[jalopnik]

[24HCAR]

In particular, the MINI First and One models will now be fitted with a 1.6 liter engine, replacing the 1.4-liter unit. The new engine conforms to both European EU5 and U.S. ULEV 11 emissions standards

In the entry-level MINI First, the 1.6-liter unit produces the same output as the 1.4L engine at 75HP, but torque is up by almost 17 per cent at 140 Nm.

As a result fuel consumption in the EU cycle is 5.4 lt/100km (52.3 UK mpg or 43.5 mpg US) and CO2 emissions 127 g/km. Top speed of the MINI First is 175km/h or 109 mph while the 0-62 mph (100km/h) acceleration takes 13.2 seconds.

The same unit delivers an output of 98HP and 153Nm of torque (+3HP and +9% torque from before) in the MINI One that returns 5.4 lt/100km (52.3 UK mpg or 43.5 mpg US - same as the 75HP unit) on the combined cycle with CO2 emissions of 127 g/km.

With this engine, the One's top speed rises to 186km/h or 116 mph and zero to 62 mph (100km/h) acceleration takes 10.5 seconds, a 0.4 second improvement over the previous model.

The MINI One Clubman also benefits from the same powertrain improvements and offers 0-62 mph in 11.1 seconds and a top speed of 185km/h or 115 mph. EU cycle fuel consumption falls to 5.5 lt/100km (51.4 mpg UK or 42.8 mpg US) and emissions to 129 g/km.

MINI's best selling model, the Cooper receives a small power hike to 122HP (+3 hp) and peak torque of 160 Nm at 4,250 rpm helping the hatch to reach 100km/h (62 mph) in 9.1 seconds and a top speed of 204km.h or 127 mph.

Always according to MINI, the 2010 Cooper achieves 5.4 lt/100km (52.3 UK mpg or 43.5 mpg US) and emits 127 g/km of CO2.

Finally, the 2010 Cooper S' 1.6-liter twin-scroll turbocharged engine has been tweaked and now produces 9 hp more peak power at 184HP while peak torque is 240 Nm, delivered from as low as 1,600 rpm through to 5,000 rpm (260Nm with the overboost function).

The Cooper S Hatch sprints from 0 to 100km/h (62 mph) in exactly 7 seconds and can go up to a top speed of 228 km/h or 142 mph. MINI says that the Cooper S' combined fuel consumption of 48.7 UK mpg (5.8lt/100km or 40.5 mpg US) is lower by 3.1 mpg, while CO2 emissions are now 13 g/km lower at 136 g/km.

In addition, the 2010 Cooper S manual models will be fitted with a new self-adjusting clutch with carbon coated linings that is said to reduce service costs and improve pedal feel and gear synchronisation.

Also new for 2010 is the introduction of the entry-level MINI ONE Convertible that is powered a 98HP version of the 1.6-liter petrol engine. The four-seater drop top accelerates from 0-100km/h (62 mph) in 11.3 seconds and goes on to a top speed of 180km/h or 112 mph while recording an average fuel consumption of 5.7 lt/100km (41.3 mpg US or 49.6 mpg UK).

Finishing up with the changes/updates for 2010 MINI, the British firm has also announced the availability of the Clubman Graphite Special Edition model that features the same Dark Silver paintwork and special equipment of the hatch model, as well as three new Rainbow paint options for all models.

By the looks of it, MINI are planning to make a new addition to their line of vehicles with the new MINI Cooper S Diesel. Aimed at higher-end consumers, other than the 1.6 litre turbocharged diesel engine (outputting between 140 and 150hp), the new Cooper S shows off two central tailpipes, an upgraded front bumper design, a new bonnet scoop and a few other details that MINI has failed to confirm for now. What’s a certainty though, this Cooper S Diesel will definitely deliver the same experience that they’ve used us with. Looks cool! What do you guys think? [via WCF]

If you'll please forgive us our one tired cliché of the day... BMW has big plans in store for its smallest brand. In this case, quite literally as the next model that comes from Mini will reportedly be the long-expected Countryman crossover, which we can expect to hit the market in the first quarter of 2010. All-wheel drive will make an appearance on the soft-road 'ute, and we hear that a diesel engine is under consideration for the U.S. market.

On the concept car front, BimmerFile reports that Mini is working up a Moke revival that will be shown at an undetermined auto show sometime next year that's described as a small Jeep Wrangler and known internally as the SpaceBox. We're also told to expect a more mainstream concept built off the four-door R60 Countryman platform that would theoretically go up against such respected players as the Volkswagen GTI hatchback. The last concept that is rumored to be in development would share its inspiration with the BMW Vision Concept and feature technology from the automaker's eco-friendly Project i initiative.

Finally, the crystal ball tells us that the well-liked Coupe Concept and Roadster Concept seen earlier this year at the Frankfurt Motor Show have been green-lighted for a hopeful 2012 debut. One year later, the stalwart Cooper hatchback is scheduled for its second major redesign since the Mini brand was first launched back in 2001, very possibly getting a new range of powerplants that will include three-cylinders for the very first time.

Source: BimmerFile

Joining the Coupe Concept at MINI's Frankfurt motor show stand is the Roadster Concept, a two-seater speedster with a steeply raked windscreen and a more aggressive stance than your 'everyday' four-seater MINI Convertible - though admittedly, an untrained eye may have to look twice to make sure that it's a "different" model. Compared to the coupe, the loss of the controversially styled aluminum top adds some styling points to the Roadster but other than a few other minor cosmetic details, the two models are identical.

