MotoringFile

Will Synthetic Fuel Save The Cars We Love?

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 02:14:46 GMT

With the sale of pure ICE engined cars being banned in some countries by 2030 (and hybrids by 2035) many are openly asking what the future holds for the cars we love. Whether they be brand new performance cars, classics or low volume automakers, a lot will be impacted by this shift to electric. Luckily we might have found a savior in something called synthetic fuel.

Porsche, Mclaren, Bentley and BMW’s iVentures is betting on it. But what is synthetic fuel and how will it play a role in our future?

Alongside the new GT3, Porsche announced that it will be the first manufacturer to begin trials of synthetic fuel beginning next year. Like BMW, Porsche has begun investing in the production of the fuels with an eye towards developing a production process and supporting global logistics. The idea is for these fuels to ultimately be distributed via current petrol stations (or perhaps Porsche dealers) worldwide by the end of the decade.

What about performance? We know that variations on petrol haven’t necessarily been great for most combustion engines – look no further than what ethanol blends have done. However that’s one of the more exciting things for enthusiasts. Synthetic fuel will offer perfect compatibility and zero performance loss. In fact early results show that synthetic fuels might even allow petrol power plants to produce slightly more power than standard fuels.

They’re even environmentally sound. Porsche’s synthetic fuel solution makes use of wind power to produce the fuel and ultimately produces 85% less CO2. And if you’re looking from a cradle to grave perspective in terms of the global impact, they might just be better for the environment than some electric cars (which often use rare earths in their production). The only downside (and it’s a big one) is price. There’s a fair chance that we’ll see synthetic fuels be priced ultimately as a luxury commodity given its intended market.

While the rise of the electric car is unstoppable, this development does give us hope that a more green world doesn’t mean the end of the internal combustion engine. While price might ultimately deter usage in some scenarios, it could at the very least allow the cars we love to live on.

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MINI Releases A Special Winter Tire for the MINI JCW GP

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 14:31:06 GMT

Hot off of our article praising the virtues of winter tires, MINI has released something special for JCW GP owners in the form special winter tires. The Winter i*cept evo 2 tires (195/45 R18 87H XL) come with unique 18” wheels that mimic the design of the original albeit in matte black and one inch smaller. They’re also 30mm narrower which gives the GP a bit of a WRC Swedish Rally look.

You can read all the official details below.

OFFICIAL RELEASE

Munich, Germany, February 17, 2021. It accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 265 km/h. The MINI John Cooper Works GP is the fastest model of the British premium brand ever to receive road approval. And this also applies in winter, of course. For this reason, MINI is offering winter tyres specially designed for this extreme athlete. The ultra-high performance tyres developed by tyre manufacturer Hankook for the cold season are ideally suited for enjoying the outstanding power and race feel of the MINI John Cooper Works GP even on snowy tracks.

Just like the summer tyres in the Ultra Ultra High Performance category specially tailored to the MINI John Cooper Works GP, the manufacturer Hankook also supplies the tyres for the cold season as an original equipment manufacturer. Winter i*cept evo 2 tyres, size: 195/45 R18 87H XL are available for the high-performance athlete. They are mounted on model-specific, 18-inch John Cooper Works light-alloy wheels. This combination ensures hallmark MINI agility and precise handling characteristics in demanding winter road conditions. In particular, an asymmetric tread design with specially shaped sipes and grooves optimises both traction and braking on snow-covered roads.

With the enhanced grip of its winter tyres, the MINI John Cooper Works GP, manufactured in a small series of just 3 000 units, is ideally equipped for excursions through snowy landscapes. Neither packed snow nor icy stretches of road nor wet and thawed roads can stop the irresistible forward momentum of this extreme athlete. The model-specific winter tyres ideally complement the suspension technology, which is perfectly tuned to the car’s high engine performance delivered thanks to the John Cooper Works racing expertise and the precisely tuned suspension control systems. Traction from a standing start is optimised, as well as driving stability during fast cornering manoeuvres.

The MINI John Cooper Works GP takes the premium small car performance experience to a whole new level. Its 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo technology generates a peak output of 225 kW/306 hp and a maximum torque of 450 Nm. This concentrated power is transmitted to the front wheels, which are fitted with the model-specific ultra-high-performance winter tyres, via an 8-speed Steptronic transmission, which ensures that the drive torque is converted into thrilling performance without any loss thanks to an integrated differential lock.

The mechanical differential lock is networked with the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) driving stability system and acts as a transverse lock to reduce the speed difference between the right and left front wheels. Under load demand, a blocking effect of up to 31 percent can be generated. The differential lock also counteracts a loss of traction when road friction varies. To achieve this it directs a higher proportion of the drive torque to the wheel with the better grip. This prevents the car from under or oversteering at an early stage.

The optimised grip properties of the winter tyres also make the MINI John Cooper Works GP’s sports braking system even more effective. The system features four-piston fixed-calliper disc brakes on the front wheels and single-piston fist-calliper disc brakes on the rear wheels.

The MINI John Cooper Works GP is not only a limited-edition rarity with racing genes, its roof spoiler with double-wing contour and its carbon-fibre wheel arch trims with matt CFRP visual finish and individual numbering also make it a fascinatingly exceptional vehicle. Thanks to the new winter tyres, there is now no reason for the most extreme athlete in the MINI model range to spend the cold season in the garage.

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Let’s Talk About Winter Tires And MINIs

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 18:30:51 GMT

Snow seems to be everywhere this winter. From the UK to the southern US we’ve seen an abundance of the white stuff over the past few months. Here in Chicago we’ve gotten 24” in less than 24 hours. But for those of us who have to (or are excited to) venture out into the snow, there’s an cheat code: winter tires. What are winter tires and why do you need them? Surprisingly the answer isn’t only snow. How do we know? One winter we were forced to find out.

If you’ve been following MotoringFile for any time you’ll know we are big proponents of winter tires for climates that see cold temperatures and snow fall. But one aspect that gets missed about winter tires is that they’re not just designed for snow. Modern winter tires are created with compounds that adhere to the road no matter how cold temperatures get. Compare that to summer tires which not only have no grip in snow but little to know grip on dry cold pavement as well.

24 inches in 24 hours and despite it all out 2021 JCW Countryman has been unstoppable.

