BMW to Test Electric Powered MINIs

Over the next year and a half, BMW will test a series of electric-powered MINI models in real life conditions, the company announced today. The MINIs will be built in the company’s Oxford plant in the U.K. without engines and transmissions and then shipped to BMW’s headquarters in Munich, Germany where they will be fitted with an electric powertrain. The Bavarian automaker said that it will build and test several hundred of electric MINIs in order to evaluate the viability of a mass production version. Pic: Carscoop

BMW and Fiat Planning Small Car Alliance, Alfa Romeos could be sold through MINI in the U.S.

BMW Group and Fiat Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the possibility of co-operation in the areas of architectures and components for their MINI and Alfa Romeo vehicles. As part of the deal, BMW will support Fiat in launching the Alfa Romeo brand in the North American market, or to put it simple, MINI U.S. dealers would have the chance to also sell Alfa Romeos. If all goes well, the final deal is expected to be signed off by the end of the year. -Continued

"We are currently examining with the Fiat Group possibilities for the joint use of components and systems in MINI and Alfa Romeo vehicles in order to achieve economies of scale and thus cost reductions within the framework of our Strategy Number ONE", said Friedrich Eichiner, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Corporate and Brand Development.

Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat Group said: "The proposed co-operation with BMW is a significant cornerstone of our strategy of alliances. We are delighted to work with such an esteemed and respected partner in the automotive industry with the clear objective of improving the competitive position of both parties," Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat Group and FGA, said in Turin.

MINI Crossman SUV Concept Heading for Paris Show

This year’s Paris Show in October will host many concept cars that will be previewing production versions that are set to follow shortly after. One of the most anticipated concepts will be the MINI Crossman SUV/Crossoverthat will be introduced in pre-production form according to a report from Dutch webzine, Autotelegraaf.

Likely to be based on a modified version of the Clubman’s platform, the Crossman will feature raised suspension and tough body cladding along with a four-wheel-drive system. The production version of MINI’s new crossover that’s expected to be introduced sometime in 2010, will be built by Magna Steyr in Austria.

Via: Autotelegraaf

MINI’s Sensual Photo Session for AIDS Charity Event

“Mama” BMW has released more images of its special edition MINI Clubman that was erotically re-designed by lingerie boffin “Agent Provocateur”. The relatively naughty pictures were shot at the Life Ball Aids charity event that took place in Austria on May 17. The unique MINI Clubman that features many erotic accessories will be auctioned on eBay from 5-15 June with all proceeds being donated to Life Ball. -Continued

To be frank, we can’t say that we were thrilled with the “lightly dressed” female models that took part in the photo session as all of them look like they skipped a few meals too many in order to take part in the event. As for “I don’t know if I’m a man or woman” Amanda Lepore that was included in the official images that BMW released, she’s one scary dude…

Oscar Mayer’s Wienermobile Downsizes, Now Based on MINI Cooper

This whole gas price thing is taking its toll on everyone – even Oscar Mayer who decided its time to put its famous Wienermobile into the dryer and base it on a MINI Cooper. These pictures were shot by our friend Michelle (you may remember her from the Nissan 280Z based Ferrari 250GTO replica) who captured the MINI Wienermobile on her way home in Gurnee Illinois.

Oscar Mayer’s modern interpretation of the Wienermobile is a far cry from the 2000 hot-dog car that measured a fearsome 27 feet or 8.2 meters in length and was powered by GM’s 5.7-liter V8 Vortec engine. Wonder what’s next; a Smart Fortwo Wienermobile? -More images after the jump

Thanks for the pics Michelle!

Erotic MINI Clubman Designed by Lingerie Maker “Agent Provocateur”

This one-off MINI Clubman was created by the naughty lingerie specialist “Agent Provocateur” and it made its debut today (May 17) at Europe’s largest AIDS charity event “Life Ball” which took place at Vienna’s City Hall in Austria. Inspired from the classic English MINI police van, the lingerie maker dressed the Clubman in its signature pink and black colours complete with a pink flashing light.

