MINI to Debut...Mini Concept at Geneva Motor Show

Carscoop has learned that Mini will lift the covers off a brand new concept model at the Geneva Motor Show in the beginning of March. The three-door design study is said to hark back to the classic Mini in terms of its exterior dimensions while keeping up with the times in terms of safety requirements and occupant space.

The concept will measure a little over 3.4 meters in length, essentially splitting the difference between the current three-door hatchback (3,723 mm) and the original 1959 Mini (3,050 mm).

We also learned that Mini"s study will sport a 3+1 seat configuration similar to that of the Toyota iQ and that its design and tech features, including a variety of weight saving tricks and components, will be applied to the next generation of Mini models.

It remains to be seen if the BMW Group bosses give the green light for a production version of the small city car concept from Mini.

AC Schnitzer Offers First Batch of Goodies for MINI Countryman

German tuner AC Schnitzer has launched its first tuning package for the MINI Countryman . The focus is clearly on the wheels, as clients can choose between four different designs in two different sizes (18- or 19-inch) to go with the two-tone white and black exterior paint job. In fact, AC Schnitzer has just broken a personal record: in a company first, it has fitted a MINI with 19-inch rims. As for the interior, the tuning house offers an aluminum pedal set and gear knob or various knobs clad in leather with incorporated, digital gear display unit.

By Csaba Daradics

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2010 MINI One D: New Diesel Model Returns 60.3mpg - 3.9lt/100km

A new entry-level diesel model is going to join the MINI hatchback"s European range from September 2009. The MINI One D uses a detuned version of the Cooper D"s 110HP 1.6-liter common rail turbo diesel producing 90 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 215Nm or 159 lb-ft from 1,750 rpm. With this engine that is linked to a 6-speed manual gearbox, the MINI completes the sprint from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in 11.5 seconds and achieves a top speed of 182 km/h or 113 mph.

As with other models from the BMW Group, the MINI One D features numerous fuel efficiency-enhancing measures including a Brake Energy Regeneration system that concentrates power generation for the on-board power supply when the car is braking and coasting, and the Auto Start Stop Function.

The result is an average fuel consumption of just 3.9 lt/100km or 60.3mpg US in the EU test cycle, with corresponding CO2 emissions of at 104 grams per kilometer.

Like its MINI One petrol sibling, the base diesel model is distinguished by its roof in body color along with the black mirror caps and a black boot lid handle.

Arden MINI Cooper Equipe: Production Limited to 40 Units

Best known for its Jaguar and Land Rover conversions, German tuner Arden has now turned its focus on another British model, the MINI Cooper, with the release of a special edition model called Equipe. The Arden-prepped MINI that will be produced in a strictly limited run of only 40 units features both mechanical and styling upgrades.

On the outside, handmade stainless steel and chrome grille adorn the front and rear-end of Arden"s smallest model to date while the new chromed tailpipes and the 18-inch lightweight (6.9kg or 15.2 lbs) Arden Gram aluminum wheels round off the styling changes.

Arden paid more attention to the MINI Cooper"s cabin as the dashboard, seats, steering wheel and doors are enclosed in a two-tone leather scheme. Other touches include custom made foot pedals and specific floor mats.

Underneath the hood, the tuner of British hardware said that it has revised the engine electronics and added a new intercooler plus a complete stainless steel exhaust system with racing catalytic converters to give the MINI a performance gain of around 40 horsepower and 36.8-lb/ft or 50Nm of torque.

Arden somehow forgot to mention in its press release which MINI version it is talking about but we gather that the tuning firm is referring to the Cooper S that leaves the factory with a 1.6-liter turbocharged four producing 172HP.

The engine upgrades are complemented by a sport suspension that lowers the vehicle"s height about 30mm or 1.2-in. and high-performance 6-piston brakes at the front axle. Arden did not release pricing.

2011 Detroit Motor Show: BMW Confirms MINI Paceman Concept for Production

At this year?s North American International Auto Show, MINI is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the brand?s revival and re-launch in the U.S. market. To mark the occasion, the automaker unveiled today the Paceman Concept, and also confirmed that it will spawn a production model in the very near future.

?I?m thrilled to tell you now, for the very first time, that there will be a seventh member of the MINI family ? and we will base it on this concept?, said Ian Robertson, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, during MINI?s press conference at the Detroit motorshow.

2010 was the most successful sales year in MINI?s history, with the British firm delivering some 234,000 units worldwide. Not surprisingly, the BMW Group-owned company wants to build on this success, by further expanding its model line-up.

Currently, the automaker offers four models (Hardtop, Convertible, Clubman and Countryman), which will be joined by the Coupe in late 2011, and the Roadster in 2012. The series-production Paceman will follow shortly after, essentially creating the first crossover coupe in the premium small car segment.

The concept model is based on the MINI Countryman and it uses the 211 hp 1.6-liter John Cooper Works turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Power is transferred to the wheels through a six-speed manual transmission and MINI"s ALL4 all-wheel drive system.

?This car captures the typical MINI characteristics ? unique design, clever functionality and signature driving fun - with a new level of agility. It combines an athletic, masculine coup? appearance with the dimensions of the MINI Countryman?, Mr. Robertson commented.

By Csaba Daradics

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