Summer in the Winter Doesn’t Work

Having to deal with a front wheel drive car with summer tires through a Chicago winter doesn’t fall into the fun category. With big blocks of tread that don’t adhere well to anything below 40F, summer tires simply aren’t intended to ever deal with the white stuff (let alone the cold stuff). Why? Winter tires work due to more flexible sidewalls, winter tread patterns, deeper tread depth, and most importantly, rubber compounds that remain soft in the lowest temperatures. In other words chemistry.

A few years back we ended up with Summer tires on your F56 Cooper S for longer than we’d like one winter. Due to a mix-up we soldiered through hoping that relatively small size 195 width would help. It didn’t. Our Goodyear summer tires simply could not dig into snow no matter what the depth. While they had better lateral grip than we would have expected (thank God) the ability to get off the line was all but zero in snowy conditions. Serious skill was required to do pretty much anything from starting at a light to parallel parking. Luckily we had our own snow package which consisted of the largest possible square-point shovel that would fit in the boot.

Our 2015 Cooper S which which kept things lively with summers all winter.

In case you skipped to the end, the official MotoringFile position is pretty clear. We don’t recommend summer tires in winter weather. That means any environment that is consistently below 40F and gets any kind of freezing precipitation.

Winter Tires or All Seasons?

This is pretty simple. All seasons are ok at everything and great at nothing. If you can afford the hassle and extra cash, we would highly recommend a set of dedicated summer and winter tires if you live in an environment that gets any type of snow or the cold dips regularly below 40.

On-top of Mt Hood at the F60 Countryman launch with all-seasons.

Our Winter Tires Recommendation

There are plenty of good snow tire options out there. In our experience if you live in an area that gets a fair amount of snow and care about dry performance, the Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 is a good bet. We prefer it over the LM-32s we have on our current JCW Countryman as they deliver better non-snow performance while being respectable in snow. But there are plenty of other newer options out like the Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4 or the runflat Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D DSST.

What makes all of these tires great (and pretty much all winter tires for that matter) is the use of a winter ready compound that features a hydrophilic coating and microscopic bite particles that are meant to absorb water and create grip through snow. But beyond working in snow this combination allows the compound to remain flexible and maintain grip in temperatures well below-freezing. That last bit is just as important as snow performance as much of our Chicago winters are spent on dry cold roads.

Our 2017 JCW Clubman with Blizzak WS80s.

Winter tires coupled with the JCW Countryman all wheel drive system you tend to feel invisible in most scenarios. The combination plays along nicely with near seamless torque transitions from front to back and side to side. The best part however is the fact that up to 80% of torque can be routed to the rear wheels giving the JCW Countryman (and Clubman) the ability to quickly pivot from understeer to oversteer if provoked. Not a bad trick for empty snow-covered country roads.

Our windswept 2017 JCW Clubman

Our recommendation is rather simple. If you live in an area that regularly gets snow and can afford to have two sets of tires, get winter tires. Summer tires are ideal for temps above 40 degrees and winter tires are ideal for temps below. It’s really that simple. And all-season tires (as good as they have gotten) aren’t great at anything. So if you want your MINI to have the ultimate no matter what the weather, consider dedicated summer and winter tires.

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MotoringFile’s MINI Podcast: Patrick McKenna MINI USA Head of Product

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 19:01:29 GMT

Welcome to MotoringFile’s MINI Podcast A few weeks back I sat down with Department Head or Marketing, Product, Events and Strategy MINI USA to talk all things MINI. While this was recorded just before the recent F56 LCI debuted, there was a lot to discuss over the last ten years that Pat has been with the brand. We touched on everything from the revised Countryman, Oxford Edition, the history of diesels and even how close MINI USA came to offering steel wheels on some models.

It’s a must hear interview for any MINI fan but especially those of you who (like us) find the product development side of MINI absolutely fascinating.

You night also notice the name. With Whiteroofradio on a bit of a break we’re starting a series simply called the MINI Podcast as a place to publish some of the hours and hours of audio we’ve collected over the years. Whether they be our own reviews or interviews with MINI designers and executives, this channel is a place we’ll be adding more content in the weeks and months ahead.

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MINI USA Postpones MTTS to 2022

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 17:35:36 GMT

In the wake of COVID, MINI USA made the smart move and postponed the MTTS 2020 early last spring. This year they’re not even waiting that long. Due to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, MINI USA is once again pushing back MTTS, this time to 2022. Earlier today head of MINI USA Mike Peyton made the announcement on YouTube that MTTS has been delayed but not cancelled.

In it’s place MINI USA will be hosting a series of virtual and remote community events throughout 2021. You can watch the official announcement below.

The last MTTS (2018) attracted more than 3,600 MINI owners who took part in the Rally to the Rockies, with 1,000+ MINIs on the road each day. The two groups drove on two separate routes, one starting in Orlando, Fla., and the other in Portland, Ore., converging in Keystone, Colo., for a three-day festival of all things MINI. The group of MINI owners travelled a total of more than 5,000 miles through 15 cities and 14 states. At times the group swelled to more than 1,000 owners and 500 vehicles of all shapes, colors and sizes on each route.

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MINI is Looking for MINI Love Stories

Fri, 12 Feb 2021 22:33:08 GMT

MINI USA has launched a new campaign centered around love. Or MINI love stories to be exact. Here’s the idea. MINI USA wants to hear about those out there that have come together thanks to MINI. Whether it be the cars, the events or just a chance meeting at a dealer. MINI wants to hear about these stories. Here’s what you can do

Submissions for #MINILoveStories kicks off on Valentine’s Day, Sunday, February 14, and will be accepted through March 12. The couples will then be highlighted in conjunction with Great Lovers Day on April 2 on all MINI USA social channels. All you have to do is share your story using the the #MINILoveStories hashtag!

OFFICIAL RELEASE: MINI Love Stories

On the occasion of Valentine’s Day, MINI USA is calling on couples who met because of MINI to share their stories as part of the MINI Love Stories initiative. MINI USA, a brand known for bringing people together through its passionate owner community, is interested in collecting these stories to highlight the MINI spirit and community is all about love: love of driving, love of each other and love of the road.

From February 14th to March 14th, MINI USA is asking MINI owners who met because of MINI, or MINI has played a significant role in their relationship, to share their stories via social media with the hashtag #MINILoveStories. A member of the MINI USA team will be in touch shortly after to hear more about their story.