The Roadster model gets a lightweight canvas top that opens and closes manually along with the necessary roll bars that are located behind the two seats.

Like the Coupe Concept, the Roadster is based on a faintly modified version of the MINI hatch platform. The two-seater topless MINI measures 3,714 mm (146.2-in.) in length, 1,683 mm (66.3-in.) in width and 1,356 mm (53.4-in.) in height while boot capacity remains the same as that of the coupe at 250 liters.

Under the bonnet, whereas the Coupe is matched to the same turbocharged 1.6-liter, 208hp, 206-lb-ft four-cylinder gasoline engine used in the Cooper S John Cooper Works model, the Roadster settles with the less potent 175HP 1.6 Turbo found in the Cooper S.

Both the Coupe and Roadster models have already been confirmed for series production by Dr.Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of the BMW Group, and are expected to go on sale sometime in 2011. Together with the forthcoming Crossman SUV, the trio of new models will double the firm's portfolio in the next three years.

“Mama” BMW has released more images of its special edition MINI Clubman that was erotically re-designed by lingerie boffin “Agent Provocateur”. The relatively naughty pictures were shot at the Life Ball Aids charity event that took place in Austria on May 17. The unique MINI Clubman that features many erotic accessories will be auctioned on eBay from 5-15 June with all proceeds being donated to Life Ball. -Continued

To be frank, we can’t say that we were thrilled with the “lightly dressed” female models that took part in the photo session as all of them look like they skipped a few meals too many in order to take part in the event. As for “I don’t know if I’m a man or woman” Amanda Lepore that was included in the official images that BMW released, she’s one scary dude…

This one-off MINI Clubman was created by the naughty lingerie specialist “Agent Provocateur” and it made its debut today (May 17) at Europe’s largest AIDS charity event “Life Ball” which took place at Vienna’s City Hall in Austria. Inspired from the classic English MINI police van, the lingerie maker dressed the Clubman in its signature pink and black colours complete with a pink flashing light.

However, it’s the Clubman’s interior that “Agent Provocateur” put its kinky work into full action. Apart from the fully reclining rear seats and ankle cuffs for forensic investigations of the third type, the erotic Clubman also gets saddle stitched leather seat and bespoke compartments for various tools of the job –if you get our drift. And as “Agent Provocateur’s” founder Joseph Corre says, “This is an interior you really would want to get banged up in!” -Continued

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.
Via carscoop

As we reported on Monday night, MINI is celebrating its 50th birthday today with the release of the first official photos of the Coupe Concept that is set to make its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. In essence, it's a MINI John Cooper Works hatch that had its rooftop cutoff and replaced with a coupe-like greenhouse and a steeper front windshield.

The design of the weird-looking but lightweight aluminum top is said to have been inspired by a baseball hat that MINI designer Gert Hildebrand saw his teenage son wearing backwards - go figure. According to the company, the new roof lowers the car's centre of gravity thus significantly reducing body movement and optimizing driving behavior.

Other details like the front and rear bumpers, headlamps, front grille and evidently, the rear-end design have been reworked but that's basically it.

Inside, the Coupe model ditches the hatchback's rear seat bench which helps increase luggage space from 160 liters to 250 liters (8.8 cu ft). To justify the concept moniker, MINI's designers spiced up the hatchback's cabin with a unique color scheme and higher quality materials such as leather upholstery and carbon fiber decorative trim.

A unique feature of the Coupe is the addition of two Chronoswiss clocks adjacent the rev counter. One clock is a purpose-built stopwatch for taking lap times, the second clock shows the time in classic style.

The two seater is motivated by the MINI John Cooper Work's 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbocharged engine that cranks out 211 horsepower and a peak torque of 260Nm (192 lb-ft) increasing through the Overboost function for a short while to 280Nm (206 lb-ft). Like the MINI hatch, power is delivered to the front wheels.

However, the lightweight aluminum roof together with the elimination of the rear seats and numerous other weight saving measures means that the Coupe is lighter and consequently, faster than the hatchback model.

Our sources tell us that the Coupe will be joined in Frankfurt by a roadster concept, details of which will be revealed closer to the show.

It remains to be seen if MINI will actually go ahead and produce the coupe (and/or the roadster model for that matter), but unless the car receives mixed or bad reviews from the press and public alike, we really can't see why not. After all, it's just a MINI with a different roof and two less seats...

Via Carscoop

If we are to accept as true a report from the MINI-loving chaps over at Motoringfile, the British automaker is prepping a special "Rally Edition" Clubman S model that will be available exclusively for the U.S. market in a limited number of only 70 examples. The story is accompanied by a trio of allegedly official photos - and yes, the thought that the green mirror caps may have been photoshoped did cross our suspicious minds.

The website claims that exterior changes over the standard Clubman S include the "Rally Green" mirror caps and specific side skirts, MINI's sport package, midnight black finish with matching rooftop, white turn signals, 17-inch alloy wheels finished in black, roof rails and standard Xenon headlights.

Inside the special Clubman S is said to feature a piano black interior and standard multifunction sports steering wheel, automatic climate control and Bluetooth kit.

Buyers will also be able to choose from various optional accessories including a JCW tuning kit, a newly designed roof basket, dark headlamps and a roof rack. The special edition model's base price (without the options) is aid set to start from a hefty $32,999 when sales begin in October.

We'll have more on the 'Rally Edition' as soon as MINI comes out with an official announcement.

Via: MotoringFile

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!