SPIED: Mini Paceman Concept Takes its Production Form

When the BMW Group revived the Mini brand in 2001, it only offered one model series, the hatchback, but the Bavarian firm had much more in store for us in the future.

Today, Mini's lineup consists of six separate models including the three door hatch, the soft-top Convertible, the Clubman estate, the Countryman crossover and the recently launched, two-seater Coupe and Roadster.

At last year’s North American International Auto Show, Mini previewed a seventh model with the Paceman Concept, which it confirmed for production. The Paceman is essentially a three-door version of the brand's biggest model, the Countryman crossover, with a roofline that slopes downwards at the rear and redesigned rear quarters for a more sportier, coupe-like profile.

Read more »

Eight Global Automakers Including GM, Ford, BMW and the VW Group to Display Universal Fast Charger

The ascent of electric vehicles has posed the question of how they will be charged as each automaker had developed its own technique, but that is the equivalent of having different fuel ports on gasoline-powered models.

One of the answers to this question comes from eight major automakers from the United States and Germany that have agreed upon a common fast-charging technology for use on electric vehicles in Europe and the United States.

Read more »

MINI Prepares a One-Off Roadster for 2012 Life Ball Charity Gala

A long supporter of the Life Ball charity gala, the proceeds of which go to projects combating HIV and AIDS, the Mini brand has revealed its plans for this year's event that will see Franca Sozzani, chief editor of Italian VOGUE and UN Goodwill Ambassador for Fashion 4 Development, designing a one-off Roadster model.

"I thought at MINI as a beautiful woman who put a scarf on her head when she drives a Roadster," explained Sozzani.

Read more »

SPIED: Is Mini Preparing a GP Special Edition of the Coupe JCW as Well?

After numerous spy shots started circulating around the web, Mini confirmed the existence of the special edition John Cooper Works GP hot hatch on the sidelines of the New York Auto Show earlier this month.

However, Mini might not be telling the whole truth as our scoop photographers nabbed a thinly disguised Coupe John Cooper Works (JCW) prototype that sports if not all, most of the performance parts seen on the GP hatchback test cars.

Read more »

MINI Inspired by Goodwood Goes on Display at Harrods to Celebrate First Customer Deliveries

The most expensive and luxurious version of Mini's three-door hatchback, the 'Mini Inspired by Goodwood', has gone on display in prime position at the famous department store Harrods in London to celebrate the delivery of the first customer cars.

The new Mini model, which was developed under the guidance of the Rolls-Royce designer team, will also be visible from inside the Knightsbridge store where the British carmaker has placed display screens that provide information about the car. In addition, a member staff from Mini's flagship Park Lane showroom will be on hand so customers can find out more about the car or even place an order.

Read more »

Maserati Smashes Into a Porsche 356, a Jeep Grand Cherokee and a Mini Cooper Countryman in Miami

In one way, the Epic Hotel in Downtown Miami justified its name on Friday night when the driver of a Maserati GranTurismo crashed into a host of cars including a latest generation Jeep Grand Cherokee, a Mini Cooper Countryman and a classic Porsche 356 speedster – though we don't know if the latter is original or one of the many replicas.

There are many conflicting reports about the incident circulating around the web, including that the Maserati driver was a valet and not the owner, but nothing that we can confirm.

Read more »

MINI Officially Confirms John Cooper Works GP Special on the Sidelines of the New York Auto Show

We've already caught Mini trying out a prototype of the range-topping John Cooper Works GP hot hatch near the Nürburgring, but today, the company made it official.

Prior to the New York International Auto Show, Kay Segler, senior vice president of the Mini brand, said that the John Cooper Works GP will be revealed at the MINI United Festival that takes place in Le Castellet, France, this May.

Read more »