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.

MINI Coupe Concept Car Pictures

Check out these cool Mini Coupe concept car pictures. It has been exactly 50 years since the first MINI was introduced to the public on August 26, 1959. To celebrate MINI’s birthday, BMW has unveiled this sporty MINI Coupé Concept.

Limited to two seats, the car is designed to accommodate even the most powerful engine currently available in the MINI – and with the 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbocharged power unit, MINI Coupé promises to offer truly outstanding performance.

MINI Coupé Concept will be demonstrated at the Frankfurt Motor Show from the 17th to the 27th of September 2009

2009 MINI Roadster Concept at Frankfurt Auto Show

2009 MINI Roadster Concept and Coupe Concept, dubbed as the Oxford Twins, have been unveiled at the Frankfurt Auto Show. Looking at the elegant design and fascinating, sporting driving characteristics, we can’t help hoping that MINI brings these two cars to market.

Under the hood, the two-seater MINI Roadster gets the John Cooper Works edition 1.6-liter twin-scroll turbo engine that generates 211 horsepower and 260 Nm of torque. An extra torque comes from the "overboost" button, then the torque rating increases to 280 Nm. Thanks to the improved weight distribution, the slightly shorter layout and lower weight, the Roadster gets a better handling. Safety is taken in seriously consider. MINI has you covered with a pop-up rollbar that helps keep the car's passengers safe even if things go horribly wrong.

As a MINI being, it’s easy to recognize from the styling. Extensive use of family design cues makes that possible, including the round headlights, short hood and circular interior theme. The Roadster is identical to the standard Cooper from the windshield forward and the door panels. From the windshield back, there are numerous differences, including a more steeply raked windshield, a more rounded rear end, and a short decklid--not to mention the convertible top. Talking about the top, however, the Roadster's soft top won't drop on its own--it's manual-operation only.

The Roadster comes in at 3.71 meters long, 1.68 meters wide, and 1.36 meters high. Meanwhile, the roadster has a cargo capacity of 250 liters, much more than the 150 liters found on the Mazda MX-5 Miata, or the 142 liters in the Honda S2000, also beats out the 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster. The cargo space falls well short of the 283 liters available in the BMW Z4.

Some special MINI features include the "openairometer", which will warm the hearts of Convertible fans, plus the NatureGuard function which informs the driver of the environmental impact of their driving. Not that this green machine isn't concerned with speed either: a "Highspeed Shifter" swaps cogs with ease and the "Gravity" indicator gives a readout on lateral acceleration. The Roadster Concept can even measure the driver's heartbeat--perhaps the gold standard of how exciting a car is to drive.

MINI Coupe Concept Revealed

Mini is 50 years old now. In order to celebrate this great event, Mini has introduced the Mini Coupe Concept which will also be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

According to the carmaker, the Mine Coupe Concept is the “expression of MINI design and the great ability of the brand’s designers to fill the elementary values of the brand with new life, using the options of modern drivetrain and suspension technology, and developing fascinating perspectives for the future of the brand on this basis”.

The model will carry the most powerful engine available at Mini, the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine that produces 211 hp and 260Nm (192 lb-ft) of torque. Considering that the JCW Mini runs from 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds, the Coupe should be able to do the same task in less than 6 seconds. Like every current Mini, the Coupe Concept is front-wheel drive.

Strictly a two-seater, 3.7 metres long and 1.4 metres high, it's a little longer but lower than the regular Mini hatchback. However, the Coupe is claimed to be 'the most dynamic and agile Mini ever built'.

On the outside, the Coupe features typical Mini styling, such as the large round headlights and hexagonal grille, but unique to this model are its rear spoiler and bonnet stripes that run over the front grille. The angle of the windscreen and gentle slope of the roof to the rear of the car are designed to give it a distinctly wedge-like and sporty shape. Other exterior instruments include massive wheels, a sporty rear bumper, and dual center-mounted exhaust pipes.

Inside, the Coupe features two individual front seats and an open rear compartment which accommodates 250 liters (8.8 cu ft) of luggage. The cabin is outfitted with leather upholstery, carbon fiber trim, and two Chronoswiss clocks (one is a traditional clock, while the other is a dedicated lap timer). A three-spoke leather steering wheel is also included.

However, it’s still in the stage of Concept car, we expect it to be added in the Mini range in near future.

Mini to offer Rally Edition Mini Clubman S for U.S.

A new MINI limited edition, dubbed as ‘Rally Edition’ Clubman S, is set to be on sale from October in U.S. There will be only 70 units, and each Mini dealer in the U.S. is only expected to receive one of them. The MSRP is at $32,999.

The ‘Rally Edition’ Clubman S features Rally Green Mirror Caps and side skirts, Midnight Black exterior painting and white turn indicators. Other standard equips include a matching roof, Mini’s Sport Package, xenon headlights, 17 inch black alloy wheels, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Two additional feature packages will be on offer. Choose from summer driving (17-inch black web-spoke with performance tires) or winter (17-inch crown spoke with all-season tires and cold weather package). Other optional accessories include the aforementioned JCW tuning kit painted in Midnight Black, sport stripes painted in silver, roof rack with roof rails, a new roof basket and driving lights finished in black.

Official: Mini's F1-Commemorative ‘World Championship 50’ edition

In May, we reported that Mini unveiled the Mini John Cooper Works (JCW) World Championship 50 special edition to mark the event as well as the achievements of John Cooper in the Formula 1 World Championships back in 1959 and 1960.

There will only be 250 copies of this car to be built, making it one of the most exclusive Minis ever. And they will be sold exclusively in British Racing Green, or Connaught Green, as it's known to Mini – just like the original race cars - and is based around the same core as the JCW edition currently on sale. Incidentally, it was Sir Jack Brabham that won back-to-back titles at the wheel of the JCW Coopers, taking eleven race wins during these two seasons.