“At MINI, love runs deep. Our owners are passionate about their cars, they love to drive, they love to get together and rally, and sometimes they even fall in love with each other! Their mutual love of MINI brought them together and keeps their bond strong,” said Rah Mahtani, Brand Communications Manager, MINI USA. “We’ve even had several weddings take place at our owner events throughout the years. We know there are a lot of these stories out there and we want to hear them!”

MINI couples can share anecdotes by video, photos or text. These stories will be collected and showcased to the MINI community on Great Lovers Day on April 2 and later this year as part of a broader campaign that highlights the joy and happiness that comes with of being part of the MINI community.

An overarching theme of the #MINILoveStories initiative is that we are all different, but we are better together. The ethos of MINI has always been to express individuality, which has built a strong community of people with their own perspectives united by a common interest, their MINIs. And MINI has always had a strong connection with love: just look at some stories from past MINI TAKES THE STATES events!

Submissions for #MINILoveStories kicks off on Valentine’s Day, Sunday, February 14, and will be accepted through March 12. The couples will then be highlighted in conjunction with Great Lovers Day on April 2. Keep an eye on MINI USA’s social channels for updates.

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MINI UK Announces Shadow Edition Countryman & Clubman

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 00:05:15 GMT

MINI UK has annoucned a Shadow Edition Countryman & Clubman for the UK market. The special edition is 100% cosmetic but what it lacks in mechanical upgrades it makes up for in visuals. In fact this may be the best looking special edition Countryman and Clubman to date in our eyes.

Made from a mix of Cooper S and JCW options and trim, the Shadow Edition adds a unique design to the interior and exterior that is one of MINI”s most aggressive cosmetic editions to date.

It’s unclear if we’ll see this edition in the US or European markets but if it happens, you’ll hear about it here first.

OFFICIAL RELEASE

MINI announces the new Shadow Edition for the MINI Clubman and MINI Countryman, designed exclusively for the UK market. The MINI Shadow Edition includes a higher standard specification across both models, as well as edition-exclusive bonnet design and decals.

The new Shadow Edition has Midnight Black Metallic exterior body paint, with contrasting Silver roof and mirror caps and a Piano Black exterior, creating a dramatic and streamlined look.

Customers can choose between the Cooper and Cooper S engines, in both manual and automatic transmission, with the All4 Plug-in Hybrid also available on MINI Countryman.

Based on the Sport trim level, the Shadow Edition exterior features include 19” John Cooper Works Circuit Spoke alloy wheels, John Cooper Works aerodynamic kit including John Cooper Works spoiler, and LED front and rear lights.

The special edition has a graphic on the bonnet and the A-panel, while the lower roof features the Shadow logo. Black roof rails are offered as standard to customers selecting the MINI Countryman, and as an option for those choosing MINI Clubman.

Inside, the Shadow Edition has Anthracite headlining and a Piano Black trim and both the dash trim and tread plates also feature additional graphics. The model also has John Cooper Works sport seats and a sports leather steering wheel with contrast stitching in Chili Red.

Continuing the high standard specification, the Shadow Edition comes equipped with the new 5.5-inch Digital Display Cockpit, Bluetooth with USB audio, Rear Park Distance Control, Interior Lights Pack and MINI Driving Modes, allowing drivers to switch between Sport, Mid and Green settings.

The MINI Excitement Pack, including MINI logo projection and LED mood lighting, and Navigation Pack, offering an 8.8-inch display with MINI Navigation, Real Time Traffic Information (RTTI), Apple CarPlay and Intelligent Emergency Calling, both come as standard. Comfort Pack, Comfort Plus Pack and Navigation Plus Pack, which includes Wireless Charging and Head Up Display, are optional.

The MINI Shadow Edition is available to order now from retailers nationwide, with first customer deliveries in April 2021. Prices start from £26,805 RRP for the MINI Clubman and £28,755 RRP for the MINI Countryman. For more information visit www.mini.co.uk.

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The First Paddy Hopkirk Edition Delivered to a Very Special MINI Fan

Sun, 07 Feb 2021 22:32:15 GMT

Eighteen years ago MINI USA debuted the MC40. The very first special edition of the new MINI, the MC40 celebrated the 40th anniversary of legendary rally driver Paddy Hopkirk’s Monte Carlo victory. It was a polarizing car at the time but one that has aged Well in our eyes. Now MINI is back for its follow-up with the Paddy Hopkirk Edition. And this past week the very first cars were delivered in the US. And not just to any customer but to Simon Tildesley, a MINI owner with who’s worked with some of the most iconic automakers in the world (as well as being president of NORCAL MINIs). But before we get to Simon let’s talk about this car.

Like the MC40, the outside of the Paddy Hopkirk Edition is finished in Chili Red/White along with various unique exterior additions (black Track Spoke wheels, black trim, hood scoop, badging and door handles). Perhaps most noticeable will be the giant 37 decal (paying homage to the famous rally car) and badging. Although unlike the MC40, this version is a bit more subtle.

While the first delivery of a special edition is always notable, it’s made even more so by who’s getting it. Arranged with the help of MINI USA, Simon took delivery of his Paddy Hopkirk Edition last week at East Bay MINI alongside his son who (as luck would have it) owns an original MC40. Simon is no stranger to the brand having owned numerous classic and modern MINIs. Perhaps more interesting, Simon was on the original team at Rover doing quality assurance on the R50 as it went through final engineering.

As you can imagine he has plenty of stories from that time period. We spoke over video chat about one in particular involving the transition of the new MINI project from Rover to BMW control. “What a lot of people don’t realize is the R50 and R53 were mostly done in England. Those cars were special.” However the transition from Rover to BMW control was sudden and a bit shocking. “I got a call one morning tell me that everyone’s been laid off. And if you want your job there’s a one-way ticket to Munich for you. I took it and ended up working with Frank Stephenson and all the designers closely as we finalized the design into production. But the most incredible thing was that the move from Longbridge to Oxford was done in two weeks. The speed and efficiency of that sudden change shocked us all.”

After leaving MINI, Simon went onto work for everyone from Bentley to Tata and even helped with the interior of the absolutely insane Aston Martin Cygnet. He then ended up at Tesla helping to sort out the early Model S quality issues before eventually leaving for Lucid Motors where he’s at today.

Through it all he’s remained a massive MINI fan and the history of the brand.

