MINI at the 82nd International Geneva Motor Show 2012.
A portfolio of six models and three new takes on familiar themes allow MINI to welcome visitors to the International Geneva Motor Show 2012 with a spread of models unprecedented in the brand’s history. The show, taking place from 8 – 18 March, will therefore see the one-off among premium small car makers confidently extending its growth curve into 2012. The latest developments in the model range, which now comprises a total of 41 variants, create even greater scope for customers to experience the hallmark MINI style and unsurpassed driving fun of the brand’s cars in their own individual way.
MINI Bakerstreet.
Celebrating its world premiere in Geneva will be the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman, the first performance athlete in the brand’s line-up to combine John Cooper Works racing thrills with ALL4 all-wheel drive. The MINI John Cooper Works Countryman is powered by a newly developed four-cylinder engine boasting a twin-scroll turbocharger, petrol direct injection and variable valve control, and producing 160 kW/218 hp. And it comes as standard with an aerodynamic kit, lowered sports suspension, 18-inch light-alloy wheels and exclusive design features. This is the first John Cooper Works model to also offer a six-speed automatic gearbox as an option.
MINI Clubvan Concept
Another world premiere from MINI shifts attention to an all-new concept designed to win over new target groups. The MINI Clubvan Concept embodies the vision of a premium small car with increased transportation capacity for business and leisure use. It differs most prominently from the MINI Clubman, on which it is based, with its two-seat layout, large and flat load compartment, and opaque rear side windows.
MINI Cabrio Highgate
Visitors to the International Geneva Motor Show 2012 will also be treated to a first look at three new interpretations of established models. The MINI Baker Street embodies the youthful, fresh and innovative trendsetting style of the brand, while the MINI Bayswater focuses primarily on the sporting verve and agile handling for which MINI is renowned. The third member of the trio, the MINI Highgate Convertible, exudes an exclusive aura and displays a modern interpretation of British style.
MINI Bayswater
The Highlights at a glance.
World premiere for the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman.
Sixth John Cooper Works model in the current MINI range, first with ALL4 all-wheel drive (standard), launch in autumn 2012.
Newly developed four-cylinder engine with twin-scroll turbocharger, petrol direct injection and variable valve control, 1.6-litre displacement, 160 kW/218 hp, maximum torque: 280 Nm / 207 lb-ft (with Overboost: 300 Nm / 221 lb-ft), first John Cooper Works model available as an option with a six-speed automatic gearbox.
Acceleration (0 – 100 km/h / 62 mph): 7.0 seconds, top speed: 225 km/h / 140 mph (automatic: 223 km/h / 139 mph), fuel consumption in the EU test cycle: 7.2 litres per 100 km / 39.2 mpg imp (automatic: 8.0 litres / 35.3 mpg imp), CO2 emissions: 167 (187) g/km (provisional figures).
Aerodynamic kit, sports suspension, sports exhaust system, 18-inch light-alloy wheels, DSC stability control with DTC as standard. Options include exclusive Chili Red contrasting paintwork for the roof and exterior mirrors, and 19-inch light-alloy wheels.
Standard interior equipment includes sports seats, a sports steering wheel, and model-specific displays and controls.
World premiere for the MINI Clubvan Concept.
MINI Clubman-derived concept car; innovative concept showcasing the first transportation vehicle based on a premium small car; wide variety of business and leisure uses combined with hallmark MINI driving fun.
Two seats, separate load compartment with partition grille, opaque rear side windows, split rear doors and Clubdoor on the right-hand side of the vehicle allow comfortable loading and unloading.
Contemporary, lifestyle-focused interpretation of the compact delivery vehicle concept; Morris Mini Van based on the classic Mini (1960) is a historical precursor; opening up of additional target groups in the commercial sector; unrivalled combination of extended functionality and the aura and premium character of the MINI brand create considerable appeal.
Come down to Specialist Cars MINI this weekend to benefit from some amazing savings, 1 years free insurance and 5 years free servicing on selected MINI's. PLUS The official launch of the new MINI Roadster!
MINI will reveal a new stand-out-from-the-crowd concept at Geneva International Motor Show 2012 – The MINI Clubvan Concept - a compact van for business and leisure, and the first premium model in the small car-based van segment.
The MINI Clubvan Concept proves that style can also be practical, and that practicality can be attractive. The MINI Clubman-based concept car combines all of the driving fun and distinctive design for which MINI is renowned, with an increased load-carrying capability. The Clubvan concept opens the door to a completely new market for MINI, premium small businesses who want to combine sharp driving dynamics with low cost of ownership, while also making a style statement with their company van.
