As we told you way back when, both will make their worldwide debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January. Here's what to expect. Orders for the MINI Convertible are being taken now; the price for the MINI Cooper Convertible is $24,550, a whopping $2,600 more than the 2009 model year. The new MINI Cooper S Convertible gets a similar price bump of $2,050 to $27,450 including the $650 destination and handling charge with the delivery of the first MINI Convertibles to begin on March 28, 2009. The reason being is there's been a huge demand for the little guy. MINI's shown they can sell out of the fuel-sipping go-kart at the current price levels, so why not bump the price by 10%. Especially considering it's what the market wants, right?

What else should we expect from the new MINI? There's a new rollbar that increases the drivers range of visibility through the rear portal of the drop-top. There's also the new generation of four-cylinder gasoline engines with Twin-Scroll turbochargers or fully variable valve management. Engine capacity of 1,598 cc, and a max output of 118 HP (in the MINI Cooper Convertible) and 172 HP (in the MINI Cooper S Convertible). Hit the full press release below for more details.

The new MINI Convertible.

* The next-generation model of the celebrated four-seat convertible which achieves some 164,000 in worldwide sales. The new MINI Convertible embodies the thrill of open-air motoring in unmistakably MINI style. Raising the high standard set by its predecessor, the new MINI Convertible features improvements in the areas of design, quality, handling, performance, efficiency, and functionality.

* Evolutionary development of the car’s design: The two-door body style and soft-top roof deliver unique proportions, sleek lines, and truly individual style. Design cues clearly link the new convertible to the MINI family of vehicles.

* Refined overall appearance highlighting the stretched silhouette and ensuring enhanced presence from both front and rear. Expertly modeled body surfaces, low-roofline for roadster-like flair, concealed rollover protection bar. Signature MINI headlamps and taillights. Four-pivot joints for the luggage compartment top are mounted inside the car to ensure a harmonious and sleek appearance.

* Electrohydraulic-powered roof with the sliding roof function comes standard, and allows the driver to open and close the soft top while the car is in motion up to 20 mph. The standard Openometer feature records the time spent travelling with the roof down. A wider range of paint colors, roof colors, wheels, and upholstery and interior trim choices provide endless opportunities for personalization. Also, model-specific optional extras and special equipment are available.

* Newly developed, electromechanically operated rollover bar situated behind the rear seats, is activated by the car’s central safety electronics in the event of a rollover. The innovative safety bar allows for optimum visibility to the rear and sides of the car. An optional loading storage between the luggage and passenger compartments expands the cargo space.

* The flexible storage system delivers outstanding functionality. The easy-load system includes: an expanded luggage compartment opening, rear seat backrests that can be folded down and locked into position, and a pivoting, two-position shelf for packages.

* New generation of four-cylinder gasoline engines with Twin-Scroll turbochargers or fully variable valve management. Engine capacity 1,598 cc, max output 118 hp (MINI Cooper Convertible) and 172 hp (MINI Cooper S Convertible). Both engine variants are equipped with a number of technical features that maximize fuel economy and minimize emissions.

* MINI’s signature front-wheel drive, go-kart-like handling with refined suspension technology tuned specifically to the MINI Convertible. Electromechanical Power Steering (EPS). Brake system with anti-lock brakes (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Cornering Brake Control (CBC) and Brake Assistant, as well as Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Start-Off Assistant are all standard features. Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) with Electronically Differential Lock Control (EDLC) feature on the drive wheels enhances traction under acceleration, and is available as an option or as part of the Sport Package.

* Crash-optimized body structure with newly conceived floorpan and reinforced A-pillars and side-sills. Body stiffness further improved over the former model, with a reduction in vehicle weight by 22 lb. Three-point inertia-reel seat belts on all seats, with belt latch tensioners and belt force limiters at the front, frontal airbags, head/thorax airbags at the side integrated in the seat backrest, rollover sensor masterminding the rollover safety system, airbags and belt latch tensioners with for optimized functionality. Run-flat tires and Tire Pressure Monitor.

* MINI Cooper S Convertible:
Four-cylinder gasoline engine with Twin-Scroll turbocharger and
direct fuel injection.
Capacity: 1,598 cc, max output: 172 hp at 5,500 rpm.
Max torque: 177 lb-ft from 1,600–5,000 rpm
(192 lb-ft with Overboost).
Acceleration 0–60mph: 7.0 sec Manual, 7.2 Automatic, Top speed: 138 mph Manual, 135 mph Automatic.

* MINI Cooper Convertible:
Four-cylinder gasoline engine with VALVETRONIC technology.
Capacity: 1,598 cc, max output: 118 hp at 6,000 rpm.
Max torque: 114 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm.
Acceleration (0–60 mph): 8.9 sec Manual, 10.2 Automatic, Top speed: 124 mph Manual, 119 mph Automatic.
Consistently Open:
The new MINI Convertible.

The driving pleasure and individual style that are MINI’s signatures have been tapped to create the next-generation MINI Convertible. With its evolutionary design and increased functionality, specially tuned suspension, powerful, efficient engines and enhanced safety technology, the latest version of the four-seat convertible raises the bar.

New color choices and equipment features add up to endless options for personalization. The premium materials and finishes enhance the MINI Convertible – the only open-air car in its class – even further.

The new MINI Convertible will make its worldwide debut in January at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Orders for the MINI Convertible are being taken now; the price for the MINI Cooper Convertible is $24,550 and for the MINI Cooper S Convertible $27,450, including the $650 destination and handling charge. Delivery of the first MINI Convertibles will begin on March 28, 2009.

