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MINI PLANT OXFORD
2013 MARKS MAJOR MILESTONE AT MINI PLANT OXFORD
In 2013 MINI UK and its parent company BMW Group will celebrate 100 years of car-making at the site of MINI Plant Oxford. The focus point for the celebrations will be 28 March, which is 100 years to the day when the first Bullnose Morris Oxford rolled off the line.
As part of the commemorative exhibition at the Plant, MINI is keen to hear from any ex-employees and the families of ex-employees who would like to share photos and memories from the plant over the last 100 years.
Since 1913 tens of thousands of people – 26,000 at the peak in the 1950s and 60s - have worked on the site building over 11 million cars under brands including Austin Healey, MG, Wolseley, Riley, Austin, Mini, Vanden Plas, Princess, Triumph, Rover, Honda, Sterling, the founding marque Morris and over two million MINIs since 2000.
The Oxford plant has generated considerable wealth for the UK, as well as for many other countries around the world during its 100 years. Today, Plant Oxford manufactures the MINI hatchback, Convertible, Clubman, Clubvan, Roadster and Coupe, 80% of which are exported to over 100 global markets. It is currently undergoing a major investment in preparation for the third generation of new MINIs.
A centenary exhibition at the Plant will incorporate stories and pictures from employees past and present. To share a story or a photograph please contact oxford100@mini.co.uk
MINI John Cooper Works Paceman
Extreme sports performance, inimitable style: The MINI John Cooper Works Paceman.Elite
performance model is based on the first compact Sports Activity Coupé.
Driver and passengers in four individual seats enjoy racing feeling,
turbocharged engine develops 160 kW/218 hp, standard equipment includes
ALL4 all-wheel drive, an aerodynamic kit, 18-inch light-alloy wheels and
lowered sports suspension.
Munich. The MINI John Cooper Works
Paceman combines mouthwatering sporting flair and inimitable style to
introduce a new dimension in driving fun to the premium compact segment.
Its race-bred powertrain and chassis technology create a recipe for
smile-inducing agility, and the overall concept of the first Sports
Activity Coupé in its class gives it an immediate, show-stealing impact.
The MINI John Cooper Works Paceman transfers the power developed by its
160 kW/218 hp four-cylinder turbocharged engine to the road with poise
and assurance, courtesy of its standard ALL4 all-wheel-drive system.
Lowered sports suspension and an aerodynamic kit also play their part in
bringing an irresistible feeling of race competition to the driver and
passengers in their four individual seats.
The MINI John Cooper
Works Paceman celebrates its world premiere at the North American
International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit in January 2013; its market
launch will follow in March 2013. The new arrival swells the John Cooper
Works ranks to seven models. The MINI John Cooper Works Paceman’s
driving characteristics and design ensure it will stand out from the
crowd in city traffic, as well as being the car of choice when maximum
driving fun over longer distances is the order of the day. Instantaneous
power delivery and an unquenchable appetite for revs define the engine
under the bonnet of the MINI John Cooper Works Paceman. The turbocharged
power unit teams up with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard; a
six-speed automatic can be ordered as an option.
The MINI John
Cooper Works Paceman sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 6.9
seconds with either of the gearbox variants. Yet despite this
intoxicating turn of speed, fuel economy is exemplary for its output
class. The MINI John Cooper Works Paceman posts average fuel consumption
in the EU test cycle of 7.4 litres (automatic: 7.9 litres) per 100
kilometres / 38.2 (35.8) mpg imp. The distinctive character of the
MINI John Cooper Works Paceman is underlined by bespoke design features.
Standard specification includes an aerodynamic kit, 18-inch light-alloy
wheels, a sports exhaust system with chrome tailpipes, and door sills
bearing the John Cooper Works logo. As well as white and black, the
exclusive Chili Red paint finish can also be specified as an option for
the contrast-colour roof and exterior mirror caps. And customers can
also lend an extra edge to the typical John Cooper Works sports car
feeling inside the car with bespoke accents such as Chili Red interior
trim strips.
