2010 Mini Cooper S Hatchback 2-door 1.6l 38k Miles on 2040-cars

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The Mini Rocketman could be reborn as an EV

Ask Mini fans what their favorite concept has been over the past 15 years, and you're likely to get one of two answers – the tiny Rocketman hatch, or the Superleggera roadster. The two cars are perhaps the best representations of the Mini brand's values, offering a tiny, efficient package in one vehicle and a stylish performer in the other. And they might finally see production. Okay, so that's an awfully big "might," and it's based on hints offered by Mini product boss Ralph Mahler to Autocar about expanding the company's range. The bad news? The Superleggera is facing long odds, Mahler said, because "roadster segment is small and demand is going down, with new markets opening up. The growth is not there, so it's always a challenge". "It fits perfectly into the brand, but we're a small [sales volume] car brand and have to be focused and know what we want to have," Mahler said, keeping hopes alive. "The Superleggera is playing a role but no decisions." Things are looking much rosier for the Rocketman, which could see a future as sort of a Mini-branded BMW i3. Originally introduced as a more elemental, affordable Mini, Mahler said it's "inspiring us as of today, especially as an EV in the future." Using the lessons learned by its parent company with the i3, Mini could adopt that car's creative packaging to make a roomy three-door with a remarkably small footprint. But even with that knowledge, building a Rocketman EV could be a tall order. "It was something that was ahead of its time but is still inspiring," Mahler told Autocar. "With a smaller car, it's a bigger challenge. With Rocketman, and talking EV in the future, as the EV engine gets more portable, it's give and take [for such a small EV]. Related Video:

2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Nissan Frontier and a little Z06 preview | Autoblog Podcast #698

In this episode of the Autoblog Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore is joined by Road Test Editor Zac Palmer. This week they talk about cars they've been driving including the 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, 2022 Nissan Frontier, 2021 Jaguar XF P300 and the 2022 Mini JCW Convertible. They also discuss the photo reveal of the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06. They cap things off by helping someone spend their money on a new car. Send us your questions for the Mailbag and Spend My Money at: Podcast@Autoblog.com. Autoblog Podcast #698 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:2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer 2022 Nissan Frontier 2021 Jaguar XF 2022 Mini JCW Convertible News 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 preview 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: 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Interior Review | Autoblog Short Cuts

Mini 'Takes the States' is ready to rally again this summer

The Mini brand has gone to great lengths — literally — during the past two decades to embrace and entertain its loyal following by sponsoring cross-country caravans to celebrate its products and customers. This summer, the caravan reforms once again. Officially called “Mini Takes the States,” the rally in mid-July is scheduled to embark from Albuquerque, N.M., and finish eight days later in Seattle. Visiting five states and nine cities, several hundred drivers and their passengers are expected to join the caravan for part or all of the journey. MTTS, as it's become known as to Mini fans, first rolled out in 2006, with Mini USA using it as a way to celebrate the introduction of the first, hardcore GP edition of its high-performance John Cooper Works model. It has since become a biennial event, with each rally taking a different route around the U.S. It's not competitive. The idea is to connect Mini owners and let them share their enthusiasm about the brand and their experiences with it. Mini plans festivities along the route and usually a “Rally Finale” on the final evening. As far as expenses — hotels, most meals — participants are on their own, although breakfasts and some evening events with food are provided by Mini. The idea is to create positive publicity and “good feelings” for the brand, and to sell more Minis. Since Minis are, at the end of the day, automobiles, service may be required along the MTTS route. Technicians are on hand to perform repairs like engine computer diagnostics, light bulb replacements, tire changes, and other non-major work. Participants will initially head north from New Mexico through Colorado and Utah to Salt Lake City. Continuing through Big Sky country, MTTS 2024 will stop in Bozeman and Missoula, Mont., then head west to Spokane, Wash. From there, drivers will cruise southwest through the scenic mountains and valleys of Yakima, Wash., winding up in Seattle. “WeÂ’re excited to reconnect with our Mini owners nationwide to foster current relationships, forge new friendships and make lasting memories, this time in some of our incredible and majestic western states,” said Mike Peyton, vice president and "chief motorer" for Mini of the Americas, in a press release.