The new MINI Convertible’s durable soft-top with integrated sliding roof function reliably protects driver and passengers from the elements when it is up. Allowing for spontaneous open-air motoring, the soft top lowers automatically in 15 seconds flat, even when the car is in motion up to 20 mph. The unique Openometer next to the tachometer challenges the driver to log as many top-down miles as possible by recording the hours spent open-air motoring.

The new MINI Convertible offers outstanding versatility with its Easy-Load Function, folding rear-seat backrests, and generously-sized loading between the luggage and passenger compartments, which increases the car’s cargo space to 23.10 cu ft.

This level of versatility, unparalleled in the convertible segment is enabled by the innovative design and construction of the rollover protection bar. The new MINI Convertible comes with a single-piece rollover protection bar behind the rear seats that spans the entire interior width of the car, without obstructing the driver’s visibility, and moves into position automatically in the event of a potential rollover.

The new MINI Convertible will be available in two engine variants. The MINI Cooper Convertible will come equipped with a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine featuring fully variable valve management for maximum output of 118 hp at 6,000 rpm. The performance-oriented MINI Cooper S Convertible will be powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with a Twin-Scroll turbocharger and direct gasoline injection delivering 172 hp at an engine speed of 5,500 rpm.

From the start, the MINI Cooper S Convertible and the MINI Cooper Convertible will be equipped with the six-speed manual gearbox featured as standard with optional six-speed automatic transmission. At the same time, the new MINI Convertible owes its nimble handling characteristics to suspension technology that has been significantly upgraded and improved over the former model. Its sophisticated wheel suspension, precise electromechanical power steering, powerful brake system and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) – all standard features – allow the MINI convertible to set a new standard for agility and safety.

The diminutive car-mad folks at MINI have a "Word of the Day" desktop widget just to keep the little Cooper-crazed folks out there happy. Today's word? "Farking Spot." Since it's explained above, we're not going to regurgitate them here, but suffice it to say, we've all been there. Especially here in NYC. All we've got to say is "$%&! Smart cars!" [MINI]

That stored power goes to a 204 HP electric motor sending 162 lb-ft of torque to a helical single-speed gearbox. Mini claims a 0-to-62 sprint of 8.5 seconds, which we imagine feels faster considering the immediate torque off the line.

To frame the price more fairly, keep in mind a one-year lease on a regular MINI Cooper is almost $800/month, and with this one you never have to fill up with gas. Besides, it will be a great car to out-hipster your other Mini-owning friends in your artists' commune in southern California. [LuxVelocity]

The MINI Crossover Concept.

The MINI brand is continuing its overwhelming story of success - now taking a new approach with the MINI Crossover Concept.

This Design Study offers a fascinating outlook at a new facet of the brand powerfully expressed by a truly innovative body concept - the fourth body variant, to be precise, following the classic two-door, the MINI Convertible, and the MINI Clubman.

The MINI Crossover Concept is a new model variant for the first time measuring more than four metres in length, with four drive wheels, four doors and four single seats. These features alone place the new car right in the line of vision of new target groups seeking to combine the individual style of the brand with enhanced versatility within the interior and innovative functionality throughout.

A universal, multifunction fastening rail, the MINI Center Rail, extending between the seats on the centre console of the MINI Crossover Concept, offers not only offers unconventional storage options, but also provides a consistent link between the front row of seats and the rear.

A further highlight within the MINI interior is the innovative central instrument in three-dimensional finish, the MINI Centre Globe.

This combined control and display unit formed as a globe featured for the first time in an automobile worldwide sets new standards for the integrated control of entertainment, communication, navigation, and vehicle functions.

The MINI Crossover reflects not only the potential of the MINI model family in growing further and further to new dimensions, but also the innovative power of MINI's designers. In this case, the outlook at an additional MINI concept is enriched by a wide range of visions expressing a unique driving experience and way of life only a MINI is able to evoke.

All innovations presented in the MINI Crossover Concept are conceived to expand that characteristic MINI feeling by yet another new dimension.

The innovative character of the new car comprises its body design as well as the drivetrain, the interior and the control concept. Indeed, offering options and versatility of this kind, the MINI Crossover Concept opens up new dimensions in mobility also beyond urban life.

All-wheel drive - the foundation for a new MINI feeling.
A new MINI offers more - and does so in unique style every time.

The MINI Crossover Concept clearly expresses this principle, its all-wheel drive serving to give the new model an even wider range of practical use in new areas and a new experience on routes already driven. But in doing so the MINI Crossover Concept is not limited to the usual status of a conventional all-wheeler. Rather, to offer its additional mobility potential even more consistently, the Concept Car comes with numerous design features making it an all-round talent for a unique experience in everyday life, for enjoying leisure time to the utmost, for adventure travels of all kinds and for travel planning. Hence, the MINI Crossover Concept looks at new objectives and, at the same time, new target groups.

Four metres in length - more calibre, more options.

As a consistent enhancement of the MINI model family, the MINI Crossover Concept offers new calibre and new format in every respect. This is the first MINI to measure more than four metres in length. And measuring 1,830 millimetres/72.0" in width as well as 1,598 millimetres/62.9" in height, the MINI Crossover Concept goes beyond the existing production models from MINI also in this respect. Wheelbase, finally, is 2,606 millimetres/102.6", again ensuring an even more powerful stance on the road.

These exterior dimensions of the Concept Car are a clear symbol of the quest for additional options in driving the car and in the new, enhanced driving experience.

The MINI Crossover Concept offers extra space and mobility at the rear as well as a capacity to transport never seen before in a MINI. Added to all this, there is enhanced flexibility in splitting up the interior space, catering for all individual wishes and demands.

