The beautifully filmed video, produced by the Mini company itself, intersperses vintage racing footage with the two merry old geezers driving their Mini JCW on winter roads with the top down. It does have a share of great laughs.

The original racing Mini Cooper S is almost unbelievable as a race car by modern numbers: in seriously upgraded form from the standard car, it developed all of 70 HP, which cut its 0-60 time from a glacial 19 seconds to an equally glacial 13 seconds. But on the twisting course of the rally, however glaciated it was in the middle of January, these numbers had no relation whatsoever to performance: what mattered was light weight and handling, both of which the Mini had in spades.

Mini, celebrating its 50th birthday, has since become a Bavarian company. While the John Cooper Works convertible Messrs. Hopkirk and Aaltonen take for a spin has three times the horsepower of their original race cars and would out-accelerate a Lamborghini Miura, you do wonder whether it could race against more powerful machines like its diminutive predecessor (not).

Photo Credit: Mini

In what might be the first time the German auto market ever gets screwed over for the states, AC Scnitzer is providing their interpretation of the MINI Cooper S at 208 HP for the domestic market and bumping things up to 226 HP for export. Weird. Aside from the tuned engine, the car gets Schnitzerized bodywork, custom exhaust, adjustable-height suspension and modified interior baubles.

The R60 platform-based 2012 MINI Cooper borrows heavily from the MINI Crossman Concept in the styling department, which should also transcend to the production MINI Crossman. The jumbo shrimp 2012 MINI will grow in size from the outgoing model and will likely mature in the power department, as well. While details are somewhat slim at this point in the game, we like what we see and could possibly even overlook the lack of a gimmicky clam shell hood.

We're expecting to see a concept version of the R60-based 2012 MINI Cooper some time next year, while the production MINI Crossman will likely be shown this fall. Given the source of this info we're still treating it with skepticism.

UPDATE: Our skepticism has been rewarded as it turns out, according to the company, these are totally bogus.

[via vinceburlap]

Both the MINI 50 Camden (white) and MINI 50 Mayfair (brown) feature unique styling treatments including blacked-out headlights and special 50th anniversary badges throughout as well as a new feature that MINI's dubbed "Mission Control." This new system is supposed to revolutionize the way the vehicle interacts and interprets the driver's inputs. The car will have certain "dialogues" with the driver to let him/her know to buckle their seat belt, current temperature and the current fuel level among other things. Weird. (Hat tip to Fiver Driver!)

[via motoringfile]

L'Automobile also claims to have received a spy photo of the upcoming MINI's interior as well, but as we've believed all along, our suspicions about the French have been true. The MINI-obsessed folks at MotoringFile have uncovered that the interior image that L'Automobile has "acquired" is simply a Photoshopped version of a development mule for the current 2nd generation MINI, which makes us question the whole story.

But, if what they're saying is true — this single exterior photograph is that we're looking at an early clay or foam design mock up for the next generation R60 platform-based 2012 MINI Cooper. It's also entirely possible that this is a mock up for the upcoming production MINI Crossman which has been spied wearing trippy acid brown camo as of late. Regardless of which specific model it is since its fairly hard to tell from this single photograph, the design details such as the slightly less round headlights and more conventional hood will be shared between the two models.

The production version of the MINI Crossman is expected to be shown this fall with a concept version of the R60-based MINI Cooper bowing a little less than a year later. [theswitchback, motoringfile via L'Automobile]

We're pretty sure this is the first time the term "surfer-dude" has ever been included in a BMW corporate press release, but this isn't a normal presser. This MINI is more a lifestyle flight of fancy, tailored to the single usage of waterside frolicking with styling completed by modern design haus Republic of Fritz Hansen. The Clubman gets a neoprene enhanced interior with "surfer-dude" flower prints, boat-deck floor boards, a surfboard up top and SCUBA gear in the rear hatch.