The engine: dynamism in spades, fuel consumption in sips thanks to racing expertise and MINIMALISM technology.The
MINI John Cooper Works Paceman draws its power from a 1,598 cc
four-cylinder engine. The latest generation of the John Cooper Works
turbocharged unit blends motor sport-inspired technical details with
cutting-edge innovations developed by the BMW Group’s powertrain
experts. Highlights include reinforced pistons, low-weight crankshafts,
an aluminium cylinder block and bearing mounts, and further optimisation
of the cooling system, air supply and exhaust gas discharge system.
Plus, the turbocharger is twinned with a generously sized intercooler.
The twin-scroll turbocharger joins forces with petrol direct injection
and variable valve control based on the BMW Group’s VALVETRONIC
technology, which optimises both the engine’s efficiency and its
responsiveness.
The MINI John Cooper Works Paceman’s powerplant
develops its maximum output of 160 kW/218 hp at 6,000 rpm. Peak torque
of 280 Newton metres (207 lb-ft) is on tap between 1,900 and 5,000 rpm,
and can be increased to 300 Newton metres (221 lb-ft) for short periods
between 2,100 and 4,500 rpm using the overboost function. This opens the
door to gratifyingly vivacious acceleration to which the
standard-fitted sports exhaust system provides a suitably stirring
soundtrack.
ALL4 all-wheel drive as standard, six-speed automatic gearbox optional.The
MINI John Cooper Works Paceman channels the extraordinary power
produced by its front-mounted transverse engine through all four wheels
as standard. The ALL4 all-wheel-drive system developed for MINI uses an
electromagnetic centre differential to distribute drive seamlessly
between the front and rear axles. This means power is always sent to the
wheels where it can be translated most effectively into forward
propulsion. In normal driving situations ALL4 diverts a maximum 50 per
cent of the engine’s power to the rear wheels, rising to as much as 100
per cent in extreme conditions. This provides a traction-led expression
of the handling talents for which MINI is famed – whatever the weather
and road conditions. The control electronics of the MINI ALL4 system are
integrated directly into the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) management
unit, which gives ALL4 extremely short response times and allows it to
carry out proactive adjustments in the distribution of drive. The system
uses the data collected by DSC to tweak the power split pre-emptively
and to impressive effect through dynamically taken corners, for example.
And that means the driver enjoys outstanding agility combined with
surefooted driving characteristics in customary MINI style. The MINI
John Cooper Works Paceman can be ordered as an option with a six-speed
automatic gearbox as an alternative to the standard-fitted six-speed
manual. Both the transmissions and the manual’s clutch have been adapted
to handle the engine’s impressive power and play their part in ensuring
outstanding performance coupled with further improvements in
efficiency. The automatic’s Steptronic function, meanwhile, gives the
driver the option of changing gear manually using the selector lever on
the centre console or the shift paddles on the steering wheel.
The
choice of gearbox has no effect on the sprinting power of the MINI John
Cooper Works Paceman. The new car dashes from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph)
in a trifling 6.9 seconds, regardless of whether the engine is sending
its power through the manual or automatic conduit. Top speed stands at
226 (140 mph) for the manual version or 224 km/h (139 mph) for the
automatic. The MINI John Cooper Works Paceman marries this impressive
performance with eye-catching economy. The engine’s inherent efficiency
and extensive MINIMALISM technology – such as Brake Energy Regeneration,
the Gear Shift Indicator and the Auto Start/Stop function (on manual
cars) – are the trump cards here. Average fuel consumption in the EU
test cycle is 7.4 litres (automatic: 7.9 litres) per 100 kilometres /
38.2 (35.8) mpg imp, and CO2 emissions come in at 172 (184) grams per
kilometre.
