Mini Cooper S*automatic*heated Seats*runs Great Low Miles 2 Dr Hatchback Gasolin on 2040-cars

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BMW, Mini to offer Amazon Alexa in all models beginning next year

Voice recognition has been available in cars for years now, but the technology has improved, and found its way into our pockets and our homes. With applications like Siri and gadgets like the Amazon Echo essentially acting as digital personal assistants, the ways we interact with technology through our voice have advanced significantly in recent years. BMW plans to take advantage of the evolved voice technology, and will offer Amazon Alexa in every BMW and Mini model beginning in the middle of 2018. Drivers will be able to use the usual Alexa features (or "skills" in Amazon speak) to get the latest news and weather, provide entertainment, or remotely control their smart home gadgets. Alexa will also perform car-specific duties, such as navigation or locating nearby businesses. Users can also check on movie times, request specific playlists or even order products from Amazon through Alexa. View 5 Photos It's the logical next step for BMW, which has allowed owners to check the status or control features of their car through Alexa's BMW Connected skill since last year. Users won't need to bring their smartphone along for the Alexa to work, as BMW and Mini models will be equipped with their own SIM cards. Alexa will be available in cars in the United States, United Kingdom and Germany. As our friends at Engadget point out, the timing is important, as Amazon risked being left behind by the likes of Apple and Google, which offer their technology in vehicles via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Amazon would do well to expand access beyond the three markets in-car Alexa will launch in, for exactly the same reason. Check out the video above for how BMW envisions users interacting with Alexa. We really hope some lucky M4 owner does, in fact, actually order a pizza while drifting on the deck of an aircraft carrier. That's a future we want to live in. News Source: BMW, Engadget Auto News BMW MINI Technology Videos Amazon Amazon Alexa alexa

Last chance to order an R56 Mini Hardtop

Mini will be ending custom orders of the current R56 Cooper Hardtop ahead of the retooling process for the new F56 Mini. That means owners who aren't enamored with what they've seen of the model's new look but still want a personalized version of the tossable hot hatch had best get down to their local Mini dealership and submit their order post-haste.
According to Mini enthusiast site Motoringfile, all orders must be submitted by August 28 in order to get a custom build. Orders are also locked in after that, so if you do get one of the spots, make sure you're absolutely content with the car you order. This cutoff will affect all models of the Hardtop, including the John Cooper Works model.
After August 28, owners will need to wait for the new Hardtop to arrive, which Motoringfile estimates will be in March of 2014. If you miss out on this final allocation of hardtops, all is not lost, however. Mini will still accept personalized orders on other bodystyles, which won't be replaced by F56-based models for some time.

2021 Mini Countryman spied wearing a subtle change of clothes

Mini isn’t taking its crossover lineup anywhere but forward these days, and a facelift for the tall Countryman appears to be next in line. We got details for the hot JCW version of the Countryman a couple of months back, but a mid-cycle refresh is on the docket for the regular version now. Spy photos of the refreshed Countryman show all the exterior changes will be coming to the front and rear portions of the car. Everything else about the long and wide Mini is staying the same, but we could see some interior improvements in the name of technology. As for whatÂ’s visible through the camouflage, the Countryman doesnÂ’t appear to be going through anything radical in the front or back. The grille looks like itÂ’s taking on the same shape as the current Countryman. However, a few minor changes to the lower front bumper are noticeable. Mini looks to be changing up the vents/intake design down there. We donÂ’t mind the carÂ’s current design, but this doesnÂ’t seem to be changing much anyway. The most obvious change out back is the carÂ’s taillight design. ItÂ’s a different pattern on the curvy red light element, but itÂ’s not a Union Jack flag. Perhaps Mini will ultimately tack the Union Jack on it, but this prototype doesnÂ’t wear the British pride on its hindquarters.  Perhaps the big takeaway here is more about the lack of changes Mini appears to have in store. WeÂ’ll be hoping the upgrade is heavy on tech and new features rather than actual design changes. The Countryman went through a radical (large) rebirth for the 2017 model year, but hasnÂ’t exactly lit the world on fire with sales since. Last year was the modelÂ’s best year since 2014, but itÂ’s still behind the modelÂ’s all-time best-selling years. WeÂ’ll expect this light refresh to hit us for the 2021 Countryman, so a reveal sometime next year is likely.