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Mini John Cooper Works Challenge Edition


In recognition of the pure pedigree that underpins MINI, the release of the MINI John Cooper Challenge Edition draws John Cooper Works even closer to the MINI CHALLENGE race car, both in its appearance and performance.

The MINI John Cooper Works Challenge Edition is powered by the same powerplant as the MINI CHALLENGE race cars; delivering 155 kW from a twin-scroll turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine. Developing a maximum of 260 Nm of torque (280 Nm torque available during Overboost) the MINI John Cooper works propels from 0-100km/h in just 6.5 seconds.


Mini John Cooper Works Challenge Edition


Exclusive to the Australian market, the John Cooper Works Challenge Edition includes the following features over the already highly optioned MINI John Cooper Works model: John Cooper Works aerodynamics package consisting of front, rear and side aprons, John Cooper Works Carbon spoiler, John Cooper Works Aluminium cross brace, John Cooper Works Alcantara and Carbon steering wheel, John Cooper Works Carbon gearshift knob with Alcantara shroud, John Cooper Works Carbon handbrake lever with Alcantara surround and unique Challenge Edition badging.

The Challenge Edition is available with all new MINI John Cooper Works Hardtop, Clubman or Cabrio models. Representing over $7,000 worth of value, the Challenge Edition is available for a strictly limited time as a $2,500 option.

A testament to the strength and success of the MINI Challenge race series, last year the sales of MINI John Cooper Works reach unprecedented heights, accounting for 26 percent of MINI Cooper S Hardtop sales and 10 per cent of the entire model range.

The 2010 MINI Challenge season kicks off in March with the categories debut at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide.



[Source: MINI]







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MINI Countryman


MINI has today officially unveiled the Countryman Crossover - a cross between the classic concept of the MINI and a modern Sports Activity Vehicle - ahead of its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

The Countryman becomes the fourth model in the MINI family and targets the demographic requiring extra space and flexibility yet still having the unique driving pleasure so typical of MINI. As the first model in the MINI range with four doors and a wide-opening rear lid, the MINI Countryman provides even greater freedom of space for truly versatile use, a slightly elevated seating position, and optimised driving comfort.

MINI Countryman


Full integration of the passengers within the vehicle creates that driving experience so typical of MINI. And at the same time the MINI Countryman maintains that go-kart feeling likewise so characteristic of MINI, optional MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive offering an additional highlight for the genuine connoisseur. In a nutshell, therefore, the MINI Countryman offers all the characteristic features of the brand in terms of design, premium quality, handling, efficiency and customisation in new, fascinating style.

The MINI Countryman will be powered by a choice of three petrol and two diesel engines, with output ranging from 66 -135 kW. The 135 kW MINI Cooper S Countryman is the flagship of the range; its 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine comes for the first time not only with a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection, but also with fully variable valve management offering by far the best balance of engine power and fuel consumption in its class.

MINI Countryman interior


And as an alternative to the six-speed manual gearbox featured as standard, the petrol engine models are also available with six-speed automatic complete with Steptronic.

As an option the MINI Cooper S Countryman and MINI Cooper D Countryman are available with permanent MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive, an electro-hydraulic differential positioned directly on the final drive varying the distribution from front to rear in an infinite process. Under normal driving conditions up to 50 per cent of the engine's power goes to the rear wheels, under extreme conditions up to 100 per cent, offering a new, high-traction rendition of that agile handling so typical of MINI.

The Official MINI Press Release:

Fun has no Limits: The MINI Countryman*. (* The name of the car may vary in some markets.)

MINI is adding a fourth model to the family, opening up a new dimension of that unmistakable MINI feeling. As a genuine Crossover, the MINI Countryman bridges the gap between the classic concept of the MINI and a modern Sports Activity Vehicle. Boasting enhanced opportunities in urban mobility and beyond, the MINI Countryman offers that unique driving pleasure so typical of MINI to new target groups requiring extra space and flexibility. As the first model in the MINI range with four doors and a wide-opening rear lid, the MINI Countryman provides even greater freedom of space for truly versatile use, a slightly elevated seating position, and optimized driving comfort. Full integration of the passengers within the vehicle creates that driving experience so typical of MINI. And at the same time the MINI Countryman maintains that go-kart feeling likewise so characteristic of MINI, optional MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive offering an additional highlight for the genuine connoisseur. In a nutshell, therefore, the MINI Countryman offers all the characteristic features of the brand in terms of design, premium quality, handling, efficiency and customisation in new, fascinating style.