The Airstream is reduced from a marvel of style and function to a marvel of style, with a one wall folding flat as a sunning deck and a lounge with retro-mod furniture inside. It shares the graphics of the Clubman and gets some nicely machined stabilizers and a coat of satin paint over it's polished finished in an effort to emulate the look of a wet-suit. Still, don't expect to see this combo popping up at your local RV and watersports super-center.

[Source: BMW]

Created by Plantage Berlin, these ads were inspired by films like Ben Hur, Kill Bill and The Blues Brothers. Well, sorta anyway. In addition to the interesting concept and humor, the commercials have no dialogue and thus will work in any country where MINI does business. The commercial above is called "Duel" and the rest are below.

History

Ninja Night

Best Buddies

The Mini was given to Sara when she won 2007 Playmate of the Year. She's apparently lost interest in the car now that she's move back to Oregon.

A 2007 Mini Cooper S convertible with leather and auto transmission, the car has just 12,900 miles on it, which is likely far fewer than Sara has on herself. The auction says the car is in excellent condition, "There are no dents or dings, mechanical problems and comes from a smoke-free enviroment."

A quick search of eBay reveals other 2007 Mini Cooper S convertibles with Buy It Now prices as low as $24,500. For our money, we'd buy one of those, then satisfy ourselves with a quick and free Google search for "Sara Jean Underwood nude." [eBay via Autoblog.nl]

Car chases in film have always been an interesting mix between pure driving skill and cinematic artistry, but we always wondered exactly how they shot some of the more intense scenes. The camera cars employed by Pursuit Systems include a 100+ mile per hour dune buggy, a 500 horsepower Mitsubishi Evo, a supercharged Mini Cooper S and a couple of 450 horsepower Porsche Cayennes. A pretty impressive stable, wouldn't you say?

They've proven to be the go-to-guys in the movie making world. Whether those needs are for a 100+ mile per hour chase scenes while dodging traffic or drift scenes through a multi-leveled parking structure, it doesn't really matter, Pursuit Systems can do it all.

Pursuit Systems Demo Reel:

(Hat Tip To Lorne!)

[via pursuit systems]

Of course, mechanically identical is no bad thing. The JCW Convertible receives the fastest Mini's powertrain, which means 0-60 in 6.9 seconds, a 146 MPH top speed and a 211 HP, 207 Lb-Ft 1.6-liter turbocharged engine. A "Sport" button unique to the JCW models moves that turbo's boost down the rev range, quickens the steering and sharpens the throttle response.

Also present are lightweight 17" wheels and a whole host of electronics designed to keep the FWD car from torque steering into the nearest hedge.

No word on price yet, but given that the John Cooper Works Mini Cooper goes for $28,550 and the 2009 Mini Cooper S Convertible costs $27,450 we expect the JCW Convertible to be on the insane side of expensive.

The press release follows:

The new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible

Hot drop-top to open up at Geneva show

MINI will unveil the world's fastest small premium cabriolet at the Geneva International Motor Show on 03 March 2009. The MINI John Cooper Works Convertible will take centre stage at the event and is on sale in the UK from 28 March 2009, priced at £23,470 OTR.

Featuring the same high performance engineering modifications as the Hatch model carrying the John Cooper Works badge, the Convertible's 1.6-litre twin scroll-turbocharged engine produces 211 hp and up to 280 Nm peak torque with Overboost deployed.

Performance data for both models is therefore equally impressive.

The newcomer's petrol power plant is a significantly revised version of the 1.6-litre turbocharged unit found in MINI Cooper S models, and the same as that in the MINI CHALLENGE race car. The engine is lighter, stronger and is supplied with a larger air intake and an exhaust system specifically designed for John Cooper Works cars.

The transmission's gearing is strengthened to handle the extra available power; power that pushes the car to a remarkable output of 132 hp per litre, yet still able to offer an amazing 39.8 mpg.

The lengthy standard kit list of every MINI John Cooper Works Convertible includes a bespoke John Cooper Works Alcantara steering wheel, sport seats, John Cooper Works floor mats and glossy piano black interior. Air conditioning is fitted as standard, as it is now on every new MINI.