Combining its unique design with outstanding agility by no means restricted to the beaten track alone, the MINI Crossover Concept holds a unique position within the MINI segment. At the same time it clearly stands out as a member of the MINI model family through the appropriate re-interpretation of design elements typical of the brand. The MINI Crossover Concept thus symbolises the breakthrough into a new category of vehicles, broadening the appeal of the brand to an even larger target group.

Four doors - new diversity through asymmetric arrangement.

With two doors on each side of the car, the MINI Crossover Concept offers particularly comfortable access to the rear. Here again, therefore, the new model enhances the options and qualities offered so far by the existing body concepts of the MINI.

But even this is not all: The MINI Crossover Concept is not a four-door in the classic sense, as is clearly expressed by the asymmetric arrangement of the doors in the Design Study. A conventional arrangement of doors is to be found only on the front passenger's side, while on the driver's side the MINI Crossover Concept comes with a conventional door for the first row of seats plus a lift/sliding door moving along the outside for convenient access to the rear and for loading the car from the side. And by dropping the B-pillar on the driver's side, the MINI Crossover Concept exhausts the potential of this generous opening to an even higher degree. Frameless side windows, finally, are yet another feature of this truly exceptional four-door.

The rear door swivelling to one side, together with its frameless and retractable rear window, likewise offers an even higher standard of practical use and most convenient loading conditions. Thanks to the large opening and the low loading sill, sports equipment and other, even bulkier objects can be loaded conveniently into the luggage space offering even larger capacity when required by lowering the individually folding rear seats completely into the floor of the car with the help of a parallelogram kinematic mechanism.

Storage capacities may then be increased even further by a transport case fitted outside on the rear door. And last but certainly not least, the roof rail system available on the MINI Crossover Concept is simply ideal for fitting ski, snowboard and bicycle carriers as well as transport boxes of all sizes.

The roof structure of the MINI Crossover Concept offers further options in enhancing everyday driving qualities and leisure-time enjoyment. As a folding roof cover extending throughout the entire length of the roof, the roof structure may be opened both from the front and from the rear, letting either fresh air or warm sunshine into the car - or both, depending on the driver's and passengers' wishes.

The opening at the rear also serves to accommodate extremely long objects transported in the car, ranging from a surfboard all the way to cross-country skis. So even in this case, transporting anything the driver wishes to take along is easy and convenient.

Four single seats - for maximum comfort inside the MINI.

The MINI Crossover Concept stands out not only as an unconventional, but rather as a truly exceptional four-seater. The single seats at the rear, to mention perhaps the most significant highlight, come in the same contours as the driver's and front passenger's seats and are adjustable by 13 centimetres or 5.1" fore-and-aft. So depending on individual requirements, the rear seats offer either lounge-like legroom or additional storage capacity in the rear compartment.

The MINI Center Globe - a new vision of the central instrument of the future.

Featuring their round Central Display right in the middle of the dashboard, the current MINIs already boast an interior design feature quite unique and unmistakable in its look. Indeed, this multi-function display serves to conveniently control all major entertainment, telecommunication and navigation functions, providing the speedometer function around its outer circumference.

Now the MINI Crossover Concept introduces the consistent enhancement of this display and control concept: the MINI Center Globe. For the first time, therefore, the central display and control unit is designed in this Concept Study as a globe. This three-dimensional layout allows even more consistent integration of functions and the appropriate presentation of information and entertainment options. In addition to the vertical and horizontal display features currently available, the new instrument adds a further, three-dimensional element with displays stratified on various levels and highlighted to a greater or lesser degree, depending on the driver's and front passenger's requirements. The current speed of the car, finally, is shown as before in typical MINI style on the display round the edge.

To clearly, flexibly and legibly present all information at all times, the MINI Center Globe comes with ultra-modern laser projection technology. With its unique optical features, the laser projector allows simultaneous presentation of pictures on various levels, with a varying focus and in powerful colours.

Benefiting from this technology never seen before in an automobile worldwide, the MINI Crossover Concept is also able to optically separate the MINI Centre Globe into two hemispheres. These adjustable, moving hemispheres then enable the driver and front passenger to present and view different pictures recognisable only from their individual perspective. In other words, the front passenger may for example surf the net while the driver maintains his free view of all displays and instruments.

To provide this special effect, the hemisphere facing the front passenger closes down from the other side and acts as a projection surface presenting the pictures required.

The MINI Centere Globe presented in this Design Study already shows today what options are conceivable in terms of navigation, communication and entertainment in the car of the future, using innovative technologies of this outstanding calibre.

The driver and/or front passenger operate the MINI Centre Globe by a touch-sensitive surface, a trackball on the steering wheel, buttons and slide controls in the lower section of the MINI Centre Globe, and a keyboard on the front passenger's side extending at the touch of a button from the dashboard.

Such versatile and flexible use of the MINI Center Globe gives this new control unit the character of an innovative travel companion adjusting at all times to the individual wishes of the driver and front passenger and helping them enjoy mobility in a new dimension wherever they go.

The MINI Centre Globe is additionally linked to the starter system for the engine. Instead of a conventional key, the driver uses a start/stop unit referred to as the Keyball.

To start the car, all the driver has to do is insert the Keyball on the MINI Crossover into the appropriate opening in the upper edge of the MINI Centre Globe. The Keyball then rolling towards the driver along the middle of the MINI Centre Globe. In this position the driver is able to press the Keyball in order to start the engine. Pressing the Keyball again, in turn, he switches off the engine and the Keyball rolls down into its housing bay from where the driver can conveniently remove the ball.

