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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

New Mini Cooper only just now being delivered due to EPA certification

The Mini brand and its products have typically been a runaway success for BMW, but sales of the retro hatchback dropped a drastic 20.5 percent last month, and have been doing such pretty much all year.
The reason, according to Jalopnik, is that the new model has been held up due to EPA certification. Mini told our compatriots, "Sales have dropped because our supply has been so limited. MY 2015 Mini Hardtops have also not been able to go on sale pending the final results of federal fuel economy certification."
Mini goes on to clarify that "as of October 1st, three out of the four 2015 Mini Hardtop 2 door models, the Cooper with manual transmission, the Cooper with automatic transmission, and the Cooper S with manual transmission, have been released for retail sales and deliveries."

2015 Mini John Cooper Works Hardtop Video Review

There was supposed to be some track driving in this video. When Mini invited me to drive the 2015 JCW Hardtop, I was instantly interested because, well, I love cars and I love hot hatches. But adding to the excitement was the proffered time to drive the beastie on both a private racing circuit and an autocross-like cone course. But the gods that watch over Internet video weren't with me on that day. My track driving footage was spoiled, and the autocross setup ever so slightly less than photogenic. Thankfully, the selection of hills and dales around the New York-Connecticut border is ample and attractive. Video recording of the JCW, complete with a mild-soundtrack of it spitting out 228 horsepower was saved. For those of you that missed the written First Drive feature, this paragraph summarizes my feelings rather neatly: "It only took fifteen minutes of driving on the lilting, tree-lined roads outside of New Haven, CT, to realize that the 2015 Mini JCW Hardtop was a lot less pissed off. And with more power, refined ride quality, a better interior, and an available automatic transmission, a lot more suitable for a wide variety of drivers. The little hellion has matured." If you need more depth than that, by all means go back and read the full report. Or if you'd like the more visceral experience of riding along with me (what a treat!) just stop reading now and watch me talk near a camera.