Developed to deliver visceral racing thrills:
chassis, aerodynamics, design and interior tuned to John Cooper Works
specification.Another key player in giving the MINI John
Cooper Works Paceman its sky-high levels of driving fun is chassis
technology optimised specially for the new model; a MacPherson
spring-strut front axle, central-arm rear axle, Electric Power Steering
and an extremely high-performance braking system make a potent team. The
standard sports suspension has a dynamically optimised spring/damper
set-up and stronger anti-roll bars, and is lowered by 10 millimetres.
The standard DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system also comprises DTC
(Dynamic Traction Control) mode.
And the likewise standard Sport
Button on the centre console allows the driver to tweak the engine’s
responses and soundtrack, as well as the power assistance provided by
the steering. If the automatic gearbox is specified, pressing the Sport
Button also quickens up shift times. 18-inch light-alloy wheels in Twin
Spoke Black Burnished design with polished spoke fronts and black rim
wells are standard on the MINI John Cooper Works Paceman. Among the
items on the options list are exclusive 19-inch light-alloy wheels in
Cross-Spoke Crusher design.
The extrovert design of the MINI John
Cooper Works Paceman gives the first Sports Activity Coupé in the
compact segment a dynamic presence, brimming with forward-surging intent
and agility – before it even turns a wheel. The powerfully formed front
end, elegantly sporty, stretched lines of the flanks, coupé-style roof
swooping downwards towards the rear, and broad rear end of the
three-door car all ooze sporting allure. And the aerodynamic kit fitted
as standard on the MINI John Cooper Works Paceman shines extra light on
this performance-maxing character. The particularly muscular form of the
front and rear aprons and bespoke side skirts ensure the airflow around
the car is even more efficient. John Cooper Works logos on the radiator
grille, tailgate and door sill strips as well as next to the side
indicators provide additional confirmation of the car’s identity.
Customers can choose from nine exterior paint finishes, including the
Chili Red shade reserved for the John Cooper Works model. Chili Red is
also available exclusively for the MINI John Cooper Works Paceman’s
contrast-colour roof, exterior mirror caps and Sport Stripes.
Inside
the car, the distinctive interior design combines with the customary
sports car ambience of John Cooper Works models to particularly alluring
effect. The rear compartment of the MINI John Cooper Works Paceman
features a pair of individual seats in which the rear passengers can
enjoy that unmistakable racing feeling in lounge-style surroundings. A
sports steering wheel with red contrast stitching and John Cooper Works
logo, dark-coloured dials for the 260 km/h (160 mph) speedometer and rev
counter, anthracite-coloured roof liner, gearshift lever with red shift
pattern lettering, red contrast stitching for the gearshift lever
gaiter and floor mats with red stitching are all part of the standard
equipment count for the new extreme sports model, as are cloth sports
seats in Diagonal Track John Cooper Works Carbon Black trim with red
contrast stitching. Lounge Leather sports seats in Carbon Black
Championship Red are available as an option. Standard Piano Black
interior trim strips add the finishing touches to the racing-inspired
aura inside the MINI John Cooper Works Paceman. Exclusive Chili Red trim
– consisting of red elements for the cockpit and doors and a red stripe
for the black trim strips on the centre console – can be ordered as an
option.
