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2014 Mini Cooper interior spied uncovered in China

As we approach the November 18 debut of the new Mini Hardtop, the trickle of news is starting to increase. We've already shown you the exterior of the new hatchback, and now we can show you the interior. These images, captured by Car News China, show a cabin that maintains a few key Mini styling items, but is a fairly progressive evolution of the current R56 model.
Mini's most iconic interior treatment, its center-mounted speedometer, is now gone. The new speedo sits atop the steering column, flanked by a (too tiny, in our opinion) tachometer. In the speedometer's former position are the radio controls. Our friends in China put it best when they say, "The large dial is much uglier than before." There's a mass of buttons and unfriendly black plastic that, at first glance, look far cheaper than the rest of the cabin. Of course, we'll wait to see how this is all ironed out for the production-spec car.
The other parts of the interior, however, look quite good. There's a small bank of toggle buttons at the bottom of the center stack, and the checkerboard dash insert looks clean as well. The seats sport extensions for the bottom cushions, meaning there'll be the option of more support for drivers with longer legs. GTI fans might also notice the plaid bolsters on the seats. Mini's treatment is a bit more subtle than what you'd see on a Volkswagen, though.

Mini confirms first plug-in hybrid and it looks like it's based on the Countryman

Mini confirmed Sunday it's developing its first plug-in hybrid model, apparently based on the Countryman. The hybrid will utilize an electric motor that works with a combustion engine, expected to be a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder unit. Though the actual name wasn't specified, Mini said the vehicle will have two driving modes. With Auto eDrive, it can reach speeds of up to 50 miles per hour. Switching into Max eDrive increases top speed to approximately 77 miles per hour. The electric motor sends all of its power to the rear wheels, while the combustion engine powers the front wheels. The engine only kicks on in certain situations. Mashing the throttle brings the engine to life, as does switching the car into "Save Battery" mode, which allows the engine to charge the hybrid's battery through a generator while powering the vehicle. The engine also comes on if the vehicle's all-wheel-drive-system senses a loss in traction. Inside, the changes include a yellow start/stop button (instead of red) and a power display in place of the traditional tachometer. Mini's previous electrification efforts included the Mini E, which had a range under 100 miles and was available for leasing in 2009. Expect the plug-in hybrid to debut in 2019. Related Video: Featured Gallery Mini Plug-In Hybrid Related Gallery Mini Countryman Plug-in Hybrid Spy Shots View 13 Photos Green MINI Crossover Hybrid PHEV confirmed

World record practice jump doesn't go as planned for Chicherit

French rally driver Guerlain Chicherit is a very lucky man. He had hoped to beat Tanner Foust's 332-feet car jump record (which nearly went awry itself) with a 360-foot leap in a specially built Mini to score a new Guinness World Record at the French ski resort of Tignes. However, things didn't go to plan, and Chicherit suffered a massive crash during the attempt. According to The Local, emergency services were on the scene immediately, and he was transported to the hospital by helicopter, but Chicherit is in better condition than anyone could have expected. He has been on Facebook since the crash and appears to be in great spirits. He wrote: "I have to stay to the hospital for the night just for safety, I'm all ok !!!" The jump was originally scheduled for Sunday, March 16, but heavy fog delayed it until today. Warning: The crash is quite graphic, but remember Chicherit wasn't seriously injured. Scroll down to see it all from multiple angles and in slow motion. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.