITY stand include the Institute of MINIMALISM – an area dedicated to MINI’s equivalent of Efficient Dynamics; The Union – a meeting place for MINI Owners; the Faculty of Engineering – an area for personalisation and discovery of MINI’s production facilities in the UK.
A number of key senior people will be available for interview on Press Day, including:
Johann Schopp – Chief Engineer of the 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine currently found in the MINI Cooper S and MINI John Cooper Works
Emma Lowndes – Marketing Manager, MINI UK
Lee Connolly – Product and Planning Manager, MINI UK
Trevor Smithers – National Sales Manager, MINI UK
Dan Pulleyn – Used Car Development Manager, MINI UK
* Parkers recently crowned MINI with its ‘Slowest Depreciating Car’ award
** June 2008 saw record sales compared to June 2007 |
MINIVERSITY graduate awarded first-class honours at What Car? Green Awards 2008
28th July 2008 1:41 pm Mini
MINI Cooper S is What Car?’s Green Sports Car
The MINI Cooper S has been singled out for praise by What Car? and taken the Green Sports Car award in the What Car? Green Awards ceremony at the 2008 British International Motor Show, where the MINI range is currently showing on a MINIVERSITY-themed stand.
The award is recognition of MINI’s commitment to manufacturing frugal and fast premium small cars, with minimal cost to the environment.
The MINI Cooper S embodies all of those qualities and when pitched against the competition, it’s easy to see how What Car? made its decision.
The systems that make astonishing fuel consumption (45.6 mpg on combined cycle) and low CO2 emission (149 g/km) figures possible from a hot hatch are known as MINIMALISM technologies. MINIMALISM is MINI’s version of BMW’s EfficientDynamics and the range of systems includes:
• Auto Start/Stop
• Shift Point Display
• Brake Energy Regeneration
• Variable Valve Timing
• Lightweight materials
• Turbocharging
• Electro mechanical Power Assisted Steering
Steve Fowler, editor of What Car? said: ‘The MINI Cooper S proves that fun doesn’t have to go out of the window if you want to be green. We love the way the clever MINIMALISM technology works to cut damaging emissions without damaging driver enjoyment.’
50 years of Mini and MINI to be celebrated in England
2009 will mark the 50th anniversary of the launch of the original Mini, and the second generation new MINI will be commemorating this incredible achievement in style, right here in England.
The MINI United festival, which in recent years has brought together thousands of classic Mini and new MINI owners to celebrate a British icon, will be staged at a renowned race circuit in England and kicks-off on 22 May 2009. The exact location and further details will be announced in the near future.
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