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Supply chain issues force stick-shift out of Mini lineup

Mini has temporarily stopped building cars equipped with a manual transmission due to supply chain-related issues. The company decided to prioritize production of automatic vehicles, which outsell stick-shifted models by a wide margin, and the move might be permanent. "Current circumstances, including the war in Ukraine and semiconductor shortages, are causing supply chain restrictions across the global automotive industry. In order to secure maximum production output to meet increasing customer demand, our product offer needs to be simplified," a representative for the BMW-owned firm told British magazine Autocar. Mini added this is the best way to avoid delivery delays. Affected models include the two- and four-door variants of the Hardtop, the Convertible and the front-wheel-drive Cooper S Clubman. This isn't the first time that Mini goes automatic-only; it temporarily stopped importing stick-shifted cars in early 2019 due to calibration-related issues. While the manual quickly made a comeback, whether Mini will resume building cars with three pedals this time around is unclear. Similarly, what effects this decision will have on the American market (beyond the obvious lack of a manual transmission option) remains up in the air. There may be pricing implications. Adding a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission to the 2022 Hardtop Cooper two-door cost $1,500, while the Cooper S model's automatic was priced at $1,750, so it's not unreasonable to assume that pricing will go up. Autoblog has contacted Mini to learn more about this decision, and we'll update this story if we hear back. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Mini to offer a double-clutch transmission, but not in U.S.

Mini has padded next year's option sheet with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, so long as you're not buying in America. Available for the three-door, five-door, and convertible Mini models using "selected engine types," the DCT will provide a third transmission option after the standard six-speed manual and six-speed Steptronic automatic. Minis fitted the twin-clutch will be known by the meaty new gearshift lever that, BMW style, returns to its central position after the car's put into gear. A button at the top of the lever activates Park. Sensibly, you push the lever forward to downshift, and pull it back to upshift. When a buyer springs for navigation and the DCT, the transmission taps into map routing data and camera images to hone shift programming; the gearbox will downshift early when approaching a turn, or read a series of bends to know when to shift and when to hold steady. Fitted with a crawl function for ease of use in stop-and-go traffic, the DCT additionally supports stop/start, and coasting in Mid and Green driving modes for those times the driver takes his foot off the accelerator. For the time being, though, we're not invited to the party. Mini USA Communications Manager Mariella Kapsaskis told Motor1 that manufacturing the wet-clutch, dual-mass flywheel DCT "takes up lots of capacity." Which is the automaker equivalent of being told, "We're just not that into you right now." We expect that would change at some point; however, some of Mini's most sporting U.S. competitors also don't offer DCTs, so who knows. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2018 Mini Double-Clutch Transmission View 17 Photos Image Credit: Mini MINI Hatchback

Tony Hawk jumps a moving Mini

Remember a couple of years ago when Tony Hawk jumped over a Lexus LFA on his skateboard? Well that was nothing compared to what he's done here.
Sure the LFA is a more impressive car than a Mini hatchback, but that Japanese supercar was sitting still when the world's most famous skater jumped over it. And it was parked sideways. This time Tony's jumped a moving car, front to back. It gets even more impressive than that when you see what happens to the ramp after he's done with it, but we don't want to ruin the surprise.
The stunt was performed in celebration of the partnership between Mini USA and Hawk's Birdhouse Skateboards Tour, details of which you can read in the press release under the video below.