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New Mini to bow on Nov. 18, on Alec Issigonis' birthday

Miniacs, note November 18 on your calendar. That's when the all-new Mini Hardtop will debut. Now, this might not be a great deal of news, after all, we already showed you the car, codenamed F56, a few weeks ago. But this full unveiling should bring with it even more detailed exterior images, a full look at the cabin and if we're lucky, performance numbers.
History buffs will also note that November 18 is the birthday of Sir Alec Issigonis. It was Issigonis that penned the original idea for the Mini on a cocktail napkin, envisioning a car with a transversely mounted engine, the wheels pushed out to all four corners and plenty of cabin space for occupants. That car had a remarkably small footprint and was quite efficient, perfect for tackling the fuel shortages brought on by the Suez Crisis in 1959's Great Britain. An unintended side-effect of its design was that it was also an absolute hoot to drive.
The November 18 debut will take place at Mini's home, Plant Oxford, in the UK. Following that, November 20 will see a near-simultaneous debut at both the Tokyo Motor Show and Los Angeles Auto Show. We'll be on hand to bring you all the details.

Ultimate Mini Clubman — the 'Final Edition' — will land in the U.S.

Mini has confirmed that its “Final Edition” version of the Clubman model will be offered in the United States, but itÂ’s no bargain basement edition: the price is $47,145, including $995 destination. While “final” is a tricky adjective to place in the automotive lexicon — sometimes something “final” isnÂ’t really that — Mini says that fewer than 100 examples of this loaded version will be available to U.S. customers. Production is to begin in September. The broader range of the Clubman, however, will be available until next February Â… and thatÂ’s final, Clubman-wise. The car is based off of the Mini Cooper S Clubman All4. While other destinations for the Final Edition may get other trims and power trains, the “S” model with all-wheel drive is the choice in the States, says Mini. Not surprisingly, no manual transmission is offered. Color choices are Enigmatic Black, Melting Silver and Nanuq White. Those base hues are accented by Shimmer Copper trim on the grille and fender vents, as well as three stripes running up the passenger's side of the hood. Another three Shimmer Copper stripes run along the lower sides underlining the "1 of 1969" badge on the C-pillar. The same badge can also be found on the side of the C-Pillar “to boast its stand-out personality” on the outside.   The standard Connected Media equipment includes an 8.8-inch touch display in the central instrument, the Mini Online digital service, Remote Services and smartphone integration for using Apple CarPlay and other apps via the vehicle's own control system. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. 2024 Mini Hardtop winter testing footage before unveiling

2014 Mini Cooper S

One of the big challenges as an automotive journalist is reviewing cars that you have a personal connection to. I have a strong passion for Minis. My first new car was a 2004 Cooper S, and I still own a 2006 model. It's this affinity that's left me with a general disdain of the 2007 to 2013 model relative to my first-gen.
The last-generation cars, with their turbocharged engines, softer suspensions, duller steering and homelier looks are, in my mind, inferior to their 2002 to 2006 predecessors. As a car reviewer, though, I couldn't in good conscience argue the same point. The R56, as the last-gen cars were known internally and by enthusiasts, was a better-balanced vehicle that retained the lion's share of the abilities and character of the first-generation, R53 Cooper S, but they were better thought out, better designed, more livable, and felt like more complete products.
Before the third-generation of the reborn Mini Cooper S landed in my driveway, I couldn't help but wonder whether the model would continue its slide towards mass appeal, or if it would re-embrace the enthusiast realm with a stronger driver-focused mission. As I found out during my week with the car, it was a bit of both.