BMW has announced it will begin integrating Android Auto in some of its vehicles beginning in March of 2023. Could this mean some BMW and MINIs will get Android instead of iDrive? This change means is likely different than what you’d expect and far different than what many media outlets are reporting.

From March 2023, the BMW Group will be expanding its BMW Operating System 8 and integrating Android Automotive OS (AAOS) into certain model series for the first time as a second technological approach alongside the current Linux-based variant. What most see when they read that statement is BMW is replacing its iDrive system with Android Auto. However that is not at all what is happening.

BMW intends to use the underlying technical architecture of Android Auto (which is based on Unix) to power the iDrive infotainment system in certain cars. That means most consumers won’t even notice a difference in the overall experience of the infotainment system in a Android based BMW and a Unix based on.

“We are integrating the best aspects of all worlds – that could be our own in-house developments, Open Source or commercial software products, depending on what the specific solution looks like. We make sure our customers always enjoy a unique, customised digital experience in their vehicle”

Stephan Durach, Senior Vice-President Connected Company and Development Technical Operations at the BMW Group

Why would they make this move given that their current Unix based system seems to work well? There are likely several reasons. For one it allows BMW & MINI to leverage the massive amount of Android developer talent globally. Because of Android’s reach, there’s simply far more developers who can develop on the platform making it easier for BMW & MINI to find talent. Then there’s the tight integration with Google apps and data which allows BMW & MINI to serve some customers more effectively.

The move also allows the infotainment system to be individually configured and an expanded set of digital features and options. What that means BMW isn’t saying, but it’s not hard to see how it will allow Google apps to be more easily integrated into the system and much better voice recognition. For an example of how this could work, look no further than the just released (and surprisingly good) Cadillac Lyriq which uses similar Android integration.

The expanded BMW Operating System 8 will continue to be updated “over the air” at regular intervals with the BMW Remote Software Upgrade – something we’ll see from MINI in the future as well.

While BMW has given us a date, it hasn’t given us any details on specific models or if MINI will be included in this change. We’d expect to hear more about that this fall.

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Ordering a MINI today is an exercise in patience. Not unlike when the car debuted in 2002, MINI USA is seeing long wait times for those who are ordering their cars from the factory. Due to supply chain restraints, the brand is seeing wait times stretching from 6 to 9 months at times depending on models. And if you want a manual that wait time is still unknown. So to give customers something to “work on” during that time MINI USA has created a life-sized puzzle. Or as MINI calls it, the Not so MINI puzzle.

Read on for all the details straight from MINI USA.

Official Release: The Not So MINI Puzzle – For Those Waiting for Their MINIs

MINI USA announces a new campaign that will surprise and delight customers waiting for delivery of their new MINI with a “Not so MINI” puzzle.  At the heart of the campaign is a series of puzzles that feature beauty images of MINI vehicles. The automaker is sending life-sized puzzles to select new MINI customers on the waiting list, to give them something fun to do while they wait for their new vehicles. Other owners on the waitlist will receive a regular-sized puzzle to also partake in the fun.
 
The puzzles which are officially called “THE WE’RE-WORKING-HARD-TO-GET-YOU-YOUR-CAR, WAITING-IS-THE-WORST, IN-THE-MEANTIME-HAPPY-PUZZLING, MINI PUZZLE”, or “NOT SO MINI” puzzles for short – are intended to keep customers excited and engaged while they wait.  The fun and inventive campaign is MINI’s unique response to high demand for its cars and the global-supply-chain slow-down facing the automotive industry.
 
MINI has always been synonymous with driving fun and providing owners with unique experiences, making them the perfect brand to execute a creative, unexpected project like this one. Rather than letting longer wait times overshadow the customer excitement of waiting for their new car, MINI is giving customers a different way to participate in the MINI community, in this case, with the MINI puzzle. 
 
“People buy a MINI because of its cheeky and fun-to-drive spirit, so we wanted to give owners something fun to do while they wait to get behind the wheel of their new MINI,” said Rah Mahtani, Brand Communications Manager, MINI USA. “The ‘Not So MINI’ puzzle is one of the ways we are showing the MINI community our appreciation as owners wait for their new vehicles. Owners and their families can enjoy building and displaying their puzzles, showcasing MINI’s iconic design, right in their home garages or living rooms.”
 
MINI USA plans to use its social media channels to feature new owners and their in-progress and complete puzzles.
 
Pereira O’Dell, a full-service advertising agency, created and designed this new initiative. Pereira O’Dell has been MINI’s advertising agency of record since November 2017.
 
“A MINI is always worth the wait. But that doesn’t mean we can’t keep customers excited and engaged while they wait.” said Nick Sonderup, Executive Creative Director, Pereira O’Dell. “Our goal with this idea is to get something uniquely MINI into new owners’ hands, even if they’d rather it be a leather steering wheel. We can still create a fun pastime to add to the excitement for the real thing coming their way.” 
 

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Another great weekend for the underdogs for the JCW Racing team. The team saw double podiums in both classes they race in after a fierce battle between several manufacturers. Now next up is Watkins Glen International July 22 – 24 and Road America August 19 – 21. Read on for the full details.

OFFICIAL RELEASE

MINI USA and the MINI John Cooper Works Team had another exciting race weekend at Virginia International Raceway in Alton, Va., for the third race weekend in the 2022 SRO TC America series. The Brownsburg, Ind. -based LAP Motorsports team, which operates the MINI JCW Team, battled a competitive field to bring home two third place finishes for the weekend.
 
Race 1 on Saturday found Clay Williams in the #60 MINI JCW Pro involved a ferocious battle for the top spot in the Touring Car (TC) class for a majority of the race. Williams was later forced to settle for third place after mechanical issues during the fourth and final restart.
 
Race 2 of the weekend found another a fierce battleground between Honda, MINI, Subaru, and Hyundai racers in the Touring Car A (TCA) class with competitive racing leading to a full-course yellow, followed shortly by the red flag for barrier repair, after 20 minutes of racing. When the checkered flag dropped, Cristian Perocarpi, distinguished by his green racing suit highlighting the new MINIVerse Racing Experience in Meta Horizon Worlds launched earlier this week, had piloted the #61 MINI JCW into third place. Perocarpi also celebrated his 19th birthday at the track this weekend.

“This was another tough weekend up against a very competitive field, but the team held their own on the track,” said Luis Perocarpi, team owner, LAP Motorsports. “I am very proud of the team for their hard work this weekend and for the technicians who are always a huge support for the team.”
 
This past weekend, MINI USA had six qualified MINI Dealer technicians working alongside the LAP Motorsports team during practice, qualifying and race days as part of the MINI Technician Race Crew Program. The six dealer technicians were from dealers in the Southern Region, including two from Hendrick MINI in Charlotte, one from Flow MINI in Raleigh, one from Flow MINI in Winston-Salem, one from Momentum MINI in Houston and one from MINI of Richmond. Each of them supported the team for the entire weekend at VIR. The race team relies on the skill and knowledge of the technicians that work, day to day on MINI, to bring that expertise to the track.

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Today we have another in MINI’s series of exploring the world in various MINI models. This time it’s the Lofted Islands – a remote area off the coast of Norway known for incredible beauty, great roads and dried fish. And the car – it’s a MINI Countryman SE with the AUTOHOME roof tent installed. Having seen the AUTOHOME roof tend in our recent trip to Germany it’s seriously impressive kit that would be a great addition to anyone looking to camp with their Countryman. That’s if you can get your hands on one.

OFFICIAL RELEASE

If you’re into rugged landscape, humid air and dried fish, the Lofoten Islands are the perfect place for you. The Norwegian Island chain offers a great deal for those travelling by car: adventure off the beaten track, beautiful bridges and lonely country roads. In short: The perfect terrain for the MINI Cooper SE Countryman ALL4. Especially if you have the AUTOHOME roof tent along with you.

It starts like the alphabet – with an A. All right, there is a little circle above the A but if you come to the Lofoten Islands by ferry from the south, you first arrive in the place with the shortest name and the first letter in the alphabet: Å. A good start for a trip across this 1227-square-kilometre, 200-kilometre-long northern Norwegian group of islands, which comprises around 80 archipelagos, is located some 100 to 300 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, translates as “lynx’s foot”, and where some 24,000 inhabitants tend to lose themselves rather than meet.

Å is also where the E10 begins which is something like the Lofoten lifeline and a kind of highway. The main country road constantly runs along either water by forests or rocks, so that exploring it never becomes boring. Especially not if you are driving a a MINI Cooper SE Countryman ALL4.  With its four doors, five seats, two drives and four powered wheels, MINI’s first plug-in hybrid model seems to have found its natural habitat here. Although the E10 is quite well built-out and asphalted, detours to the left and right to hidden coves and old fishing villages may well lead over gravel roads and off-road terrain. And the MINI doesn’t mind the often-damp weather either: On wet or dirty roads, the precisely tuned power distribution of the two power units and the all-wheel drive make for ideal driving stability. Its 
3-cylinder petrol engine with 92 kW/125 hp generated from a cubic capacity of 1.5 litres drives the front wheels, while a 70 kW/95 hp electric motor transmits its power to the rear wheels. With is 220 hp overall, the MINI is thus ideally equipped for anything that might come its way. 

You definitely shouldn’t start out on a trip like this on an empty stomach – so the first stop on our Lofoten Island trip is probably the most famous seafood restaurant on the island chain, Anita’s Seafood in Sakrisøj. You can’t miss it – the E10 goes right past it, which already has its own attractions ready and waiting for us: Single-track bridges with on-demand traffic lights. At Anita’s we can choose from stockfish, klippfish, smoked salmon, trout, halibut, caviar and much more, most of it also to take away. But dining on site is really worth it – the large candelabras under the high ceiling are unique because even they are built from dried cod. Fish is certainly a big thing here. During the fishing seasons, the smell of steaming fish constantly wafts over the whole of the Lofoten Islands. The reason: Myriads of gutted cod hang on huge wooden scaffolds, much of which is exported after it has matured. It’s a good thing that the MINI Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 offers a luggage compartment volume of up to 1,275 litres – leaving enough room for such local souvenirs as dry goods in addition to the luggage. “The Lofoten Shop” a few kilometres away in Ramberg also sells more common souvenirs.

We continue heading north in our MINI – ideally taking a detour along the narrow, constantly winding Fv807 west to Nusfjord. Here there is an old, restored fishing village, now completely developed as a charming hotel with boathouses for guests. A good place to approach in fully electric silence. The electricity that powers the MINI’s electric drivetrain is stored in a high-voltage battery with a gross energy content of 10.0 kWh. This gives it a combined electric range of up to 51 kilometres. In purely electric driving mode, by the way, the plug-in hybrid model reaches a top speed of 135 km/h – far too fast for Lofoten, which allows a maximum of 90 km/h on the E10. And not everywhere either.

We continue north, make a detour on the B18, which takes us to Buksnes to visit the typical Norwegian stave church dating back to 1905.  A few kilometres further along the E10, the Himmel og Havn café in Vestvågøy invites us to take a break and reenergise ourselves for visiting the Viking museum in Borg afterwards.

