Mini: Cooper John Cooper Works on 2040-cars

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British company announces turn-key EV conversion kit for classic Mini

Swindon Powertrain unveiled a turn-key EV conversion kit that makes electrifying a Mini built between 1959 and 2000 relatively easy. It bridges the gap between the original model and the Cooper SE released earlier in 2020. Available in December 2020, the kit consists of an electric motor mounted on a modified Mini front subframe, and purpose-designed inner CV joint housings designed to work with regular-production half shafts. Swindon notes no modifications are required; installing the kit requires removing the original front subframe, probably selling the stock engine and the transmission in the local classifieds, and bolting the new subframe to the Mini's body. Rated at 107 continuous horsepower, but programmed to offer a peak output of 160 horsepower, the motor spins the front wheels via a single-speed transmission, which seemingly settles the debate over magic wand, direct, and remote gear changes. It offers more power than any four-cylinder fitted to the Mini by the factory. After tightening the subframe bolts, owners need to source additional powertrain components, like the battery pack, the motor controller, the on-board charger, and the DC-DC converter. All of these parts are available directly from Swindon Powertrains, or from a growing list of aftermarket vendors, but they're not included in the kit. Electric technology isn't cheap, and Swindon's kit is no exception. It's priced at GBP8,850 (about $11,500) before taxes and shipping enter the equation, meaning it's more expensive than rebuilding an original four-cylinder engine. Viewed in this light, electrification is better suited to some of the high-zoot custom builds (like the stunning Remastered available from David Brown Automotive) priced in the six digits than to a beater 1980s City model.

2021 Mini lineup includes some more equipment and some lower prices

Mini has played the unusual triple for its 2021 model-year lineup: Design revisions, more equipment, and lower prices on a number of models. Two full-body exterior colors, Emerald Gray Metallic and Melting Silver Metallic, won't make the new year. After a hiatus, the six-speed manual transmission returns on eight trims from the Cooper two-door hardtop to the front-wheel drive Cooper S Clubman. It's a third shifting possibility alongside the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and the eight-speed Steptronic automatic. The hardtops and convertibles were refreshed for last year, so they'll carry on with that momentum. One feature change comes to the mid-grade Signature Trim, which can add 6.5-inch touchscreen nav and Apple CarPlay, and a digital instrument cluster as options. The top Iconic trim makes the digital cluster standard. The Oxford Edition trim holds the line at $19,750 before an $850 destination fee, for a total of $20,600, same as 2020. Mini's made the Oxford available to everyone, not only the recent students and military personnel that began as the exclusive buyer base. Not only are there no price increases among the hardtop and convertible ranges, seven models get $1,000 price reductions. Pricing for 2021 and the difference compared to 2020 is: Hardtop 2 Door Oxford Edition: $20,600 (No change) Cooper: $23,250 ($1,000 lower) Cooper S: $27,250 ($1,000 lower) Cooper SE: $30,750 (No change) John Cooper Works: $33,250 ($1,000 lower) John Cooper Works GP: $45,750 Hardtop 4 Door Oxford Edition: $21,600 (No change) Cooper: $24,250 ($1,000 lower) Cooper S: $28,250 ($1,000 lower) Convertible Cooper: $28,250 ($1,000 lower) Cooper S: $32,250 ($1,000 lower) Sidewalk Edition: $39,250 John Cooper Works: $39,250 (No change) The Clubman got a makeover for this year plus a more powerful John Cooper Works Clubman with 301 horsepower. The sole change here is a 6.5-inch touchscreen navigation unit included on the middle Signature trim. Prices for the 2021 Clubman are: S: $30,750 ($1,000 lower) S ALL4: $33,750 (No change) John Cooper Works ALL4: $40,350 ($100 higher) The big-selling Countryman does almost 40% of U.S. Mini business. Outside come redesigned LED headlights, new Union Jack taillights, LED fog lights on the base Cooper and Cooper S, and piano black trim in places like the light frames and door handles.

Mini celebrates its first Monte-Carlo victory with Paddy Hopkirk Edition

Mini's newest special-edition model is a tribute to a victory that was as unexpected as it was significant. Northern Irish pilot Paddy Hopkirk won the 1964 edition of the Monte-Carlo Rally in a Cooper S, impressively beating far more powerful cars, and the two-door 2021 Hardtop Cooper S Paddy Hopkirk Edition celebrates this victory. Fittingly, every Paddy Hopkirk Edition is finished in Chili Red with a white roof, a combination that echoes Hopkirk's 1964 model (pictured below). 37 decals on both doors create another visual link between 2020 and 1964. Mini also added 17-inch alloy wheels, black trim all around, and a white hood stripe that served as a blank canvas. Look closely: it features 33 EJB graphics (the winning car's registration number) and Hopkirk's signature.  His signature also appears on the hatch, on the sill plates, and on the right side of the dashboard. LED headlights, keyless entry, black interior trim, and a leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel come standard. There are no mechanical modifications, meaning the Paddy Hopkirk edition is powered by a turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder that delivers 189 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. It spins the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission, though a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox is offered at an extra cost. Mini dealers across the United States will begin receiving the Cooper S Paddy Hopkirk Edition in November 2020. It's one of two special-edition models joining the range for 2021; the second is the heritage-laced Coral Red Edition. Pricing hasn't been released yet. "Production is planned for November and December of this year," said a Mini spokesperson, "with a very limited number expected for the U.S. market. Only a few hundred." Victorious past Sir Alec Issigonis envisioned the original Mini as a practical, budget-friendly alternative to bubble cars, not as a rally-dominating machine, but the pocket-sized four-seater quickly proved its mettle on the track. Accomplished engineer John Cooper built the first Mini Cooper in 1959, the year the standard model was released in England, though it was a one-off prototype. Bolstered by a ballooning aftermarket scene, even amateur enthusiasts experimented with ways to extract more power out of the small four-cylinder and fine-tune the car's handling. It took less than a decade for the Mini to become a force to reckon with at races on both sides of the Atlantic.