The MINI Centre Rail - a perfect connection bringing the MINI team front and rear together.

Instead of a conventional centre consol, the MINI Crossover Concept comes with a fastening rail referred to as the MINI Centre Rail and extending from the dashboard all the way to the tailgate of the car. This is indeed the connecting unit between the front and the rear seats.

Holders for entertainment and telecommunication devices, cupholders, storage units and boxes may be conveniently attached to this rail and subsequently pushed forward or backward along the entire length of the car.

A special fastening system developed specifically for MINI serves to attach individual items to the Centre Rail, for example an external music player and other devices, storage boxes and holders for sunglasses, gloves, tickets for parking, coins, writing utensils or a travel guide, as well as all other kinds of holders and supports.

An armrest with an integrated storage box, to mention another example, may be attached both at the front and at the rear.

The Centre Rail also facilitates the common use of storage boxes and devices and makes it much easier to pass on food and drinks to the rear-seat passengers while driving.

In the MINI Crossover Concept this pleasure of enjoying all the benefits of motoring together is symbolised by a special collection of dishes and cups made of unique porcelain created specifically for the new Concept Car.

Four sophisticated materials for a truly exclusive ambience.

Such use of top-quality porcelain highlights the exclusive lifestyle character borne out in the MINI Crossover Concept also in conjunction with three further, particularly exclusive materials in the interior: Around the instrument panel genuine wood trim extends across the entire width of the car. The armrests on the doors and the inlays in the footwells, in turn, are made of massive lime wood. Inlays made of specially hardened, lagoon-blue glass, in turn, highlight the door linings as well as the surrounds on the air vents.

Like the door closing handles on the front passenger's side, the MINI Centre Rail is made of massive, matt-polished aluminium. Looking at the appropriate colours for the interior, in turn, the designers opted for natural, authentic shades, the Dark Green leather on the driver's seat standing out clearly from the Coffee Brown leather on the other seats. The remaining cloth surfaces are finished in Light Grey and Light Brown, with a soft rubber cover adorned by wood inlays in the footwells.

[Source: BMW]

I found this car parked all alone in front of Alameda High School, alma mater of Jim Morrison, Phyllis Diller, and yours truly. I saw several other vintage Minis buzzing around town that day, so there must have been some sort of secret Mini gathering on the island. I asked Mini-owning WhatWouldJesseDo, but he hadn't heard about any such event.


I'd really like to put a Honda 600 next to one of these and see which one is smaller. If this car is really a Cooper S, it should be way quicker than a 600, since it has more than twice the engine displacement.


This car is in excellent, apparently rust-free condition, and I've since found that it really does live on the island full-time (and parks on the street).

Using three different zip codes from three different parts of the country (two major cities and Kansas City), we found that our metro Detroit Mini dealer had zero vehicles in stock; an ominous sign. However, an Atlanta dealership had ten in stock, but four of them were high-dollar JCW editions. Still, they count. Finally, our friendly KC-area dealer had a whopping 19 Minis in stock, but a big note at the top of the inventory page stating:

Our MINI's are Going Fast and Many of Our Cars are Already Spoken For - Call Now to Check for Availability!

If you think this is an insane hypothetical, we'd point out that a parachute similar to the one Cooper used was recovered near the suspected landing site this week. Assuming he didn't disintegrate, we're guessing he didn't walk out of Washington. Personally, we're fond of a 1970 Jaguar XKE in black with blacked out headlights and a leggy brunette flight attendant waiting in the passenger seat. Why? Because we're the muthafucka that just jumped out of a plane with $200K.

Here's the deal, it's going to be a knock down, drag out fight with no elimination rounds, no brackets, no BS — a winner takes all match up between four of the most remarkable hot hatches ever to be tossed around a corner with glee. And in this fight, we'll let age go before beauty.

1963 Mini Cooper S
Arguably the very first hot hatch, despite its lack of said hatch, the Mini itself was a revolutionary leap forward in car design for post-war Britain. When notable F1 race car designer John Cooper approached the legendary designer of the Mini about a higher performance edition, Alec Issigonis thought the idea unacceptable, this was a working mans car after all, not a race car. Undaunted, Cooper went above his head and received the blessing of BMC directly for the project. 1961 saw the first high performance Mini Cooper but it grew into its skin in 1963 when a 1071cc short-stroke, four-cylinder replaced the long-stroke 997cc engine. The '63 Mini Cooper S was a fantastic performer with up to 70 HP from the tiny engine. To say the handling of the Mini Cooper S is the stuff of legend is something of an understatement - how many other compact cars can claim David-versus-Goliath-like wins at Monte Carlo over cars many times its size and power?

1976 Volkswagen Golf GTI
The Mk1 Golf GTI is spoken about in hushed tones and with quiet reverence among fans of the econobox-turned-road-racer. The GTi was a breath of fresh air in a stagnant, malaise-mandated European market. The Golf was a handsome design to begin with, penned in the workshops of Guigiaro, and sporting a 1.5L four cylinder, the GTI got interesting upgrades that took it from everyman transporter to corner carving joy buzzer. Chief among the upgrades was one of the first entry market applications of fuel injection, wider track and tires, uprated anti-roll bars and stiffer springs, along with that famous red-rimmed grille. The Golf was rebadged as the Rabbit and produced in Pennsylvania for the 1978 model year, making it the first domestically produced European car in history. A GTI version followed for the US market in 1983. Though there aren't any Monte Carlo wins under its belt, few cars did as much to beat back the 'car as appliance' mindset which pervaded the '80s era auto industry, and the hot hatch survives today in large part due to it's existence.