Tired from the many sights and impressions, we look for a place to pitch the roof tent in the evening. Everyman’s right applies in Norway: You can camp anywhere, but not on private land and only if you remove all traces of your stay. A great place to do this is Bøstad, a popular surfer’s paradise. Or Henningsvaer, a collection of small islands with a fishing village, which you reach via the B16. Perhaps plan a visit to the Kafe Knusarn beforehand? It is located in one of the typical Norwegian wooden houses – this one was built as early as 1892.

And then: Get ready for an incomparable Lofoten Island night. We unfold the AUTOHOME roof tent, which has been travelling with us all the way on our roof rack. When closed, the roof tent is barely distinguishable from a conventional transport box. The aerodynamically shaped fibreglass housing is unlocked via safety latches – two at the front, one at the back. The tent superstructure is then automatically raised by means of four gas pressure springs. Inside, you have almost metre of space to the top. Rain and wind will be of no concern to you. The material keeps you dry and well protected. Features include a high-density mattress with cotton cover, two doors and two windows with zips, battery-powered LED interior lighting and luggage nets and pockets. You access your new home using a sturdy aluminium ladder. With a length of 2.10 metres and a width of 1.30 metres, the sleeping area offers enough space for unforgettable nights.

Especially when the evening ends with Norwegian labskaus – a melange of potato, carrots and lamb – and a cool “Lofotpils”. And if you’re lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, you’ll be even more excited to continue your journey in the MINI Cooper Countryman SE ALL4 through this rugged wonderland.

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Autocar’s recent review of the Electrogenic Mini is yet another examples of tuning shops dipping their toes in the water of electric classic Mini restomods. The concept is so appealing that MINI UK has created their own kit as part of MINI Recharged and there’s even the forthcoming Paul Smith collaboration that puts the designer’s unique spin on the car. But we think this is just the beginning of a tuning revolution.

The classic Mini isn’t know for it’s engine or even gearbox. It’s the design and immediacy of the handling that is so endearing. What Electrogenic and MINI Recharged do is keep those traditional values intact while vastly improving the drivetrain experience. Put another way we might have mis-givings in turning an E30 M3 into an electric car mainly because that four cylinder is such a part of the entire experience. But in the classic Mini, the engine is frankly one of the weaker parts of the equation.

With Electrogenic’s conversion weight isn’t much of an issue either as the final product is within a few kilos of the original and even uses a five speed manual (sourced from a Citroen C1) to add to the experience.

Like MINI’s official program, MINI Recharged, Electrogenic’s version has a 100 mile range making this a weekend toy or city car for most. And it’s not cheap as the finished product is £32,000 plus a clean donor car.

MINI Recharged fans gain a whole new driving experience; a silent drivetrain with instant acceleration and the ability to enter the electric or low-emission driving zones of many large cities, otherwise inaccessible with a combustion engine. But more than that it feels like the type of experience that Alec Issigonis would have championed from the start.

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MINI Recharged & Paul Smith Edition

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MINI is the first automotive brand to collaborate with Meta’s Creative Shop to launch an immersive 3D experience in Horizon Worlds. Debuting at the 2022 Cannes Lions: International Festival of Creativity, the MINIverse experience will be available in Meta Horizon Worlds as of June 21, 2022 to all Meta Quest 2 headset users in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Upon entering the MINIverse, fans can engage with others and select their own unique MINI for competitive head-to-head racing. Read on for the full details in the official release.

OFFICIAL RELEASE

Woodcliff Lake, NJ,  June 21, 2022.  MINI USA and its creative agency, Pereira O’Dell have teamed up with Meta Horizon Worlds creators to bring a virtual MINI experience called the MINIverse to life. The MINIverse gives fans the virtual thrill of customizing and racing a MINI with others in a whole new way.

This is the first time an automotive brand has teamed up with Meta’s Creative Shop to create a presence in Meta Horizon Worlds, and MINI is currently one of only a handful of global consumer brands to pioneer a virtual brand experience with Horizon Worlds creators.

“The MINI brand is all about fun and has always stood apart from others in how it brings this fun to life in cheeky and unconventional ways,” said Rah Mahtani, Brand Communications Manager, MINI USA. “MINI is excited to collaborate with Meta’s Creative Shop as the first automotive brand to create a virtual experience in Horizon Worlds, offering the fun of customizing and racing MINIs in this groundbreaking virtual reality.”

Players will have fun customizing their own unique MINI for the track, including changing its colors, adding bonnet stripes, and topping it with a contrast roof – one of MINI’s signature design features. Players can also try on different racing suits just like the ones worn by the MINI John Cooper Works Race Team in real life, and unlock other MINI vehicles, including a special EV model as they win more races in their quest to top the leaderboard and challenge their friends.

Up to four drivers at a time can feel the rush of driving a MINI as they zip around an exhilarating, gravity defying track. To add to the challenge and fun, there is room for spectators to engage and either help or create chaos – press buttons to flick cars off a ramp, or to block them with “whack-a-mole” style pins, or even to help friends with timely speed boosts.

People can also experience the MINIverse on their mobile phone through a new Facebook and Instagram AR effect that brings the racing experience to the palm of their hand.

Launched in 2021, Meta Horizon Worlds is a free social experience that allows people to explore, play and connect in new and extraordinary ways with immersive virtual reality. People can discover new places with friends, compete in action-packed games and interactive experiences, and design worlds of their own or be inspired by others. In Horizon Worlds, people are more than just visitors — they’re part of what makes it great.

“We’re excited for people to jump into the MINIVerse and connect with fellow MINI drivers in this new Horizon World,” said Nicky Bell, VP, Global Head of Creative Shop. “As more brands think about how they will show up in these new immersive spaces, the MINIverse is a great example of how brands can partner with these pioneering VR creators to bring a community together and drive value for the brand.”

“MINI has always been one of the most creatively surprising brands in the universe. Now, we can add the Metaverse to that.” said Nick Sonderup, Executive Creative Director, Pereira O’Dell. “We were thrilled to help bring the most fun car on the road, to a racetrack in a virtual world. Then we drove it, and wow – it’s a blast,”

OFFICIAL RELEASE

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For fans of the MINI brand this is big. Well, actually it’s both big and small. MINI is giving us its first official look at the brand’s next design language and in doing so an early look the next generation MINI. Or more specifically a preview of the all new (and smaller) electric hatch and electric MINI Countryman. 

Oliver Heilmer has been adamant since he became head of MINI design that the brand must not forget its roots as it looks to the future. What that means fully is still unknown. But thanks to this video, a few images and the recent leak we scooped last year, we have a pretty good idea what that means. In simple terms it means MINI is done with the bulbous, retro-futuristic theme that the brand has been relying on since the original R50 design penned by Frank Stephenson. 

Sound alarming? For some it might. We’ve long held that the original R50 continues to be the most successful design since the original Mini. But MINI believes its time for a new, more modern approach that moves the brand forward informed by the past. 

The centerpiece of this will be the new all-electric hatch. Originally designed to be produced and sold only in China, the car is now going to be a global model and the tip of the spear for the brand’s electric revolution. But these changes will also be seen in the new Countryman (which will come in both electric and petrol versions) and a heavily revised petrol and diesel F56 hatch. 

MINI’s New Design Language is also moving from physical to digital with the insertion of a large circular screen and LEDs inside and out. But the devil’s in the details and seeing, using and driving will be believing. And that’s if the new electric hatch makes it the US. 

But this new look and this new tech will filter throughout the entire range transforming the brand in the span of just a few years. 

Read on for MINI’s full press release on this change. 

Official Release: MINI’s New Design Language and a Early Look at the New MINI Line-up

The distinctive styling is also taking a huge leap forwards with the fully electric next model generation of the British premium brand. Reduction without compromise, digitalisation creating an intensive user experience, sustainability running through the MINI DNA, maximum emotion with minimum footprint.

Electric, digital, sustainable and distinctive: the new generation of MINI models brings the brand’s driving pleasure, user experience and responsible attitude into a completely new era. Its forward-looking design language makes this transformation instantly visible. It melds the brand’s traditional values with state-of-the-art technology and acknowledges the elementary principles of vehicle design as well as the urban character of the MINI and its community’s innovative spirit. The principle behind Charismatic Simplicity is a design that helps each new MINI model develop a strong individual character of its own, intuitively focussing on the essence of the brand with a clear, reduced design language. Another central factor of the new design language is its choice of materials with a keen eye on sustainability. The next MINI model generation has a leather-free interior and dispenses almost entirely with chrome elements.

The MINI models of the future bring together a modern and purist exterior and an interior design that focuses on the essentials. This reflects the principle of creative use of space that the classic MINI is already renowned for. The new design language also exploits the opportunity of electrifying the powertrain to generate the driving pleasure you expect from MINI entirely without local emissions. “Purely electrically powered models from MINI give us a unique opportunity to rethink our design. At the same time, we retain the attention to detail, sense of tradition and passion for innovation that MINI is renowned for,” says Oliver Heilmer, Head of MINI Design.

The vehicle architecture for the new MINI model generation has been developed for purely electric mobility right from the outset. Every inch of the available installation space is used even more efficiently for the comfort, well-being, emotional experience and driving pleasure of the occupants. This means that every MINI model, whatever its exterior dimensions, will continue to offer the ideal combination of a small footprint and available interior space in the future.

The core of the brand will also be embedded in the future model generation of the MINI 3-door – purely electric and consistently geared towards urban driving pleasure. The successor to the current MINI Countryman will also be hitting the road with a purely electric drive. MINI will soon also be presenting the concept study of a – fully electrically powered – crossover model for the premium small-car segment. “The MINI Design DNA will clearly come through in every model of this new generation, leaving its brand affiliation in no doubt whatsoever,” announces Oliver Heilmer. “At the same time, the MINI design team has successfully created strong product features with individual accents that more than ever before underscore a sense of independence.”

Creation of independent vehicle personalities is one of the central features of the new design language. Charismatic Simplicity gives each member of the future MINI model family its own individual charisma that is unmistakably based on the brand’s core, reinterpreting it confidently and in its own way. The authentic reference to the essential values of MINI is expressed in a very modern design language featuring clearly and cleanly modelled surfaces. Charismatic Simplicity reduces the number of components and concentrates on essential elements, helping the design of future MINI models achieve an emotional, intuitively perceptible identity.

“We combine the core of the MINI DNA with innovative, aesthetic and technological inspiration in our new design language,” says Oliver Heilmer. “This means that every new MINI remains a genuine and at the same time future-proof original.” For example, innovative LED technology gives the typical Union Jack design of the MINI combination rear lamps a variety of forms, creating an individual light signature for each model.

The combination of tradition and progress creates an immersive user experience in the interiors of future MINI models, further intensifying the traditionally strong connection between person and car at MINI. “MINI is an urban brand, every facet of whose design helps to make life in the city as enjoyable and eventful as possible,” explains Oliver Heilmer. The key to this is both in advanced digitalisation in operation and connectivity, and in a clearly designed interior with intuitive functionality.

