2010 Mini Cooper S Auto Turbo Pano Sunroof Spoiler 18k Texas Direct Auto on 2040-cars

Auto blog

2014 Mini Cooper rockets into view

Here it is, all but undisguised. We've been clocking the 2014 Mini Cooper for months now, but engineers' well-placed camouflage has meant that our views have been very limited. Today, though, the disguises have been cast aside and the new Mini has been revealed in both standard and Cooper S form during a photo shoot, and there are some real surprises afoot.
For one, we had no idea that the Cooper would adopt the LED daytime running lamp corona headlamps from the much-loved 2011 Rocketman concept, but there they are, looking both unique and a little frightened. The front grille has been resculpted and and is now more rounded, integrating the bumper strike face in matte black. In fact, the entire nose looks a bit more rounded to our eyes, with all variants carrying a small but noticeable power bulge (shown here on the S model above the intake slot in the hood). The profile looks largely unchanged save for a slightly faster windshield, but the rear picks up a set of oversized taillamps that we'll likely have to see in person to get comfortable with. Our spy shooters tell us that the 2014 Cooper, codenamed F56, appears to be slightly larger in the metal than its predecessor, as expected, with much of that length coming in the form of a longer front overhang (perhaps to assist with pedestrian safety regulations).
Expected to ride atop the same UKL architecture shared with the upcoming BMW 1 Series GT and MPV, the entire line of Coopers may move to an all three-cylinder lineup, including BMW's 1.5-liter I3 that features a twin-scroll turbo, direct injection and variable valve timing, a combination good for anywhere between 120 to 200 horsepower. Eventually, higher-performance models could generate up to 300 horsepower out of this tiny engine. Our well-connected lensmen suggest that at least one four-cylinder engine might carry over to the launch of this new generation, but it may only be available for the first model year.

2020 Mini Cooper SE Drivers' Notes | Two editors, two cities, one electric car

The 2020 Mini Cooper SE is Mini's first electric car that it's actually selling widely to the public, rather than a quasi-experimental product a select few could lease. While in most respects, it looks like a plain Mini Hardtop or Cooper S, it instead has a BMW i3 electric motor under the hood. The SE makes 181 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque. Between the front seats and under the rear seats are battery packs that give the Mini an estimated 110 miles of range. The new powertrain means the electric Mini sits ever so slightly higher, but it has a lower center of gravity than other Minis, and it has a perfectly even weight distribution front to rear. To get an idea as to what it's like to live with this spunky little commuter, Managing Editor Greg Rasa in Seattle and News Editor Joel Stocksdale in Detroit each spent a week with one. Both cars were the top shelf Iconic trim, bringing the starting price to $37,750 after the $850 destination charge. The SE is also eligible for the $7,500 federal tax credit, making that high price sting a bit less. Check out their thoughts in the discussion below. Joel Stocksdale: Want to talk Mini? Greg Rasa: Sure. So, how to begin ... Fun car. Way fun. JS: So much fun! I took it out for pleasure cruises at least every other day just because it was such a blast. GR: I took mine on some long outings and was pleased with it in every respect. Some background: I drove a 2013 Leaf as a commuter for a couple of years, so that's kind of my baseline for an EV — utilitarian, basic, purpose-built for commuting. And of course I have driven other EVs quite a bit, Niro, etc. The difference with the Mini is apparent from the first impression. Stepping into it, there's a wow factor. Nice interior, quilted seats, yellow racing stripe in the carbon fiber-look dash, goofy space-age sounds. Everything screams fun. JS: What really got me fired up about the driving was the handling. Minis are already great in corners, but this one feels particularly good, and I think a lot of it has to do with the weight balance. It's an even 50/50 front/rear distribution, and you can feel that in turns. It's very neutral and has loads of grip despite the low-rolling-resistance tires. I desperately want to take one to an autocross event. GR: Yes, very grippy. All EVs tend to handle well, I think, given how planted they are with the battery weight down low, but the Mini is the best yet. You're in a John Cooper Works (JCW) now, right?

Mini pokes fun at Anthony Weiner using fake Twitter account

Mini, never one to pass on a marketing opportunity, has pounced on the plight of embattled New York City mayoral candidate Anthony Weiner, who seems to have an issue with sending pictures of his genitals to young women. Observers will notice that this is the second time the unfortunately named Mr. Weiner has been in the spotlight for his picture messages.
Capitalizing on Weiner's alias, Carlos Danger, Mini has created an account on Twitter - @CarlosDMotor. With a note on the profile page listing "Danger" as the account's middle name, it's sent out just one tweet, containing the message, "Wanna get your hands on my stick?" Attached to the Tweet is a scantily clad Mini Cooper S, with a towel around its "waist" snapping a picture. Too soon? To borrow the brilliant pun from AdWeek, the "auto erotica" was the idea of Mini's marketing agency Butler, Shine, Stern & Partners. Click below for the full tweet.