Along with the World Championship 50 special edition, two other models were unveiled in Silverstone at the Mini United 2009 celebrations. The other cars were the Beatles ‘Magical Mystery Tour' Cooper S and the Mayfair and Camden editions.

As for the World Championship 50, no performance mods have been installed, which means the familiar 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder from the regular JCW model with 208hp (155kW) and 192lb-ft (260Nm) of torque remains nestled under the hood.

Standard features include Alcantara trim on the steering wheel, carbon fiber hood scoop, rear diffuser, mirror caps and tailgate handle, white racing stripes, leather trim with black and red piping, Bluetooth connectivity, a Harman Kardon stereo system, 17in alloy wheels, and bi-xenon headlights.

AC Schnitzer unveiled MINI Cooper R57 Cabrio

The summer driving season is here, and German tuner AC Schnitzer has unveiled a new kit for the Mini Cooper R57 Cabrio with a number of modifications to the engine, suspension, styling and aerodynamics. It’s unlike with Mini’s original design theme ‘cute’, but the little fellow looks pretty good.

Starting with the performance, the standard Cooper S Cabrio features a 175hp (131kW) 1.6L engine, but with performance upgrades this figure is increased to a more impressive 208hp (155kW). The car is also fitted with a limited-slip differential that can be had in both the Cooper S and the special John Cooper Works (JCW) performance variant. The engine upgrades are complemented with a new AC Schnitzer sports silencer in special steel with a chrome racing tailpipe for the Cooper S and JCW.

AC Schnitzer has also unveiled new suspension components, available in the form of a suspension spring kit and a height-adjustable racing suspension set-up. In conjunction with an aluminum strut brace for the front, the new suspension should make the Mini drop-top even more agile than it already is.

Visually, the designers at AC Schnitzer have come up with new front spoilers and rear skirts for the car, which they claim also offer aerodynamic advantages on top of giving a sportier appearance. New decals on the side and custom alloy wheels also add to the car's appearance

The interior gets an upgrade as well, from gear knobs, handbrakes, pedals and foot rests can be had inside, along with velour floor mats.

Mini JCW World Championship 50 Edition

Mini unveiled its latest special edition John Cooper Works (JCW) Mini to mark its 50th anniversary together with the 1959 and 1960 achievements of the John Copper in the F1 World Championships.

The car is dubbed as the ‘World Championship 50’ and it was just one of three special edition models unveiled at the Mini United 2009 event in Silverstone over the weekend. The other cars were the Beatles ‘Magical Mystery Tour' Cooper S and the Mayfair and Camden editions.

The limited-run vehicle will be sold solely in British Racing Green – just like the original race cars - and is based around the same core as the JCW edition currently on sale. Incidentally, it was Sir Jack Brabham that won back-to-back titles at the wheel of the JCW Coopers, taking eleven race wins during these two seasons.

As for the World Championship 50, no performance revisions have been installed, which means that it still houses the 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder from the standard JCW version that generated 208hp (155kW) and 192lb-ft (260Nm) of top torque.

Standard features include a paint scheme called Connaught Green, white racing stripes, black leather trim with red piping, Bluetooth, a stereo system by Harman Kardon, 17 inch alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights, and interior and exterior trim of carbon fiber.

Mini unveils Mayfair and Camden 50th Anniversary special editions

To celebration its 50th year of production, BMW’s Mini brand launched a pair of special editions to commemorate the milestone. They are 50 Mayfair and 50 Camden, which are launched at the marque’s 50th birthday party at the United Festival at Silverstone in Great Britain.

The names of the two models were chosen for London boroughs known alternately for exclusivity (50 Mayfair) and trendy urban culture (50 Camden). Their designs reflect those names with fitting accessories and intentions.

Both cars can be had with a choice of two gasoline engines or a diesel. The bigger of the two gasoline units offers 172hp (128kW) and 37.9mpg thanks to a four-pot fitted with a twin-scroll turbo. The second engine generates 118hp (88kW) and gets a very green 43.6mpg combined, while the diesel goes one further, turning out 107hp (80kW) and a very thrifty 60mpg. Both can also be ordered with either six-speed automatics or six-speed manuals.

Each car gets special paintwork, unique alloy rims, special interior materials and surfaces and a range of colors tailored to each car's purpose. A special placard is also affixed to each car, marking them out as limited-run models.

For the Mayfair, Mini decided to go for comfort and extravagance, with Toffy color Lounge leather upholstery and white piping, turquoise-green accents throughout the cabin, and Carbon Black interior finish elements to offset the brown-black dashboard.

Twelve-spoke 17in alloy wheels, a choice of Chocolate Brown, Pepper White or Midnight Black exterior colors, extra headlights inset at the grille, pinstriping and unique Mayfair badging complete the treatment.

A less classic look adorns the Camden, aiming for a more progressive theme. A choice of silver, white or black standard colors, plus Midnight Black or Horizon Blue metallics give the Camden a wider range of choice. Dual-tone matte/polished 17in alloy wheels also play off their unique look and finish.

Fluid Silver trim panels and doors plus leather-surfaced sport seats with green and white seams accent the cabin, and more turquoise green highlights offset the darker interior colors. Camden badging along with a range of smaller tweaks completes the look.

Both cars also come with an exclusive HiFi system with USB support and 'Mission Control' - a system that processes and evaluates a wide range of vehicle, driving and ambient signals, providing the driver with safety notifications and comfort settings.

Both cars will be launched into the market in September 2009, production of the MINI 50 Mayfair and the MINI 50 Camden starting exactly fifty years after the official presentation of the classic Mini and being limited to just one year.