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2016 Mini Clubman opens its many doors to the world

We've seen the spy shots. We've seen the teasers. We've seen the concepts and the video-game racers. And now the wait is finally over for Anglophile motorists as Mini has officially taken the wraps off the all-new Clubman. Larger than the model it replaces and with more useful apertures, the new 2016 Mini Clubman slots into the marque's new lineup above the four/five-door version of the core Hardtop hatchback. It measures a useful 10.9 inches longer than the Hardtop, 2.9 inches wider, and rides on a wheelbase that's four inches longer. It's also a big larger than the outgoing Clubman, which had been on the market since 2007. In fact, though it sits a few inches lower than the Countryman crossover, the new Clubman is touted as the longest and widest Mini yet. Size isn't the only element that sets the new Clubman apart from its predecessor, though. It's also got a more conventional door arrangement, with four proper, forward-hinged doors instead of the unusual suicide door on the outgoing model that opened onto the curb in countries where they know on which side of the street to drive, but into traffic in its own home market. The split tailgate doors carry over, however, and can be optionally operated hands-free to give access to 17.5 cubic feet of cargo space, or as much as 47.9 cubic feet with the split rear seats folded flat. The new Clubman, however, isn't just positioned as a more utile version of the smaller hatch, but as Mini's flagship model. There are even new interior trim choices available to that effect, including a diamond-quilted blue leather patterned after a classic English Chesterfield sofa. Naturally, it also packs all the technological advancements you'd expect of the latest product from the BMW Group. Though diesel options will be offered overseas, American buyers will be able to choose between Cooper and Cooper S specifications. The former comes with a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-three with 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, good for an 8.9-second 0-60 time and a 127-mile-per-hour top speed with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The Cooper S upgrades with a 2.0-liter turbo four good for 189 hp and 207 lb-ft, to reach 60 in 7.0 seconds flat with the six-speed manual or 6.9 with a new eight-speed automatic, topping out at 142. Despite the added size, Mini promises the new Clubman will offer the same go-kart handling for which the brand has become known.

Mini's matte Countryman Black Knight Edition rises

Mini is certainly no stranger to a special edition, as unique option and styling packs have been a staple of the Mini line since its return to the US market, but it's next special trim is quite a big departure from previous cars. It's based on the Countryman, and is called the Black Knight Edition.
As you cans see from the image up top, it'll sport a sinister, matte-black paint scheme, making this Mini not unlike BMW's range of Frozen Edition cars. First reported on by those Mini-obsessed folks at MotoringFile, the Black Knight Edition Countryman will be limited to 60 units, and will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis, making this car quite a bit different from previous special editions, which generally stuck around for a full model year.
According to MF, the matte finish will only be available on the Cooper S Countryman, although oddly, one of the teaser images shows a John Cooper Works badge. BKE models should be coming nearly loaded, which means that there's not a lot of customization done and the price tag is probably going to be exorbitant for a Mini. Buyers will, though, have the choice of front- or all-wheel drive and a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic.

Mini Paceman Adventure photos arrive by the trucklette-load

Yesterday, we brought you the news of the existence of this Mini Paceman Adventure tiny truck, and the story of how it came to be. Long story short: it was a lighthearted collaboration between apprentices and instructors at parent BMW plants in Germany. The mini-sized pickup bed and off-road kit may not make the Paceman All4 actually practical, but we'd argue that they do make the one-off fairly loveable.
Apparently the Mini photographers agree with that "loveable" part. We'd heard that there were some better, higher-resolution images of the Paceman Adventure on the way, but we didn't expect there to be hundreds of them. But as you can see, the shooters went out and thoroughly documented the pickup, shooting it in several locations, still and moving, and documenting some of its construction as well. Find your favorite in the massive gallery of images, above.