However, it’s the Clubman’s interior that “Agent Provocateur” put its kinky work into full action. Apart from the fully reclining rear seats and ankle cuffs for forensic investigations of the third type, the erotic Clubman also gets saddle stitched leather seat and bespoke compartments for various tools of the job –if you get our drift. And as “Agent Provocateur’s” founder Joseph Corre says, “This is an interior you really would want to get banged up in!” -Continued

If you agree with Corre, then you’ll be happy to know that this unique MINI Clubman will be put up for auction on eBay from June 5 -15, 2008, with all proceeds being donated to Life Ball.

Via: Motorpasion

AC Schnitzer MINI Cooper S Clubman with 226Hp

German tuning firm AC Schnitzer has got its hand on the not so mini, MINI Cooper S Clubman which has receiver a power upgrade boosting output from 170 to 226 Hp while torque is up to 285 Nm. The sport package also includes a sport spring kit and if you’re up to it, a height-adjustable racing suspension is also available.

Optionally, AC Schnitzer offers a limited slip differential (up to maximum 75 percent) that promises to apply power to the right wheel when cornering. Other goodies from AC Schnitzer include a front spoiler, a larger hood dome, twin sports rear silencer with chromed tailpipes and bicolour 17- or 18-inch wheels. –Pics after the jump

Via: Autoblog.it

MINI Trigger Special Edition – It’s Not For U.S.

Adding to an already impressive list of special edition models, MINI has launched yet another version of its successful premium hatch. Available for the time being in Italy, the MINI Trigger is distinguished on the outside by the twin white stripes running throughout the upper part of the body which is available in three color variants – black, red and blue. Moreover and apart from the Trigger badges, the special edition MINI features a chrome grille adorned by a set of additional lights, white indicators, 17-inch alloys, a roof spoiler and a chrome exhaust tailpipe. -Continued

Inside, the Trigger’s dashboard gets a brushed aluminum trim and a three-spoke leather steering wheel. Despite what its name suggests, the Trigger is powered by MINI’s entry-level 95Hp 1.4-liter engine that propels it from zero to 100 km/h or 62 mph in 10.9 sec and on to a top speed of 185 km/h or 115 mph.

BMW’s China Car Sales in Q1 Rise by 43.2%

The Bavarian group said in a statement today that it sold it sold 14,574 cars in mainland China during the first three month of the year, up by 43.2 percent that a year earlier. In particular, sales of BMW badged cars rose 40.8 pct from a year earlier to nearly 13,851 units - including 8,035 BMW 3 Series and 5 Series vehicles made in China. MINI’s sales grew by 112 percent to 723 units.

BMW’s China Car Sales in Q1 Rise by 43.2%

The Bavarian group said in a statement today that it sold it sold 14,574 cars in mainland China during the first three month of the year, up by 43.2 percent that a year earlier. In particular, sales of BMW badged cars rose 40.8 pct from a year earlier to nearly 13,851 units - including 8,035 BMW 3 Series and 5 Series vehicles made in China. MINI’s sales grew by 112 percent to 723 units.

Alfa Mi.To or MINI Cooper? Take Your Pick

There’s not a single doubt in anyone’s mind that Alfa Romeo’s Mi.To sport hatch (pics & details here, video here)is aimed directly towards the MINI. And while we’ll have to drive the Mi.To to see if Alfa’s engineers have magically transformed its Fiat Grande Punto underpinnings, few will disagree with us when we say that the Mi.To’s 8c Competizione-inspired styling is awe-inspiring. What we want to hear from you is your initial thoughts on Alfa’s newest proposition and whether you’d seriously consider buying it over the MINI Cooper. Have your say in the comment section below. (Pic: Carscoop)

Alfa Mi.To or MINI Cooper? Take Your Pick

There’s not a single doubt in anyone’s mind that Alfa Romeo’s Mi.To sport hatch (pics & details here, video here)is aimed directly towards the MINI. And while we’ll have to drive the Mi.To to see if Alfa’s engineers have magically transformed its Fiat Grande Punto underpinnings, few will disagree with us when we say that the Mi.To’s 8c Competizione-inspired styling is awe-inspiring. What we want to hear from you is your initial thoughts on Alfa’s newest proposition and whether you’d seriously consider buying it over the MINI Cooper. Have your say in the comment section below. (Pic: Carscoop)