In the cockpit of future MINI models, too, reduction does not mean having to do without. The OLED technology for the fully digital display and control unit presented for the first time in the MINI Vision Urbanaut means significantly more functions can be combined in a single control unit. This is presented in the archetypal MINI circular central instrument in the middle of the dashboard. MINI is the world’s first car manufacturer to offer a touch display with a fully usable round surface. The innovative display technology paves the way for a new user interface design. At the same time, the MINI design retains analogue control units such as the toggle switches below the central interface. These embody the attention to detail and distinctive design features that transform intuitive functionality into an emotional experience.

“The future of MINI design is based on the courage and determination to shape change and stamp a distinctive and inimitable profile on the brand,” says Oliver Heilmer. This also includes a range of materials with a relentless focus on sustainability. The new MINI model generation will move completely away from leather surfaces and also reduce its use of chrome components to almost zero. A fundamental attitude shaped by a sense of responsibility and a focus on the future is expressed through electrification, resource-conserving production, exacting environmental standards and a progressively increasing share of secondary raw materials as well as natural and recycled materials. A minimal ecological footprint is deeply anchored in the brand’s tradition and is incorporated more comprehensively than ever by MINI Design into the new model generation.

The concept study of a crossover model from the new, fully electric MINI generation will provide the first full preview of the new design language for the next-generation all-electric model family and will be presented to the public for the first time at the end of July 2022. With it, MINI Design showcases how technological innovations and a progressive interpretation of individual mobility are taking the brand’s design language far into the future with this concept car.

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MINI Recharged is nothing short than re-imagining the classic Mini with modern principles of design and sustainability. The fully electric classic Mini has been thoroughly rethought by none other than Paul Smith and MINI Design to reflect a modern approach to transformation with a less is more philosophy. The best part is that this isn’t just a one-off concept but a preview of design language we’ll see from the MINI brand moving forward and something MINI is calling ‘Recharged Heritage Limited’.

What is Recharged Heritage Limited? The brand is tight-lipped but we believe it’s a MINI’s program to create bespoke electric based on the already launched conversion kit available in the UK.

Read on for the full press release and the dozens of photos that detail this extraordinary car.

OFFICIAL RELEASE – Reinventing The Classic Mini – MINI Recharged & Paul Smith

Upcycling of the highest order: a legendary classic is transformed into a newly designed and modernised electric car for emission-free driving. Sir Paul Smith, long familiar to fans of the iconic British brand that has been in business of over 50 years, is the creative mind behind this collaboration. The presentation of this sustainable project at the Salone Del Mobile 2022 in Milan provided a fitting stage for Sir Paul Smith and Oliver Heilmer, Head of MINI Design, to discuss sustainable approaches to automotive design.

Only last summer, Paul Smith presented the MINI STRIP at the IAA motor show in Munich: a radically reduced, sustainable concept car. Paul Smith’s MINI Recharged model now revisits this idea to explore the possibilities of sustainable design. “Three things describe this car perfectly: quality, sustainability and functionality,” the designer explains.

“This car also respects the past,” Smith adds. With this one-off, Paul Smith is revisiting an even older project that has linked him to MINI for over 20 years: in 1998 he created the MINI Paul Smith Edition, limited to 1,800 vehicles. The prototype of this unique edition was painted a bright blue based on a swatch taken from one of Paul Smith’s favourite shirts. The new unique model retains this unmistakable, memorable shade of colour, while the lime green battery box recalls a 1990s colour palette. Despite the redesign, however, the original ethos of the car remains.

The project is also about respecting heritage and timeless design – in particular, the iconic work of Sir Alec Issigonis, creator of the first Mini. “When you move into your old aunt’s flat, out of respect you don’t change everything, but you do some modernising,” is how Smith puts it. Sir Alec Issigonis developed the classic Mini in response to the oil crisis of 1959. Minimum fuel consumption, maximum use of space – that was the idea that convinced millions of people over many decades to invest in a Mini, and is still partly responsible for the success of MINI today.

The radically reduced and sustainable concept of the MINI Strip continues in the interior of the newly designed car. By deliberately leaving out trim parts, the bodyshell with its bare, unclad floor pan dominates the interior, with rustic floor mats made of recycled rubber on top. In addition to innovative, resource-saving materials, Paul Smith’s design leaves out entire instruments in other places: a magnet next to the steering wheel accommodates the smartphone, which, apart from the speedometer, replaces almost all the old buttons and functions on the dashboard. The steering wheel in his exclusive model can be completely removed to facilitate getting in and out of the car – both an innovative solution as well as a tongue-in-cheek quip symbolic of Paul Smith’s trademark wit.

“We have made a 1990s car totally relevant for today,” is how the designer describes it. “Ideas are never the problem, you can find them everywhere. The challenge is to implement them. Here it worked. A dream has come true,” he says. The engineers from ‘Recharged Heritage Limited’ are also responsible for making this dream a reality. The new MINI partner converted the classic Mini into an emission-free vehicle by installing a 72-kilowatt electric motor. MINI already offers series-manufactured, locally emission-free driving pleasure with the all-electric MINI Cooper SE and the MINI Cooper SE Countryman with plug-in hybrid drive and is on its way to delivering an all-electric future.

For the purposes of exhibiting the unique design at the Salone del Mobile 2022 in Milan, the Paul Smith showroom will be designed in the striking colours of the MINI Recharged by Paul Smith. At the Salone del Mobile, visitors will have the opportunity to see the newly designed model as well as last year’s MINI STRIP for themselves.

More details about the MINI Recharged project and new partner ‘Recharged Heritage Limited’ will be revealed soon.

The post Reinventing The Classic Mini – MINI Recharged & Paul Smith appeared first on MotoringFile.

The release of a new BMW X1 and electric iX1 is a big deal for MINI fans. Not because you’ll want to trade-up for one but because it gives us our best look yet at the all new 2024 MINI Countryman and electric Countryman. Inside and out the X1 gives us a direct look at the drivetrains, technology and even the size that we should expect the Countryman to grow to.

The 2023 BMW X1 Highlights and What They Mean for the 2024 Countryman

As expected the X1 has grown in every dimension; length by 1.7 inches, width by 0.9 inches and height by 1.7 inches. It’s also grown in weight but surprisingly only by 24 lbs. That’s due to BMW increased use of aluminum and composites to offsite the weight increase expected in the hybrid and full electric versions (which we don’t yet have information on). While the Countryman won’t quite be as a big, we expect it to noticeable grow in size – especially at the rear.

Also new is a revised drivetrain with a 241 hp four cylinder turbo mated to a new 7 speed dual clutch semi-automatic transmission. That’s a key change as the DCT previously wasn’t able to handle the torque of even the 228hp JCW engine. Does this mean we’ll see the DCT across the entire range including the new JCW Countryman (rumored to have over 315hp)? We think it might as BMW is keen to simplify it’s components across the range.

Putting this to the ground is a revised suspension that (according to BMW) has both more feel and better long-haul comfort. And unlike the previous X1, the optional sport suspension actually drops the car .6″ in right height. This will likely translate into the Countryman as well – a first for MINI.

Inside BMW has given the X1 the all new BMW curved display and iDrive 8. The system (which debuted on the 2 Series Active Tourer) eschews the iDrive controller to go 100% touch-screen. While safety advocated will likely be upset, the change frees up some console space and reduces costs for BMW. While MINI will be using it’s also radical infotainment system, it too will ditch the iDrive controller for a 100% touchscreen experience.

The 2024 Electric MINI Countryman Comes into Focus

BMWNA isn’t bringing the all electric iX1 to the US due to wanting to focus on higher margin, longer range electric vehicles. But we believe that’s actually good news for MINI USA who will likely be bringing the 2024 all electric MINI Countryman to the US. If they do it’ll be a fairly impressive package with a WLTP-estimated range of 438 kilometers (272 mi), 268 hp electric and two motors. Additionally the iX1 has a boost function that delivers an extra 30 kW (40 horsepower) for a few seconds which would give the Countryman JCW power for a short time.

Additionally there will be two plugin hybrid models for the X1 that also won’t make it to the US. That could open the door for MINI to bring at least one of those models to market allowing the MINI brand to focus more on electrification.

See our next generation Countryman section for more info on this all new model.

OFFICIAL RELEASE: World Debut: The New ICE & Electric 2023 BMW X1

The character of the new 2023 BMW X1 xDrive28i defines itself through everyday driving pleasure, modern versatility, the latest safety and technology features, and an unwavering eagerness for exploration and adventure. More spacious than ever before, the new rugged yet elegant X1 wraps you in an elevated interior enhanced with the BMW Curved Display with iDrive 8.0 and comes packed full of tech-forward features. Now available with BMW’s advanced assisted driving and parking systems as well as a suite of standard safety features, the BMW X1 leads the premium compact Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) into the future.Launched in 2009, the BMW X1 opened the door to a new vehicle category in the premium segment. Since then, the compact SAV has served as an attractive entry into the world of BMW X. A very well equipped compact SAV with functional versatility, the BMW X1 embodies an authentic experience of freedom and independence in day-to-day driving and on longer journeys.

Bold exterior, spacious interior.

The new BMW X1 represents a leap forward in design and utility and is an unmistakable member of the BMW X family with an appetite for adventure. The clean surface design combined with X-typical black trim at the lower edge of the body are key ingredients that only accentuate the vehicle’s rugged character. The new pronounced front end with the large, almost square BMW kidney grille boosts the lasting visual presence of the X1 even further, and standard 18-inch wheels emphasize the muscular stance. Front and back, you will find standard LED headlights with cornering lights and full LED taillights which provide a new and exciting interpretation of the L shape classically sported by BMW X models.

From the side, crisply sculpted surfaces for the wheel arches, doors and shoulders of the body generate an expressive interplay of light and shadow. A dynamically rising character line connects the front and rear wheel arch borders. The long roofline flows into a spoiler extending far over the rear glass. Together with the shoulder line above the flush door openers, which extends from the front wheel arches into the rear lights, this gives the silhouette a long, athletically taut appearance. Low-profile roof rails are finished in elegant standard Satin Aluminum while Shadowline trim is optional.

At the rear of the new BMW X1, horizontal lines, the narrow rear window, and flared wheel arches emphasize the width of the body. Chrome side details and a prominent trim plate under the rear bumper reprise styling cues from the front.

The exterior design of the new X1 sends a clear message: the all-new X1 combines everyday versatility with rugged sophistication that is ready to tackle rough terrain.

The new BMW X1 has grown in length by 1.7 inches to 177.2, 0.9 inches in width to 72.6 inches, and 1.7 inches in height to 64.6 inches, giving it strong proportions. The new vehicle has a wheelbase of 106.0 inches, 0.9 inches longer than before. Track widths have increased by 0.8 inches to 62.3 inches front and rear, benefitting handling composure and on-road agility.

Moving inside, the new BMW X1 has seating for five adults and a versatile cargo area. Thanks to the increased width, both the driver and front passenger benefit from a noticeable increase in shoulder and elbow room. The rear seat backrests are configured in a 40/20/40 split and can fold down to expand the cavernous luggage capacity.

Large selection of exterior color shades and light-alloy wheels.

Customers can personalize their X1 from an extensive variety of 13 paint finishes Exciting new colors include Blue Bay Lagoon, Cape York Green, Utah Orange, Space Silver, and BMW Individual Frozen Pure Grey.

