MINI Introduces New Contest To Celebrate Your City

Posted On: Dec 8, 2012 By: Charles Kayajian Category: MINI Cooper News

“Find Your City’s Pulse” is MINIs latest contest that asks MINI owners to submit photography, graphic design, illustration, or collage that captures the true essence of “pulse” of the city in which they live. The winner of the contest will be awarded a new MacBook Pro.

Posted On: Dec 8, 2012 By: Charles Kayajian Category: MINI Cooper News

“Find Your City’s Pulse” is MINIs latest contest that asks MINI owners to submit photography, graphic design, illustration, or collage that captures the true essence of “pulse” of the city in which they live. The winner of the contest will be awarded a new MacBook Pro.

 

The “Find You City’s Pulse” contest is part of MINI’s larger “Not Normal” marketing campaign which celebrates the quirkiness of both the MINI vehicle and its owner. The goal is “to see your city’s colorful underbelly and the people that help shape it: from action shots of urban artists at work and their graffiti-laden abandoned concrete canvases, to DJs and VJs and impromptu street parties, to the anonymous faces that serenade your morning commute.”

It seems that this clever contest will strengthen MINIs branded image as an urban-chic automobile, linking its drivers to the cities in which they drive. Kudos to MINI for creating another fun, interactive marketing campaign that will certainly appeal to its target audience. All submissions will be showcased on MINIspace.com. Click HERE for more details!

First Place: MacBook Pro
Second Place: iPhone 5
Third Place: iPad Mini
Popular Vote Prize: Polaroid Instant Digital Camera

via MINI Introduces New Contest To Celebrate Your City.

via MINI Introduces New Contest To Celebrate Your City.

2014 MINI Cooper S Five-Door Spy Shots

The third generation of the modern MINI Cooper will spawn a new five-door variant when it goes on sale next year, as confirmed by these latest spy shots of a prototype for the more family friendly MINI.

On initial glance the prototype looks similar to previous mules for the regular 2014 MINI Cooper three-door, but it clearly features four doors and what looks to be a conventional rear hatch–making this a five-door.

Centrally-mounted exhaust tips also confirm that this is the slightly sportier Cooper S version of the new MINI five-door. We suspect prototypes for the Cooper version will crop up soon.

To accommodate the extra doors, MINI’s designers have stretched the wheelbase. It also appears they’ve raised the height of the roof in order to maximize interior space.

We’ve previously reported on the five-door MINI Cooper, which is likely to replace the suicide-door-equipped Clubman. It’s not clear whether this model will pick up the Clubman name or be called something entirely else.

MINI is hoping the increased flexibility will make its new 2014 Cooper range appeal to a wider audience and boost sales beyond last year’s tally of roughly 285,000 units for the previous generation. Note, despite the additional set of doors, the rear seats will still only be suitable for small children, so parents with a couple of teens best look elsewhere or at least have a second car if a MINI is a must.

Under the hood will be BMW’s latest three-cylinder engine family. In the U.S., base Cooper models will get a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine with around 121 horsepower and 133 pound-feet of torque. Cooper S models will get a more potent version of this engine, which most likely will match the 181-horsepower rating of the outgoing version.

Look for the debut of the new 2014 MINI Cooper range in the first half of next year, with this five-door variant, whatever it’s called, to arrive shortly after.

via 2014 MINI Cooper S Five-Door Spy Shots.

via 2014 MINI Cooper S Five-Door Spy Shots.

The Fast and the Furriest (MINI Driving Dog) – YouTube

The Fast and the Furriest (MINI Driving Dog) – YouTube.

via The Fast and the Furriest (MINI Driving Dog) – YouTube.

Original Mini Suspension Designer Alex Moulton Dies at 92

MotoringFile » Archive » Original Mini Suspension Designer Alex Moulton Dies at 92.

Sections: Classic Mini Dec 10th, 2012 6 Comments

The original Mini was revolutionary on a number of fronts. But one that is often forgotten is the unique rubber springs used on the car. The combination of conical rubber springs and small wheels was one of the many innovative developments which allowed design Alec Issigonis to achieve the Mini’s small overall size. And the man who created it, Dr. Alex Moulton, went on to work designing both bicycle and automotive suspensions to great acclaim.

