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Mini USA will temporarily stop importing manual transmissions

Emissions certification woes strike again, this time at Mini. The U.S. arm of Blighty's iconic car company has had to temporarily put a stop to importing any models with manual transmissions beginning with July production, which is when BMW typically begins rolling the new model year down assembly lines. According to MotoringFile, calibration testing for the six-speed manual is taking longer than expected. The outlet guesses the interruption will conclude by September, because it has "seen these type of delays in the past and they've lasted from 1-4 months." It has queried the brand's head of communication, who said, "As much as we at MINI USA would like to have a definitive timeline, it would be too early to say." The spokesman did, however, say that Mini remains committed to the manual gearbox. That comes in contrast to Toyota's recent breakdown of manual take-rates across a range of vehicle types, Hyundai jettisoning the manual on the 2020 Elantra, and stalwart enthusiast rides like the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 and Chevrolet Corvette leaving the stick-shift fold. Nevertheless, Mini's efforts feel, at best, like raging against the dying of the light, especially because the end of the MF report states, "the other big news is that Mini USA is also eliminating the manual option from some models all-together." MF isn't yet certain about which models are affected, though. Buyers stepping up during the row-your-own intermission will get a crack at the long awaited seven-speed dual-clutch transmission or a revised eight-speed automatic. The DCT will slide into the Cooper and Coooper S models, the traditional automatic makes a home in the 301-horsepower John Cooper Works Clubman and Countryman.

2025 Mini Countryman E makes U.S. debut, arrives fall 2024

The 2025 Mini Countryman was revealed in electric SE ALL4 form at this year’s Munich Motor Show, but now itÂ’s time to see the base E version of the next-gen Countryman make its debut in the U.S. As you can see from the photos, the base E (painted in green) looks notably different from the SE ALL4. All of the gold-tinged accents are replaced with glossy black, and the distinctive panel aft of the C pillar nearly disappears into the design because it blends into all the other black-painted trim. The front grille design is similar, but it doesnÂ’t have the matte gold surround or the side intakes on the corners of the lower bumper. Of course, the green “S” isnÂ’t present either, and the look in general is far less sporty. Perhaps the most jarring of all the changes is the different (and much smaller) wheel design. Instead of the 20-inch flashy blades seen on the SE model, this Countryman E is rocking much more sedate 18-inch wheels in a traditional bright alloy appearance. All that extra sidewall makes the Countryman look more like the larger crossover that it is, and ultimately, our eyes tend to favor the larger wheel option. The Countryman EÂ’s rear design is largely the same as the SE, though the lower bumper features a painted insert instead of brushed brightwork. MiniÂ’s bright side sills are deleted on the E, as well, replaced by a simple, black plastic sill. Unfortunately, this reveal is largely just a reveal in photos. The only nugget of information Mini had to add is that this electric Countryman will arrive stateside in the fall of 2024. Basically, youÂ’ve got at least another year to wait until you can put one in your driveway. More specs and details for the U.S. market will be released in due course. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Featured Gallery 2025 Mini Countryman E View 12 Photos Green MINI Crossover SUV Electric

2024 Land Cruiser-palooza and 2023 Mercedes-AMG C 43 | Autoblog Podcast #792

In this episode of the Autoblog Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore is joined by Associate Editor Byron Hurd for a news-packed discussion that starts with the story of the week: the official return of the Toyota Land Cruiser for 2024. That's not the only big news item to cover since our last installment, however. Seven major automakers have announced a joint venture to create an "open" American EV charging network as an alternative to Tesla's Supercharger network. Also, Mini showed off a new digital dashboard. After news, Byron talks about his time with the sporty 2023 Mercedes-AMG C 43 and Greg closes the book on the 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid. After that, they spend your money. This week, it's a European sedan showdown with a modern twist.  Send us your questions for the Mailbag and Spend My Money at: Podcast@Autoblog.com. Autoblog Podcast #792 Get The Podcast Apple Podcasts – Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes Spotify – Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast on Spotify RSS – Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator MP3 – Download the MP3 directly Rundown What we're driving 2023 Mercedes-AMG C 43 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid News 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser debuts with retro looks, mid-$50,000 price 7 major automakers to build open EV charging network 2025 Mini Cooper reveals its OLED screen, retro gauges and dog assistant Spend My Money Feedback Email – Podcast@Autoblog.com Review the show on Apple Podcasts Autoblog is now live on your smart speakers and voice assistants with the audio Autoblog Daily Digest. Say “Hey Google, play the news from Autoblog” or "Alexa, open Autoblog" to get your favorite car website in audio form every day. A narrator will take you through the biggest stories or break down one of our comprehensive test drives. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.