Additional colors from the BMW color palette include Alpine White (non-metallic), Jet Black (non-metallic), Black Sapphire, Mineral White, Phytonic Blue, Portimao Blue, Storm Bay, and San Remo Green.

The new BMW X1 comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels. Vehicles equipped with either xLine design or the M Sport Package may upgrade to optional 19-inch wheels or – in a first for the BMW X1 – 20-inch wheels with performance non-runflat tires.

Segment-leading aerodynamics.

With a Cd of just 0.27, the shape of the new BMW X1 is the result of rigorous aerodynamic optimization, leading to enhanced driving dynamics and overall efficiency. Combined with the revised engine and transmission mounts, the aerodynamics also provide the driver an exceptionally quiet cabin.

Active air flap control systems for the kidney grille and lower intake adapt open and close according to the need for cooling air and the ambient temperatures, and when closed, also enables faster warm-up of the engine after a cold start and extended storage of heat when the engine is switched off.

Airflow around the vehicle is guided by air curtains in the outer sections of the front apron, flush-fitting door handles, aerodynamically optimized exterior mirrors and light-alloy wheels, a combination of a roof spoiler and side air deflectors around the rear window, a large-surface diffuser in the lower section of the rear bumper, a nearly flush underbody with precisely defined air guides, and hidden exhaust pipes.

xLine design package: Enhanced detailing brings added sophistication.

The xLine design package brings elements which accentuate the already sophisticated character of the X1, including 18, 19, or 20-inch alloy wheels, high-gloss body cladding, additional Satin Aluminum exterior trim, and exterior mirror caps in Glacier Silver.

The surrounds for the BMW kidney grille and grille bars on the xLine model are finished in in pearl-effect chrome, as are the side sill trim pieces and trim plates under the front and rear bumpers. The interior is further enhanced with SensaTec surfaces for the upper door trim and upper section of the instrument panel, and aluminum door sill strips. The standard illuminated interior trim in Black High Gloss can be upgraded to a Eucalyptus Open Pore Fine Wood trim or Aluminum trim with mesh effect.

Sharpening the dynamic edge: the M Sport model.

Large cooling air inlets in the sides of the front end and a striking rear bumper with integral diffuser element proclaim the dynamic intentions of the X1 xDrive28i equipped with the M Sport Package. In M Sport guise, the new BMW X1 features exclusive 18-inch M V-spoke bi- color alloy wheels, Adaptive M suspension, and Shadowline trim. The M-specific interior appointments include sport seats, Aluminum Hexacube trim, and an M leather steering wheel with transmission shift paddles.

Interior design. A generous feeling of space paired with the latest BMW technology.

The introduction of the all-new BMW X1 xDrive28i brings advances to the interior including extra space for those on board and their luggage, enhanced practicality, and an elevated digital technology experience. The new BMW iDrive powered by Operating System 8 represents a reimagining of the driver-centered cockpit design to focus on touch and voice control – via the BMW Curved Display and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. Through these advancements, a clean and simplified dash layout greets the driver every time they get behind the wheel.

The raised seating position, generous amounts of space which can be utilized in a variety of ways, and a sense of cutting-edge functionality define the driving experience in the new BMW X1. The design of its interior focuses on assured driving pleasure and versatility. Key features of this re-interpretation include the slender instrument panel, which serves as a stage for the BMW Curved Display, and a “floating” armrest with integral control panel.

The BMW Curved Display – with its frameless glass surface angled towards the driver – brings an elegantly modern highlight to the cabin. Below it, the dashboard accentuates the width of the interior with its generously sized and horizontal decorative surfacing. Slim air vents cleverly designed into the dash ensure even distribution of fresh air around the interior, with side air vents integrated into the A-pillars. The door trim elements with their sculpted upper panels and integrated door handles stand out with stylish yet functional design.

In the front section of the center console, directly below the central air vent, is space for two cup holders and a smartphone tray with indirect illumination on both sides. Secured by a movable clasp, phones can be placed here upright and visible to the driver and front passenger while being charged wirelessly.

There is generous storage space under the center armrest. Alongside the new toggle-style gear selector lever in the integral control panel are flush buttons for various vehicle functions such as the Start/Stop button, the volume control for the audio system and the My Modes button, which replaces the Driving Experience Control switch.

Standard BMW Live Cockpit Plus features BMW Maps, a Bluetooth interface, four USB-C ports as well as a 12V power socket in both the center console and the cargo area. The optional Harman Kardon premium sound system raises the number of speakers to 12 and the amplifier output to 205 watts, with tweeters are integrated into the door trim under high-quality stainless-steel grilles.

Standard ambient lighting provides a rich experience inside the cabin. The light distribution, brightness and color scheme can be configured via the iDrive menu, and this option also includes the dynamic interior light function, whose pulsating light signals an incoming phone call or an open door when the engine is running.

With a glass surface measuring about ten square feet, the optional panoramic glass sunroof floods the interior of the new BMW X1 with light and fresh air. The roller blind cover for the glass roof now has a multi-layer design and, like the glass panel itself, is electrically operated.

New seats offer more comfort, however long the journey.

The newly developed seats in the 2023 X1 offer tailored looks, improved comfort over long distances, and extended functionality. This applies to both the standard seats and the optional sport seats, which feature prominent side bolsters and shoulder support, and adjustability of seat angle and depth.

The seats are upholstered exclusively in perforated SensaTec 2.0. Customers can choose from Oyster with contrasting stitching, Red/Black bi-color, Mocha with contrasting stitching, or Black.

Drivetrain: More power and a standard 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission.

The 2-liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine has been revised for 2023. The new engine incorporates a Miller combustion cycle, as well as a new dual (direct and port) injection system and a revised combustion chamber geometry. The engine now makes 241 hp between 4,500- 6,500 rpm, and torque has increased to a substantial 295 lb-ft between 1,500-4,000 rpm. The engine is mated exclusively to a new 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). Together, they send the X1 xDrive28i from 0-60 mph in just 6.2 seconds.

The latest generation of the DCT now features fully electric actuation, a widened gear ratio spread and greater internal efficiency. This advanced transmission also now tailors shift strategy to the route topography and enables coasting in all drive modes except for Sport Mode when the gear selector is in position ‘S’.

The 7-speed DCT provides remarkably quick and smooth gear changes. It combines two sub- transmissions within a single housing, enabling it to pre-select the next gear prior to each gear change. The transmission automatically shifts into Park when the engine is switched off, and sensors can detect when the vehicle is parked on a slope and automatically engage the parking brake.

In vehicles equipped with the M Sport Package, gearshift paddles behind the steering wheel enable extremely rapid manual gear changes. The shift paddles also enable a Sport Boost function. When the driver pulls the left-hand shift paddle for at least a second, all the powertrain and chassis settings are primed to maximize their sporting responses for the most immediate acceleration possible.

BMW xDrive: assured power and traction no matter the weather or terrain.

The BMW xDrive system intelligently controls the distribution of power to all four wheels to maximize traction, agility and directional stability in all weather and road conditions.

The xDrive system is linked to the chassis control systems at all times. A power take-off bevel gear on the front axle, a dual-section propeller shaft and a rear axle differential with an electro- hydraulically controlled hang-on clutch are used to efficiently split drive torque between the front and rear wheels as the situation demands. In driving situations that do not require all- wheel drive, the engine’s power is sent to the front wheels only. In adverse road conditions or highly dynamic driving situations, the hang-on clutch shifts drive power to the rear wheels in fractions of a second to significantly enhance traction, directional stability and the sporty handling expected from a BMW.

Chassis technology and driving experience. Sporty and capable all-rounder for adventure and the everyday.

The powertrain and chassis technology on board the new BMW X1 gives it all the tools it needs to put driving pleasure at the customer’s fingertips and provide a standout all-round ownership experience. With its sporty, agile handling in everyday use, ability to make relaxed progress over rough terrain, and compelling long-distance comfort, the compact Sports Activity Vehicle delivers a balanced, well-sorted driving experience in any situation.

Newly developed components for front and rear axle.

Nearly all of the components of the single-joint spring strut axle at the front have been entirely redeveloped. New axle kinematics and increased rigidity both help give the X1 agile turn-in response and steering feel while mitigating torque steer. The supports for the hydromounts are now made from aluminum, shaving about six pounds from the vehicle’s weight. Following readjustment of the steering axle, the caster offset has been increased by some 15 percent, which has a positive effect on both steering feedback and straight-line stability.

The modular three-link rear axle fitted to the new X1 has the ingredients for sporty handling. Featuring a unique design with remarkably high rigidity, it is partnered with a rear-axle subframe with a rigid mounting and promises precise wheel guidance even under high lateral acceleration. The springs and dampers take up less space thanks to their separate arrangement, freeing up additional room both for passengers in the rear and in the luggage compartment. The use of anti-roll bar mounts with high preload on both axles improves not just roll stabilization, but also steering precision during dynamic cornering. A new wheel bearing design that minimizes both friction and weight is an additional factor in the superior efficiency of the new BMW X1.

The suspension and damping systems in the new BMW X1 have also undergone an extensive upgrade with a view to enhancing long-distance comfort. For the first time, the front axle has been equipped with extra, lift-related damping using an additional sleeve on the dampers. This reduces body movement when driving over small bumps, while also ensuring excellent transient behavior in corners.

Adaptive M suspension with frequency-selective damping, a 0.6-inch drop in ride height and sport steering.

Adaptive M suspension is available as an option for the first time on the 2023 BMW X1 xDrive28i. Both agility and long-distance comfort benefit from this suspension system’s mechanically controlled adjustable and frequency-selective dampers. Pressure peaks inside the dampers are smoothed out with the help of additional valves that are active on the rebound side. As a result, the system offers comfortable response when absorbing minor bumps in the road surface combined with sporty damper characteristics in dynamic driving situations. The specially designed damper system also lowers ride height by 0.6 inches.

Sport steering is part of the Adaptive M suspension option. This version of the Electric Power Steering system features a more direct rack ratio, along with the Servotronic speed-sensitive power assistance also included with the standard steering.

Near-actuator wheel slip limitation for extremely quick, precise response.

The new BMW X1 also now comes with near-actuator wheel slip limitation to maximize agility and composure in challenging driving situations. Unique in this segment, this traction control system is integrated into the engine management, eliminating the long signal paths to the DSC control unit. This allows corrective inputs to be applied up to ten times faster than in conventional systems and with exceptional precision. Near-actuator wheel slip limitation thereby ensures optimum traction on slippery roads, superb straight-line poise and assurance when accelerating hard, and excellent handling stability in corners.

The functions provided by the DSC system include not only anti-lock braking (ABS) and Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), but also a variety of stabilizing functions and the drive-off assistant. The Performance Control function gives the car even more agile handling by varying the distribution of drive torque to the front wheels according to the situation at hand. In order to optimize directional stability during heavy braking on surfaces offering differing levels of grip for the right-hand and left-hand wheels, a steering impulse is applied to help the driver correct thecar’s line.

Integrated braking system optimizes handling characteristics.

