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Car designer Frank Stephenson wants to show you something ... smaller

Influential car designer Frank Stephenson has often thought small. Now he’s thinking smaller. Throughout the past three decades, he has shaped — literally — some of the most indelible designs in automotive history: the modern Mini, the Ferrari FXX track star, the Maserati Gran Sport, a range of stunning McLarens and down to the funky 21st-century version of the Fiat 500. Now heÂ’s turned his pen to fashioning watches. His Cosmos analog piece, made to mirror “a black hole in space” and detailed “with an orange pinstripe which simulates the supernova glow of a neutron star,” features a Japan-built quartz movement and was created in concert with the Time Concepts company. “ItÂ’s the age-old adage ‘car people are watch people,Â’ so it was a natural step for me to get creative with timepieces too,” Stephenson said in a statement. “The collection showcases the love I have for exceptional and emotionally charged design, just like what is required in designing world class cars.” While Stephenson, who is 64, may be best known publicly for his vision of “affordable style” with the Mini and the Fiat, his ethos also translated to the utilitarian. In the case of BMW in the mid-1990s, the company was hustling to market an SUV, and turned to him for inspiration. His team had six months to complete the project. The result was the high-end X5, which Stephenson sketched during a two-hour flight. In 2018, Stephenson established the independent design company, Frank Stephenson Design, based in London. Related video: Design/Style BMW Ferrari Fiat Maserati McLaren MINI Gadgets watch frank stephenson

Next BMW X1 moving to smaller, lighter FWD-biased platform

BMW's decision to make the upcoming 2-Series Active Tourer front-wheel drive has been polarizing to say the least, but like it or not, that is the direction the company will go in the near future - one rumor put the number as high as 23 front-wheel-drive models for Mini and BMW combined. The next-generation X1 won't send all its power to the front wheels, though, when it launches in early 2016. While it will use the same platform as the Active Tourer, rumors suggest all models will use all-wheel drive - at least at launch.
A "high-ranking," unnamed BMW manager confirmed to AutoWeek that the new model will switch to transversely-mounted three- and four-cylinder engines and the same six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmissions as the Active Tourer. The new, smaller platform will allow for more efficient packaging, and despite the smaller size, interior space will remain comparable. All the changes should make it significantly lighter too.
Don't start wailing just yet because BMW surely won't be entirely abandoning sporty models. AutoWeek claims that the Bavarians are working on a higher-output version of the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with power closer to 300 horsepower, about a 72-hp boost. It's also rumored to offer a sporty version of the X1 that may be called the X2.

The 2018 Mini John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4 is a hot crossover

With the introduction of the 2018 Mini John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4, Mini has both rounded out its JCW line-up, and created one of the fastest little crossovers out there. The model follows the recently released JCW Clubman, and like that car, the JCW Countryman has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. That puts it solidly ahead of the next sportiest crossover, the 215-horsepower Juke Nismo RS, though it falls short of the monstrous Mercedes-AMG GLA45's 375 horsepower. The JCW Countryman's power is sent to all four wheels through either a standard 6-speed manual or optional 8-speed automatic transmission. Although the automatic has launch control, Mini claims both the manual and automatic JCW Countrymans will reach 60 mph in 6.2 seconds on the way to a top speed of 145 mph. Comparing acceleration times, the Countryman comes up a tenth behind the JCW Cooper, and two tenths behind the JCW Clubman. On top of the extra power, the JCW Countryman gets improvements in the steering and stopping departments. We don't have much detail about the suspension at this point, but it says it has been changed for better handling. The brakes are upgraded to Brembo units, with the front calipers featuring four pistons. You'll be able to spot a JCW Countryman thanks to a few exterior and interior tweaks, too. JCW badges adorn each side of the car, the front bumper eschews fog lights for larger air inlets, and the grille gets a red surround. Mini also offers its Rebel Green paint as well as a Chili Red roof and mirrors, both options that are only available on JCW vehicles. The interior receives JCW sport seats, steering wheel, and shifters, too. The high-performance Countryman will make its public debut at the Shanghai Motor Show and should reach US dealers this April. Mini has not revealed pricing yet, but will likely present it closer to the on-sale date. Related Video: