New special edition AirTop roof tent, developed by AUTOHOME in cooperation with the MINI Design Team.

• New special edition AirTop roof tent, developed by AUTOHOME in cooperation with the MINI Design Team
• Two-man tent, designed perfectly to be mounted on the roof of a MINI Countryman and other MINI models
• Uses conventional MINI roof rails with no need for tools to install
• Comes with a solid aluminium ladder to climb up into the roof tent 
• Set to appeal to spontaneous travellers and adventurers
• Available to order for summer from AUTOHOME

A new special edition of the AUTOHOME AirTop roof tent has today been launched in conjunction with MINI.

The Italian specialist in automobile roof tents, AUTOHOME, has teamed up with the car brand to develop a two-man roof tent designed to be mounted perfectly onto the roof of a MINI. The roof tent comes available in black or white, in keeping with the contrasting roof and mirror caps of the new MINI Countryman.

Designed in collaboration with the MINI Design Team, the roof tent looks like a conventional roof box when closed, with fibreglass housing and aerodynamic lines for minimal air resistance and noise. The tent is then raised when in use by means of four gas pressure springs.

The roof tent can be mounted onto the MINI roof rails, which come as standard with the new MINI Countryman, without the use of tools in just a few easy moves.

Inside, there is a high-density mattress with cotton cover, two doors and two windows with zips, close-meshed mosquito nets at all openings and a battery-operated LED interior light, as well as luggage nets and pockets to stow personal items. A solid aluminium ladder is provided to climb up onto the top floor of the MINI Countryman.

Measuring 2.10 metres in length and 1.30 metres in width, the new MINI-inspired roof tent is the perfect solution to outdoor adventure sleeping, whether on a short weekend break or a longer travelling experience.

Launched in the UK in February 2017, the new MINI Countryman is the biggest and most versatile model to be launched in the brand’s 57-year history. With its larger external dimensions, and increases in space throughout the cabin and luggage area, it offers occupants even greater comfort and a genuinely premium ambience.

SEMA see's the North American premiere of the MINI Clubman John Cooper Works and ALL4 versions.

• First MINI to combine latest version of John Cooper Works performance enhancements and new ALL4 all-wheel drive system
• Newest member of the MINI product line goes on sale in U.S. in December 2016

The new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman will make its North American premiere this week at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. 

The new 2017 MINI John Cooper Works Clubman, which will be fully accessorized for the crowd of over 60,000 automotive speciality products professionals expected at the show, is the first MINI to combine latest version of John Cooper Works performance enhancements and new ALL4 all-wheel drive system.

At the heart of the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman sits a 2.0-liter MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology engine producing 228 hp, while the ALL4 all-wheel drive system helps deliver 258 lb-ft of torque, the most torque of any John Cooper Works model. 

 

In addition to the high performance engine, powered by BMW Group engine technology and architecture, the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman includes a sports exhaust, refined suspension technology and powerful Brembo brakes.

“The new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman brings a new level of high performance to the most practical and versatile MINI model in the line-up.” said Pat McKenna, Department Head, MINI Product Planning and Aftersales, MINI USA. “The SEMA Show is the perfect place for us to not only show off this amazing new vehicle but also showcase all the accessories that are available to help MINI owners further customize their MINI and make it their own.”

First shown at the Paris Motor Show in early October, the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman that will be on display at SEMA will feature a wide array of accessories, such as MINI Black LED Driving Lights, Carbon Fiber Exhaust Tips, JCW Pro Design Side Scuttles, 19-inch Radial Spoke Complete Summer Wheels (Style #526), Essential Black Door Lock Caps, Essential Black Carpeted Floor Mats, Luggage Compartment Mat, Black Rear Side Sunshade and a License Plate Frame in the traditional Wing Black Jack design.

The new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman comes equipped with a number of exclusive features not offered for other Clubman models, including:

• Aerodynamic body kit including enhanced engine and brake cooling
• Black 18” JCW Grip Spoke Wheels (Not shown on SEMA display vehicle)
• John Cooper Works performance sport seats with integrated head rest
• John Cooper Works sport suspension
• Dual-outlet chrome-tipped sport exhaust

Although not available at the time of the show, the MINI USA Aftersales team will have information on hand about a new John Cooper Works PRO silencer with flap system with Bluetooth 4.0 control that is currently under development. The John Cooper Works PRO silencer will offer two operating modes - Sport mode and Track mode. The Sport mode is approved for unrestricted use on public roads while the Track mode is designed for use on the race track.  Both options acoustically accentuate the car's sporty character while underscoring its emotionality, volume and sound for a more intensive driving experience. This accessory will be released in April 2017. 

The new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman can accelerate from 0 – 60 mph in six seconds with both the standard 6-speed manual transmission and the optional 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission, while the ALL4 all-wheel drive system can distribute the appropriate power as needed between the front and rear wheels in every situation on the road. The Launch Control function also enables traction-optimized acceleration with maximum dynamic performance from a stopped position.

Speed is not the only defining performance factor. The powerful Brembo sport brake system, which includes 4-piston fixed caliper brakes up front, guarantees consistently high deceleration performance even when exposed to intensive stress on the road and on the race track.

Whether equipped with the standard sports suspension or the optional Dynamic Damper Control, the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman sits at a 0.4-inch lower ride height, giving the vehicle a lower center of gravity and creating a sportier stance and enhanced aerodynamic and handling performance.

The new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman will go on sale in December 2016 at MINI dealers across the U.S. for the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $35,100, which includes LED Headlights, JCW Sport Seats, Rear Park Distance Control, Rearview camera and comfort access as standard equipment. Price excludes the $850 Destination & Handling fee. For full vehicle information and images please see the detailed product news release here.

Keep an eye out for the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman in the South Hall Lower – 40247 OR Central Hall, Racing Annex & Grand Lobby – 11001. Fully accessorized versions of the MINI Cooper S Hardtop and the MINI Cooper Convertible models will also be on display.

The SEMA Show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world. It draws the industry’s brightest minds and hottest products to one place, the Las Vegas Convention Center. In addition, the SEMA Show provides attendees with educational seminars, product demonstrations, special events, networking opportunities and more.

The MINI Hatch has taken, for the fourteenth time, Supermini Of The Year award from BusinessCar magazine.

• MINI Hatch takes home the prize for the fourteenth year running
• Awards voted for by BusinessCar magazine readers

Readers of BusinessCar magazine have voted the MINI Hatch as Premium Supermini Car of the Year 2016. This marks the fourteenth consecutive year that the MINI Hatch has won the coveted award.

Excellent performance alongside low running costs and CO₂ emissions, coupled with strong residual values are just some of the qualities of the MINI 3-door Hatch which have continued to win over BusinessCar magazine readers for nearly a decade and a half.

New to the range in 2014, MINI 5-door Hatch has been a runaway success since launch. As well as sporting two extra rear doors, MINI 5-door has improved legroom, a practical third rear seat and larger boot.

Commenting on the award, James Morrison, Corporate Development Manager at MINI UK, said: “We are delighted to win the award for Premium Supermini of the Year for the fourteenth year in a row. The corporate market is extremely relevant for MINI and has grown even more so with the addition of the MINI 5-door Hatch in 2014.

“We’re therefore very proud to receive this award as voted for year after year by drivers and readers of BusinessCar magazine, as it is testament to the importance we are continuing to place on this segment.”

Editor of BusinessCar magazine, Paul Barker said: “This is an incredible fourteenth BusinessCar Award for the Mini hatch, a car that continues to offer incredible residual values, premium branding, a top-notch driving experience and the charm and cheeky looks that Mini is renowned for.

“The continued success is well deserved in the face of ever-increasing competition, but it’s still no surprise to see that our readers have once again chosen the Mini as BusinessCar’s Premium Supermini of the Year.”

The new MINI Clubman can now be specified with a new All Wheel Drive System.

• Newly developed all-wheel drive system for the latest MINI generation introduced for MINI Cooper S Clubman and MINI Cooper SD Clubman
• Premiere of new generation of ALL4 all-wheel drive system with electrohydraulic regulation, optimised weight and increased efficiency
• First ALL4 model to be built at MINI Plant Oxford
• Available April priced from £24,305 OTR

MINI has this last week launched the all new MINI Clubman ALL4 – the brand’s first all-wheel drive model in the C-segment. This launch marks the MINI brand’s further advance into the premium compact segment and represents the first ALL4 model to be built at MINI Plant Oxford.

MINI’s ALL4 all-wheel drive system, which has previously only been offered on MINI Countryman models, has been specially redeveloped to ensure sportier handling and improved versatility to further enhance the everyday practicality of the new MINI Clubman.

MINI Clubman was launched in October 2015 and is notable as MINI’s first vehicle in the competitive C-segment. Now, the brand is offering something new to the market in the form of Clubman ALL4. Available with two of the latest MINI engines, the MINI Cooper S Clubman ALL4 and the MINI Cooper SD Clubman ALL4.

The 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology is the latest example of MINI’s engine technology. Offering 192 hp, the new MINI Cooper S Clubman ALL4 is combined with a 6-speed manual transmission as standard, and optionally with an 8-speed Steptronic transmission. It achieves fuel consumption of 40.9 mpg with the manual transmission (44.8mpg for automatic transmission) and has CO₂emissions of 159g/km (146g/km).

The new MINI Cooper SD Clubman ALL4 features a 190 hp diesel engine with 400 NM of torque which is paired with the brand’s capable 8-speed Steptronic transmission as standard. Fuel consumption on the combined cycle is 58.9mpg with CO₂ emissions of 126g/km.

The new MINI Clubman ALL4 includes an exceptionally high specification, with the brand’s highly acclaimed Navigation System standard on all models. Furthermore, every MINI Clubman ALL4 also benefits from the MINI Excitement Package as standard, which features a projection of the brand logo on to the ground beneath the driver’s side door mirror when the car is opened and closed, as well as extended interior lighting.

Production of MINI Clubman ALL4 has started at MINI Plant Oxford, with first deliveries at MINI retailers nationwide in April.

Model	HP	Trans	CO2	OTR
MINI Cooper S Clubman ALL4	192	Man	159	£24,305
		Auto	146	£25,985
MINI Cooper SD Clubman ALL4	190	Auto	126	£27,410

• MINI Cooper S Clubman ALL4: 4-cylinder petrol engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology (turbo charging, direct injection, fully variable valve control, variable camshaft control), capacity: 1998 cc, output: 141 kW/192 hp at 5 000 rpm, torque: 280 Nm at 1 250 rpm (300 Nm with overboost), acceleration (0–62mph): 7.0 seconds (automatic: 6.9 seconds), top speed: 142mph (142mph), 
  average fuel consumption*: 40.9mpg (44.8mpg), CO2 emissions*: 159 g/km (146 g/km), exhaust emission standard: EU6.
• MINI Cooper SD Clubman ALL4: 4-cylinder diesel engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology (turbocharger with variable turbine geometry, common rail direct injection), capacity: 1 995 cc, output: 140 kW/190 hp at 4 000 rpm, max. torque: 400 Nm at 1 750 – 2 500 rpm, acceleration (0–62mph): 7.2 seconds, top speed: 138mph, average fuel consumption*: 58.9mpg, 
  CO2 emissions*: 126 g/km, exhaust emission standard: EU6.
  
  
  * EU test cycle figures, fuel consumption dependent on the selected tyre format.

Exterior dimensions:

Length: 4 253 millimetres

Width: 1 800 millimetres

Height: 1 441 millimetres

Wheelbase: 2 670 millimetres

The new all-wheel drive system ALL4: fast and precise, compact and efficient.

The electronically controlled all-wheel drive system distributes drive torque between the front and rear axles depending on specific road conditions. This enables faster acceleration and increases agility when taking bends at speed. ALL4 also ensures utmost traction and optimised driving stability in all weather and road conditions.

The latest version of the ALL4 all-wheel drive system has been designed to be compact and light-weight, therefore increasing efficiency. This means there is only a slight increase in fuel consumption and exhaust emissions compared to the respective front-wheel drive models.

The drive power delivered by the engine via the manual or Steptronic transmission in the form of engine speed and torque is fed to the front axle differential. An integrated single-stage power take-off bevel gear diverts the power and relays it to a propeller shaft leading to the rear axle. Power transmission to the rear axle differential is continuously managed via a hang-on clutch.

If necessary, the hang-on clutch can relay torque to the rear wheels within a fraction of a second by means of an electrohydraulic pump. Fast and precise reactive changes to road conditions are possible because the all-wheel drive system is connected to the Driving Dynamics System (DSC) which continuously calculates the ideal power distribution between the front and rear wheels.

Not only are the wheel rotation speeds and the current longitudinal and lateral acceleration figures taken into account, but so is the road speed, accelerator position, engine torque and steering angle as well as the Driving Dynamics System (DSC) settings and the optional MINI Driving Modes. Based on this data, MINI Clubman ALL4 calculates the risk of wheel slip and can then anticipate and counteract any loss of traction, oversteer or understeer of the vehicle.

Taking the form of an electronic locking function for the front axle differential, the standard Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC) improves traction when accelerating out of bends by means of selective braking. In DSC Off mode, this prevents spinning of the front wheel on the inside of the bend and transmits drive power to the outer front wheel instead. The Performance Control function is another standard feature that helps enhance agility in the MINI Cooper S Clubman ALL4 and the MINI Cooper SD Clubman ALL4 and works regardless of the DSC mode selected.

Other functions of the driving dynamics system DSC include the anti-lock brake system (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Cornering Brake Control (CBD), the braking and drive-off assistant, the brake dry function and Fading Brake Support. DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) can also be activated when the vehicle is setting off in loose sand or deep snow.

Petrol and diesel engines with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology: a lot of power efficiently distributed over four wheels  

The latest generation 4-cylinder engines featuring MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology are responsible for distributing the power between the front and rear axle.

Featuring a peak output of 192 hp, the 2.0-litre petrol engine in the new MINI Cooper S Clubman ALL4 is the most powerful engine in the range.

With the standard 6-speed manual transmission, the new MINI Cooper S Clubman ALL4 accelerates in 7.0 seconds from standing to 62mph, while in conjunction with the optional 8-speed Steptronic transmission the standard spurt takes just 6.9 seconds. The top speed is 142mph in each case. These figures are combined with an average fuel consumption of 40.9mpg (automatic: 44.8mpg) and CO₂ emissions of 159 (146) grams per kilometre (EU test cycle figures, dependent on tyre format selected).

A turbocharging system with variable turbine geometry and common rail direct injection operates at a pressure of up to 2,000 bar inside the 2.0-litre diesel MINI Cooper SD Clubman ALL4 engine. The new MINI Cooper SD Clubman ALL4 combines the most powerful diesel engine ever installed in a MINI with the brand’s 8-speed Steptronic transmission as standard, achieving superb pulling power as well as exemplary fuel consumption figures and emissions.

This enables the MINI Cooper SD Clubman ALL4 to sprint from standing to 62mph in just 7.2 seconds. The top speed is 138mph. These figures are combined with an average fuel consumption of 58.9mpg and CO₂emissions of 126 grams per kilometre (EU test cycle figures, dependent on tyre format selected).

Innovative transmissions for performance and efficiency.

The standard 6-speed manual transmission is characterised by low effort and short shift distances. A ‘rev matching’ function built into the manual transmission ensures jerk-free clutch engagement, thereby enhancing comfort when shifting down a gear.

The optional 6-speed Steptronic sport transmission combines excellent efficiency with smooth yet fast gear changes. In manual mode it’s possible to change gear using shift paddles at the steering wheel. Furthermore, in conjunction with the MINI Navigation System the transmission is able to take account of the route profile in automatically controlling gearshifts.

A complete set of safety features, innovative driver assistance systems, intelligent connectivity.  

In addition to the torsionally stiff, rigid and light-weight body structure, a complete set of standard safety features also contributes to the outstanding occupant protection of the new MINI Clubman ALL4. This extensive protection comprises of six airbags, 3-point automatic belts on all seats including belt tensioners and adaptive belt force limiters at the front, as well as ISOFIX child seat mountings at the rear. A tyre pressure display for each individual wheel is also included as standard. Meanwhile, impact absorbers and precisely defined deformation zones ensure optimised pedestrian protection.

Optional driver assistance systems offered on the new MINI Clubman ALL4 serve to increase both safety and comfort. The MINI Head-Up Display which extends from above the steering column enables the driver to focus their concentration on the road. In addition to the cruise control with brake function, the Driving Assistant system is also available, featuring camera-based active cruise control and collision and pedestrian warning with brake function, high beam headlight assistant and road sign detection. Additional options include the Parking Assistant and rear view camera.

Make Clubman Yours: High standard specification and options for every taste including atmospheric lighting, electrically adjustable seats and much more.

With the MINI Yours Interior Styles option, the door trim design is highlighted via illuminated decorative strips. These can combined with interior trim finishers of various types and colours of the customers choosing. The MINI Excitement Pack features LED interior and ambient lighting which illuminates the cabin with a choice of selectable colours as well as an external light display activated when unlocking and locking the car using the remote key. The MINI logo is projected onto the ground for 20 seconds from a light source housed in the exterior mirror on the driver’s side.

Over 50% of MINI Clubman customers are expected to choose the Chili pack which adds a host of additional extras to the car. These features include cloth/leather upholstery with heated sports seats, MINI’s comfort access system, park distance control, automatic air conditioning, LED headlights and LED fog lights among other features. Chili pack is priced at £2,785 across all models – a 30% customer saving on MINI Cooper Clubman compared with selecting the options individually.

USA - BMW group and specifically MINI have been fined heavily, by the NHTSA, for non compliance.

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) today announced it has entered into a Consent Order with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which resolves issues raised in NHTSA’s Special Order issued to BMW NA on September 28, 2015 in regards to its execution of a MINI noncompliance recall campaign. 

The Consent Order also includes an admission by BMW NA that it did not comply in a timely fashion with various reporting requirements under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

Pursuant to the Consent Order, BMW NA has agreed to make a $10 million cash payment to NHTSA and to spend $10 million on enhancing internal processes and technologies to more rapidly detect emerging safety-related issues and developing increased measures to maximize recall completion rates. An additional $20 million shall be in the form of a deferred amount and held in abeyance, pending BMW NA’s satisfactory completion of the obligations in the Consent Order.

BMW NA has also agreed to execute certain performance obligations to improve its recall execution and reporting processes and will work with a consultant to develop best practices to do so. The Consent Order will remain in place for two years subject to NHTSA’s right to extend for an additional year.

The company is committed to further improving its recall processes to better serve its customers. BMW NA respects the role of NHTSA and looks forward to working with them to develop solutions for the future.