The ability to adapt goes back to the heart of MINI’s heritage. Calls for maximising the load capacity of the classic Mini began as early as 1960, just a year after the car’s birth, and so the Morris Mini Van was born. With its 10-centimetre-longer wheelbase, separate load compartment and split rear doors, it was perfectly equipped for commercial use. It also provided the basis for the fully glazed, four-seat Morris Mini Traveller, one of the precursors of today’s successful MINI Clubman. And so, more than 50 years on, the MINI Clubvan Concept sees history repeating itself.
Two seats, five doors, endless usage potential.
Limiting the car to two seats creates the capacity needed by business owners on a day-to-day basis, as well as opening up a whole new world of customisation potential. The same principle used in the classic Mini is applied in the MINI Clubvan – to provide the maximum amount of interior space on the smallest possible footprint.
The flat load area which reaches from the split rear doors right up to a partition grille behind the two seats makes full use of the interior’s depth. Six attachment loops recessed into the load floor use elasticated straps to hold cargo in place. The fixed partition grille, made from solid aluminium in the lower part and a stainless steel honeycombe grating, ensures items stowed in the rear won’t fall into the front cabin. The side walls, floor and roof lining of the load area in the Concept are trimmed in high-quality anthracite-coloured cloth.
Just like the MINI Clubman, the Clubvan Concept is a five-door car with a twist. Two front doors for the driver and front passenger, two side-hinged rear doors and the rear-hinged Clubdoor on the right-hand side all create useful access. The Clubdoor gives owners the option of loading smaller items from the side of the car as well as the rear.
The generous levels of space on board the concept car can be customised to suit the needs of the customer, for example, tools and goods can be stored neatly and securely in made-to-measure drawers or shelving units. 12-volt plug sockets in the load compartment also provide additional practicality.
Exterior design cuts a distinctive figure.
The MINI Clubvan Concept shares the same exterior dimensions as the MINI Clubman. The exterior of the car marks it out immediately as a MINI, offering customers the opportunity to combine their need for a practical, compact and easy-to-run van with the appeal of individual style and distinctive design, synonymous with the MINI brand.
The MINI Clubvan Concept is finished in British Racing Green paintwork, which extends to the roof, C-pillars and exterior mirror caps. The rear side windows are opaque with polycarbonate sections and are painted in the car’s body colour. The rear doors feature heavily tinted glass making it difficult to see into the load compartment.
This ultra-versatile MINI can carry both its cargo and its business’s promotional message in a uniquely stylish way. The unbroken paintwork along the car’s flanks offers extensive scope for individualisation and the use of larger graphics.
The company featured on the MINI Clubvan Concept shown at Geneva ‘Hugh Buckingham Signwriter’ is a UK company, based in Southport which creates similar vehicle graphics for its customers. The Concept showcases how these might look on a MINI Clubvan.
We have posted more photos of the MINI CLUBVAN on our Facebook page - click here to view them and let us know what you think. Or if you prefer Google + you can add us to your cirlce by visiting here.
Let it snow! MINI supports the Burton European Open for the second year. MINI presents its Creative Use of Space Award to the most creative snowboarders and shape crews.
From 25 February to 3 March 2012 the best snowboarders on the planet will meet up for the 13th time at the Burton European Open (BEO) in the Swiss resort of Laax. MINI has been a partner of the snowboard event, part of the Burton Global Open Series (BGOS), since the 2010/2011 season – something experienced pro rider and MINI fan Marko Grilc (28) from Slovenia is particularly happy about: “Creativity and the freedom to express yourself is what snowboarding is all about – and it’s the same for MINI. That’s why the two go so well together.” The four-times junior champion and winner of the Air & Style 2009 competition in Innsbruck can’t wait for the action to get underway in Laax: “This will be a home competition for me and the European snowboarding scene,” he adds.
Creative Use of Space Award with prize money of 65,000 US dollars .
For the second year running the riders will get the chance to take home MINI’s Creative Use of Space Award. MINI presents the award to the male and female riders who nail the most innovative and progressive tricks in the halfpipe and slopestyle competitions at BGOS Open events (Canadian Open, Burton European Open & US Open). And under a new scoring system, creative performances also boost the riders’ points totals in the BGOS standings. Each Creative Use of Space Award is endowed with 5,000 US dollars and the winners are earning additional 25 extra points to add to their totals. For finalists, this can mean moving up a place or more in the BGOS standings.
Creative Use of Space Award also presented to shape crews for the first time.