The new BMW X1 is equipped with an integrated braking system that delivers outstanding stopping power and superior pedal feel. This system brings together the brake activation, brake booster and braking control functions within a compact module. The required brake pressure is triggered using an electric actuator, an operating principle that generates pressure more dynamically and ensures significantly faster and more precise interventions by the DSC. The integrated braking system generates a degree of stopping power that is matched exactly to the driver’s inputs, while also providing excellent feedback via the brake pedal.

The braking system in the new X1 employs single-piston floating-caliper disc brakes at the front and rear. A brake pad wear indicator is also included as standard and provides precise information on the remaining service life of the brake pads in the operating system’s relevant menu.

The new BMW X1 additionally comes as standard with a tire pressure indicator for each wheel that provides an early warning of any loss of pressure, as well as a digital tire condition monitoring system. This function uses a cloud-based algorithm to detect pressure loss far sooner than the vehicle’s Tire Pressure Monitor can. This is made possible by a diagnostics function in the BMW backend that has been implemented with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). The driver is notified of any pressure loss together with the recommended course of action via the My BMW App. Statistical information and AI methods can also be employed to predict the wear behavior of the vehicle’s tires and thereby forecast the remaining tire life until the recommended minimum tread depth is reached. The digital tire diagnosis function can be set to automatically inform the customer of any tire-related technical issue requiring action.

Driver assistance systems. State-of-the-art technology enhances comfort and safety.

The new BMW X1 is fitted as standard with the latest version of the front-collision warning system with brake intervention, which brings additional functions to help prevent an accident. It comprises features such as Collision Warning, pedestrian and cyclist warning with braking function, and it can also warn the driver of pedestrians and cyclists who are parallel to the road and approaching the vehicle from the front or rear when turning right. The front-collision warning system also helps to increase safety when turning left. If a vehicle is approaching on the side of the road the driver needs to cross, visual and acoustic warnings are triggered, and the brakes are applied to prevent the driver from continuing with their maneuver.

Active Blind Spot Detection is now standard, and there is a new exit warning function, which provides a safety boost when the vehicle is stationary. It activates warnings if a vehicle or cyclist is approaching the BMW X1 at speed and there is a risk of collision on either side of the vehicle if a door were to be opened. The driver or front passenger is alerted to the danger by flashing LEDs in the mirror or the ambient lighting. An acoustic signal is also emitted.

A new level of assisted driving for the X1: Driving Assistance Professional.

The optional (start of production TBD) Driving Assistant Professional available for the first time on the BMW X1 offers new levels of comfort and safety on long-distance journeys. This camera- and radar-based system includes the Steering and Lane Control Assistant as well as Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function. Corrective steering inputs help the driver to keep the vehicle in the lane detected by the system. Active Cruise Control is capable of not only maintaining the preferred speed, but also automatically keeping a safe distance from vehicles travelling ahead and can bring the new BMW X1 to a halt if necessary. And when driving in tedious, dense traffic, Extended Traffic Jam Assistant allows attentive, hands-free driving at speeds up to 40 mph on limited access highways.

The Speed Limit Assist and route monitoring functions available when using Active Cruise Control add to the car’s assisted driving capabilities. Speed limits along the route detected either by the Speed Limit Info system or by using data from the navigation system can be anticipated in advance with the help of automatic Speed Limit Assist. Meanwhile, the route monitoring function looks ahead to reduce the car’s speed as appropriate when approaching a corner, a traffic circle, or an exit.

Parking Assistant, Reversing Assist Camera, Reversing Assistant.

Drivers of the new BMW X1 also benefit from assistance when parking and maneuvering thanks to technology such as the optional Active Park Distance Control (PDC) with sensors at the front and rear. This system uses visual and acoustic alerts and automatic brake inputs to help avoid collisions with obstacles to the front, sides, and rear of the vehicle when parking. The Back-up Assistant makes light work of backing up for distances of up to 150 feet by steering the vehicle along the same line it took when moving forward.

The latest version of the optional Parking Assistant Plus offers an even wider range of uses. It helps the driver to select and park in spaces either parallel or perpendicular to the road. Instead of just using other vehicles as a guide to help it select a parking space and straighten the vehicle when parking, the system is now able to take its bearings from the curb. Parking Assistant can be used both to enter and to exit spaces. As well as the necessary steering inputs, it also carries out the acceleration, braking and gear changes required for the maneuver. The functions contained in Parking Assistant Plus provide an excellent overview in many different situations. Surround View (including Top View), Panorama View and 3D View create a 360-degree image of the vehicle and its surroundings, which is shown from various angles in the control display. Meanwhile, the Remote 3D View function gives drivers the ability to call up a three-dimensional live image of their vehicle and its immediate vicinity on their smartphone.

The BMW Drive Recorder is another Parking Assistant Plus feature, which uses the driver assistance systems’ cameras to record video images all around the vehicle, so these can be stored and later either played back on the control display when the vehicle is stationary or exported via the USB interface. The Crash Recorder feature, when enabled, will automatically record up to 60 seconds of footage in the event of an accident.

With the Joy Recorder feature, the driver can also record high-definition videos up to 60 seconds in length while driving through spectacular countryside or performing spirited driving sessions.

If the vehicle’s alarm system is triggered, the Remote Theft Recorder can record video images from the four Surround View cameras at the same time as alerting the customer by sending a push notification to their smartphone via the My BMW App.

Display and control/operation system, connectivity. The new BMW Operating System 8 and innovative digital services.

The new BMW X1 also treats its occupants to the latest-generation BMW iDrive in the form of BMW Live Cockpit Plus. Based on BMW Operating System 8 and running new-generation software along with exceptionally powerful connectivity and data processing, it takes the interaction between the driver and vehicle into the digital future. The new BMW iDrive system offers many more ways for drivers to enjoy easy, intuitive, multimodal control of vehicle, navigation, infotainment, and communication functions and digital services.

The user experience on board the new BMW X1 is supported by the seamless interaction between the BMW Curved Display, voice control, the multifunction buttons on the steering wheel, and the optional BMW Head-Up Display. The new fully digital screen layout and the enhanced capabilities of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant mean the new BMW iDrive has been intentionally geared towards interaction using touch control and natural language.

Fully digital BMW Curved Display with state-of-the-art graphics.

Taking center stage in the interior of the new BMW X1 is the standard BMW Curved Display formed by a 10.25-inch instrument cluster and a central information display with a screen diagonal of 10.7 inches. The screens merge into a single unit behind a continuous glass surface that curves towards the driver.

The state-of-the-art graphics and the operating system’s menu structure have been designed with a smartphone-style appearance, making them perfect for intuitive touch control. The user interface impresses with its striking forms, dynamic light effects, strong depth of color and modern color worlds. Its graphic layout can be customized to suit the driving situation and personal preferences.

Welcome Scenario greets the BMW X1 driver.

The engaging user experience starts before the driver has even reached the vehicle thanks to a newly devised Welcome Scenario. Ultra-wideband (UWB) radio technology allows precision location pinpointing between the vehicle and the key or compatible smartphone.
When approaching the vehicle, around 10 feet away, a coordinated welcome sequence begins. It starts with an orchestrated lighting effect using the exterior and interior lights, including the light carpet in the entrance area. The vehicle then automatically unlocks when the driver is about 5 feet away. Upon entry, the BMW Curved Display plays a choreographed start-up animation and shows a customized welcome window for the driver with a personal greeting as well as handy suggestions and information. While this is happening, the BMW ID settings are loaded and the smartphone connected.

Personalized driving experience with the new My Modes.

The new My Modes create an all-encompassing interplay of vehicle functions, displays and interior ambience. They can be selected easily by voice command or by using a button on the center console. Drivers of the new BMW X1 choose from Personal Mode, Sport Mode, or Efficient Mode. Each activates specific settings for the powertrain and steering, the style of the readouts on the BMW Curved Display and the interior lighting.

Personal mode engages a balance of vehicle characteristics and allows the displays and interior lighting to be adjusted to suit individual preferences. In Sport Mode, the powertrain and steering are configured for a dynamic driving style, while the pared-back readouts and red highlighting in the information display help the driver to focus on the task at hand. Efficient Mode, meanwhile, is clearly geared towards sustainable driving and configures the vehicle to keep consumption as low as possible. A calming shade of blue is implemented in the display readouts.

Precision navigating with Augmented View.

The new Augmented View function – optionally available to supplement the navigation system’s map view – enables exceptionally accurate navigational guidance. A live video stream from the driver’s perspective is shown on the control display and augmented by supplementary information that matches the context. At confusing junctions, for instance, an animated directional arrow is integrated into the video image to help the driver take the best turn-off for the planned route.

Natural dialogue with the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.

BMW Operating System 8 unlocks additional skills for the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. Naturally formulated spoken instructions can be used to adjust the air conditioning, open a window, or operate the optional panoramic glass roof among other functions.

When the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is in use, new forms of visualization appear in the gauge cluster, the control display and the optional Head-Up Display, emphasizing the system’s interactive character. The graphic appears in the right position for whoever is speaking to the assistant, representing visually how the system is listening attentively to what is being said. There is also a choice of two different visualization variants.

Interior camera for snapshots and checking inside the car using the My BMW App.

With the new overhead interior camera, customers are also able to have pictures from the interior camera sent to their smartphone using the My BMW App’s remote function if they wish to glance inside the car to check whether bags or other items have been left there, for example. The interior camera is also activated when the Remote Theft Recorder is triggered.

The camera can also be used by the car’s occupants to take snapshots during the journey, allowing them to capture special moments and share them with friends and family.

Personalization using the BMW ID.

When customers interact with the new BMW iDrive in the new BMW X1, their user experience will be personalized to a much greater degree with the help of their BMW ID. When setting up the vehicle for the first time, simply scanning a QR code is all it takes to create a new BMW ID on a smartphone. Once BMW ID registration is complete, the newly registered BMW ID will be imported automatically into the X1, and the vehicle is added to the user’s My BMW App with no further action required. If the user already has the My BMW App and therefore a BMW ID, when they register their car with the My BMW App and a QR Code scan, their existing BMW ID is imported. The vehicle now appears automatically in the My BMW App and can be viewed by up to seven users.

If the BMW ID is linked to a vehicle key, it is uploaded when unlocking the car, and the driver is given a personal greeting on the control display. The profile image they’ve set up in the My BMW App also appears. At the same time, personal settings for seat position, exterior mirrors, navigation system, driver assistance functions, display layouts, shortcuts, favorites, and infotainment system settings will be loaded automatically. Personalized suggestions from the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, individually selected wake words, and privacy settings are also stored in the BMW ID. Personal data is protected from access by other users of the vehicle by linking a key or assigning a PIN.

Smartphone linking and integration of third-party services.

Standard specification for the new BMW X1 also comprises optimized smartphone integration via both Apple CarPlay® and Android AutoTM, allowing customers to access an array of digital services such as the voice-controlled assistant Siri, the Google Assistant, various map apps, music streaming services, and the messaging service WhatsApp.

The wireless (WiFi) connection between smartphone and vehicle enables the services to be integrated directly into the car’s display/operation system. All the key smartphone information and apps can be viewed both in the gauge cluster, central information display, or optional Head-Up Display.

My BMW App: a universal digital interface between driver and vehicle.