Performance of the Works car is underlined by an exclusive speedometer, which runs to 160 mph to account for the car's higher top speed than that of any other MINI.

A Sport button is located in front of the gear stick. When pressed it activates a bespoke engine control map producing boost earlier in the rev range and sharpening steering and throttle response. The gear knob featuring a red gearing diagram is unique to the MINI John Cooper Works.

Unique lightweight 17" alloy wheels in Cross-spoke CHALLENGE design, shod with Run-flat tyres, feature on the exciting new Convertible. A John Cooper Works Aero kit is standard and the tuning brand's logo is positioned on the boot, grille, brakes and door sills.

Extra-large disc brakes paired with upgraded bright red Brembo performance callipers are supplied. Chassis technologies ensuring a sporty and safe driving experience are also standard features of the MINI John Cooper Works:

* ABS Brakes
* EBD Electronic Brake Force Distribution
* CBC Cornering Brake Control
* EDLC Electronic Differential Lock Control
* DSC Dynamic Stability Control (incorporating Hill Assist)
* DTC Dynamic Traction Control

Unique to MINI John Cooper Works models is EDLC. With DSC fully deactivated, the car's Electronic Differential Lock Control delivers an even sportier driving experience. EDLC works when the car is accelerating hard out of corners or tight bends. In this situation, it electronically slows the spinning inside wheel to enhance grip and ensure that all available power is transferred to the road through the wheel with greatest traction. In contrast to the way DSC and DTC manage power delivery to the wheels, EDLC does not intervene with the throughput of engine power, meaning the driver is in near total control of the handling of the car.

The MINI John Cooper Works Convertible will be built entirely in the UK
With the new MINI Convertible now rolling off the line, several points of operation at MINI Plant Swindon and Oxford have been modified. BMW Group invested in new assembly stations for the Convertible tailgate at Plant Swindon. At Plant Oxford, the bodyshop installed and commissioned all necessary facilities and infrastructure to meet the high quality standards and geometrical accuracy for the Convertible body.

Associates in final assembly have transformed all work areas to integrate production of the new Convertible efficiently, and are now building the complete MINI model line-up once again on a single assembly line.

Jürgen Hedrich, MINI Plant Oxford's new Managing Director, said: "The launch of the new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible is incredibly important as it signifies that our complete model line-up is now back in production across MINI's UK production facilities."

[Source: 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]

MINI Aldridge Special makes public debut at Design Museum
A unique MINI featuring a visually stunning exterior designed by legendary artist, illustrator and graphic designer Alan Aldridge, is now on show at the Design Museum in London. The MINI Aldridge Special is an exhibit in a retrospective display of Alan’s work, entitled ‘The Man with Kaleidoscope Eyes’.

Alan Aldridge is known primarily for his creative work throughout the 1960s and 70s. Dubbed ‘The Graphic Entertainer’, Aldridge illustrated lyric books for the Beatles, album covers for The Rolling Stones, The Who and Elton John, was Art Director for Penguin Books and illustrated much-loved children’s books such as ‘The Butterfly Ball’.

Now working in Los Angeles, Alan Aldridge was keen to mark the opening of his exhibition by recreating an iconic cover of the Sunday Times Magazine, which in 1965 featured a classic Mini painted in his own, inimitable style. The updated interpretation of this image, using a new MINI One as the canvas for Alan’s design, featured in the 12 October 2008 edition of the publication, again, warranting front cover status.

The MINI Aldridge Special is adorned with an array of images, shapes and patterns, each reflecting either a male or female theme, just as the 1965 car did. The design theme is split between each side of the car, the driver side being largely set on a blue background and masculine in appearance, with passenger near side artistry backed on pink.

MINI UK General Manager Andy Hearn said: “The work of Alan Aldridge is synonymous with some of the most important names in the history of British culture, so MINI is delighted to support this exhibition by offering Alan a car to work on.

“MINI will be celebrating its 50th birthday in 2009, so this is the perfect way to begin celebrating 50 years of the car in the UK.”

