2012 Mini Cooper Countryman S on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Mini prices new Cooper Hardtop from $19,950* as configurator comes online

As surprised as the face of the new 2014 Mini Cooper makes the model look, customers shopping for the third-gen hatchback won't be surprised at all come spring. When the Hardtop goes on sale, it will not only offer a similar design to the outgoing model, it will also have a familiar price with a starting MSRP of $19,950 (*plus $795 for destination).
That price is for the base, third-generation model with the company's new 134-horsepower, 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine, and that MSRP amounts to a $250 increase over the 2013 Cooper. Looking for a little more power? The 189-hp Cooper S will go on sale at the same time, starting at $23,600 - just $300 more than last year's model.
Mini's press release discussing 2014 Cooper pricing is posted below, but for more detailed information on the options and packages, head on over to the live configurator.

2020 Mini John Cooper Works GP laps the 'Ring in under 8 minutes

Mini used the occasion of the Nurburgring 24 Hours race to show off a preproduction version of its upcoming John Cooper Works GP. That's fitting, because the GP — the hottest of Mini's hot hatch offerings — has been honed specifically to conquer the Nordschleife of the famous German track. In fact, Mini says it has already lapped the North Loop in under eight minutes. An official lap time will come later because testing is apparently still underway. But to put that time into perspective, the last version of the JCW GP lapped the 'Ring in 8:23, so the new version could be half a minute faster. That's impressive, even if track performance isn't always the ideal measuring stick for street cars like the GP. We know that the GP will have more than 300 horsepower, but exact power figures have yet to be released. As you can see in the image gallery above, it will have some crazy aerodynamic additions, but probably won't wear a Nurburgring-inspired camouflage wrap when it goes into production in 2020 with a limited run of 3,000 units. And now we know that it will be much faster round the 'Ring than the previous GP — but will it be faster than the lap time of 7 minutes and 43.8 seconds recorded by the Honda Civic Type R? We'll see, but we wouldn't be surprised.

BMW and Mini getting GoPro integration

The small, high-quality and relatively inexpensive GoPro camera has been revolutionary for Internet video, especially of cars. Imagine how much awesomeness and hilarity we would have missed without them. Finding ways to integrate the cams into performance cars is becoming increasingly popular among automakers, as well. For example, the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette has its Performance Data Recorder, and Volkswagen is giving GoPros to early buyers of the 2015 GTI. BMW Group is going straight to the source for its rendition, though, with a new app that allows drivers to control a GoPro from inside of some BMW and Mini vehicles.
In July, owners with 2012 or later models equipped with BMW Apps or Mini Connected can download the new app. There are a few hurdles to jump over, though. Not only do users need a model with the infotainment system, a WiFi-equipped GoPro camera is also required. The app also must be installed on an iPhone connected to the vehicle.
Once all of those stipulations are met, the app can configure and control the GoPro through iDrive and display a nearly live image on the infotainment system. Menus are simplified on-screen but still allow users to select among six camera modes, aim it and start and stop recording. While filming, it shows recording time, battery life and signal strength. While BMW's approach isn't quite as nicely integrated as the Corvette's solution, it's interesting to see automakers working to make filming easier. Scroll down to read the full announcement.