The My BMW App acts as a universal digital interface that provides information on the vehicle’s status at any time. And it enables remote operation of functions such as vehicle locating, locking and unlocking the doors or monitoring the car’s immediate vicinity (Remote 3D View – when equipped with surround view cameras). Features also include the ability to send destination addresses from a suitably equipped smartphone to the vehicle’s navigation system. The My BMW App additionally provides customers with a direct link to their BMW dealer and the BMW brand, allowing them to arrange service appointments, for example, or find out the latest BMW news.

BMW Digital Key Plus is turning into a full-function vehicle key.

The optional BMW Digital Key Plus enables customers to automatically lock and unlock their new BMW X1 with their Apple iPhone when close to the vehicle by means of security- enhanced ultra-wideband (UWB) radio technology, making a conventional car key superfluous. There is no need to even remove the iPhone from their pocket as they approach the car or walk away. Once they have got in, the Apple iPhone can be simply left in the user’s pocket or placed in the smartphone tray.

The BMW Digital Key Plus can be set up using the My BMW App. The car owner can also share it – and therefore access to the vehicle – with up to five other users.

Always up to the minute: BMW ConnectedDrive Upgrades for over-the-air updates.

BMW is one of the key players in the field of over-the-air function upgrades. By 2020 it was carrying out the largest upgrade campaigns of any European carmaker. The BMW ConnectedDrive Upgrades function keeps the BMW X1 right up to date with the latest software. The content of the upgrades ranges from new services to improved vehicle functions.

This intelligent connectivity technology also makes it possible to incorporate additional vehicle functions that were not originally ordered, either permanently or on a short-term trial period.

2023 BMW X1 Gallery

Notable standard equipment

• 18-inch V-spoke bi-color wheels style 866 with all-season non-runflat tires
• 7-speed Steptronic Dual Clutch Transmission
• BMW Curved Display
• Active Blind Spot Detection
• Frontal collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation
• Lane Departure Warning
• Park Distance Control
• Navigation
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• SiriusXM with 360L + 1 year Platinum Plan subscription
• LED headlights with cornering lights
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Black High-Gloss trim with Ambient Lighting
• Power tailgate
• Roof rails in Satin Aluminum
• Satin Aluminum Line exterior trim
• Privacy glass
• Automatic high-beams
• Space-saver spare wheel

Optional equipment.

• Design xLine
  • 18-inch V-spoke bi-color wheels style 866 with all-season non-runflat tires o (Opt.) 19-inch Y-spoke bi-color wheels style 867 with all-season non-runflat
  • (Opt.) 20-inch Multi-spoke alloy wheels style 869i with performance non-runflat
  • Choice of Black High Gloss Trim with Ambient Light, Eucalyptus Open Pore
  • Fine-Wood Trim with Ambient Light, or Aluminum trim with mesh effect with Ambient Light
  • SensaTec dashboard
  • Exterior design elements such as contrasting Air Curtain bumper inserts, body trim and kidney grille in Pearl Effect chrome 
• Convenience Package
  • Comfort Access keyless entry with UWB technology for DigitalKey o Panoramicmoonroof(ordeletion)
  • Auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors
  • Wireless device charging
• Driving Assistance Package
  • Extended Traffic Jam Assistant for limited access highways o Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go
  • Active Lane Keeping Assistant with side collision avoidance o Evasion Aid
  • Front Cross Traffic Alert
• Shadowline Package
  • Mirror caps in black
  • Extended Shadowline trim
• M Sport Package
  • 18-inch M V-spoke bi-color wheels style 838M with all-season non-runflat tires o (Opt.) 19-inch M double-spoke bi-color wheels style 871M with all-season or performance non-runflat tires
  • (Opt.) 20-inch Multi-spoke wheels style 869i with performance non-runflat tires o Shiftpaddles
  • AdaptiveMsuspension
• Assistance Professional Package (start of production TBD)
  • Roof rails in high-gloss Shadowline
  • Sport seats
  • Aluminum Hexacube trim with Ambient Light o M Steering wheel
  • Aerodynamic kit
  • Shadowline exterior trim
• Premium Package
  • Universalgaragedooropener
  • Comfort Access keyless entry
  • Panoramic moonroof (or deletion)
  • Auto-dimminginteriorandexteriormirrors
  • Interior camera
  • Parking Assistant Plus
  • Head-UpDisplay
  • Harman/Kardon premium sound system
  • DriveRecorder
  • Wireless device charging
  • Live Cockpit Professional
  • Anti-TheftRecorder
  • Active Park Distance Control
  • Surround View with 3D view (enables Augmented Reality overlays on navigation)
• Remote engine start
• Heated Front Seats & Steering Wheel
• Universal garage door opener
• Trailer hitch (delayed SOP)
• Sport seats
• Eucalyptus Open Pore Fine-Wood trim with Ambient Light
• Aluminum trim with mesh effect with Ambient Light

2023 BMW X1 Specifications

The post New BMW X1 Is a Sneak Peek of the 2024 Petrol & Electric Countryman appeared first on MotoringFile.

There are races and then there are races. The 24 Hours of Nurburgring is the latter. And that’s even selling it short. The ‘Ring is unlike any track, any atmosphere and any tradition in the world. A track cut through the forested hills of picturesque western Germany, the Nurburgring is a 14.2 mile track that feels otherworldly in its layout and location. But the track is just part of the story. We’ve always heard its the atmosphere that truly defines this place. So we wanted to see for ourselves what it was like at the ultimate race a the ‘Ring – the annual 24 Hours of the Nurburgring.

This race being a major bucket list item for me, I wanted to experience as much as I could. However unlike most races, the best place to watch the race isn’t the stands but in the forests the track runs through. While the MINI camp that we stayed at was excellent, we wanted to get out into the wilds of the ‘Ring. So I grabbed some hiking shoes and a GoPro and headed out. This is what I found.

Never have we experience a race like the 24 Hours of Nurburgring. This is as much a race as a festival dedicated to cars, culture and the insanity of German race fans. We’ve been waiting to make it here for 25 years and if anything it blew away our expectations. The paddock and the cars were impressive but seeing the crowd and the culture that has built up around this race was unlike anything in the world.

This isn’t the first time I’ve been to the ‘Ring. If you’re a long time MF reader you’ll remember when we took a R56 Cooper S to the ‘Ring for an epic day 15 years ago. But to see a race of this magnitude and fans this crazy was unlike any other race we’ve ever experienced. The German fans creativity with camp sites was something we had heard about but still were shocked by. The engineering that went into some of the buildouts were wild and the experience was electric – especially into the night. It was all made even better by how welcoming the entire crowd was.

If you’re at all interested in going our strong recommendation is to just do it. Coming from overseas a fair amount of planning will be in order but it’s very doable and ultimately very worth it.

The post The 24 Hours of Nurburgring- Experiencing the Ultimate Race For the 1st Time (VIDEO) appeared first on MotoringFile.

We don’t typically copy and paste press releases from MINI and call it a day. But this one is different. We’ve given you our recap, now let’s hear from MINI and the team itself about this weekends epic effort at the epic 24 Hours of Nürburgring. It’s an excellent view as to the challenges the team faced and where they saw success despite ultimate failure.

OFFICIAL RELEASE: The Brave Effort At The 24 Hours Of Nürburgring

The Formula 1 Grand Prix of Monaco has a higher glamour factor. There are more high-tech cars at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. But no motorsport event exudes such fascination as the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring. This is where full professionals compete with real amateurs, where high-tech racing cars meet production vehicles. This is precisely what makes the wild chase through the “green hell” so appealing. Here, racing is still celebrated in its most original form. On the legendary Nordschleife of the Nürburgring, thrilling wheel-to-wheel duels and vivid motorsport are guaranteed. This is exactly why fans flock to the cathedral of German motorsport.

A total of 230,000 race aficionados provided the appropriate setting for the 50th edition of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. In the middle of it all was the bright red MINI John Cooper Works from Bulldog Racing, which became a real crowd favourite after just a few laps and was showered with applause at every turn.

And this despite the fact that the conditions were anything but ideal for the MINI. While the big teams prepared for the race with immense commitment of man and material, Bulldog Racing lifted the MINI JCW almost spontaneously out of the baptismal font. Considering it was only in September last year that the green light was given for the “24-hour race” project, it was clear that not everything is going to run smoothly. That’s why the team had to send the MINI JCW onto the 25.378 kilometre circuit with significantly reduced power due to a technical problem during the first two qualifying sessions. On Friday night, the tireless efforts of the mechanics paid off as they found the defect and fixed it immediately. The result: the MINI burned a personal best time into the Eifel asphalt during the one-hour Friday session despite an unfortunate Code 60 zone, where the cars are slowed down to 60 km/h. More importantly, the Bulldog team saw smiling faces everywhere. The car worked and the drivers praised the neutral handling. A guarantee for fast lap times on the Nordschleife .

“The car is really great to drive and a lot of fun. In a hectic race like this, it is important to concentrate on the track and the competitors and to be able to rely on your car,” Markus Fischer was pleased to say.

The eagerly awaited showdown began at 4 p.m. on Saturday. One of the 138 cars that took up the challenge “24 hours through the green hell” was the Bulldog Racing MINI John Cooper Works with starting number 112, which started in the SP3T class. Markus Fischer drove the first stint and was immediately involved in tense fights for positions, but quickly found his rhythm and started the race very well.

Whereas the drivers used to feel their way around first, the 24 hour race has now developed into a sprint race in which every hundredth of a second is fought for from the very start with a knife between the teeth. Accordingly, the action was hectic and the first accidents were not long in coming; Markus Fischer had to avoid several skirmishes with the Bulldog Racing MINI already on the first lap and was even hit on one occasion. After eight laps, Danny Brink took over the wheel and successfully continued the race to catch up, overtaking one competitor after the other. When Uwe Krumscheid got behind the wheel after 16 laps, the Bulldog Racing MINI had already made up 21 positions in the overall standings and was fighting for fifth place in the strong SP3T class. A top performance that showed that the concept of the car is absolutely competitive even under the toughest conditions.

The racing continued to be extremely restless and hectic. The consequence was a veritable orgy of accidents and the resulting Code 60 zones demanded the utmost concentration from the drivers and made it difficult for them to find a rhythm. Then, the inevitable happened: on the 19th race lap, Uwe Krumscheid was hit on the driver’s side for the second time during an overtaking maneuver. At first, the MINI was still able to continue, but about half a lap later, the red racer was doomed by the late effects of the “enemy contact”. In the Kallenhard section, it stopped at the crash barrier.

The car was towed away and brought back to the paddock, which took over an hour due to the sheer number of accidents. Immediately, the repair work began, because giving up was not an option for the Bulldog Racing Team. With impressive teamwork, the work was completed after only 90 minutes and Jens Dralle steered the MINI back onto the track.

In the dark, conditions were extremely tricky as the many accidents had left their mark and the track was extremely dirty. A sharp carbon part can cause massive damage to a tyre. Exactly this fate befell the John Cooper Works and Jens Dralle had to complete almost an entire lap of the Nordschleife with a flat tyre. This mishap set the Bulldog Racing MINI back again, but the team continued to fight bravely. This did not go unnoticed: the fan base of the red racer grew steadily and so did the mood of celebration. At the well-known sections of the track, the fans turned night into day with light installations, lasers and fireworks. As soon as the MINI appeared, applause and cheers erupted.