This year, the shape crews sculpting the slopestyle courses at each of the four event venues also enjoy recognition of their work. MINI pitches in to help the crews design an obstacle bearing the brand’s signature – and this is integrated into the slopestyle course as a set feature. A jury made up of snowboarding veterans, professionals and media experts will vote on the most creative course execution at the end of the BGOS season. So, as well as playing an active role in how the competitions unfold, the shape crews now also have the chance to earn 5,000 US dollars in prize money.
The MINI Creative Use of Space Award 2012 got off to a flying start at the Burton Canadian Open, which took place from 30 January to 5 February in Calgary. Next up are the Burton European Open in Laax and the Burton US Open (5 – 11 March) in Stratton. The BGOS female and male overall winners for 2011/2012 will each be presented with a MINI Countryman. MINI also supplies BGOS with the MINI Countryman for its competitor and VIP shuttle service.
Click on the videos below to see the Creative Use of Space Award winners in action at the Canadian Open.
At Specialist Cars, the MINI Countryman is now available from £249 per month and selected models come with FREE Insurance. To find out more click here>>>
MINI ADDS HORSEPOWER TO ‘GREAT’ BRITAIN CAMPAIGN IN PARIS
Prime Minister David Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg have a Parisian MINI Adventure.
Just a few months after he drove the two millionth MINI off the production line at MINI Plant Oxford Prime Minister David Cameron today got behind the wheel of a MINI in Paris in support of the “GREAT” Britain Campaign, helping to promote the best of Britain around the world.
The Prime Minister said: “MINI is a fantastic success story and I'm delighted that the company is supporting GREAT, our campaign to promote Britain abroad. We want to welcome the world to Britain in 2012 and show everyone what makes our country such a great place to live, work, visit and invest."
Tim Abbott, Managing Director, BMW Group UK said “As a global brand with its roots firmly planted in the UK, MINI demonstrates the best of British manufacturing, expertise, innovation, design, culture, heritage and style. We are delighted to support the “Great” Britain campaign and to celebrate and encourage others to experience all that is great about Britain.”
As an iconic British brand which is internationally recognised MINI is a natural partner for the “GREAT” Britain campaign. Since 2001 over 1.5 million of the two million British-built MINIs have been exported to customers in more than 90 countries around the world from Australia to Venezuela.
Producing 191,474 vehicles in 2011, MINI was the third largest vehicle manufacturer in the UK, accounting for 14 per cent of national automotive production. There are currently five MINI models built in the UK – Hatchback, Convertible, Clubman, Coupé and the soon to be launched Roadster.
Since MINI went into production in 2001, the BMW Group has invested over £1.5 billion in its operations in the UK. The company contributes £1.2 billion to UK GDP and MINI production supports 5,000 UK jobs.
Specialist Cars MINI
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SHOPAHOLICS STORM NEW MINI STORE AT WESTFIELD STRATFORD CITY
This week MINI opened its doors to a completely new retail adventure at Westfield Stratford City. The MINI pop-up, which will be open for 12 months only, will showcase the two newest MINI models, the MINI Coupé and the MINI Countryman and will also sell a full range of MINI lifestyle merchandise. The store is the first of its kind in the UK, bringing the much loved British car brand out of the traditional dealership setting and onto the high street.
During its first few days in business the store which is a joint venture between MINI UK and the dealership group Sytner, has already attracted over 4000 visitors.
The Store showcases the latest in retail technology, customers can use the UK’s first 3D car configurator to create their very own MINI, and if they catch the MINI bug they can request a test drive at their local dealership. The MINI Store also features a clever interactive mirror allowing shoppers to try on outfits without removing their clothes.
The MINI Store is located on the walk way to the Olympic Park, a prime location to entice Westfield’s 850,000* visitors per week, and stocks the very latest products from the 2012 MINI Collection, including the brand new ‘Beat the Street’ clothing line, John Cooper Works apparel, MINI luggage and even an electric MINI Convertible for children.
The store has created 12 new jobs, which have all been recruited from the local area and have been fully trained by MINI, equipping them to deliver first class customer service.
Jochen Goller, Director MINI UK said “The MINI Store in Westfield Stratford City is an exciting new approach for our brand, for the first time we are giving shoppers the opportunity to browse the latest MINI models in a retail setting which is completely removed from the established car showroom environment. In addition, since MINI launched just over 10 years ago we have developed a massive community of fans and enthusiasts for whom MINI is much more than just a car brand. These fans love to accessorise their cars and their lives with everything from miniature MINI fridge magnets to MINI folding bikes, so we are delighted to make the full range of products available for the first time on the high street. Over the next year we will be listening to and learning from what visitors to the Westfield store have to say about what they expect from their car retail experience.”