Moulton later went onto create the Hydrolastic system for MINI that connected the front and rear wheel pair on each side of the car giving the Mini a shockingly soft and level ride despite it’s wheelbase.

via MotoringFile » Archive » Original Mini Suspension Designer Alex Moulton Dies at 92.

28 women stuff themselves in a Mini to set Guinness world record – YouTube

28 women stuff themselves in a Mini to set Guinness world record – YouTube.

via 28 women stuff themselves in a Mini to set Guinness world record – YouTube.

MINI and BMW to Dramatically Expand Model Ranges

Will someone give me a heyyyooo…the future looks bright at

Ferman MINI of Tampa Bay!

In various interviews over the past few months, BMW executives have hinted at grand plans for the UKL platform. Reported by both MotoringFile and BimmerFile, the UKL platform will spawn an onslaught of FWD models. This will make MINI more long-term viable and will drive the BMW Group to greater economies of scale. Yet just how far BMW is willing to go with FWD, and how big the MINI brand will get hasn’t really been understood until recently.

BMW has plans — BIG plans — for such a small automaker. According to several sources (and recently coraborated by “Scott27″ — our favorite inside source), the BMW board has given approval for a number of front wheel drive models in both the BMW and MINI lineups. Surprisingly, this even includes a MINI four door sedan. According to those who’ve seen the proposal, it’s an extremely attractive car that leverages the MINI floating roof and wrap-around glass. Apparently, the rear is similar to the Paceman, with sculpted front lines reminiscent of the 2008 MINI Crossover Concept. However, this variation of the MINI design language will be unique to this sedan, letting most of the rest of the lineup continue to follow the visual lead of the F56 hardtop hatch.

MotoringFile » Archive » MINI and BMW to Dramatically Expand Model Ranges.

via MotoringFile » Archive » MINI and BMW to Dramatically Expand Model Ranges.

The MINI sedan is just the start of further model expansion. There will be several crossovers and utility vehicles, as well as sporting coupes and convertibles. Here’s the list for both BMW and MINI as we currently understand it, keeping in mind some of the details may change.

1. BMW 1er Urbanic Compact 3/5dr – Upcoming City hatch based on the next MINI, making it BMW’s Audi A1 rival.
2. MINI 3/5dr hatch – Increased demand for utility leads to the next generation MINI, due next year, to feature available five doors for the 1st time.
3. BMW 1-series Sedan – Baby sedan based on the UKL architecture and aimed at global markets for small five seaters.
4. MINI Sedan – A sporty four door MINI aimed at further growing the market for MINIs. Could potentially be MINI’s best seller worldwide, overtaking the Countryman.
5. BMW 1-series Active Tourer – Production version of Active Tourer Concept launched at IAA 2013.
6. MINI Traveller – MINI’s version of the Active Tourer. It’s designed to show how both cars can co-exist with individual style and flexibility.
7. BMW 1-series Urbanic Roadster – BMW’s open top version of the City Car will inherit two seats and will feature a rear deck with layered butresses like the BMW 6-series Cabrio and BMW i8. These are designed for clip on roof panel.
8. MINI Convertible – The F56-generation version of the popular 4-seat, open top MINI.
9. BMW Z1 Sportster – To provide greater economies of scale, The Z1 will be BMW’s equivalent to the MINI Coupe and Roadster. It will be FWD and powered by more powerful three cylinder engines than what we’ll find in the MINI range. The design is derived from the well-received 2011 Vision ConnectedDrive concept car.
10. MINI Roadster – The next Roadster and Coupe will launch with a sportier look completely separate from the standard MINI. MINI design language will remain but the bodywork will no longer be based on the hardtop hatch.
11. BMW Z1 Sport Coupe – A coupe version of the Z1 will complete the BMW Z twins.
12. MINI Coupe – Coupe version of Roadster, and as mentioned above, more individual in appearance than the standard hardtop hatch.
13. BMW X1 – Next generation of BMW’s highly successful SAV moves to the UKL architecture to offer more flexibility, including xDrive.
14. MINI Countryman – Next generation of the global MINI juggernaut, the Countryman will finally share its underpinnings with BMW X1.
15. BMW X2 – Sport Activity Coupe variant of the next BMW X1 , FWD with optional xDrive and the first BMW SAC to appear as both a 3dr and 5dr. Think of it as the BMW version of the MINI Paceman.
16. MINI Paceman and Paceman XL – Next generation of newest MINI member will be offered with the current 3-door version, as well as a 5-door.
17. BMW Family Activity Sports Tourer – BMW’s hybrid of an SAV and MPV, the FAST will feature a “touring” bodystyle and aim to sew up the small, luxury people carrier segment.
18. MINI Clubman – Current car revisited with more style and more flexibility. Anticipated as more of a Shooting Brake with dynamic raked roof and forward looking proportions.
19. Next Generation BMW 1 Series Sedan – Due in 2017 and is expected with both front and all wheel drive available.