1986 Dodge Omni GLH-S
Though Carroll Shelby is better known for his involvement in cars like the Cobra 427, Daytona, and Mustang, it's nut job projects like the GLHS that should really be putting him into the Automotive Hall of Fame. The 1985 Dodge Omni GLH was a bonkers car to begin with, starting with the turbo-four out of the Shelby Charger, but Carroll took the last 500 of the Omni GLH and added some more. Goes Like Hell - Somemore, a name only a speed crazed Texan could come up with, was apt. The already potent, for '85, Chrysler turbo 2.2L four was upgraded with an intercooler, prototype fuel rail and remapped fuel delivery curve and delivered 175 HP and 174 lb/ft of torque. The suspension gained Koni adjustable shocks up front and coilovers in the rear, and some sticky tires on custom wheels. Our favorite modification is a sticker on the speedometer hailing the possibility of 135 mph - it just has such a smirk inducing quality to it. All that added together to produce a real street burner. The GLH-S would do 0-60 in 6.5 ticks and run up to 130 mph. It takes a certain kind of mad man to make a Simca designed econobox run with a Corvette.

2003 Renault Clio V6
Not many cars can make the claim to fame of being one of the ten Jeremy Clarkson would place in his personal fantasy garage. The Renault Clio V6 Renault Sport is an example of what happens when madness reaches its inevitable end. Yes, the DS is a beautiful automotive achievement and the CS has a nearly magical suspension, but this Renault may be the most impressive example ever of the French passion for the automobile. For those who have never seen a Clio in person, it is not a large or imposing car, not by any stretch of the imagination. Somewhere the bean counters fell asleep and the batshit crazy idea of dropping a V6 into the back seat of an econo-car slipped by, and the world is a better place for it. The 255 HP naturally aspirated V6 from a Renault Laguna motivates the Clio from just behind the drivers seat and spills its beautiful music into the open air. 0-60 comes in a quick 5.6 seconds and the car tops out at 153 MPH. Bonkers. Sure it loses pretty much all of its utility as a hatchback, the turning circle is atrocious, it's expensive, and it gulps fuel, but the insanity excuses all of that.

So there you have it, four cars from four decades, each with its own character and achievements. However, there can be only one. We know there will be rants over cars not included in this poll as the hot hatch has been a stalwart of automotive affection for a long time, but these are the four today. So what will it be? The British bulldog, the sharp steering German, a bold and brash American, or proof of France's sporting chops? Have at it folks.

Gawker Media polls require Javascript; if you're viewing this in an RSS reader, click through to view in your Javascript-enabled web browser.

Image sources here, here, here, and here.

The Jalopnik Fantasy Garage:
1978 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | Honda 1300 Coupe 9 | 1931 Daimler Double Six 50 Corsica Drophead Coupe | Ferrari 288 GTO | Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 | 1970 Buick GSX 455 | First Generation BMW M Coupe | Bugatti Veyron 16.4 | Ford GT | Citroen SM | Porsche 928 | Jensen FF | DeTomaso Vallelunga | Audi Quattro S1 | Buick GNX | Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R | Honorary Fantasy Garager: The LS1 Powered Rotus | Lamborghini LM002 | Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe | Ferrari 250 GTO | Bentley Speed Six | Talbot-Lago T150C SS Figoni et Falaschi Raindrop/Teardrop Coupe | Porsche 917 | Audi RS4 Avant | Lamborghini Miura | Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 | BMW E39 M5 | Jaguar E-type | Mercedes-Benz 300 SL | Dodge Charger/Challenger R/T | Toyota 2000GT | Facel Vega HK500 | Voisin C28 Aerosport | Bugatti Type 41 Royale | McLaren F1 | Maserati Bora | Continental MK II | Tucker 48 | Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato | BMW 507 | Porsche 959 | 1925 Rolls-Royce Phantom 1 Jonckheere Coupe | Land Rover Defender | Lotus Eleven | Cadillac Eldorado Brougham

Gaywheels.com Top 10 Most-Researched Vehicles

1. Toyota Yaris
2. Saab 9-3
3. Mazda MX-5
4. VW Rabbit
5. Audi A3
6. VW EOS
7. VW Jetta
8. Dodge Caliber
9. Toyota Camry
10. MINI Cooper

Of course, in 2007, MINI changed its corporate policies to become gay-friendly. Coincidence or not, its Cooper has joined the top 10. Good work. [Gaywheels]

Obvious differences between the stock JCW car and this prototype include the new front/rear fascias with a lower and wider grille, possibly to help cool the larger brakes, as well as new side skirts and the new wheels. Sources are saying the car seen here will bow at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2008 with production versions arriving in garages as early as Summer 2008 as 2009 models. [World Car Fans]

BMW/Mercedes Mull Small Car Partnership [Motoring File]

Related:
Even If BMW Wants A Piece, In Australia At Least, Daimler And Chrysler To Try And Remain BFF [internal]

Mystery Machine - What's With This MINI Cooper? [The Car Connection]

Related:
MINI Hits Viral Marketing Over The Head With A Clubman [internal]

Funny story. Remember that new Mini JCW Motoring File talked about a few days back. Well, they were completely unwrong about that. It's the new Mini John Cooper Works R56 — a tuning kit for the MINI Cooper S's twin-scroll 1.6-liter four — and it's debuting next week in Geneva. The mild tuning kit can be installed on any new-model Cooper S, providing around 17 more horsepower and 10 more lb-ft of torque. An overboost function can increase torque temporarily to nearly 200 lb-ft, from 184 lb-ft. No word on US price yet, but it'll cost 1,689 in Germany. There's also no word on the rumored high-po Mini JCW reportedly in the works. – Mike Spinelli

Press Release:

Get the Racing Feeling: John the Cooper Works Tuning kit for the new MINI Cooper S.