The incredible support inspired Markus Fischer, who promptly set a new team best time despite the extensive repair work just a few hours earlier. But the joy lasted only until lap 40, when the MINI was hit once again by a competitor in the following stint, again on the driver’s side already battered from the second collision. The impact and subsequent recovery of the car caused extensive damage. In the pits, it was quickly clear that this new accident made it impossible to continue in a safe way. The team’s unanimous decision followed immediately: the Bulldog Racing MINI John Cooper Works was parked for good.

Despite the disappointing result, the conclusion was positive. “The MINI John Cooper Works proved to be absolutely competitive even under the toughest racing conditions, especially when you consider that we only started this project nine months ago. My compliments and thanks go above all to the entire team, who mastered all tricky situations in a remarkable way,” team boss Friedhelm Thelen sums up.

The car’s next appearance will during the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England.

The post The Brave Effort of Racing a MINI at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring appeared first on MotoringFile.

The 24h Nurburgring ended early this year for MINI. After getting hit three times (twice by the same BMW), the car was carelessly towed back to the pits in the middle of the night which damaged the underside of the drivetrain. While the crew eventually for the parts it would have been impossible to make up the time and the team reluctantly retired. But there are lots of positives to take away. For the the team that’s the speed of the car and how immediately competitive it was. But for us it was the race itself. 

Never have we experience a race like the 24H Nurburgring. This is as much a race as a festival dedicated to cars, culture and the insanity of German race fans. We’ve been waiting to make it here for 25 years and if anything it blew away our expectations. The paddock and the cars were impressive but seeing the crowd and the culture that has built up around this race was unlike anything in the world. 

The JCW GP Race Car

Now let’s talk about the car. The Bulldog Racing team did the impossible in simply getting this car ready for the race. With the program starting in October 2021, the team created a race car based off of what appears to be a JCW GP. However MINI was careful to not refer to it as a GP for reasons that seemed incredibly arcane to us. For what its worth under that red paint was the unique Racing Grey paint from the GP and every JCW trim piece and body panel on the production car. So as much as MINI wants us not to call it a JCW GP, it certainly seems like one to us.

Modifications mainly focused around getting the car to race spec with safety equipment and technology fitted. Additionally the interior was completely stripped out and a dedicated suspension and AP braking system replaced the stock units.

The 24H Nurburgring Expeirence

Simply put there’s nothing else like it. We’ve driven the track before but to see a race of this magnitude and fans this crazy was unlike any other race we’ve ever experienced. The German fans creativity with camp sites was something we had heard about but still were shocked by. The engineering that went into some of the buildouts were wild and the experience was electric – especially into the night. It was all made even better by how welcoming the entire crowd was.

If you’re at all interested in going our strong recommendation is to just do it. Coming from overseas a fair amount of planning will be in order but it’s very doable and ultimately very worth it.

What’s Next for the Car?

The good news is that the car will live another day. It’s unclear when that day will be but there’s a rumor we might see it at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and I know the team would love another crack at the ‘Ring as well. Until then check out our gallery and videos (coming soon) of the event to get a picture of just how amazing this experience was.

The post 24h Nurburgring Wrap-up – MINI Comes Up Short As We Soak Up the Atmosphere appeared first on MotoringFile.

The MINI Bulldog racing team has taken the green flag at the 24H Nurburgring. The epic 24 hour race in the world is underway at the most demanding racetrack in the world.

The MINI Bulldog racing team is technically racing a modified Cooper S but those modifications all stem of the JCW GP making it essentially the first official GP race car. The most obvious alteration is the massive wing and other aero bits that have been added. That wing actually adds 176 lbs of downforce at speed – essential for a track like the Ring.

The post 24H Nurburgring Day 2 – MINI Bulldog Racing Takes the Green Flag appeared first on MotoringFile.

What is the ideal MINI to drive from Munich to Nurburgring? While a Countryman or Clubman would be more comfortable, we couldn’t pass up a chance to grab the keys to a 2022 manual JCW hatch.

The A8 and A3 autobahn was wide open and often unrestricted which allowed us to stretch the JCW’s legs a bit. We got up to an indicated 241 kph which is about 150 mph before I felt the car began to become unstable. You can’t overcome the shape of the MINI as it turns out. But for those curious the car was pulling strong until I backed off at 241.

We were still miles away from the center of the Ring when we first saw crowds and realized we were actually driving next the madness that is the N24 crowd. Abs by madness I mean full German living rooms with campfires in the middle and absolutely drunken revelry – at 2 pm.

The MINI camp is made up of tents and cargo containers with a healthy dose of glamping. The location is also within sight of the famous castle abs the long back straight of the Nurburgring.

Next up the race. Saturday will see a number of support races with the most notable being the M Legends races. And then the actual N24 starts at 4 pm local time or 10 EST.

The post 24H Nurburgring Day 1 – Road-trip From Munich to the Nurburgring appeared first on MotoringFile.

We’re hours away from heading to Munich where we’ll be following Bulldog Racing Team at the 24H Nurburgring. With a race modified JCW GP, Bulldog will be the first MINI sanctioned team at the N24 in ten years. But the best part is you’ll be riding along with us as we road-trip to the track and see it all first hand.

Our itinerary is pretty straightforward: land in Munich, grab a key to a 2022 MINI JCW hatch and head west for the six hour road-trip via the German Autobahn to the Nurburgring. Once there, we’ll settle into the MINI Basecamp located just off of the back straight and not far the Nürburg Castle itself.

What is MINI Basecamp? It’s a MINI themed festival within a festival that houses everything from fully equipped containers for overnight stays, MINI Countryman with roof tents and even a community tent with food, drinks and screens live streaming the race. But as nice as the MINI Basecamp will surely be, the classic 24H Nurburgring experience is hiking through various parts of the track.

24h Nurburgring Schedule

Like any massive race weekend there are a number of support races throughout Friday and Saturday morning. This year is a bit different because it’s both the 24H Nurburgring and BMWM’s 50th anniversary. The means we’ll see some pretty special races like the BMW M Race of Legends with famous ex-BMW drivers in some pretty special vintage race cars.

How To Watch with US

First and foremost you’ll want to check MotoringFile where we’ll be embedding content on the fly. Beyond that you’ll want keep to follow and subscribe to our Instagram and Youtube pages for even more content.

Watching the race is thankfully very easy. Bulldog Racing and their JCW GP race car the weekend starts with practice and then the race itself which starts around 1500 CET (9:00 AM EST). Like the last few years it’s completely free to watch online right here.

The post We’re Joining MINI at the 24h Nurburgring And We’re Bringing You With Us appeared first on MotoringFile.

The JCW Countryman is the best version of MINI’s best selling product. With 306 hp going through a part-time AWD system and an 8 speed automatic, it’s a modern take on what has made MINI compelling for decades. But how does it stand up to 15,000 miles of the best and worst roads you could throw at it? We’ve had 15 months and plenty of seat-time to find out.

Through the summer sun and in deep snow (with temps as low as -23 degrees), we’ve grown to love the JCW Countryman’s combination of driver engagement, design and utility. While it’s not perfect, the JCW Countryman is, in the MINI tradition, an attractive alternative to the rest of the bland automotive world.

This is an expensive car at $49K but it’s also supremely capable. Not only can it rip 0-60 sprints in the high four second range, there’s also a surprisingly amount of utility on tap. While utility in a MINI is all about context, this truly is the easiest MINI to live with that we’ve ever driven. Whether that’s a camping trip in North Wisconsin, or the daily Chicago commute, the JCW Countryman has proven it’s worth.

The Revised JCW Countryman is the One We’ve Been Waiting For

The F60 JCW Countryman was always a nice package with well judged handling and great brakes. But in 2020 the Countryman got its power – 306 hp and 331 ft lbs. And then in 2021 we saw a styling refresh inside and out. Those last two changes has transformed this car into a warmed over Countryman to one that feels shockingly fast and more than capable.

In other words these changes have allowed MINI to take a forgettable formula in the small crossover and make it rewarding and even thrilling at times. This is a car that engages you in ways that no small crossover does. It’s not an R53 or even an F56 in disguise. But this truly is the MINI of the small crossover world. Quick turn-in and flat cornering make it all feel immediate where most of the competitive set bounce, roll and flounder. With the JCW specific springs, shocks and sways bars our Countryman feels eager and light on its feet. 

JCW Countryman Driving Engagement

The term “driving engagement” isn’t typically associated with a crossover costing less than $80,000. Yet the Countryman delivers a genuinely entertaining driving experience. MINI has done an excellent job of tuning the sport suspension for the wheels and tires on this car. There’s nuance to the feedback that isn’t often present in small crossovers and feels absolutely on-par with the lighter JCW Clubman (more so here with the smaller sidewall of the 19” wheels). This was furthered with the suspension changes introduced in 2020.

Weight is up on the JCW Countryman by around 150 lbs over the JCW Clubman on average. Yet body control is exceptional and that extra weight is mostly hidden in any normal road going scenario. In the canyons of California or the twisties of the Dragon you might start to feel it, but in almost every scenario it was invisible.

And that automatic? It’s the latest 8 Speed Aisin sport auto that we’ve tested previously and it’s never felt better. It has a the duality that you want out of the best sport autos from brutally efficient gear changes to lazy second gear starts. Over 15,000 miles I grew to love the adaptability of the transmission and even its ability to be manually operated. All that said it never engaged quite as well as the flawed manual that MINI offered in the JCW Countryman from 2017 to 2019.

JCW Countryman – Quality

We’ve written several times about MINI’s dramatically improved quality with this generation of cars. In fact MINI quality has improved so dramatically over the last five years that dealerships are going out to business due to lack of warranty service required. Perhaps unsurprisingly our Countryman has proven that true with over 15,000 trouble-free miles. Outside of an erroneous DSC light, we haven’t had a knock, vibration or rattle anywhere. The material quality of the F series cars is known to be dramatically better what came before it and the Countryman is the best line-up at the moment.

JCW Countryman – Conclusions And Advice

In a sea of sameness, the JCW Countryman stands out in design, performance and driver engagement. Focusing on those unique qualities puts it in a very unique market segment and makes that $49k price-point feel justified. In fact there’s really nothing else out there quite like the Countryman. Even it’s BMW X1 and X2 siblings are larger, heavier and lack the last 5-10% of engagement that we love so much.

Value is always a complicated question. But for under $50k, it’s hard to imagine a more interesting and ultimately fun choice for a small crossover than the JCW Countryman.

The post 2021 JCW Countryman 15,000 Mile Long-term Review appeared first on MotoringFile.

OFFICIAL RELEASE

MINI USA and the MINI John Cooper Works Team are preparing to ride their momentum in the 2022 SRO TC America series when they head to New Orleans Motorsports Park in Avondale, La., for the first time this weekend. The series was initially scheduled to run at Ozarks International Raceway in Gravois Mills, Mo., but was moved last month due to weather related delays and supply chain issues. The team is coming off a solid weekend at the series opener back in April at Sonoma Raceway where Clay Williams landed two podiums in the #60 MINI JCW PRO.