Myf Ryan, General Manager Marketing Westfield UK said: “We are delighted to welcome MINI to Westfield Stratford City. As a cutting edge, contemporary brand, MINI is ideally suited to Westfield Stratford City’s young and trend conscious consumer. This unique venture highlights the versatility of the centre to adapt to the needs of our retailers - now, through the Games and beyond.”
Specialist Cars MINI
You can keep up to date with our latest news offers and events by following us on Twitter: @SpecialistMINI or join us on Facebook.
One of our customers sent us a lovely email after taking collection of her new MINI Countryman;
Just a quick email to say that, even though I really liked my MINI Countryman from the very first day I drove it, what with all the snow we’ve had to deal with in the last week … now I love it! It has handled the conditions with ease and is still brilliant and fun and trustworthy to drive. I have told all my friends and anyone who will listen how impressed I am with the car so sorry in advance for when you phone rings off the hook!
The MINI Roadster: race car feeling meets top-down driving excitement.
This
spring sees the market launch of the first open-top two-seater in
company history – in the guise of the MINI Roadster. The sixth model
from the British premium carmaker is an elegant, sporty compact car for
discerning drivers who value high-class design, powerful engines and
precision suspension. This typical MINI interpretation of a compact
roadster unites purist sportiness with the spontaneous fun of driving
around town with the top down.
Sporty, irresistible – typically MINI.
MINI
has faithfully reproduced its hallmark design language within the
proportions of a roadster, bestowing on the open-top two-seater its
unmistakable look and highlighting its elegant, sweeping silhouette even
with the roof closed. The MINI Roadster’s soft-top can be quickly and
easily opened by hand – allowing for spontaneous, concentrated top-down
driving pleasure.
Moreover, with its 240-litre, visually distinct
boot, the MINI Roadster offers versatile loading options, thanks in
particular to the wide through-loading aperture behind the seats. The
padded stainless steel roll-over bars and the windscreen frame round off
the car’s elegant design – while at the same time ensuring optimal
safety for both driver and passenger.
The ultimate go-kart feeling.
Powerful
engines in tandem with precisely tuned suspension systems generate the
customary MINI go-kart feeling. Meanwhile, front-wheel drive – another
hallmark brand attribute – teams up with chassis technology of a quality
unmatched in the small car segment to ensure unequalled driving fun.
Also playing their part are the standard-fitted Dynamic Stability
Control system and optimal aerodynamics even with the top down – thanks
to an active rear spoiler which automatically extends when the MINI
Roadster reaches 80 km/h (50 mph).
High-quality standard equipment, individual looks.
MINI
Roadster drivers can also savour their car’s premium character in its
high-quality range of standard equipment, which includes air
conditioning, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, Park Distance
Control, height-adjustable seats and an MP3-capable audio system with CD
player and AUX IN connection. On the exterior paintwork front, the MINI
Roadster has a palette of two non-metallic and six metallic shades to
choose from, as well as three Sport Stripes variants for the bonnet,
boot lid and rear aprons. The soft-top is black, in true British
tradition. On the inside, the MINI Roadster likewise offers a diversity
of design options, with seat and upholstery variants ranging from
sporty/compact to elegant. They include exclusive piped sports seats in
the colour shade Toffy, as well as black sports seats in Punch Leather
with beige perforations, and any of six different trim strip options.
Top-down driving in style – fashion accessories for fresh-air fans.
Fans
of open-top motoring will find the perfect accessories for the road in
the MINI Lifestyle Collection. Whether you’re driving the new MINI
Roadster or a MINI Convertible, MINI makes sure you kick off the
open-air season in style. Sunglasses are indispensable companions in
fine weather – both behind the wheel and in the passenger seat. The
highlight feature of the Vintage Look Sunglasses John is a colourful
Union Jack print on the inside of the earpieces. The Peter sunglasses,
meanwhile, are a fashionable interpretation of the trendy Wayfarer
silhouette with a Black Jack pattern on the inside.
The
casual Street Cap with Union Jack badge will protect you against the
wind, while the colourful Union Jack Scarf with an artistic UK flag
design serves as an all-purpose head scarf or neck scarf. MINI Lifestyle
Collection accessories are available on the internet at
www.MINI.com/shop and from select MINI dealers.
Model variants: four sporty versions available.
The
MINI Roadster will be launched on the market in four model variants.
They range from the ultra-sporty MINI John Cooper Works Roadster with a
handsome 211 hp, to the elegant MINI Cooper S Roadster and MINI Cooper
Roadster, all the way to the frugal MINI Cooper SD Roadster, which
requires just 4.5 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres (62.77 mpg imp).
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE NEW MINI ROADSTER AND AN INVITATION TO ONE OF THE SPECIALIST CARS LAUNCH EVENTS PLEASE CLICK HERE>>>
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