Motor Authority - blog Category: Cooper

The Mini Cooper isn't the first car you'd associate with the environmental movement, but with its frugal four-cylinder engines and the new Mini E battery-operated version, the Cooper's green credentials are considerable.

Now Mini's buffing the inexpensive, high-miler Cooper it sells in Europe as the Mini One. While other Minis get diesel engines, too, the new Mini One D has a special 90hp (67kW) version of a BMW Group oil-burner that turns in the equivalent of 6mpg fuel economy. The One D also includes regenerative braking that supplies juice for accessory power, and stop-start functionality to save gas in traffic and city driving.

Mini... The Mini Cooper isn't the first car you'd associate with the environmental movement, but with its frugal four-cylinder engines and the new Mini E battery-operated version, the Cooper's green credentials are considerable. Now Mini's buffing the inexpensive, high-miler Cooper it sells in Europe as the Mini One. While other Minis get diesel engines, too, the new Mini One D has a special 90hp (67kW) version of a BMW Group oil-burner that turns in the equivalent of 6mpg fuel economy. The One D also includes regenerative braking that supplies juice for accessory power, and stop-start functionality to save gas in traffic and city driving. Mini won't actually be selling the diesel One in America, but it's not too early to imagine future Coopers coming with the fuel-efficient drivetrain. For one, BMW's been a huge diesel proponent, from its X5 sport-ute to its newly minted 335d four-door sedan. And in this application, the acceleration's not so bad. The One D's 0-60 mph time of 11.5 seconds isn't that far off a 2010 Honda Insight in acceleration, and fuel economy's comparable, if not better. Top speed in the Mini One D hits 113 mph, too. More on Mini's new green cars is coming from the 2009 Frankfurt auto show. Stay tuned. Read More

Mini's aren't exactly known for their aggressive or sporty styling, instead choosing to adopt a more 'cute' appearance at the behest of its designers. German tuning house AC Schnitzer, however, didn't agree with Mini’s original design theme and instead unveiled a new kit for the R57 Cooper Cabrio with a number of modifications to the engine, suspension, styling and aerodynamics.

Starting with the performance, the standard Cooper S Cabrio features a 175hp (131kW) 1.6L engine, but with performance upgrades this figure is increased to a more impressive 208hp (155kW). The car is also fitted with a limited-slip differential that can be had... Mini's aren't exactly known for their aggressive or sporty styling, instead choosing to adopt a more 'cute' appearance at the behest of its designers. German tuning house AC Schnitzer, however, didn't agree with Mini’s original design theme and instead unveiled a new kit for the R57 Cooper Cabrio with a number of modifications to the engine, suspension, styling and aerodynamics. Starting with the performance, the standard Cooper S Cabrio features a 175hp (131kW) 1.6L engine, but with performance upgrades this figure is increased to a more impressive 208hp (155kW). The car is also fitted with a limited-slip differential that can be had in both the Cooper S and the special John Cooper Works (JCW) performance variant. The engine upgrades are complemented with a new AC Schnitzer sports silencer in special steel with a chrome racing tailpipe for the Cooper S and JCW. AC Schnitzer has also unveiled new suspension components, available in the form of a suspension spring kit and a height-adjustable racing suspension set-up. In conjunction with an aluminum strut brace for the front, the new suspension should make the Mini drop-top even more agile than it already is. Visually, the designers at AC Schnitzer have come up with new front spoilers and rear skirts for the car, which they claim also offer aerodynamic advantages on top of giving a sportier appearance. New decals on the side and custom alloy wheels also add to the car's appearance, while custom AC Schnitzer gear knobs, handbrakes, pedals and foot rests can be had inside, along with velour floor mats.AC Schnitzer Mini Cooper Cabrio Read More

Arden is a German tuning company that has a penchant for modifying British cars, namely, Jaguars and Land Rovers. Now, the company is looking to expand its business by modifying vehicles from the Mini brand and is targeting buyers looking for something sporty yet still luxurious.

Arden’s first project will be a new performance kit for the Mini Cooper S based on the tuner’s own Cup race car (pictured), which is running in this year’s Mini Challenge series with driver E. Piro behind the wheel.

High-quality materials like Connolly leathers, premium woods and carbon-fiber will be used for the cabin, and like all Arden... Arden is a German tuning company that has a penchant for modifying British cars, namely, Jaguars and Land Rovers. Now, the company is looking to expand its business by modifying vehicles from the Mini brand and is targeting buyers looking for something sporty yet still luxurious. Arden’s first project will be a new performance kit for the Mini Cooper S based on the tuner’s own Cup race car (pictured), which is running in this year’s Mini Challenge series with driver E. Piro behind the wheel. High-quality materials like Connolly leathers, premium woods and carbon-fiber will be used for the cabin, and like all Arden projects the materials will be processed by hand in the tuner’s own internal upholstery department. Beside the high-quality interior refinement, Arden also promises a range of performance modifications such as a sport suspension set-up, more power under the hood and new wheels. A final release date for the new package is yet to be announced but expect to see some updates closer to its launch, most likely in the second half of the year. Read More

The Mark II Mini Cooper was first introduced back in 2006 with the Clubman following less than a year later, so these new shots depicting both of these cars with some new features is a little surprising. The test cars are fitted with new bumpers and almost the entire range are covered, including the standard Cooper and Clubman as well as the Clubman S and high-performance Clubman JCW.