The Brownsburg, Ind. -based LAP Motorsports team, which operates the MINI JCW Team, will once again field three cars this weekend, with Cristian Perocarpi in #61 MINI JCW and PJ Groenke in #62 MINI JCW in the Touring Car (TC) class joining Clay Williams in the #60 MINI JCW PRO in the Touring Car A (TCA) class.

“The team showed in the seasoner opener that we are here to compete,” said Luis Perocarpi, team owner, LAP Motorsports. “With everyone being relatively new to this track it’s going to make for a fun weekend of racing. The MINI JCW Team is ready.”

This weekend MINI USA will bring one qualified MINI Dealer technician to work alongside the LAP Motorsports team during practice, qualifying and race days as part of the MINI Technician Race Crew Program. The dealer technician from Baron MINI in Merriam, Kan., will support the team for the entire weekend at New Orleans Motorsports Park. The race team relies on the skill and knowledge of the technicians that work, day to day on MINI, to bring that expertise to the track.

2022 SRO TC America

• April 15 – 17:                     Sonoma Raceway (COMPLETE)
• May 20 – 22:                      New Orleans Motorsports Park
• June 17 – 19:                     Virginia International Raceway 
• July 22 – 24:                      Watkins Glen International
• August 19 – 21:                 Road America
• September 23 – 25:           Sebring International Raceway
• October 7– 9:                     Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The post JCW Race team Heads to New Orleans Riding Momentum of Season Opener appeared first on MotoringFile.

No this isn’t the return of the official MINI Moke, it’s actually more interesting than that. Moke America (which owns the rights to the name and design) has completely re-engineered the classic Mini Moke making is wider and much stronger. And perhaps most interesting is that this Moke is completely electric. But don’t confuse this for a typical car as this Moke is not only electric but classified as a LSV or Low Speed Vehicle. With a 25 mph top speed it’s designed for beaches and small communities.

The 60 Years of Bond special edition Electric Moke continues the partnership the company has had with EON productions & 007. As the company proclaims, this is a love letter to the James Bond films. This special edition pays homage to 007’s iconic history, and boasts features like a midnight blue exterior, “Mango Tree” dashboard, sequence dots tire cover, wooden steering wheel, wooden gear shift knob, tan seats and more. This is the second of several 007 editions celebrating the James Bond film franchise. The first “San Monique” version, which debuted in January 2021, was inspired by the Caribbean and Live And Let Die (1973). 

We are very excited to unveil our second 007 Moke. Like James Bond, Moke has its origins in the 1960’s and this new edition highlights that iconic history both brands enjoy in modern culture. For the past six decades, James Bond has represented the epitome of enduring class and style, and this 60 Years of Bond edition brings that big screen glamour to the road

Todd Rome, founder and CEO of Moke America

The Moke has appeared in 4 James Bond movies: You Only Live Twice (1967), Live And Let Die (1973), The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) and Moonraker (1979).

Moke America’s 60 Years of Bond edition features: 

• Distinctive James Bond design, complete with 007’s 60^th anniversary and vintage logos and “Mango Tree” inspired dashboard
• Electric technology
• Wooden steering wheel
• Elegant wooden gear shift
• Tire cover featuring unique “sequence dots” artwork
• Midnight Blue body
• Tan seats
• Tan Bimini Top
• Backup camera
• Bluetooth radio
• Blackout rims

The cars are available to purchase in North America, the Caribbean, Mexico, the Bahamas and the Middle East and are priced at $28,975 USD (excludes delivery). Each Moke is custom-built and takes 160 days to produce.

The new 007 Moke is available to order online and available for purchase at: mokeamerica.com–

The post The Moke Returns With a 60 Years of Bond Edition appeared first on MotoringFile.

Customization has become a hallmark of MINI ownership. Since the early iterations of the classic Mini with white contrast roofs on rally cars 1960s, to the Special Edition MINIs of 2022, customized MINIs have been core to the brand. To highlight the extent of this creative spirit, MINI USA recently sent out a message to MINI fans and owners calling for them to share their own customized MINIs through a social media outreach campaign. Here’s what the found.

The search took place over two months on social media, with the automaker calling for MINI owners to submit photos and descriptions of their vehicle with the hashtag #MINICUSTOMIZED. Five creative MINI owners were selected based on the strength of their vehicle’s customization story, the visual appeal of said customizations, and the strength of any under-the-hood modifications.

“It’s always a joy to see MINI’s feisty and eccentric identity translate so fluidly to our owners, and these five members of the MINI community perfectly encapsulate our signature creative spirit. We hope that this series inspires other existing and potential MINI owners to express themselves through their vehicle in fun and exciting ways.”

Rah Mahtani, Brand Communications Manager, MINI USA

The five MINI owners that were recognized have made a wide range of customizations, each based on their own distinct inspirations and goals. While there are countless amazing examples of customized MINIs, here’s the story of five:

• Andy Lee’s Top Gear fandom informs his taste in cars, and when he saw the potential to modify a MINI Clubman online, he fell in love right away. Andy got his hands on a 2011 MINI Cooper S Clubman five years ago, and performance is the name of the game with his customizations. According to Andy, no other MINI sounds like his, and his air ride suspension gives the MINI Clubman versatility for riding low and slow or attacking a steep mountain road. Further modifications, both aesthetic and performance-related, include a rebuilt turbo, remanufactured engine, 3rd Gen headlights, and custom blue plaid interior accents.
• What Dave Skinner thought was a MINI Countryman parked at a local dealership turned out to be a rare 2014 MINI Cooper S Paceman, and he had to have it. Once the MINI Paceman made it to his garage, Dave went to work with customizations. A pink and black Union Jack graphic sprawls over the side of the vehicle, paying homage to MINI’s heritage with a bit of a twist. Meanwhile the car’s name, “Lexi,” is printed on a sticker and laid over the rear MINI badge. The Paceman is also fitted with aftermarket wheels, with plans to add white and pink powder coating to them in the near future.
• Chuck Davis first caught sight of a MINI Coupe in the spring of 2016, and within the week became the proud owner of a 2013 MINI Cooper S Coupe. The vehicle’s design had stopped him dead in his tracks and led him to turn his own vehicle into an eye-catching speedster with a modification list pricing out at over $10,000. Among his external customizations, Chuck added backward #44 stickers so he could take his R58S on the track in addition to white stripes with red trim. Additional modifications include Koni yellow adjustable struts, Eibach lowering springs, a Hotchkiss 25.5 mm rear sway bar along with 4 camber control arms, a complete Willwood brake kit with 2-piece rotors, and a set of Rennline track mats.
• Zreston Costello grew up always wanting something unique to drive. While others opted for the same sports cars with the same design choices, Zreston embraced the stand-out size, speed, and modification possibilities of his MINI Cooper S F55. With the immediate goal of turning heads, he put together a combination of various red decals across the exterior, as well as modified OEM rims, to complement the vehicle’s Volcanic Orange body paint. Performance-wise, Zreston carried out ECU, Stage 1, and Stage 2 tuning with plans for further enhancements on the way that will make his MINI stand out for its power in addition to its appearance.
• David Schofield’s MINI journey began in 2006, with he and his wife having owned a total of six MINI vehicles, including his current 2019 Cooper S Convertible. His most obvious customization is the car’s custom stripe running over the Union Jack convertible roof, while 17” Neuspeed wheels, dark grey Union Jack scuttles, checkered mirror caps, and a stubby antenna round out its exterior customizations. David also made practical modifications to the convertible’s interior, installing a solid stainless steel shift knob and e-brake handle from Whalen Shift Machine, and a Cravenspeed phone mount.

Their stories were featured from April 4-20 in a series of posts across MINI USA’s social media channels. Click the above links to read them alongside photography of their customized vehicles.

The post MINI USA Shares Unique Customized MINIs Celebrating the Community appeared first on MotoringFile.

Bulldog Racing is taking MINI’s return to the Nurburgring 24 Hours pretty seriously. The team they’ve assembled has amassed a staggering 712,500 kilometers on the Nordschleife and 29 starts at the Nurburgring 24 Hours. Coupled with a JCW GP race car that look unlike any MINI before it and there’s an enormous buzz building as we look forward to the race May 28th to the 29th.

The first Nurburgring action for the team were the two qualifying races held last weekend. In total the team drove more than 5 hours at the track with only minor technical issues found. Laps times were well below the 10 minute mark (this is the full 17 miles track and not just the Nordschleife) and steadily improving throughout the qualifying session.

Bulldog Racing’s MINI John Cooper Works will be driven by Uwe Krumscheid (GER), Jens Dralle (GER) and Danny Brink (GER) as well as Markus Fischer (AUT) at the 24-hour race. The endurance classic on the Nordschleife will take place from May 28 to 29, 2022.

“I am looking forward to the 24h race and the use of the MINI John CooperWorks and wish Team Bulldog Racing every success. To our fans, I canpromise that we are working intensively on concepts for John Cooper Workswith electric drive. For the John Cooper Works brand, the consistentelectrification of the MINI product range opens up completely newperspectives,”

Stefanie Wurst, Head of the MINI Brand

Race 1: Back in the pits after 14 laps driven.

In the first race the #112 MINI John Cooper Works of Bulldog Racing started from row 18 in starting group 2. On board Danny Brink (GER), who was replaced by Jens Dralle (GER) after 7 driven laps. The duo managed a best lap time of 9:57 minutes. However, after 2:33:56 hours and 14 laps driven, the race car was parked in the pits due to a technical breakdown. The car was prepared by the team for the 2nd qualifying race during the night on Sunday.

Race 2: Further improvement in lap times.

On Sunday, the second qualifying race was held. This time the MINI John Cooper Works started from grid position 80. The #112 of Bulldog Racing finished the race after 3:08:41 hours in position 52, piloted by Markus Fischer (AUT) with a total of 12 laps and Uwe Krumscheid (GER) in another 5 laps. The best lap time was further improved to 9:53 minutes.

Quotes after the 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers.

Friedhelm Thelen, Head of Bulldog Racing: “We have already gained a lot of experience with the car during the short development phase of the MINI John Cooper Works. The two 3-hour qualifying races provide us with further, very valuable insights, which we will now use for further optimizations.”

Jens Dralle (GER): “I gained my first motorsport experience in 2010 on a MINI John Cooper Works as part of the MINI Challenge. I’m really looking forward to competing again in a MINI at the Nürburgring 24 Hours with Bulldog Racing.”

Uwe Krumscheid (GER): “The Nordschleife is my home track, I live less than 500 meters from it. The MINI John Cooper Works from Bulldog Racing is “Made in Nürburg” and comes from the neighbourhood. I’m looking forward to contesting my 16th 24h race at the Nürburgring with this special car.”

Markus Fischer (AUT): “The highlight of my 2022 season is participating in the 24h race. There is nothing better than a 24-hour race on the most feared track in the world. I’m really excited to be part of this project from MINI and enjoy being able to get involved in the fine-tuning.”

Danny Brink (GER): “As a counterpoint to everyday life, I’m always looking for challenges. Bulldog Racing’s project with the new MINI John Cooper Works combines a lot of Nordschleife know-how and is made for me, I’m looking forward to my 9th start in a 24h race at the Nürburgring.”

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