Like Father, Like Son: the Mini

Source: Pistonheads.com

Father’s Day is coming up, and so we’re celebrating automotive dads and their little sluggers that got all growed up. Today, we’re profiling a family of little cars that changed the world: the Mini!

Like Father: The BMC Mini

Although you probably already know this David and Goliath story, Alec Issigonis’ wildly unconventional little cars challenged the big boys at the Monte Carlo rally and for 3 years (1964, 1965, and 1967) won outright victories. That’s pretty amazing when you consider the Mini was designed to be the barest of basic transportation, fitted with rubber cones as suspension, a monocoque shell to save weight, and a tiny front-wheel-drive layout to save space. Spurred into development by the Suez Oil Crisis and Austin’s chairman’s hatred of “bubble cars,” it was a proper car of miniscule proportions.

It wasn’t designed to be a sportscar, but it handled like a go-cart and weighed less than 1500lbs at its heaviest. When John Cooper got his hands on them, he nearly doubled the output of the BMC A-series engine, creating the legend that won rallies. It was also a legend that convinced the world that transverse front-wheel-drive engines were the future, providing the extra traction that would keep future generations safe in inclement weather. Finally, it represented the zenith of British automotive ingenuity, become a lasting legacy to Issigonis’ seemingly hare-brained ideas. Selling from 1959 until 2000, it was one of the greatest little cars of all time.

When you’re dad’s this multi-talented, how could you possibly hope to step out of his shadow? That’s the challenge the new MINI faced …

Like Son: the new BMW MINI

BMW purchased the Rover Group in 1994, and a year later Rover began development of a Mini successor. When BMW determined that Rover was slowly circling the bowl of the WC, it jettisoned the group to Shanghai Automotive Industry Group, which turned it into the Rowe line of cars. That bit of arcane history out of the way, BMW was wise enough to hold onto the Mini, reinvisioning it as “MINI” and throwing a Tritec engine, co-developed with Chrysler and built in Brazil, under the hood. In case you can’t tell, the MINI was truly an international car.

Enough about its genealogy, you say, how did the bloody thing drive? Well, despite being several orders of magnitude larger than its diminutive predecessor, by modern standards it’s a small car and has small car dynamics. The first-generation BMW MINIs weighed 1,000 lbs more than the heaviest old Mini, but there’s more grunt to move the extra mass. The standard MINI had 114 HP and 110 ft-lbs. of torque, and the supercharged Cooper S version had a stonking 168 HP and 162 ft-lbs. of torque, enough to motivate the Cooper S to 60mph in 7.4 seconds. So despite losing out somewhat on the go-kart dynamics of the older car, it kept the sporting feel. The car is currently in its second generation, and reviewers generally feel that despite growing slightly in size and heft, it’s a modest improvement over the first generation. And the new MINI has a much improved “Prince” engine, co-designed with PSA Peugeot-Citroen, with the Cooper S getting a turbocharged version.

The Family Portrait

New And Old Harrison Minis

Just like how we’re sure it is with your dad, some things about the new MINI are like his pa, and some things are different. Thankfully for this pair, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Despite the compromises associated with added bulk, the new MINI is definitely his father’s son. Dad would be proud.

2009 Mini Cooper S Convertible adds open-air fun for a price

2009 Mini Cooper S Convertible -

Back in 2001, BMW revived the Mini brand by unveiling a new Cooper model that updated the classic English design of the original while growing the car's trademark size just enough to fit the engineering, safety equipment and conveniences that modern drivers demand. It was a perfect play, and if Mini sales haven't exactly set the world on fire here in the U.S., that's only because the brand has been alone in teaching American car shoppers what Europeans already know: Premium small cars are worth every penny. In other words, Americans generally associate the value of a vehicle with its size - the more you pay, the larger a vehicle you should get. The Mini Cooper exists in stark contrast to this notion.
Fast forward to 2009 and we're already a couple of years into the second generation of the modern Mini Cooper, also known as the R56. The redesigned hatchback was joined last year by the long-wheelbase Clubman and the R56 lineup is now complete with the arrival of the convertible model. Our tester, a 2009 Mini Cooper S Convertible, will challenge the notion that value equals size. Why? Aside from opting for the high-performance John Cooper Works trim, the convertible is the most expensive model in the Mini lineup, and the S model makes it even more so. The total tally for our tester, including $650 in destination charges, is $32,700. Read on to find out if the Mini Cooper S Convertible is packed with enough value to prevent its sticker shock from sending you into cardiac arrest.

Motoczysz releases pics of E1pc electric superbike, complete with iPhone gauges!

Motoczysz E1pc -

Finally, speculation on the appearance of the Motoczysz E1pc can end as the fledgling American motorcycle maker has released official pictures of the machine that will take on the rest of the field at the upcoming TTXGP zero-emission eGrandPrix motorcycle race at the Isle of Man. Things are shaping up largely as we expected, with the E1pc sharing its basic layout and look - including the innovative front suspension design - with Michael Czysz's earlier race bike, the C1, which never actually made it to a MotoGP race.
Such a fate appears highly unlikely for the E1pc, and Czysz is understandably excited to see one of his two-wheelers hit the track in actual competition. In a post on Motoczysz's official blog, Czysz says, "In less than 24 hours I leave to go to the biggest race of my life, not because it is the largest, not because it is the fastest but because it will be the first time a MotoCzysz motorcycle will compete in an FIM sanctioned event."
As far as we're concerned, he has a right to be proud of his team's accomplishment. Looking over the pictures of the E1pc, we can see that there are three motors (one spins backwards) and 10 battery modules that appear to be swappable in relatively easy fashion. Perhaps the geekiest (in a good way, of course) bit is the iPhone mounted directly in front of the rider, which acts as the electric bike's instrument panel. Check out the photo gallery below for more, and be sure to click past the break for a short video of the bike in action.

Underwriters Lab holdup means some MINI Es will take all day to charge

With MINI Es finally being delivered to the 450 test drivers in New York and California, a problem has cropped up that will limit the ability of many of those people to actually use the car. When MINI USA was taking applications for leases on the new EV, among the requirements were a garage with 220V electrical service. This was necessary in order to be able to charge the 35 kWh battery in four hours. When the car is delivered, MINI sends along an electrician to install a special wall box for charging.
The problem is the non-standard charging cable. In many of the areas where the cars are being distributed, local building codes require Underwriters Laboratories approved electrical hardware. Approval is still pending from UL on the 220V charging cable so it can't yet be distributed in those areas. The cars are all being delivered this month but roughly 300 of the recipients will have to charge from 110V wall sockets until they get UL-approved cables. That means a full charge will take about 23 hours. MINI USA spokeswoman Nathalie Bauters told USA Today that the company expects to have UL approval for the cable and have them all distributed by the end of July.

Tata confirms Nano U.S.-bound in around two years

Tato Nano Europa

Americans may have the opportunity to welcome the Tata Nano to their shores in just over two years, according to a confirmation from David Good, a U.S. rep for the Indian automaker. Before it arrives, Tata assures that the ultra-cheap compact with a base price of just $2500 will be configured to meet all emission and crash standards. If successful, we could see see versions of the Indian microcars running on biofuel and diesel.
But who will distribute the teensy Tatas? Well, that's up in the air right now. A brand-new dealer network for the brand has been discussed. Another option would be selling the Nano through Jaguar and Land Rover dealerships -- the Indian automaker owns both, after all. That long shot was quickly dismissed by Stuart Schorr, a spokesman for Jaguar Land Rover, before the repercussions could sink in.

Top Gear destroy Mitsubishi EVO, Tata plans to bring Nano to the U.S. in 2 years

It’s finally Friday and as we take a break from speeding around in our press vehicle of the week, the 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP, we’re taking some time out to bring you a few random findings from the egmCarTech editor’s desk (or the egmCarTech’s table at the local Starbucks if you will).

Top Gear destroys a Mitsubishi EVO with the British Army: We’re pretty excited to see what Top Gear has in store for season 13 and it seems like Clarkson is up to no good again. This time, Clarkson teamed up with the British Army to destroy a Mitsubishi EVO. While our feelings are hurt, we can’t wait to see the reasoning behind this one. - Mitsubishi Lancer Register (via AutoBlog)

Tata plans on bringing the Nano to the United States: Earlier this year, Tata finally unveiled the production version of the much anticipated $1,983 Tata Nano. At that time, CEO Ratan Tata told us that the Nano has to meet “rear-crash tests” in the U.S. for which ”redesigning is necessary, and will take 3 years.” Well, it seems like Tata is making progress. Europe will get their Nano in 2011 and we’re now scheduled to get it in about 2 years. Note: Please give the 37-hp Nano drivers some time to take off from the red-light when they come to the United State. - AutoWeek

Bill Clinton says Brazil must save forests in its ethanol push: Former U.S. President Bill Clinton said that the world is well aware of the benefits of using ethanol as a fuel source, such as 90 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emission when compared to gasoline. However, Clinton says that Brazil should worry about ranchers and farms from cutting further into forests before it starts exporting large amounts of ethanol. - Reuters

Mitsubishi i-MiEV Loves Lower Case “i”s, On Sale In Japan Soon

Cute, but $50k cute?

Mitsubishi’s innovative i-MiEV electric city car will go on sale this year in Japan, despite having an eye-watering price tag approaching $50,000 (dollars, not yen! 50,000 yen probably wouldn’t buy chewing gum). The little guy incorporates Mitsubishi’s MiEV system (did the name tip you off?), but confusingly, drops the in-wheel electric motors usually employed in MiEV cars in favor of a traditional battery array and single electric motor. More details inside.

This gasoline version provides the basis for the EV.

With a 100 mile claimed range, and a quick-charge capability that brings the vehicle to 80% charge in around 30 minutes, the i-MiEV has a lot of potential for the densely populated urban areas of Japan. Kei cars do enormously well in Japan, and the gasoline “i” on which this EV is based is classified as a kei-car there. The motor puts out the equivalent of 63 HP and 132 ft-lbs of torque, which is suitable to move the small but heavy (2500 lbs) i-MiEV around urban environments confidently (as long as you’re not in a huge hurry). It’s intended for worldwide sale in 2010, and apparently Mitsubishi will be testing the car in Oregon to determine if it’s suitable for US consumption.

[Source: Autopia]

Production Mitsubishi i-MiEV unveiled, sales begin in April 2010

In a very lengthy press release on World Environment Day (which we talked about yesterday), Mitsubishi finally unveiled the production version of its four-seater i MiEV electric-vehicle. The i MiEV will go on sale in Japan in late July of 2009 with a monthly lease process much like the Mini E Cooper. Starting April 2010, Mitsubishi will begin the official sales process to individuals and will start take orders in July.

So let’s get down the technical part of the i MiEV. The new mass-produced Mitsubishi electric-car is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack, which is comprised of 88 lithium-ion cells that are installed under the floor in the center of the vehicle. That in turn powers an electric-motor that allows for 67-hp with a peak torque of 133 lb-ft.

How long does it take charge? Mitsubishi says that the i MiEV uses a 3-way charging system, which allows the battery to be charged at home or when out on the road. For normal charging the i MiEV can be charged from a standard 100-volt outlet which takes about 14-hours to reach full charge; a 200-volt outlet will take approximately 7-hours to reach full charge. The i MiEV can also be charged at quick-charging stations that are currently being established in Japan. At the quick-charge stations, the i MiEV can reach 80 percent full charge in 30 minutes. Once completely charged, Mitsubishi says that the i MiEV will provide a traveling range of 99 miles.

Mitsubishi said that it hopes to sell 1,400 units of the i MiEV in Japan in fiscal year 2009. Pricing starts ¥ 4,380,000 - or $44,714 (with Japanese tax credits). We’ll get more details on the sale of the i MiEV in other regions shortly after its Japanese launch

Fiat 500 to get more than 40 mpg in the U.S., Fiat engineers and execs in Detroit setting up launch

We already know that the Fiat 500 will be the only Fiat badged model that will be sold at Chrysler dealerships when Chrysler is officially handed over the Italian automaker. According to people familiar with the plan, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has been leading a team of several dozen engineers and executives in finalizing plans to cut costs on purchasing parts and to pave the way for the introduction of the 500 minicar to the U.S. market.

The Fiat 500 will make it to the U.S. showrooms by the end of 2010 - so if you’re looking for a reliable, good looking, fuel-efficient compact car, just wait because the 500 is expected to get more than 40 mpg as measure by the U.S. regulatory standards.

The group of engineers and executives are working hard to get the compact hatch ready to meet U.S. safety standards.

At the 2009 New York Auto Show in April, Chrysler’s vice chairman Jim press was heavily promoting the 500 by driving one onto the stage.

 

Source: Reuters

More power, better looks: AC Schnitzer 2009 Mini Cooper S Convertible

AC Schnitzer has just unveiled their new modifications package for the new 2009 Mini Cooper R57 Convertible.

Visually, Schnitzer added a new front spoiler, a new rear skirt, various decals, chrome sports exhaust system, and a variety of wheel and tire combinations. Inside, AC Schnitzer is offering a set of aluminum pedals, velour floor mats and a aluminum gear knob.

Performance wise, Schnitzer is offering an upgrade for the Mini Cooper Convertible S that takes output up from 175-hp to 226-hp. Other performance enhancing features include a limited slip differential, an aluminum strut brace, and a height adjustable sports suspension.

Why you won’t see many Mini Coopers on the road tomorrow

So tomorrow is World Environment Day 2009 (no really, it actually exists - check out the website) and to get its already ‘environmentally conscious’ consumers to do their part, Mini is asking its owners not to drive their Coopers tomorrow.

In a campaign called ‘Let’s Not Motor Day,’ Mini is asking its owners to “buckle down, instead of up.”

“Let’s have a day when we organize a walk pool,” says Mini. “When we give the highway some breathing room. And get where we’re going with our own power instead of horsepower. For just one day, let’s come together, both Mini owners and enthusiasts, to put our cars in park and hide our keys.”

Yes… that sounds fine and dandy and all, but as enthusiasts on their way to pick up a 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP from GM’s press fleet, we’re going to have to pass this ‘green’ day and put 402-hp to the road.

Either way, if you own a Mini and you’re interested in saving the world, you can pledge the miles you aren’t going to drive and Mini will put your name on its website.

 

Source: MINI

AC Schnitzer unveils their MINI Cooper R57 Convertible

It was just a matter of time until the German tuner AC Schnitzer would release their own version of the recently launched MINI Cooper Convertible.

A new range of accessories are fitted on the new R57 Cabrio, from front spoilers and rear skirts which not only enhance the looks of the MINI but also offer aerodynamic advantages, to black or chrome/black finishes.

Performance has been also raised with a new power boost from the default 175 horsepower to 208. The uprated export version of the Cooper S takes the standard power of 128 kW/175 HP to an impressive 166 kW/226 HP. At the same time, AC Schnitzer offers a limited slip differential in the MINI Cooper S and Special Model JCW (John Cooper Works).

AC Schnitzer is also offering a choice of several wheel and tire combination with 17″ Mi1 wheels and 18″ Mi2 wheels. For tires choices, AC Schnitzer recommend Continental and Michelin in size 215/35 R 18 or optionally in 205/40 R 18. All of these options are coupled with an height adjustable sport suspension and an aluminum strut brace for the front axle.

The interior gets an upgrade as well, from gear knobs, handbrake handle, pedals and foot rests in aluminum, to velours floor mats.