The International Automobile Salon in Geneva (March 8th - 18th 2007) is the setting for the world premiere of the John Cooper Works Tuning Kit for the MINI Cooper S. From mid-2007, what is already the most powerful version of the compact premium model will be given an additional power boost under its bonnet. With the John Cooper Works Tuning Kit for the MINI Cooper S, the output of the 1.6 litre twin scroll turbo engine is increased to an impressive 141 kW/192 bhp, with maximum torque up to 250 Newton metres in the engine speed range between 1,750 and 5,000 rpm. With the overboost function, the torque level can even be increased temporarily to 270 Nm for powerful acceleration in the engine speed range from 1,750 to 4,500 rpm.

Mini John Cooper Works R56

And the MINI brand has even more John Cooper Works components on offer for fans of the new MINI Cooper S - enough to quicken the pulse and put motor racing passion into everyday driving. These include a sports chassis, perforated brake discs for the front axle of the MINI Cooper S and 18-inch light alloy wheels. These options can be ideally combined with numerous other features from the John Cooper Works accessory range which equally enhance the car's sporting spirit: with the aerodynamics packages in body colour, the John Cooper Works sports seats, the John Cooper Works sports steering wheel and selected equipment components made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic. Not only is the dynamic potential of the new MINI Cooper S increased but also its charismatic sporty appeal.

Racing expertise for more fun in everyday driving.

The John Cooper Works Tuning Kit for the MINI Cooper S includes components whose development is derived directly from expertise gained from motor racing. This most powerful version of the new MINI thus carries on a tradition which dates back to the legendary racing success of MINI and John Cooper Works in the sixties. The John Cooper Works Tuning Kit for the MINI Cooper S consists of a sports exhaust system, a sports air filter and an electronic engine management system optimised for greater power efficiency. The resulting package fires the MINI Cooper S to new performance peaks and even greater driving fun.

Perfect look for a sports vehicle.

And the sporty look of the new MINI Cooper S can be further refined with the appropriate ingredients from the John Cooper Works collection. The sports suspension not only ensures even more agile handling but also lowers the suspension by 10 millimetres. In keeping with this, John Cooper Works provides an aerodynamic body kit in body colour - consisting of a front and rear apron and side sills - as well as several versions of 18-inch light allow wheels. The "Double Spoke" design has a particularly agile look and is new for 2007. The largest wheel authorised for the new MINI (dimensions 7J x 18) has low-section tyres sized 205/40/18 with runflat properties.

The perforated brake discs are also borrowed from classic racing technology. And finally, numerous equipment components in carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic give the MINI a new visual kick. The high-tech Formula 1 material is used for John Cooper Works trim panels for the front air inlet, exterior mirrors and tailgate handle - not made exclusively for the MINI Cooper S but also available for other model variations of the new MINI generation.

The new MINI: individuality is the key focus.

A John Cooper Works roof spoiler with carbon spoiler is also available for the new MINI. John Cooper Works leaves its mark in the interior of this racy little car, too: the John Cooper sports seat (ED: not available for the US market) provides an attractive appearance and optimised lateral holding for dynamic travel. And if you want to be absolutely sure of having a good grip on the new MINI at all times, you will opt for the John Cooper Works sports steering wheel. It is optionally available with a cover in leather or Alcantara - a stylish touch of individual flair!

Alternatively, the Original MINI accessory range offers a single-section roof spoiler which can be finished in body colour. Even greater individuality is provided by additional headlamps, illuminated entry sills with free choice of lettering and a wide range of roof decor variations. In addition to the popular motives "Union Jack" and "Chequered Flag" - which are also available for the mirror covers and door handle trim elements - the roof of the MINI can also be decorated with the MINI lettering or even the markings for a helicopter landing spot ("Heliport" motif).

The Original MINI accessory programme also offers MINI fans the opportunity to increase the comfort and functionality of their vehicle. The MINI interface for integration of Apple iPod models means you have just the music selection you want as you drive. MINI-specific roof and rear carrier systems enable the safe transport of bicycles, skis, snowboards or roof boxes. The especially useful options also include high-quality textile floor mats, a rear protective cover, a luggage compartment tub and folding sun blinds. No matter whether sporty or practical: thanks to the extraordinary variety of the individualisation options available, every MINI is one thing above all else: unique.

Related:
Give Me One With the Works: Mini Planning JCW "Stage One Kit" [internal]

Those Mini followers at MotoringFile say more speed kitting that bears the name of John Cooper is on the way. Word is, the BMW brand will offer two new JCW products, not just one as it does now. Apparently, the really big news is a high-output, JCW-tuned Mini coming in 2008, which will reportedly be some measure of awesome. But before the day that model rolls out, the company's planning a mild bolt-on the MFers are calling a "Stage One" kit, rumored to boost horsepower to somewhere between 190 hp and 200 hp. The kit seems like a fairly by-the-book exercise, not unlike the first mods a new enthusiast owner might slap on. It includes a revised air intake, less restrictive exhaust and new ECU software. We'd imagine that would be a dealer-installed option, where the more substantial JCW tuning is now done at the factory. No word on price, but sources are saying 3000 euros in the European market. Why shop the catalogs when you can just check a box on the options sheet? – Mike Spinelli