“When I read about the UK launch, I immediately called Eastaby MINI and got the early word that they’re coming to the US. I told them I don’t care about cost or timing, I want one,” he explained.

“Honestly I wasn’t a huge fan of the newer F cars until now. The Gen 1 had its issues but that engine was so great. The gen 1 has more links to the original. I also have the R59 Roadster and I love it but it’s such a different car. I’ve modded my R53 so much that I decided to go the other direction with the R59 because I wanted it as more of a daily driver.”

As much as he’s a fan of the classic and the R53, this new Paddy Hopkirk Edition will be special. “I’m really looking forward to the new one. The performance and quality is on another level and I love the look of this edition.”

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MINI’s New Multitone Roof in Detail

Fri, 05 Feb 2021 15:51:36 GMT

MINI’s new Multitone roof is another example of how the brand strives to be different. That differentiation has been important to owners as they look to make a style statement or simply stand-out in a sea of drab mid-sized crossovers. A key part of that differentiation has been the iconic contrast roof. For decades the contrast roof has been an iconic option in the MINI design palette that made the cars stand out and truly look different. And MINI customers have loved it as the desire for customization and new design ideas have grown over the last decade. And other automakers have taken note and have begun offering their own contrast roofs on all types of cars and crossovers. So what can MINI do to further differniate itself?

Enter the Multitone roof on the refreshed 2022 MINI. The brand knew it had to create something different. In my recent conversation with the Head of MINI Design Oliver Heilmer, the ideas started as a concept three years ago.

The Multitone roof came from a design concept three years ago. We asked; is a contrast roof still unique? If not what else can we do? To bring the idea to life we worked directly with Oxford – something we really enjoyed. And we’ve learned a lot in terms of colors in the process!
Oliver Heilmer, Head of MINI Design

The multitone top is a wet on wet paint job that is the first of its kind in the industry. This first Multitone Roof is a color gradient of Soul Blue, Pearly Aqua, and Jet Black (combined with black mirror caps). However MINI has given us indications that, if the option is popular, other combinations will follow.

This paint process is the first in the industry. As it involves painting layers on wet paint every single one will be subtly unique to the car.

Above all else the new Multitone roof shows the innovation that Plant Oxford is capable of and points to more of these type of options in the future.

The Multitone roof is available on the F56 Cooper, Cooper S and Cooper SE (with and without sunroofs. Market pricing of the option will be announced shortly.

MINI Multitone Roof Gallery

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See the Original Design Sketches Of the 2022 MINI Refresh

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 22:40:40 GMT

The 2022 MINI refresh is a big one and we’re taking you to its inception. The idea for a 2nd refresh (or LCI) started way back in October of 2017. The decision had been made to delay the introduction of the fourth generation MINI due to a change in strategy and a new partner. MINI knew a fairly rigorous refresh was in order to keep the current hatch and convertible feeling fresh well past its original seven year model cycle. What you see here is the result of that thinking.

These initial sketches show how the concept went from vision to reality in just a few years. The visual differences are dramatic and create a more minimal yet aggressive look. The front of the car has been simplified by the reduction of the lower lights (which are now integrated into the standard LEDs) and the center crash structure has been made body colored. The “mouth” is now larger but also a bit better integrated into the shape of the car itself – especially on the Cooper S and JCW models.

The sketches illustrate some of the ideas even a bit more than the press photos we’ve seen. For instance the concept behind the JCW’s front bumper is more obvious here as you can clearly see the dimension better than in the Rebel Green F56 and F57 we’ve seen.

Check out the original sketches below and then with the finished product. And let us know what you think in the comments below. Did MINI achieve its vision in this refresh?

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MINI to Eliminate Leather interiors

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 15:09:26 GMT

In our recent conversation with Oliver Heilmer he spoke about the future of the brand in regards to sustainability and how that is influencing future design decisions. In an interview with Autocar this week he’s gone further and given us some details of how future MINIs will change one long held tradition in the automotive world; leather interiors.

We’ve heard veiled comments previously about less leather in future MINIs but this is the first time that anyone from MINI go on record with such specificity. Put plainly MINI plans to eliminate leather in future models. When leather options will be phased out is still unclear but much like the brand eventually going all electric, it will also go all vegan.

Heilmer explained; “we don’t need leather any more in the future, because we don’t believe it’s sustainable,” he said. “We’re totally convinced that we will have modern and high-value products without leather.”

Perhaps inspired by BMW’s i3, MINI has quietly been altering materials for years in an effort to be more sustainable.

“The fabric in the production seats is now 100% recycled,’ Heilmer explained. The lining underneath is 70% recycled. We’re looking to create a timeless design. A one-season design, like fashion, isn’t our aim with the design of future Minis. It’s inventive simplicity. Materials will be recycled, but they’re luxurious at the same time. And inventive in terms of function. For instance, we used cork in the Urbanaut [concept]. The aesthetics will be coming more from a home perspective, rather than an automotive one.”

Look for these changes to begin with the next generation MINI range that debuts in late 2023.

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Fewer Competitors & Larger Cars Could Lead to More MINI USA Sales

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 19:35:36 GMT

Automotive News recently interviewed Jason Willis, chairman of the Mini National Dealer Council on the group’s outlook for the brand. The key takeaway from the interview is that there’s a big opportunity with MINI as a small car brand in the US. To put plainly, he sees an opportunity for greater MINI USA sales as the brand becomes more unique in offering small cars in the US market.

With direct competitors such as the Volkswagen Beetle being discontinued, and Ford, General Motors and other automakers paring car lineups and leaning on SUVs and crossovers, Mini has a chance to start rebuilding its volume, says Willis, dealer principal at Mini of Des Moines in Iowa.

Additionally this is also an opportunity to “slightly reposition the brand with sticker prices closer to actual transaction prices”, according to Willis.

Dealer Wishlist: Something Larger Than the Countryman

We’ve heard this for years but one thing dealers are clamoring for is a larger crossover with more rear space.

“One of the things we noticed with our guests is that they buy the car when they are in their 20s when they are single or newly married. Then they have kids, and the back seat space just gets a little too tight. Then we lose our guests until they become empty nesters,” he said. “If we could get something a little bigger than the Countryman … I believe we would be able to keep a lot more of our family-stage customers.”

MINI Sales & Realistic Pricing

Willis goes on to say that the Oxford Edition of the F56 Hardtop, which starts at at $20,600, including shipping, “is an example of how the brand’s 117 U.S. dealers can sell premium small cars profitably.”