Ken Okuyama Design takes over at former Mercedes Advanced Design studio in Irvine

 

Anybody can start sketching cars in their basement and call themselves a design studio. Of course it helps if you've got the clout and experience that comes with having steered an established coachbuilder like Pininfarina. But if you're going to make a dent in the increasingly troubled independent automotive design community, you're going to need a fancy facility to make it all happen. And that's just what Ken Okuyama has done.
The former Pininfarina chief stylist, since turned independent, has established an American arm to his expanding design enterprise, and they've set up shop at what used to be the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design studio (which in turn moved into Chrysler's former Pacifica Advanced Design Center in Carlsbad). The facility at 17742 Cowan Street in Irvine, California, (close to the line with Newport Beach) was purpose-built by Mercedes and boasts some 13,500 square feet of space right in the heart of Southern California's automotive design epicenter. While Okuyama himself will presumably continue to work from his headquarters in Italy, he's assembled a crackerjack team to lead the American studio, including Neil Brooker, Michael Castiglione and Stuart Macey - the team credited with such work as the Porsche Carrera GT and Dodge Challenger, designs which clearly speak for themselves. In addition to automotive design, the crew at Ken Okuyama Design USA will be working on furniture, eyewear and mass transit, among other things, as well as a custom coach-building operation to allow discerning (read: filthy rich) customers create their own one-of-a-kind rides. We'll expect to see more from the studio in the near future.

MINI “Roadster” to launch at Frankfurt Auto Show

There are several reports coming from different trusted sources who speak of the imminent unveiling of a MINI Roadster Concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

The two-seater concept is expected to offer a sportier and more dynamic look than the current MINI Convertible and it will feature a steeply raked windshield  and soft top.

It will use all the qualities that turned the MINI brand into a popular choice for many enthusiasts, but will take them to a new level, creating a small Roadster which will expand even further the offerings coming out of the Oxford plant.

The popular engines found in the MINI and John Cooper Works line-up, will make their way into the Roadster model as well, including the powerful but yet efficient, 1.6 liter twin-scroll turbo engine which outputs 211 horsepower and 206 lb-ft of torque.

The Roadster will go on sale in 2010 as the fifth model in the Mini range, after the forthcoming Mini crossover, followed shortly by a MINI-i model part of Project i initiative.

[Source: Autocar | Photo Credit: De Lusi /Larson ]

Near-production Mini Roadster concept coming to Frankfurt

According to AutoCar, MINI will unveil a Roadster model in “a near-production concept” form at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The UK publication says that the car will be at two-seater and will offer a sportier-looking alternative to the Mini Cooper Cabriolet.

The Mini Roadster will be based on the current-generation Mini Coopers but will have a lower roofline and a lower windscreen. With a lower center of gravity, the car should have better handling dynamics than the standard Cooper.

You can expect the powertrains carried over from the standard Mini along with a 208-hp 1.6L Turbo for a JCW version.

Sales of the Mini Roadster will start in 2010 following the Mini Crossover.

Novitec takes a stab at the Alfa MiTo

Alfa Romeo's spritely MiTo hatch may have been styled to look like the flagship 8C Competizione, but the performance gap between them is big enough to fit another entire model line. The MiTo GTA, previewed in concept form at this year's Geneva show, promises to close the distance some, but until it arrives, Novitec has come up with an answer of its own, and here it is.
The heart of any good mod job lies under the hood, and Novitec has plenty of options in store. For the gas-burning 1.4-liter turbo four, Novitec offers an auxiliary control module that can be installed in just five minutes and which adds an extra 31 horsepower to bring total output up to a respectable 186 and 0-60 time down to 7.4 seconds, or 0.7 seconds faster than stock.
For diesel models, Novitec also offers a module to boost power by about 20 horsepower on either the 1.3 or 1.6-liter JTD engines. Of course, the Dutch tuning house hasn't stopped there, offering a choice of sport springs to drop the height by 40mm or a fully adjustable coil-over set-up. A full aerodynamic package, stainless exhaust and 18" wheels coated in Pirelli rubber round out the package

Fiat 500 coming in 2011, will be the only Fiat badged car in Chrysler dealerships

Stepping away from all the GM related news pouring out this morning, Fiat has confirmed that it sell its 500 minicar at Chrysler dealerships by early 2011. The Fiat 500 will be the only Fiat-derived vehicle that will be sold at Chrysler dealerships badges as a Fiat.