2008 JCW Stage One Upgrade Revealed [Motoring FIle]

Related:
The Mini GP: M-Power on the Cheap or Cynical Marketing Exersize? [internal]

...but we never thought it was this small. But for real, maybe it's just Steve Jobs' car and he's carrying the next version of the iPod, "the Giganto," to CES on top of his car. Or maybe it's just a guy in England who photoshopped an iPod onto the roof of a car. – Ray Wert

AppleMini [Flickr]

Related:
Last Huzzah: Mini to Show Sidewalk Edition Convertible in Detroit [internal]

FV Report: First spy shots of Mini convertible [Straightline]

Related:
Over the Back Fence: Mini to Call Wagon Clubman, Launch it in 2008 [internal]

Todd Phillips directed some pretty magnificent chase scenes in his time — like the car/boat scene in the recent "Starsky & Hutch" movie, or who can forget the epic snatch n' grab scene with Will Ferrell from "Old School?" Okay, so by magnificent — we mean magnificently horrible. Regardless — the man's been tasked by BMW to put together a new commercial for the new-for-2007 Mini Cooper line of itty-bitty cars, and Jalopnik reader Zack, a fairly regular contributor of corrected information — dropped us the following scoop:

This past weekend, Moxie Films shot scenes from a new Mini Cooper commercial campaign - right in the alley behind our own fabrication shop, here in North Hollywood, CA.

*The director is Todd Phillips - he directed Old School and Starsky and Hutch (the new one, with Ben Stiller) *Rhys Millen was the driver behind the wheel of the Mini. Rhys is part of Drivers INC, which we are also affiliated with. It's a consortium of stunt drivers. *It's a new, 2007 Mini - they had 2 on set. *This was only 1 of 6 locations shooting today. The script is a rather extensive shoot, similar to the whole Starsky and Hutch motif. (Rhys was wearing a wig and a mustache!)

Related:
When Engineers Attack: MINI's On Parade!; What's So New About The New, New Mini? [internal]

From the outside, the 2007 Mini (UK version) looks to be a mere nup-and-tick away from the last model. But the company says every single body panel is different. That's owed to what chaos theorists call the butterfly effect — you can't change one segment without it rippling throughout the rest of the design. Of course, everything is new to such an evolutionary degree — the most noticable differences being in the front and rear overhangs — a casual onlooker may be none the wiser. But under that familiar shell is some even more radical newness, including a new, variable-valve (BMW's Valvetronic) 1.6-liter direct-injection engine jointly produced with France's PSA, and a new suspension setup. Performance is similar to its predecessor, with the 120 hp (at 6,000 rpm) base model's zero-to-62 time a stated 9.1 seconds (126mph top speed) and the Cooper S — now with a twin-scroll turbocharged and intercooled version of the same engine producing 175hp — at 7.1 seconds (top speed of 140 mph). The S version also gets runflats now (sorry, Farago). Click through for more changes.

According to the company, substantial changes include the following:

"The fuel consumption of both models has improved dramatically. The combined cycle for the MINI Cooper is now 48.7mpg (formerly 40.9) and MINI Cooper S 40.9mpg (formerly 32.8). CO2 emissions have also been reduced meaning that both models will move two places in the VED car tax ratings."

"The new MINI Cooper is 60 mm longer than its predecessor and the new MINI Cooper S, 61 mm longer. But to maintain the car's unmistakable proportions, the designers matched the increase in size at the front by giving the car more rounded contours at the rear."

"The round, clear-glass headlights are now fixed to the body and have been turned slightly to the outside to maintain the geometry of the car from the front. The indicators, formerly isolated in the front valance, are now housed within the main headlight units."

"The radiator grille is now made up of a closed, self-contained element without the former dividing line made by the upper edge of the bumper. This design is reminiscent of the air intake scoop on the classic Mini."

"The MINI Cooper S has a 'stronger' front end due to the bonnet curving up approximately 20mm more to provide extra space for the turbocharged engine underneath and to meet pedestrian impact regulations."

"Rising gently to the rear, the shoulder line is now 18mm higher than on the former model and visually accentuates the powerful stance of the car's body."

"The rear lights are now slightly larger and feature separate external surrounds."

"On both models, vertical air flow edges on the C-pillars and individual spoilers at the rear end of the roof enhance the level of aerodynamics to an even higher standard than before. The MINI Cooper now has a drag coefficient of 0.33. (0.35 on the previous model)."

"Customisation of the new MINI starts with a wide range of paintwork colours. 12 body colours will be available, seven of which are brand new."

"The centre console below the Speedo is slimmer to create more space in the footwells for driver and front passenger. The door lock blipper and ignition key is now a round signal sensor. When inserted into a slot beside the steering wheel it allows the driver to press a start/stop button to switch the engine on and off."

"New ambient illumination included in the optional lights package is unique in the automotive industry. The colour of the interior lights in the roof lining, the door storage compartments and grab handle recesses may be changed at any time in five stages from warm orange to sporting blue, depending on the occupants' personal preference. This is controlled from a new panel of toggle switches in the roof lining. The toggle switches in the dash that operate the electric windows, seat heating and central locking were a real hit with current MINI owners and have been made larger on the new MINI."

"A Colour Line option allows individual design of the MINI cockpit. Colour highlights in the lower sections of the dashboard flow on into the door linings, where they are combined with the materials on the trim surfaces. Colour Line is available in five colour shades, with the trim surfaces coming in four exclusive variants over and above the versions already standard on the MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S: glossy black piano paint, dark brown grained oak, brushed aluminium, and an extra-fine gloss surface."