MINI sets a world record
MINI sets a world record approved by Guinness World Records™ for the longest wish list ever delivered to Santa Claus.In
its usual unconventional style, MINI has completed its Christmas
mission. The MINI Goes to Santa Claus project has made it possible for
MINI to set a Guinness World Records record, collecting 75.954, the
biggest number of wishes ever delivered to Santa Claus. The delivery
directly to the hands of Santa Claus of the longest wish list in the
world (3798,5 metres) took place today at the Santa Claus Post Office in
Rovaniemi. The wish list was put together by joining the wishes
end-to-end and using a special paper that has a minimal impact on the
environment. The MINI Goes to Santa Claus projectA
fleet of eight MINIs traveled from one end of Europe to the other,
heading for the Arctic Circle in order to deliver to Santa Claus the
Christmas wishes written by children and adults the world over. To set a
Guinness World Records record, MINI got a total of 16 countries
involved in the collection of the wishes: Germany, Italy, United
Kingdom, Portugal, Belgium, Bulgaria, Greece, Poland, Slovenia, Czech
Republic, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Russia, United States of America
and Singapore. The MINI Family’s journey to RovaniemiSaturday,
24 November, the MINI Family departed from the headquarters of the BMW
Group in Munich with Rovaniemi as its destination. Along the way,
covering more than 3,500 km, the MINI Family passed through some of
Europe’s most beautiful cities, such as Copenhagen and Stockholm, where
the collection of the wishes continued. The new MINI PacemanThe
new MINI Paceman, the seventh model in the MINI family, welcomed the
MINI Goes to Santa Claus caravan upon its arrival in Rovaniemi. With its
unique personality, the MINI Paceman offers an innovative combination
of sporty and extroverted design. It is the first Sports Activity Coupé
in the premium compact segment and is available with the MINI ALL4
four-wheel drive system. An outstanding guest: Rauno AaltonenIn
Rovaniemi the MINI Family was welcomed by a very special guest: Rauno
Aaltonen. The Finnish driver showed off his exceptional talent at the
wheel of a new MINI Paceman, bringing to life for the international
press the MINI Ice Driving Experience. Rauno Aaltonen won the European
Rally Championship in 1965 and, thanks to his incomparable driving style
and the intelligent choice of tyres, he was victorious in the historic
1967 Monte Carlo Rally behind the wheel of a classic Mini. Rauno
Aaltonen has also been nicknamed "the Flying Finn" and "the Rally
Professor", and he has to his name an incredible number of prizes,
awards, and accolades. In collaboration with RovaniemiTo
realize the MINI Goes to Santa Claus event, MINI could count on the
collaboration of the city of Rovaniemi, "the Official Hometown of Santa
Claus" and "the Heart of Lapland". Rovaniemi is located on the 66
parallel inside the Arctic Circle, about 800 km from Helsinki and 2,600
km from the North Pole. The city is situated between the Ounasvaara and
Kokalovaara hills, at the confluence of the river Kemijoki and its
tributary, the Ounasjoki. The name "Rovaniemi" has often been thought to
be of Lapp origin, since in the Sami language "roavvi" means a wooded
hill; whereas in the Finnish language "rova" means a "pile of stones" or
"rock". The capital of Lapland is a magic city. As a matter of fact,
although Christmas comes but once a year, in Rovaniemi it is possible to
run into Santa Claus every day of the year.
MINI Clubvan
MINI CLUBVAN DELIVERS AT 2013 WHAT VAN? AWARDSThe all-new MINI Clubvan has picked up its first award after winning the Editor’s Choice award at the 2013 What Van? Awards. Commended for delivering style, efficiency and class-leading driving dynamics not usually found in light commercial vehicles, the Clubvan has already made a big impression on industry experts just months after its initial unveiling at Goodwood Festival of Speed earlier this year. “The arrival of the MINI Clubvan is the most exciting and charismatic entrance into the light commercial vehicle arena for many years, offering small businesses in particular the opportunity to run a vehicle that combines workman-like light van practicality with a style not currently available, and that’s without mentioning MINI’s unrivalled driving pleasure and good fuel efficiency,” said What Van? Editor Paul Barker. “It’s fair to say we’re looking forward to the Clubvan’s arrival, and it will offer small van users something unique and appealing.” Combining both the practicality of a 860-litre load capacity with premium features already familiar to existing MINI customers, the MINI Clubvan offers commercial customers both style and substance on the road. Speaking of the award, Stephen Chater, Corporate Operations Manager at MINI UK said: “We are delighted that the MINI Clubvan has been commended by one of the most influential voices in the commercial vehicle industry. Interest in the Clubvan has been outstanding and with a strong standard specification, including air conditioning and DAB radio, it proves that for once you really can mix business with pleasure.” Built in Britain at MINI Plant Oxford, the MINI One Clubvan starts from just £11,175, retail price excluding VAT. Labels: CLUBVAN
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