However, for all this FWD, BMW isn’t giving up small rear wheel drive cars. In fact BMW and BMW M have big plans for the 2 Series range. Specifically BMW M will base a car on the 2-series with a Gran Coupe variant of the 2-series Coupe. Adding two extra doors to a slightly longer wheelbase and roofline, the Gran Coupe will set itself apart. This car will be BMW’s answer to the Mercedes-Benz CLA, but in a more enthusiast friendly RWD form. The 2-series Coupe will also form the foundation of what will effectively be the second generation 1M. Here’s the full rundown of future small, rear wheel drive cars from BMW:

• BMW 2-series Coupe – Coupe version of the 1-series hatch. Unique front and rear style, with a sleeker, rounded roof. Yet still in compact proportions. Premieres at IAA 2013.
• BMW 2-series Cabrio – Soft top version retains the unique appearance of the 2-series Coupe.
• BMW 2-series Gran Coupe – A 4-door addition of 2-series Coupe with slightly lengthened wheelbase and roof line. It’s aimed to position BMW’s RWD as dominant over the Audi A3 Sedan and Mercedes-Benz CLA.
• BMW 2-series Gran Sports Tourer – A Hyundai Veloster-type, asymmetrical touring coupe inspired by the classic BMW 2002 Touring variant. This car has many admirers in Munich.
• BMW M2 Coupe – Successor to the BMW 1-series M Coupe, the M2 Coupe continues the same formula that made the last car so memorable. While no huge competitor in the HP race, four cylinder will bring less weight, which matters most in a car of this type. More driving enjoyment and overall feel is considered of higher priority than who has the biggest horsepower numbers.
• BMW M2 Gran Coupe – The baby Gran Coupe inherits a lot from its four door big brother: 340 HP, Four doors and RWD. It will be a direct competitor to the Mercedes-Benz CLA 45AMG.

Image courtesy of Autocar

MotoringFile » Archive » MINI and BMW to Dramatically Expand Model Ranges.

via MotoringFile » Archive » MINI and BMW to Dramatically Expand Model Ranges.

AutoExpress Imagines the MINI Cooper 5-door

MotoringFile » Archive » AutoExpress Imagines the MINI Cooper 5-door.

via MotoringFile » Archive » AutoExpress Imagines the MINI Cooper 5-door.

MINI at the Los Angeles Auto Show 2012

MotoringFile » Archive » MINI at the Los Angeles Auto Show 2012.

via MotoringFile » Archive » MINI at the Los Angeles Auto Show 2012.

Do Not Try This At Home…

Instead – stop by Ferman MINI and see how many Motoring Advisors you can coax into a MINI.

28 MINI FANS CRAM INTO THE RECORD BOOKS

A team of gym members from East Sussex have today smashed two Guinness World Records™ world records for the number of people inside both a classic Mini and a 2012 MINI.

28 flexible ladies crammed their way into the MINI Hatch at Potters Fields Park, London as part of the eighth annual Guinness World Records day. The team broke their own previous record of 27 people, which they set in Eastbourne last year.

The ladies made full use of every inch of space available in the MINI, including the dashboard, the footwells and they even managed to squeeze four people in the boot.

As soon as they celebrated their first record the ladies dashed off to the ITV studios to attempt the second record live on This Morning, where by squeezing a staggering 23 ladies into a classic Mini, they managed to beat the previous record by two people.

Today more than 400,000 people around the world are taking part in record-breaking events for the eighth annual Guinness World Records Day, which commemorates the day in 2004 when Guinness World Records became the world’s best-selling copyrig

2014 Mini Cooper S Paceman [w/video] First Drive

2014 Mini Cooper S Paceman [w/video] First Drive.

via 2014 Mini Cooper S Paceman [w/video] First Drive.