The only major difference is the front bumper, which feature restyled intakes and fog-lights for a more dynamic look. Some of the cars are also wearing black tape, most likely to hide some details so expect to see a few more changes down the line.

When the... The Mark II Mini Cooper was first introduced back in 2006 with the Clubman following less than a year later, so these new shots depicting both of these cars with some new features is a little surprising. The test cars are fitted with new bumpers and almost the entire range are covered, including the standard Cooper and Clubman as well as the Clubman S and high-performance Clubman JCW. The only major difference is the front bumper, which feature restyled intakes and fog-lights for a more dynamic look. Some of the cars are also wearing black tape, most likely to hide some details so expect to see a few more changes down the line. When the updated cars will be released is still anyone’s guess but given the fact Mini will be celebrating its 50th anniversary this August there’s a good chance these could be a range of new special edition models and not a full-blow facelift. There’s also the fact that Mini only launched the Mark II Cabrio last November and the new Clubman One model in January so it’s unlikely we’ll see facelifted versions of these cars anytime soon.Mini Cooper facelift spy shotsMini Clubman facelift spy shots Read More

What do you get when you combine a MINI Cooper S Clubman with a renowned furniture design company? An Airstream trailer concept, of course. Well, maybe the result isn't so obvious, but that's exactly what will be on display at the Salone del Mobile in Milan this April.

The Republic of Fritz Hansen is known for its minimalist design and functional construction, so the adaptation of an Airstream trailer really isn't as obtuse a concept as it might seem. Mobility plus furniture equals recreational vehicle, and the Airstream has always been at the top of the style heap in the field of recreational trailers.

The concept trailer features a... What do you get when you combine a MINI Cooper S Clubman with a renowned furniture design company? An Airstream trailer concept, of course. Well, maybe the result isn't so obvious, but that's exactly what will be on display at the Salone del Mobile in Milan this April. The Republic of Fritz Hansen is known for its minimalist design and functional construction, so the adaptation of an Airstream trailer really isn't as obtuse a concept as it might seem. Mobility plus furniture equals recreational vehicle, and the Airstream has always been at the top of the style heap in the field of recreational trailers. The concept trailer features a surfing and watersports-inspired theme, with custom furniture and design. To make the concept a coherent package, the MINI Cooper S Clubman also gets the same design theme, with neoprene inserts in the upholstery and other waterproof touches. A daybed in the back lets the owner sunbathe in style. Don't expect volume production of this particular concept, though it is an interesting idea, demonstrating you don't always need a four-ton tow vehicle to have some mobile outdoor fun.MINI Cooper S Clubman Airstream Concept Read More

Mini is the latest car brand to launch a new green labeling system for its vehicles, with the company revealing this week its new ‘Minimalism’ tag. The new branding will be used to designate base models that have been fitted with several features to help reduce fuel consumption.

Similar to the XFE line of cars from General Motors, or the more famous BlueMotion from Volkswagen, the Minimalism cars from Mini will feature fuel-saving measures such aerodynamically enhanced bodies, particulate filters, low rolling resistant tires, light weight engines, engine stop-start features, brake energy regeneration systems, optimal shift time... Mini is the latest car brand to launch a new green labeling system for its vehicles, with the company revealing this week its new ‘Minimalism’ tag. The new branding will be used to designate base models that have been fitted with several features to help reduce fuel consumption. Similar to the XFE line of cars from General Motors, or the more famous BlueMotion from Volkswagen, the Minimalism cars from Mini will feature fuel-saving measures such aerodynamically enhanced bodies, particulate filters, low rolling resistant tires, light weight engines, engine stop-start features, brake energy regeneration systems, optimal shift time indicators, and electronic power steering systems. The first Minimalism model will be based on the Cooper D and sold in European markets with a 1.6L diesel engine churning out a peak output of 110hp (82kW). To conserve fuel, the car will also be fitted with longer gear ratios, an engine stop-start system, and an electric oil pump. The end result is an average fuel-consumption figure of 60mpg (3.9L/100km) and carbon-dioxide emissions of just 104g/km. The Minimalism branding has only been launched in France and Germany but is expected to spread to the rest of Europe over the course of the year. There’s no word if it will be launched in the United States. Via: AutoblogGreen Read More