"A set of 16 chrome-plated trim rings for the air vents, cupholders and instruments gives the interior an even more sophisticated look."

"In the rear, passengers are offered more comfort with recessed knee cut-outs in the front seats lined with material rather than the traditional plastics."

Related:
Thoroughly Modern Mini: Details on the 2007 Cooper [internal]

Gabe and his minions at MotoringFile have a major update on what's coming from Mini in 2007. The second-gen version of the newly iconic lil' bugger will be most notable for what's under the hood, though both the interior and exterior are getting evolutionary changes that'll be impossible to miss for Monk-like detectives and Mini freakizoids (just jokes, Gabe!) The new engines are part of a joint venture between BMW and France's PSA. More power, better tranny, same Mininess. One million in sales, here it comes.

MINI's R56 Official Preview [MotoringFile]

Related:
2007 Mini Cooper to Sport New Engines, Turbo [Internal]

Our mates at Carscoop report on this Mini Cooper concept, built by engineers at the UK's PML, unveiled at the British Motor Show this week. Each wheel has its own motor — like Mitsubishi's MIEV concepts — and at the kilowatt equivalent of 160hp each, the total is a mind-warping 640 hp, with — now, there's gotta be a caveat here — 2,213 ft.-lbs of torque. What's more, it's nearly a hybrid — with a 250 cc two-stroke gas engine that charges the batteries as needed. BMW wants you to know they are in no way affiliated with the project, but this thing could truly be the ultimate driving machine.

Electric powered MINI QED Concept with 640 Hp! [Carscoop]

Related:
Mitsubishi's Latest MIEV: Concept-CT in Detroit [internal]

AutoWeek offers up a clear shot (photoshopping status unknown) of the next-generation Mini Cooper, which will cover a larger footprint than the current model and have new engines for which BMW is working with Peugeot-Citroen. They've also got a shot of the 2008 Mini Traveller wagon, which we've pretty much seen before. Still, it's worth getting another look at the next smash-hit whip you'll be looking down on from your 'slade. Sayin'

A Mini Leap [AutoWeek]

Related:
The New, New Mini Cooper: The Full Scoop; Mini Traveller Spy Photos Aplenty [internal]

And it's a ...Mini! Were you expecting the next-generation Cooper to look like an Oldsmobile? It's a Mini, fercrissakes, though one with a few exterior refinements only the detective Monks among us will be able to pick out, like a higher hood to protect pedestrians (as per European regulations), and slight sculpting differences in the fascia. We're more excited about the new BMW-designed, PSA-sourced four-valve engine under all that sameness. Now show us a picture of that, mister car spy.

New MINI Cooper S Spy Photos [World Car Fans]

Related:
More, more, Mini [internal]

Well-heeled Mini lovers in warm climes who require space enough to haul burlap sacks of coconuts (or whatever) finally have a car that meets their rather unique need-set. Milanese coachbuilder Castagna (remember this?) is offering the Mini Tender, based on a Cooper cabrio that's been lengthened by more than 27 inches. It's the perfect yacht-side companion, with a shower (fed by an eight-gallon water tank), plus 2000-watt audio system, teak appointments and seats of waterproof neoprene.

Castagna Unveils Its New Luxurious Tender Car Concept [Born Rich]

Related:
Groovy, Baby: Radford Coachbuilders Returns With Bespoke Mini Cooper S; Castagna Imperial Landaulet Concept to Debut in Geneva [internal]

Edmunds Inside Line offers video footage of the 2007 Mini Cooper getting a proper flogging on Germany's N rburgring, ahead of its launch later this year. The Mini Mark II, lightly clad in front and rear obfuscatory leathers, gets its new, BMW-designed, PSA-built four-valve engine rung out quite rightly, indeed.

Exclusive Spy Video: 2007 Mini Cooper S [Edmunds]

Related:
More on Mini [internal]

Now here's a junket we'd be happy to take. Writing for Edmunds Inside Line, Alistair Weaver traveled all 7.3 miles (and 4,000 feet upward) of the Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road in the United Arab Emirates in a Mini Cooper S convertible. He describes the smooth-as-glass trail as "the greatest driving road in the world," with 60 corners rising to the UAE's highest peak. It's also none to bad for taking photos, as some of the story's accompanying photography would make the guys from Evo fall face down in their Kellogg's Crunchie Nut.

Taming the Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road in a Mini Cooper S Convertible [Edmunds]

Related:
Drag Night in Dubai [internal]

The Mini folks say the BMW brand will to announce new options packages and other sundries at their Chicago press event, which rates about a four on the Chicago buzz-o-meter (sorry Gabe). Still, they'll be showing off the "World's Fastest Mini" dragster, a carbon-fiber-bodied marvel built by Malibu's own Fireball Tim. The thing can pull low 11s in the quarter-mile (at 121.26 mph), making it the currently undisputed fastest Coop in existence. Maybe they'll even have hors d'oeuvres.

Related:
Winter Hotttness From Mini [internal]

If these new spy shots are an indication, the 2007 Mini Cooper's updates will be largely under the skin, with new engines expected — developed with Peugeot-Citroen. There may be some mild design changes to the headlight assembly, which is still under wraps in these photos. More interior room will be achieved more by way of deft spacial engineering rather than changes in dimension, and spies spotted what could be a keyless ignition similar to that of the current BMW 7-Series. Launch date is still spottier than a day-school measles epidemic, though. (And what of that rumored Getrag AWD version, by the by?)

Makeover coming for 2007 Mini Cooper [Edmunds]

Related:
More, more Mini [internal]