The Prodrive developed and built World Rallying Championship version of the Mini Countryman is powered by a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder turbo-charged engine from BMW Motorsport to comply with the new Super2000 regulations. Like the road-going model, it also gets four-wheel drive.
According to MINI, the Countryman WRC will be ready to compete at selected rounds of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) before completing the full series in 2012.
Hat tip to Rafael!
It's called Active Sound Design or ASD for short and it has been applied on two prototype diesel-powered models, a MINI Clubman and a BMW 635d Coupe.
ASD is an electro-acoustic system that makes use of microphones and the vehicle's sound system to change the engine's sound characteristics. The further enhance the acoustic experience, BMW's engineers also used different sound and vibration deadening materials in the engine bay and under the body of the car.
It's called Active Sound Design or ASD for short and it has been applied on two prototype diesel-powered models, a MINI Clubman and a BMW 635d Coupe.
ASD is an electro-acoustic system that makes use of microphones and the vehicle's sound system to change the engine's sound characteristics. The further enhance the acoustic experience, BMW's engineers also used different sound and vibration deadening materials in the engine bay and under the body of the car.
The film doesn't show anything that we haven't seen before, but MINI did announce that the official reveal of the crossover model will take place online on February 7. From what we gather, the automaker will most likely release the first official pics on that date.
The latest member of the MINI family is a small crossover measuring around four-meters in length that will be offered with an optional four-wheel drive system, both a first for the automaker. Sales are scheduled to start in Europe later this year and in the US in early 2011.
Following the release of a detailed photo gallery, MINI has now published video footage of its 'oh-so-close' to production Coupe Concept that will bow to the crowd at next month's Frankfurt Show. Unfortunately, the video does not include any driving shots but we do get a closer look at the exterior and interior details. The new performance-orientated small coupe is powered the same 1.6-liter turbocharged four with 211 HP used on the Cooper S John Cooper Works models. Watch the video after the jump. 
Watching this spot for the MINI Cooper S that was created by agency Butler, Shine, Stern and Partners, the first thing that came to mind was Stephen King's horror novels. The witty commercial tries to show off the crisp and go-kart-like handling of the MINI Cooper S as the driver of the car evades an army of "evil" shopping carts with minds of their own that keep attacking him in a super-market parking lot. Follow the jump to check out the video.Thanks for the tip Scott!
MINI has released video footage of its special edition '50 Camden' and '50 Mayfair' models that were created in celebration of the brand's 50th anniversary. Both cars made their first public appearance at the firm's birthday party that was held in Silverstone at the end of May. Available in Cooper, Cooper S and Cooper D guises, the MINI 50 Camden and 50 Mayfair feature special color schemes along with unique design cues. Production will be limited to one year with deliveries set to start in September. Hit the jump to watch the videos or click here for more details.
MINI took the wraps off its second-generation Convertible model well ahead of the car's scheduled premiere at the Detroit Show in January 2009. The latest MINI Convertible is distinguished by a range of features such as the new generation naturally aspirated and turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder petrol engines, a newly developed electrohydraulical softop as well as a variety of styling and design components. Hit the jump to watch the video or click here for more detailed information and a high-res photo gallery of the 2009 MINI Convertible.
The Crossover Concept that will first be presented at the Paris Motor Show in early October is a design study for an SUV type of not-so-mini, MINI. Measuring over 4 meters in length and almost 1.6 m in height, the proposed fourth variant of the MINI gets a four-wheel-drive system combined with an extended road clearance and a typical crossover appearance with plenty of body cladding. Other features include the asymmetric doors and the Centre Globe, a laser-etched display on the centre console that houses entertainment, communication, navigation and vehicle functions. Hit the jump to see the video that includes exterior and interior shots as well as footage from the Center Globe. -Continued
In this episode Fifth Gear compares two of Europe’s hottest superminis, the 208HP MINI Cooper Via: Autoblog.it
Following the announcement on the most powerful factory versions of the Cooper S hatch and its Clubman sibling last week (pics and details), MINI released an official video contain driving and static footage. Both John Cooper Works (JCW) models are equipped with a supped up version of the 1.6 litre engine with Twin Scroll turbocharger that delivers 208 HP or 155 kW. The MINI John Cooper Works accelerates in 6.5 seconds from 0–100 km/h (62 mph) while the Clubman needs 0.3 sec more. –Video after the jump