“The Fiat 500 — we see that, like the Mini, as a sort of boutique car that we think we can sell in good numbers on the East and West coasts in the same way that Mini has been successful in the U.S.,” Richard Gadeselli, vice president of Fiat communications in Italy told Automotive News.

Other than that, Chrysler is planning six small and mid-sized sedans based on Fiat platforms. While those models will be based on Fiat platforms, they will be designed and engineered by Chrysler.

“There is a misconception out there that Chrysler is going to build the Fiat Bravo, just stick a different badge on it” and do other rebadging, Gadeselli says. “They will be specific to Chrysler. The vehicle architectures will be based on our stuff, and there will be some powertrains. The vehicles will be U.S. vehicles, designed for U.S. customers by a U.S. company.”

Production Kia Soul’ster could arrive in 2010

Earlier this year, Kia unveiled the Kia Soul’ster Concept at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. At the time Kia said that the response to the show car was very strong and overwhelming. It was said that the executives at Kia are studying the concept for production.

While Kia is remaining very quiet about any series production plans for the Soul’ster, sources have told once Korean magazine that the decision to put the Soul’ster into production will be made very soon. If the concept gets the green light, we can expect to see a production model hit U.S. showrooms in the second-half of 2010.

The Kia Soul’ster is based on the new 2010 Kia Soul. With front-wheel-drive the Soul’ster Concept can accommodate the 2010 Soul’s 120-hp 1.6L 5-cylinder engine and a 140-hp 2.0L 4-cylinder.

PSA to decide on GTbyCitroen production within four weeks

When Citroen collaborated with the people behind Sony Playstation's hit Gran Turismo game franchise on the show-stopping - if clumsily named - GTbyCitroen for last year's Paris Motor Show, few thought it would see the light of day. That includes the French automaker itself, but as we reported back in March, demand has picked up enough to prompt Citroen to consider the GT's creation. The latest reports indicate that the Chevron-labeled automaker will have its answer ready, one way or another, within a month's time.
The indication of Citroen's deliberation reportedly comes straight from the mouth of the company's product guru Vincent Besson (think Bob Lutz with a beret and a dangling Gauloise). Apparently Citroen has received a number of prospective orders from potential buyers who'd like to see the supercar drive off their plasmas and into their garages. If the PSA subsidiary does indeed decide to built the GT, it will be in extremely limited numbers and at a price high enough to cover the costs -- 15 examples at a million euros apiece is where it's tipped to be at. Powertrain is another issue altogether, as the concept's conceptual hydrogen electric drivetrain would likely be replaced by a more conventional V8 sourced from Detroit. French style and American muscle? Sounds like a winning combination. We'll just have to wait four weeks to find out if it will come to fruition.

GM announces plans to build new small car in U.S.

As reported earlier this morning, GM no longer plans on importing subcompact cars from China. The Detroit automaker said that it will build up to 160,000 units of subcompacts per year at an existing U.S. facility.

GM has now released a statement saying that it plans to build a future small car in the United States utilizing an idled UAW-GM facility.

While GM didn’t specify which vehicle it will built at the facility, it said that the new small car will join its fuel-efficient lineup including the Chevrolet Cruze and the Volt. We’re putting our money on the upcoming Chevrolet Spark.

“Small cars represent one of the fastest growing segments in both the U.S. and around the world,” said Fritz Henderson, General Motors President and CEO. “We believe this car will be a winner with our current and future customers in the U.S.”

GM said that the re-tooled plant will be capable of building 160,000 units annually with a combination of small and compact vehicles.