“If there is anything pushing the Mini owner away, it’s the MSRP,” he said. “It has been pushed too far up the scale, and I believe that is one of the biggest things that the council is working on, getting the MSRP of the vehicles at the price where they are actually selling, not with discounts and incentives but what the Mini brand is retailing at.”

Will dealers get all that they need? We do know that a larger MINI is coming (slotted above the current Countryman) and that MINI USA is seeing success with the value priced Oxford Editions (having recently released a Countryman version). If anything what Willis speaks to in this interview very much hints at the future of the brand in the US. Yes the core hardtop should get slightly smaller in its next generation. But the core of MINI USA is quickly moving to slightly larger crossovers with value priced editions to keep younger customers with small families in the brand.

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MINI’s Urban-X Accelerator Debuts Start-up Tackling Climate Change, Connectivity, Mobility ...

Sun, 31 Jan 2021 18:59:24 GMT

OFFICIAL RELEASE

URBAN-X, the leading urban technology startup accelerator backed by MINI and Urban Us, today unveiled its ninth cohort of early-stage startups building solutions to improve city life. The eight startups are developing new technologies across transportation and mobility, energy and the grid, the built environment and disaster preparedness.

The newest cohort comes at a pivotal moment, as city, state and federal leaders work to recover from a year full of challenges and look to implement resiliency-focused solutions. The founders in Cohort 09 are building technologies to increase sustainable transportation, support a transition to clean energy, improve disaster preparedness and combat loneliness. A video of these innovative startups can be viewed here.

“At URBAN-X, we are committed to Founders building solutions for our biggest challenges, and making city life brighter,” said Micah Kotch, Managing Director, URBAN-X. “In the face of a warming climate, and historic social and economic challenges brought on by the pandemic, we are proud to welcome this new cohort of startups, and we look forward to working side-by-side on their journey to product-market fit.”

The eight companies will be immersed in a 20-week intensive virtual accelerator program, during which they will receive support with customer development, product development, network-building and successful go-to-market strategies, all in preparation for fundraising. Throughout the duration of the program, companies have access to URBAN-X’s expansive network of global experts, including world-class engineers and designers from the BMW Group. The program will culminate in a Demo Day this Spring where teams will present their solutions to investors, policymakers, customers and the general public.

The complete list of URBAN-X Cohort 09 companies includes:

Builders Patch: data platform and marketplace for affordable and multifamily housing
Domatic: product that centralizes AC/DC conversion at the source to pave the way for widespread solar-powered future that relies on DC
Dorothy: machine learning platform improving disaster risk analysis at the property level
OneRoof: a community building and resilience communications platform
Oonee: protected bike parking operator and ecommerce platform for micromobility related services
Origen: low-cost hardware for green hydrogen production for heavy-duty vehicles, industry, and for long-term back-up power
Singularity: AI- and data-powered carbon intelligence and forecasting platform
Urbio: software empowering cities and utilities to plan for and design the energy transition

Building upon its foundation of innovating sustainable mobility for city dwellers, MINI launched URBAN-X in 2016 as part of their innovation and brand strategy practice focused on improving city life. Now in its fifth year, URBAN-X has 65 companies in its portfolio, with 85% of companies having gone on to raise their next round of capital.

“MINI was built upon a foundation of innovating sustainable mobility for city dwellers, and today, continues to take bold steps in creating an electrified future and pushing new sustainability measures that help improve city life,” said Bernd Körber, Head of MINI. “We are thrilled to invest in the founders in Cohort 09 and to support these exceptional entrepreneurs along their journeys.”

“The pandemic has not slowed urbanization, but it has revealed major opportunities to revisit some of the most persistent city challenges such as affordable housing, use of public spaces and increasing transportation options,” said Shilpi Kumar, URBAN-X Venture Partner at Urban Us. “The last few months have seen significant increases in global commitments to climate action. We’re excited to do our part as we begin our eighth year as a fund helping founders build startups to reduce GHG emissions and increase resilience. ”

The post MINI’s Urban-X Accelerator Debuts Start-up Tackling Climate Change, Connectivity, Mobility & Urban Living appeared first on MotoringFile.

The New Technology & Features of the 2022 MINI Refresh

Fri, 29 Jan 2021 19:47:27 GMT

The 2022 MINI refresh isn’t just about design. There are actually a fair amount of new technology and features that will be rolled out in conjunction with the revised line-up. And when we say line-up we mean the entire line-up. Yes some of this new tech will also debut on the Clubman and Countryman starting with March production. So what’s new beyond the look? Lets dive into the details.

Heated Steering Wheel

After years of fielding requests, MINI is finally offering a headed steering wheel. For cold weather markets (especially on the Convertible) this has been a highly anticipated option that had been rumored for years. But it’s not just on the refreshed models. Starting with March 2021 production MINI will offer a single stage heated steering wheel across its entire range. The system is operated via a small switch on the left side of the steering column.

Lane departure warning

For the 2022 MINI refresh, the brand will offer a Driver Assistance Package, available as an optional extra for the MINI 3-door, the MINI 5-door and the MINI Convertible. The key new feature for MINI here is lane departure warning. This new technology helps the driver stay safely in their lanes between
70 KPH and 210 KPH. To prevent unintentional lane departure, the system registers markings at the edge of the lane and alerts the driver if there is a risk of deviation by vibrating the steering wheel. Unlike some BMW systems this version of Lake Departure Warning will not steer for you or tug at the wheel to correct.

New Active Cruise Control – featuring Stop & Go

This upgraded option is available for the first time for the MINI 3-door, the MINI 5-door and the MINI Convertible starting with March production.

The new Active Cruise Control (which is included in the Driver Assistance Package Plus) now also offers a Stop & Go function in conjunction with an automatic transmission. It automatically maintains the desired speed and the distance to vehicles ahead in four stages. The system uses data registered by the front camera installed in the upper part of the windscreen frame to adjust speed and distance according to the situation. The combined speed and distance control can be used in the range between 30 and 140 km/h. If necessary, the system can brake the vehicle to a standstill. To start up again from a standstill, you only need to briefly depress the accelerator pedal. This feature will eventually find its way to the F54 Clubman and F60 Countryman.

