1970 Mini Classic Mini on 2040-cars

Auto blog

2025 Mini Cooper SE John Cooper Works gets more pizzazz, no more power

The new-generation Mini Cooper SE will come with a John Cooper Works edition, but this time it brings cosmetic changes only. The 2023 Cooper S two-door made 189 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque from its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, the JCW version made 238 hp and 235 lb-ft from the same engine. This time, the electric powertrain in the JCW trim makes the same 215 hp and 253 pound-feet of torque from a single motor on the front axle as it does in the 2025 Mini Cooper SE, powered by a matching 54.2-kWh battery. The 0-62 mph time takes the same 6.7 seconds, and European regulators give it the same 250-mile range on the WLTP cycle.  It won't be confused for the regular hatchback otherwise. If the red stripes don't give the game away, the chunky diffuser in the front will. Backing up that aero mod, there are Chilli Red side mirror caps and a Chilli Red roof finished with a hatch spoiler, red JCW-logo brake calipers, a gloss black surround for the grille, snazzy two-tone wheels in a design called Lap Spoke, and, naturally, JCW logos sprinkled about. Those with a keen eye for Mini won't need all that, they'll spot the twin horizontal bars for DRLs, signifying JCW's minimalism and raciness.  The cabin's synthetic leather and knitted fabric gets held together with red stitching. On the seats, this is arranged with knitting above, vinyl below. The instrument panel and door cards wear what Mini calls a "knit covering," stylized checkered flags forming a recurring pattern. For even more red, the driver can set the drive mode selector to Go-Kart Mode, calling up an anthracite red lighting scheme for the central OLED display and ambient illumination. Basically the JCW version of a Sport mode, it unleashes sharper throttle response and a "special Go-Kart sound," too.  Pricing isn't out yet, and we don't expect it until we're much closer to the 2025 launch for this market. Related video:

Volkswagen's latest ad is not subtle | Autoblog Podcast #509

On this week's podcast, Mike Austin and David Gluckman are joined by special guest James Riswick, who has been driving a lot of new cars lately. All of them are discussed, plus a few more from Mike and David, and Mike rants a bit about a new VW Atlas commercial. The episode wraps up with the traditional doling out of Spend My Money buying advice, during which David briefly goes out into left field. (He's back now, don't worry.) The rundown is below. Remember, if you have a car-related question you'd like us to answer or you want buying advice of your very own, send a message or a voice memo to podcast at autoblog dot com. (If you record audio of a question with your phone and get it to us, you could hear your very own voice on the podcast. Neat, right?) And if you have other questions or comments, please send those too. Autoblog Podcast #509 Topics and stories we mention GMC Sierra HD Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Mazda CX-5 Honda CR-V vs. Mazda CX-5 Mini Countryman Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Ford F-150 Raptor Lexus RC 200t VW Atlas "Luv Bug" commercial Used cars! Rundown Intro - 00:00 What we're driving - 02:43 Ad of the week - 41:40 Spend My Money - 49:14 Total Duration: 56:27 Get The Podcast iTunes – Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes RSS – Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator MP3 – Download the MP3 directly Feedback Email – Podcast at Autoblog dot com Review the show on iTunes Marketing/Advertising Podcasts Ford GMC Honda Lexus Mazda MINI Volkswagen mazda cx-5 ford f-150 raptor gmc sierra hd volkswagen atlas mazda mx-5 rf lexus rc 200t

Judge to approve settlement of Mini CVT lawsuits

BMW has agreed to settle a number of class-action lawsuits out of court. The suits stem from drivetrain issues on the 2001 to 2006 R50 Mini Cooper - in particular, its continuously variable transmission. The transmission was known to fail, often without warning on otherwise healthy and well-maintained vehicles. This wasn't the only major issue to afflict the original BMW-era Mini models.
According to legal site Topclassactions.com, the suits alleged that BMW knowingly hid the defects in the CVT from customers while informing dealers of the issue. The first suit was filed in 2011, while four additional suits have followed. Now, BMW has reportedly settled, offering to reimburse 1,200 owners that needed repairs within eight years or 150,000 miles of their purchase. Repair prices for the transmission range from $6,000 to $9,000.
Under the agreement, BMW will also offer up to $4,100 to members of the suit that had fixes performed at a third-party shop, while owners who sold their cars at a loss due to the issues are slated to receive up to $2,000. Finally, owners who are part of the suit will be warrantied for a further eight years and 150,000 miles.