2010 Mini Cooper S, Dark Blue W/black Racing Stripes, 6-speed Manual on 2040-cars

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Mini unveils new, stripped down logo

Quirky British marque Mini is going with a ... less-than-quirky logo redesign, unveiling a "flat design" that it says is intended to focus on the essentials. It replaces the three-dimensional white-on-black logo that first appeared in 2000. Gone are the three-dimensional style, shading, gray tones and gray-on-black name of the previous version in favor of a stark contrast of black lines and the all-caps Mini name against a white background. It keeps the wings, which first featured on the iconic cars in the early 1960s, according to the Logos History blog, which has a comprehensive collection of logos stretching back to the brand's origins in 1959 under the British Motor Corp. and the Austin and Morris brand names. It also bears a visual similarity to the logo introduced during the mid-'90s. We're not saying the new logo was designed on an old PC using MS Paint, but it looks like it could've been. Parent BMW Group says the new logo combines stylistic elements from the early phases of the classic Mini "with a future-oriented appearance that focuses on the essentials" and a two-dimensional look "allowing universal application." (Meaning, cheaper to produce?) It'll appear on all new Mini models starting in March on the bonnet, the rear, at the center of the steering wheel and on the remote control.Related Video: Image Credit: BMW Group Design/Style MINI Coupe Sedan branding logo bmw group

Mini celebrates 20 years in the U.S. with a special edition

Mini has been around for several decades, but its return to the U.S. was much more recent. The automaker is celebrating its 20th anniversary here, and to commemorate the occasion, it’s releasing the Mini 20 Years Edition based on the four-door 2023 Mini Cooper S Hardtop. Mini will offer the car in Chili Red, Pepper White, and Island Blue as a nod to both AmericaÂ’s and BritainÂ’s patriotic colors. Other exclusive accents include a silver roof, a red-white-and-blue hood and door stripes and unique 17-inch wheels. The MiniÂ’s cabin comes wrapped in black synthetic leather and features 20 Years badges throughout. A Nappa leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated seats and dual-zone climate controls are also standard. All 20 Years models get navigation with real-time traffic info, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and a digital gauge cluster. The Cooper SÂ’ powertrain remains in place, which includes a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 189 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. ItÂ’s paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and Mini offers upgraded suspension for $500. If youÂ’re interested in a piece of MiniÂ’s U.S. history, the cars entered production in July and are due on dealersÂ’ lots this month. Pricing starts at $37,165. Related Video:   This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

David Brown's latest Remastered project shows the Mini's classy side

England-based David Brown Automotive builds some of the most mesmerizing classic Mini models we've ever seen. Its latest creation is no exception: Commissioned by a client in Japan, it leaves behind the Mini's econobox roots and proudly highlights the car's upscale side. In a way, David Brown is to the Mini what Singer is to the Porsche 911. It keeps the original car's basic design and proportions but modifies nearly everything else. For this posh, England-inspired build, it applied a coat of paint called Fade to Black and installed 13-inch wire wheels, which were never available from the factory. There's also a hand-painted Union Jack flag on the roof. Look closely and you'll spot several other subtle changes, like LED exterior lighting, bullet-shaped door mirrors, fender flares, and smooth fenders (the originals have a seam). The resto-mod treatment continues inside with red leather upholstery, black inserts in the seats, a wood-rimmed Mona-Lita steering wheel, Smiths gauges, and a push-button ignition. David Brown also replaced the air vents and most of the switchgear, and added a modern sound system. The finishing touch is a pair of leather straps designed to carry an umbrella and attached to the passenger-side door panel. While the company has dabbled in performance, it doesn't sound like the customer who commissioned this Remastered asked for rally-ready speed. The standard engine that David Brown Automotive puts in its cars is a 1,275-cc four-cylinder that develops 71 horsepower and 88 lb-ft of torque in its standard state of tune. It's fuel-injected, and in this application it spins the front wheels via an automatic transmission. David Brown Automotive hasn't revealed how much this specific build cost. However, it previously noted that each Remastered takes about 1,000 hours of labor to complete, so it's reasonable to assume that it's priced accordingly — and likely far above anything Mini makes. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.