The MINI Countryman carries on the design of the brand in superior style and quality, combining larger body dimensions, greater ground clearance and four doors at the side with those unmistakable design features so characteristic of MINI. Short overhangs, a high window line, powerful stance on the wheels, and window graphics extending round the entire car create those unique proportions so typical of MINI. At the same time the MINI Countryman re-interprets the characteristic icons of a MINI such as the roofline, the hexagon radiator grille, the large headlights integrated in the engine lid, the surrounds on the side direction indicators, the voluminous wheel arches and the upright rear light clusters in new style and class.

Proceeding from that design language so typical of MINI, the MINI Countryman authentically visualises the particular features of this very special car. Positioned almost upright, the front end bears out strong presence and serves to optimise pedestrian safety. The extra space within the car, in turn, is emphasised by extra-large windows, the introduction of four doors, and the individual shape of the roof. The particularly wide frame around the lower part of the body and the powerfully flared wheel arches highlight the robust character of the car and its all-wheel drive. With that typical MINI style now being conveyed to a new segment in absolute clarity and precision, the MINI Countryman stands out from the start as a brand-new, highly innovative model but is nevertheless clearly identifiable from the very beginning as a genuine MINI.

Within the interior again typical of the brand, the MINI Countryman boasts innovative design and function elements throughout. The slightly elevated seating position guarantees comfortable and pleasant access to the car, optimises the driver's all-round view, and underlines the powerful character of this new model. The Central Display and air vents are surrounded by coloured rings. The MINI Center Rail quite unique the world over, extending from front to rear instead of a conventional centre console, opens up new, individual options for integrating all kinds of storage boxes, cupholders, external audio devices, mobile telephones and other comfort features. Flexibly positioned clip-in elements enable the driver and passengers to subdivide the storage boxes individually as required, keeping travel utensils within easy reach, wherever they are required. At the same time the Center Rail forms an unconventional, visual and functional connection between the front seats and the rear passenger compartment.

The MINI Countryman comes as standard with four seats, while a three-seat bench is available as a no-cost option. The interior offers superior comfort also on long distances, with generous legroom, headroom and shoulder freedom. The rear seats move fore-and-aft either individually or in a 60 : 40 (three-seat bench) split, the backrests may be tilted for angle either individually or in a 40 : 20 : 40 (three-seat bench) arrangement, increasing capacity in the luggage compartment from 350 to 1,170 litres (12.2–41.0 cu ft).

The MINI Countryman is entering the market with a choice of three petrol and two diesel engines, all coming in the new generation of power units developed with the full know-how of the BMW Group and naturally complying with the EU5 and, respectively, ULEV II emission standards. The power range extends from 66 kW/90 hp in the MINI One D Countryman all the way to 135 kW/184 hp in the MINI Cooper S Countryman. The 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine in the top model comes for the first time not only with a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection, but also with fully variable valve management offering by far the best balance of engine power and fuel consumption in its class. As a particular highlight of the MINIMALISM fuel efficiency concept, the MINI Countryman comes as standard and in appropriate combinations on each model with a wide range of features serving to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, among them Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start Stop, a gearshift point indicator, and on-demand management of the engine's ancillary units. And as an alternative to the six-speed manual gearbox featured as standard, the petrol engine models are also available with six-speed automatic complete with Steptronic.

As an option the MINI Cooper S Countryman and MINI Cooper D Countryman are available with permanent MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive, an electrohydraulic differential positioned directly on the final drive varying the distribution from front to rear in an infinite process. Under normal driving conditions up to 50 per cent of the engine's power goes to the rear wheels, under extreme conditions up to 100 per cent, offering a new, high-traction rendition of that agile handling so typical of MINI. This superior traction and drivetrain technology is based on the top-end suspension of the MINI including features such as the front axle with McPherson spring struts and forged track control arms, the multi-arm rear axle and EPS Electric Power Steering complete with Servotronic. The MINI Countryman furthermore comes as standard with DSC Dynamic Stability Control, DTC Dynamic Traction Control coming either as an option or as a standard feature on the MINI Cooper S Countryman and the MINI Cooper D Countryman with ALL4, as well as an electronic limited-slip function for the front axle differential.

Designed for optimum safety in the event of a collision, the body structure with its precisely defined load paths and deformation zones ensures passive safety of the highest calibre. Frontal and side airbags as well as curtain airbags at the side both front and rear, three-point inertia-reel seat belts on all seats, belt latch tensioners and belt force limiters at the front, as well as ISOFIX child seat fastenings at the rear all come as standard. Yet another standard feature is the Tyre Defect Indicator, with runflat tyres coming as an option and standard on the MINI Cooper S Countryman with ALL4.