The New Driver Assistance Package(s)

The Driver Assistance Package includes Park Distance Control with sensors at the rear and the rear-view camera, as well as cruise control with braking function and Driving Assistant including the new lane departure warning. With the Driver Assistance Package Plus, these functions are supplemented by the Parking Assistant and Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function.

Electronic Parking Brake

In the US market, all MINIs with automatic transmissions will get an electric parking brake as standard. It is activated and released with a button on the centre console as we’ve seen in the Clubman and Countryman previously. The best news to us is that models with a manual transmission retain the standard parking brake so e-brake turns are still on the menu for those that want them.

New MINI operating system with additional
connectivity features.

The operating system of the MINI 3-door, MINI 5-door and MINI Convertible has been updated with a new visual design and interface. That new interface includes widgets which allow for quicker control of the audio system, hands-free telephone system, navigation and apps. The screen display with symbols and white text on new colour backgrounds has a very different look that in our eyes feels more modern and inline with the type of design we see in apps and newer digital experiences.

The desired menu items are displayed as “live widgets“ and can be opened by swiping the touchscreen, whereupon they are shown in enlarged form in the centre of the display. .

Advanced connectivity features, audio and navigation features are combined
in three further equipment packages that build on each other. The multifunctional instrument display, MINI Connected, ConnectedDrive and Remote Services are all components of the Connected Media package. The Connected Navigation Package adds the MINI navigation system including Real Time Traffic Information and Apple CarPlay preparation. The Connected Navigation Plus package also adds MINI Connected XL, Concierge Services, MINI Head-Up Display and telephony with wireless charging. Note some of the details of these packages might change based on specific markets.

The new MINI App.

The new MINI App offers an advanced user experience that is designed to be more intuitive while offering more functionality. It allows drivers to contact their MINI at any time, for example to see information on the car‘s status or to prepare for a trip. The MINI App, which can currently be downloaded free of charge from the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store in 30 European countries as well as in South Korea, serves as a universal interface between the smartphone or other personal devices and the car.

The new app carries over all the functionality of the previous app (like fuel level, navigation integration and location) but also adds the ability to lock and unlock doors. Service appointments can also be arranged very conveniently using the MINI App. Model-specific MINI Electric services are another component of the app. The charging process can also be controlled from a distance and – depending on the time of year – the auxiliary heating or auxiliary air conditioning of the MINI Cooper SE can be activated. By mid-2021, the MINI App will be available in more than 40 countries and 23 languages including the North American market.

Interior Design & Functionality Improvements

At first glance, the 2022 interior seems very similar to what came before it. However look again and the array of detail updates MINI has introduced become evident. Fewer joins and buttons give the cabin a more clean and modern feel. The clear cockpit layout with new multi-function steering wheel integrates more functions yet reduces the number of control surfaces. The digital instrument cluster on the steering column and iconic central instrument with all-new user interface point the way into the brand’s digital age.

One feature that you can’t see is the use of 100% recycled material for the surfaces of the Light Checkered design sports seats

Improved Ambient Lighting

MINI has increased the amount of ambient lighting, adding a light strip in the dash (below the trim and above the belt-line) and in the doors. Additionally these lights respond to driving modes “Lounge” and “Sport” directly to further the concept of how those modes change not just the driving experience but the cabin environment as well.

The post The New Technology & Features of the 2022 MINI Refresh appeared first on MotoringFile.

Interview: Oliver Heilmer, Head of MINI Design on the 2022 MINI Refresh & a Smaller Future

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 23:01:00 GMT

Head of MINI Design Oliver Heilmer is an incredibly thoughtful and considerate designer. You can see it in the decisions he and his team have made with the highly anticipated refresh of the current small car line-up announced this week. So when the subject turns to the size of front overhang on the current car, he chooses his words carefully.

“It’s one of my main tasks to get (the overhang) more properly inline with typical MINI proportions,” Heilmer told us. But action is not just words and you could tell this was a personal pain point of his.

“With the current MINI, the platform dictates that we can’t change much. And yes crash requirements are getting harder and harder to comply with. And to change the overhang in the current chassis, it’s unfortunately not possible. But still we pushed things. For example we wondered if the positioning and fog lights are still required with the improved LED lights? Then we began to look at how aero could be improved in that area. So in the end we did shorten the overhang in that area despite the chassis.”

This dedication is born out of a true love of the MINI brand. In Heilmer the brand has a head of MINI design that is not just committed to the heritage of the brand but the future of it.

No one expected the original MINI. Issigonis started with something totally new and original. Part of the heritage of the MINI brand is change.
Oliver Heilmer, Head of MINI Design

On the eve of the LCI a launch we sat down with Oliver Heilmer to talk about all things MINI from the new LCI to where the brand is going and what it’s inspired by.

MotoringFile: What have you done with this new LCI to change the proportions or visual enhance them?

Oliver Heilmer: The side marker is a good example as we used LED technology to reduce the visual size. We also eliminated the lower lights which allow us to improve aero and reduce that part of the bumper. So that area we actually did shorten the overhang slightly.

MF: What is it like to work with a brand that has a such a strict design language?

OH: It’s something I take very seriously and have since the day I started in 2017. I’m not asked to preserve what’s given, but to define the future of the MINI brand. So keeping what is iconic but also seeking out what is new.

But iconic doesn’t always mean from the past. One example that wasn’t an iconic until recently are the Union Jack taillights… and now it’s a new iconic element for the brand.

Personally I’m such a strong MINI fan… I’m probably the toughest in terms of trying to preserve the classic MINI elements. So I’m always asking how far we can go while preserving the brand as we know it.

MF: How do you design with a clean sheet of paper while using a common platform that is designed for both BMWs and MINI?

OH: For one we have to try to stop the growing and growing with every generation. It’s my job to dial that wheel back into a small approach and into opimizting proportions.

But you have to look at MINI in the context of the entire car industry. Despite the growth MINI is still very small and often the smallest in each category.

I would choose to always work on a brand that’s strong than invent something that’s new. Part of the heritage of the brand is change.

No one expected the original Mini when it launched. Alec Issigonis started with something totally new and original. It was so original that I could imagine if there was social media in 1959, people would been asking… is this even a car?

MF: Tell us where the idea for the multi-tone roof came from?

OH: The inspiration stated 3 years ago. It come from a design concept… we asked is a contrast roof still unique? If not what else can we do? To bring the idea to life we worked directly with Oxford – something we really enjoyed. We’ve learned a lot in terms of colors in the process!

