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Mini Oxford gives birth to 3-millionth car [w/video]

With the latest generation of Minis having only recently launched a few months ago, the company's Plant Oxford has found another reason to celebrate as it reached two major milestones almost simultaneously. Since production of the new, BMW-revived version began there in 2001, the factory has produced 3 million of the retro-looking models and 2 million vehicles exported outside of the UK. Just four years ago, it was celebrating building 1.5 million of them.
The three-millionth model was a Mini Cooper S five-door hatchback with a special Union Jack paint job. At about the same time, the factory hit its two-millionth exported Mini to leave there, as well. It was a standard Mini hatchback in Volcanic Orange heading for a buyer in Japan.
UK Transport Minister Baroness Kramer attended the ceremony and said: "I congratulate the workers at Mini Plant Oxford on reaching this remarkable milestone. The Mini is a British icon and is a major part of a thriving automotive industry spearheading the growing British economy."

British company announces turn-key EV conversion kit for classic Mini

Swindon Powertrain unveiled a turn-key EV conversion kit that makes electrifying a Mini built between 1959 and 2000 relatively easy. It bridges the gap between the original model and the Cooper SE released earlier in 2020. Available in December 2020, the kit consists of an electric motor mounted on a modified Mini front subframe, and purpose-designed inner CV joint housings designed to work with regular-production half shafts. Swindon notes no modifications are required; installing the kit requires removing the original front subframe, probably selling the stock engine and the transmission in the local classifieds, and bolting the new subframe to the Mini's body. Rated at 107 continuous horsepower, but programmed to offer a peak output of 160 horsepower, the motor spins the front wheels via a single-speed transmission, which seemingly settles the debate over magic wand, direct, and remote gear changes. It offers more power than any four-cylinder fitted to the Mini by the factory. After tightening the subframe bolts, owners need to source additional powertrain components, like the battery pack, the motor controller, the on-board charger, and the DC-DC converter. All of these parts are available directly from Swindon Powertrains, or from a growing list of aftermarket vendors, but they're not included in the kit. Electric technology isn't cheap, and Swindon's kit is no exception. It's priced at GBP8,850 (about $11,500) before taxes and shipping enter the equation, meaning it's more expensive than rebuilding an original four-cylinder engine. Viewed in this light, electrification is better suited to some of the high-zoot custom builds (like the stunning Remastered available from David Brown Automotive) priced in the six digits than to a beater 1980s City model.

John Cooper Works Mini rolls into Detroit, asks 'GTI who?'

Mini marched into the 2015 Detroit Auto Show and introduced its very own competitor to the Volkswagen GTI with new John Cooper Works Hardtop. Blessed with 228 horsepower and 236 pound-feet from its 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder, the new JCW should provide a more thrilling drive than the standard Cooper S (not that the 189-hp model lacked in terms of entertainment value). The 6.4-second sprint to 60 falls to 6.1 in the JCW, while owners should expect an even more agile handling experience courtesy of an uprated version of the Cooper S' sports suspension. Upgraded Brembo brakes, larger wheels and stickier tires and an electronic differential round out the performance upgrades, although Mini also paid significant attention to the aesthetics. A revised aero kit doesn't do the third-generation Works car many favors in the appearance department, but as both driver and front passengers will find themselves in a set of exclusive JCW sports seats, they'll probably be too comfortable and supportive to care. A JCW steering wheel, shift lever, door sills and instrument cluster tweaks mark the extent of the interior updates. Take a look at our full live gallery of images of the new JCW Mini direct from the floor of the 2015 Detroit Auto Show. The new MINI John Cooper Works. 10.12.2014 - Green light for the latest edition of the top athlete in the small car segment; the new MINI John Cooper Works combines authentic race feeling with the premium characteristics and extended product substance of the latest MINI Generation; distinctive, tradition-steeped, based on a vehicle concept combining MINI and John Cooper Works, with performance qualities which are exceptional within the competitive environment. - Extreme driving fun and exclusive charisma based on technology for engine, suspension and aerodynamics derived directly from motor racing as well as model-specific design features for the exterior and interior; greater differentiation from the MINI 3 door highlights the model's individual character.