‘The Man with Kaleidoscope Eyes’ exhibition runs until 25 January 2009. MINI fans and the British public will get another chance to see the MINI Aldridge Special in the metal at MINI United next year, the global MINI event which will be staged at a renowned British race circuit between 22-24 May 2009. Further details will be announced by MINI UK in the near future.

[Mini UK]

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]

HAMANN presents its tuning programme for the current MINI

Already since 1986, HAMANN-Motorsport develops and manufactures products for the individualisation of BMW automobiles. Therefore, it is only consistent that the technicians of the Laupheim-based company also focus on the "small relative" in the BMW family and develop an extensive tuning programme for the MINI. The result: a powerful performance increase, road holding aerodynamics components, striking 18-inch light alloy rims and noble interior modifications in aluminium and carbon.

For both, the MINI COOPER S and the MINI COOPER D, HAMANN offers powerful performance increase components by re-programming the serial Motronic. According to the ignition map optimisation, the Diesel-aggregate has 136 hp / 100 kW at 4,000 r.p.m. and a maximum torque of 300 Nm at 1,750 - 2,000 r.p.m. This equals an increase of 26 hp / 20 kW. The HAMANN technicians achieved an even larger performance boost with the petrol version. Instead of 175 hp / 128 kW, the COOPER S then has sappy 204 hp/ 150 kW at 5,500 r.p.m. and a torque of 300 Nm at 1,600 - 5,000 r.p.m. Accordingly also the acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h improves by half a second. The maximum speed is approx. 5 km/h faster than with a serial motor. But there is another, significantly greater performance increase for the trendy buggy. This is reserved to the COOPER S and is called SPORTKIT CS 230. And the name says it all: After tuning the car with a modified serial Motronic, a new supercharged air cooler and by using a HAMANN sport muffler, the MINI offers 230 PS / 169 kW at 6,050 r.p.m. and 330 Nm torque at 3,860 r.p.m. The top speed spurts to 238 km/h. But the enormous agile response behaviour and the improved high-revving character of the optimised engine are even more important for everyday use.

The lifestyle design of the HAMANN aerodynamics kit also presents itself strikingly racy. The serial front skirt does not only profit from its optic enhancement, but at the same time, the lifting forces are reduced, leading to an increased stability mainly at high speeds. The entire HAMANN front skirt is an alternative. It produces output at the front axle and supplies the air cooler and the front breaks with even more fresh air. The HAMANN side sills give the MINI a more elongated and lowered look. A rear diffuser which was especially developed for COOPER S models extends the serial skirt downwards and turns the two end pipes of the HAMANN sport exhaust system skilfully into focus.

The HAMANN rim programme takes the individual wishes of the MINI clientele into account. No matter if the customer seeks a strikingly sportive or noble and elegant version - HAMANN offers a variety of wheel designs in many sizes. One of the technical highlights is the one-piece 18-inch wheel HM EVO. The modern style is emphasised with a black-lacquered finish, a diamond grinded rim star and the discreet indent.

Five elongated and vaulted triple spokes prove optical and technical finesse. The recommended wheel-tyre combination is 7.5Jx18 inches for the front and back axle with tyres measuring 225/35ZR18. HAMANN uses high performance wheels type S1 EVO of its technology partner HANKOOK.

The chassis suspension which lowers the MINI´s centre of gravity by 30 mm also sets new highlights. HAMANN offers a height-adjustable sport coilover kit as an ideal solution for the different requirements on the racetrack and for everyday use. The set consists of four sport anti-shocks and four progressively coiled sport springs. With these, the chassis can be lowered by up to 50 mm and offers numerous possibilities for an individual adjustment.

Supplementary to the existing serial interior features, HAMANN offers high-quality aluminium accessories. Hand brake handles, sport gear shifts and pedals render a motorsports ambience and complement the lifestyle package with the HAMANN interior set made of visible carbon structures. You name it, we have it - from personalised car mats to complete leather furnishings - everything is produced with precise craftsmanship.