The wide range of customisation options on both the exterior and interior again so typical of MINI are supplemented by new, model-specific features exclusive to the MINI Countryman. New combinations in the range of interior colours, trim strips and upholstery enable even the most discerning customer to create his – or her – very special car with truly unique character. The wide range of standard features boasted by the MINI Countryman includes highlights such as air conditioning, the MINI Center Rail, and an audio system complete with a CD player. The equally wide range of options and special equipment tailored to each model comes with features such as high-end audio and navigation systems as well as mobile telephone interfaces including the option to completely integrate an Apple iPhone and other Smartphones in the car. Further options are the extra-large Panorama roof, Adaptive Headlights in combination with xenon headlight units, a heated windscreen, a towbar, light-alloy wheels ranging in size from 16 to 19 inches, sports suspension lowering the entire car by 10 millimetres or almost 0.4", as well as the wide range of John Cooper Works Performance Components.


[Source: MINI]







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MINI Coupe Concept


Iconic British marque MINI has celebrated its 50th birthday in style with the unveiling of the MINI Coupe Concept ahead of its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show between September 17-27


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MINI John Cooper Works World Championship 50


The special edition MINI John Cooper Works World Championship 50 which made its debut at the Mini United Festival at Silverstone last month is a strictly limited edition model released to commemorate the birth of the brand and John Cooper's Formula One title victory 50 years ago


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MINI turns 50

May 29th 2009 16:00
MINI 50 Camden and 50 Mayfair
MINI 50 Camden (l) and 50 Mayfair (r)


Iconic British marque, MINI, is turning 50 years old and as you'd expect, such a brilliant milestone deserves a big b'day celebration and that's exactly what's happening at the MINI United Festival at Silverstone in the UK


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MINI JCW to go topless in Geneva

February 11th 2009 22:30
MINI John Cooper Works Convertible


A John Cooper Works (JCW) edition of the MINI convertible will take centre stage on the MINI stand at this year's Geneva Motor Show beginning on March 3


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MINI Cooper D confirmed for Australia

January 21st 2009 22:30
MINI Cooper D


BMW Australia has confirmed that a diesel version of the popular MINI Cooper will arrive on our shores midway through 2009. The sporty diesel car will become Australia’s cleanest car, producing fewer CO2 emissions than hybrid cars on sale in the country, yet still provides very perky performance from its 1.6-litre turbocharged direct-injection four-cylinder engine


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Official: 2009 MINI convertible

December 1st 2008 05:45
2009 MINI Cooper S Convertible


The iconic MINI marque has released the first official images of the new 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible (codename R56) ahead of its confirmed worldwide debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next January


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MINI E


The MINI E is a battery-powered, 'electric' version of the popular MINI Cooper hatchback set for its international debut at next month's Los Angeles Auto Show. Around 500 units of the MINI E has already been confirmed to enter production and will be leased to selected private users in parts of the US to evaluate and gauge interest in making this a fully fledged model in the MINI line-up


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Paris preview: MINI Crossover Concept

September 11th 2008 00:15
MINI Crossover Concept


The motoring world is reaching fever pitch ahead of next month's Paris Motor Show - as well as our very own Australian International Motor Show - with many of the world's leading car manufacturers working overtime to have their new models and concepts ready for their international debuts


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JCW MINI Cooper S and Clubman


Here is a video of the John Cooper Works editions of the MINI Cooper S and Clubman tearing it up around a racetrack for what appears to be a promotional clip


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MINI JCW Australian pricing

June 13th 2008 06:22
JCW MINI Clubman
John Cooper Works MINI Clubman


MINI Australia has announced prices and a release date for the John Cooper Works editions of the MINI Cooper S Hardtop and Clubman


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AC Schnitzer MINI Cooper S Clubman


Famous aftermarket tuner AC Schnitzer has given the MINI Cooper S Clubman (R55) an extensive aerodynamic and mechanical upgrade complete with new front spoiler, a set of Bicolor 18-inch Mi2 wheels and power hike from a standard 128 kW to 166 kW and up to 285 Nm of torque


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2008 JCW MINI Cooper and Clubman

February 25th 2008 10:30
JCW MINI Cooper and Clubman


The MINI brand will launch two hot new models at the Geneva Auto Show in March this year


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