MF: Where do you see inspiration in reducing elements and simplification?

OH: Everything is getting more intense in terms of inspiration. I carry two phone with me and we all have so many devices. Yet you often feel like you need to calm down. Yes devices are becoming simpler (no button on an iPhone etc). But focusing on what’s important.. .this is a trend we see emerging. From one year to another it’s a wish of everyone.

In the furniture industry we already see this concept happening. But it’s not to leave things out but focusing on the details that remain.

I tried to reduce MINIs design exactly for that reason. The elements that are still there are important. And we need to pay much more attention on what matters in order to enhance what matters for the customer. It’s not a new idea. We’re always reflecting on the first Mini in 1959 and trying to analyze what the first Mini had and if that’s something we need to have in the future.

We look at what’s is ornamental and what do we need to take out? There’s still a need for differentiation between models… but on the other hand looking into each of those characters, we need to try to reduce things as much possible.

You see this in the LCI in the interior where we tried to reduce shut lines and eliminate small parts.

It’s often the past that inspires us. We actually looked at the 8 track player recently. They are so simple! There’s so much love in those details. It’s not necessarily in design perspective but functional perspective. They just work. It’s exactly what we are trying to achieve.

MF: How does feedback from customers reflect in MINIs design?

OH: The recent feedback is generally good. But there was feedback that the inside appeared too complicated. So we simplified things… the center vents are integrated and the switches are one surface.

The steering wheel didn’t feel that modern. So we cleaned it up as much as possible to coincide with new functionality. With these change we took the chance to reduce the interior visually as well. Same goes for the exterior which was really about reduction.

MF: What is essential and non-negotiable in terms of MINI design?

OH: We’ve looked at everything. We’ve even looked at … do we need round headlights? What if we got rid of everything? We’re constantly working with engineering, marketing and even customers when we think about the future. Within that process we’re coming conclusions on what elements are non negotiable. And since MINI isn’t one car, it’s not always one answer.

The hatch there’s a lot of things I don’t want to touch because of how iconic it is. We’re adjusting those elements in the future but not eliminating them. In the Countryman there could be a different approach.

But it’s a process that starts with this refresh and something we’re working on now for the next generation MINI.

MF: How does electrification help design?

OH: First of all there’s the proportion. We’re looking into the future… with electrification it’s a perfect match with the brand. In fact I believe it’s a given for MINI to be electrified.

For the current Mini Cooper SE customer they have told us they like the car as is. They don’t want a spaceship. Instead we focused on the small details on that car in this LCI.

With a new architecture you’re getting rid of the constraints you had in the past. The result will be a revolution in detail and more of an evolution in the big picture of the design. With a new architecture you’re getting rid of the constraints you had in the past. The result will be a revolution in detail and more of an evolution in the big picture of the design.

MF: How does MINI reflect on models that didn’t work like the Paceman, the Coupe and the Roadster?

OH: In developing the brand for the future we believe in seeking out the characters that illustrate what the brand can be.

We did an analysis on the Paceman, Spyder and Coupe to try to understand if was a conceptual issue or if it was a design issue… or perhaps they weren’t not differentiated enough?

I believe from a design POV they are beautiful and they fit perfectly into what MINI was at that time. But two door concepts are becoming less and less successful. That’s true everywhere. Especially with two seaters. The market was shrinking and continues to shrink further today. But that’s my guess personally.

In the future we’re looking at many characters and possibilities of what customers will want. But we are very keen on expierimenting. You need to seek out and touch areas that will cause people to say… this is definitely not a MINI anymore. I’m sure that was the reaction of the first countryman… but that didn’t stop us.

In the end we need to expand the brand to a wider footprint without losing its soul.

MF: how do you make the infotainment system simple with so much functionality.

OH: For car manufacturers, it’s really tough to keep the pace with mobile manufactures. We need to be automotive-grade so it all has to work at -30c as well as 80c.

And the systems are getting more complex. But the user interface needs to appear less complex. One area that we’ve done this is the live widgets that we’re offering in the new 2022 MINIs. It’s a type of interaction you might already be used to with your mobile device. If someone wants to dig deeper there’s a normal menu structure underneath but we tried to combine as much functionality as possible. So if you’re going to sport mode, the ambient light changes along with it.

MF: When did the idea of a second LCI first come up and why was it needed?

OH: It’s a bit foggy but I think around 10/17. When we started project it was a tough one. The car is already pretty good. But within the process we realized there were potential opportunities to revise things.

The substance in the current platform is pretty good and the quality is perfect. But from a design perspective we needed subtle modernization to keep it at the level of the rest of the market (even though we say it has its own market).

So we knew we needed a second LCI. But It’s not just a new look… it’s a technical LCI as well. It’s important that we keep these cars competitive and that’s why the management decided to go for a second LCI. As you see it’s still a MINI but more modern. Or as modern as we’re able to be until the new platform.

The post Interview: Oliver Heilmer, Head of MINI Design on the 2022 MINI Refresh & a Smaller Future appeared first on MotoringFile.

First Look: the Refreshed 2022 JCW MINI

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 17:44:12 GMT

The visual changes from the new 2022 MINI JCW refresh are significant and aggressive. Those are the two words that we kept coming back to seeing the car the first time. And seeing them compared to the Cooper and Cooper S it’s clear that the MINI Design Team has worked hard to create a greater distinction between the normal line-up and the hottest MINIs.

As with the rest of the range the front of the car has been simplified by the reduction of the lower lights (which are now integrated into the standard LEDs). However unlike the rest of the range that features a body colored center crash structure, the JCW uses the typical hexagon pattern from top to bottom. That’s created the illusion of a larger intake (it’s not) and a more aggressive car (it is).

In some ways we actually prefer the Cooper S design as it’s more honest about the form vs function in the bumper. But the aesthetics of the 2022 JCW MINI are hard to argue with given the brand’s heritage. And if you don’t like the black mustache look of the Cooper S, the JCW fixes that by making the entire front portion black.

Around back we see MINI’s most aggressive take on a rear defuser we’ve ever seen in this generation. It’s not clear it’s functional but it clearly signals the car’s place on the performance ladder for the brand.

On the whole this is a one by MINI to further differentiate the JCW sub-brand through design. It’s a critique we’ve had since the very first factory JCW (the R56 JCW) was launched in 2008. In many ways this not only helps to pull apart the sub-brand but it clear hints at the future of JCW.

