This is Stuart Lewis-Evans and Tony Harris in September 1953, lowering their Cooper 500 Formula 3 racing car from the roof of a Land Rover at the Crystal Palace race circuit. Awesome doesn't even describe it.

In one of the more tragic cases of fun PR gone very wrong, BMW has apologized after a Mini-sponsored weather pattern named "Cooper" turned into a brutal deep freeze that so far has killed over a hundred people in Eastern Europe.

Mini will return to the World Rally Championship next year with this kitted-up Mini Cooper Countryman S, powered by a 1.6-liter DI fourbanger gently massaged by BMW. Expect regular Mini drivers to begin dressing as Paddy Hopkirk for Halloween.

The Cummins V18 diesel, typically found in earth-moving equipment, produces over 10,000 lb-ft of torque in this elongated Mini. That may be enough power to move its 11-ton heft, but doing so would likely crush the car. [Diariomotor (Translated)]

The sky above Porsche's North American headquarters hosted a Mini banner this morning that read "Dear Porsche, Bring It! Love, Mini." It appears Mini isn't backing down from its challenge, even if Porsche is.

Details of the 2011 Mini Cooper have leaked early and the refresh is so subtle we doubt most will notice. And the two horsepower boost to 122 hp for the stock Mini? No wonder Porsche wouldn't race them. [MotoringFile]

Porsche has declined Mini's offer to pit a 911 Carrera S against Mini Cooper S at Road Atlanta next week. Here is Porsche Cars North America President Detlev Von Platen explanation for why.

Mini is using the power of the Internet to challenge Porsche to a race, pitting their Mini Cooper S against Porsche's superior 911 Carrera S two weeks from today at Road Atlanta. Surprisingly, Porsche is actually considering it.