The post First Look: the Refreshed 2022 JCW MINI appeared first on MotoringFile.

The 2022 MINI LCI – Executive Summary

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 01:15:46 GMT

Don’t have time to read the 1000s of words we’ve written on this new, aggressive refresh of MINI’s small car range? No problem – we understand busy. So for those you just want the raw data, this is for you.

Why is the MINI Hatch getting a second refresh?

The decision had been made to delay the introduction of the fourth generation MINI due to a change in strategy and a new partner. MINI knew a fairly rigorous refresh was in order to keep the current hatch and convertible feeling fresh well past it’s original seven year model cycle. What you see here is the result of that thinking.

Have Prices Increased?

In most cases (shockingly) no. MINI Hardtops and Convertibles will see only a $500 increase across most trim levels. At the same time, several highly popular trim levels will see no price increase from MY 2021 to MY 2022, including the Signature and Iconic trims on the MINI Cooper S Hardtop and MINI Cooper S Convertible, the Iconic trim on the MINI John Cooper Works Hardtop and MINI John Cooper Works Convertible. The Signature trim for both the MINI John Cooper Works Hardtop and the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible received a larger increase due to the addition of optional equipment to those trim levels.

When Do They Arrive?

Production starts in March with US deliveries likely in late Spring.

What Has Changed with this Refresh?

What Does this Mean for MINI as a Brand?

Let’s let Bernd Körber, Oliver Heilmer, Petra Beck and Rauno Aaltonen tell us themselves:

The post The 2022 MINI LCI – Executive Summary appeared first on MotoringFile.

World Premier: The Refreshed 2022 MINI Hatch & Convertible

Tue, 26 Jan 2021 23:01:00 GMT

The future of the MINI brand starts here. Today MINI has taken the wraps off of the aggressively redesign MINI hatch and convertible showing a new design direction for the brand. With a distinctive exterior design and a host of interior and technology changes, MINI is aiming to redefine the current generation ahead of the all new 2024 MINI. And as refreshes go, this is a big one. In fact it might just be MINI’s biggest since the R50/R53 LCI in late 2004.

The idea for a 2nd refresh (or LCI) started back in October of 2017. The decision had been made to delay the introduction of the fourth generation MINI due to a change in strategy and a new partner. MINI knew a fairly rigorous refresh was in order to keep the current hatch and convertible feeling fresh well past it’s original seven year model cycle. What you see here is the result of that thinking.

The 2021 MINI Cooper next to the refresh 2022.

The substance in the current platform is pretty good and the quality is perfect. But from a design perspective we knew there would be a need for modernization inside and out.
Oliver Heilmer, Head of MINI Design

2022 MINI: Exterior Design

The visual differences are dramatic and create a more minimal yet aggressive look. The front of the car has been simplified by the reduction of the lower lights (which are now integrated into the standard LEDs) and the center crash structure has been made body colored. The “mouth” is now larger but also a bit better integrated into the shape of the car itself – especially on the Cooper S and JCW models.

One thing you’ll notice is a lack of faux vents and textures on the front. Oliver Heilmer and his team have gone to great lengths to reduce ornamentation and focus on functionally driven design inside and out. To that point they’ve eliminated the unnecessary lower lights and their bulbous enclosures and introduced inlets to create the air curtain effect around the front wheels reducing drag. On the Cooper S there’s also additional ducting for fresh air into the brakes and room for the lower mounted radiator.

2022 MINI: Interior Design

MINI hasn’t just altered the exterior design. Inside MINI has refined and simplified the overall design and interface. Much like they did on the 2004 LCI, MINI has made the interior simpler while adding functionality. Specifically MINI is offering (finally) a heated steering wheel for the first time as well as a standard lane departure warning system (both coming to the entire MINI range for 2022).

The revised infotainment system debuts in new UI complete with widgets that allow for quicker views into navigation, audio and the like. The system promises to be better integrated with MINI’s drive modes with functionality launching as you go into Eco and Sport modes.

MINI’s Head of Design Oliver Heilmer and the new Multi-Tone Roof

There are several new colors that will be introduced along side the LCI; Rooftop Grey, Island blue and Zesty Yellow (exclusive on the convertible for the first year). Perhaps the most interesting new color is actually a series of colors. The multi-tone top is a wet on wet paint job that is the first of its kind in the industry. It’s the result of MINI trying to further differentiate as other automakers have begun offering their own MINI-like contrast roof options. The first iteration is a is a mix of two blues and a black. However MINI has given us indications that, if the option is popular, other combinations will follow.

2022 MINI: Frequency Selective Damping

There’s really only one material change and it has nothing to do with the engine, transmission or even battery in the Cooper SE. All small MINIs now features frequency-selective damping as part of the optional adaptive chassis.

It achieves an optimized balance between sportiness and ride comfort through the use of continuous frequency-selective damping. An additional valve acting on the traction side takes over the task of smoothing out sudden pressure peaks within the damper. Making this possible is the speed of the adjustment – within 50 to 100 milliseconds.

Depending on the driving situation and road conditions, the damping forces
can be reduced by up to 50 percent. This is intended to significantly increase ride comfort and handling composure over rough roads. The result should be that sport mode should be less punishing on rough roads while still delivering the aggressive feel of the current system. The new damper technology is available for all model variants except the MINI One First, the MINI One and the MINI Cooper SE.

2022 MINI: Pricing

In a surprising move MINI USA has held the line on most pricing for the range. Despite the new standard equipment upgrades, including the addition of LED Headlights, a new Digital Instrument Cluster, Lane Departure Warning and all the aesthetic updates, the MY 2022 MINI Hardtops and Convertibles will see only a $500 increase across most trim levels. At the same time, several highly popular trim levels will see no price increase from MY 2021 to MY 2022, including the Signature and Iconic trims on the MINI Cooper S Hardtop and MINI Cooper S Convertible, the Iconic trim on the MINI John Cooper Works Hardtop and MINI John Cooper Works Convertible. The Signature trim for both the MINI John Cooper Works Hardtop and the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible received a larger increase due to the addition of optional equipment to those trim levels.

For the third straight year, the MINI Cooper SE will not see a price increase and will remain at a with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $29,900 plus an additional $850 Destination & Handling fee. The 2022 MINI begins production in March of this year with US deliveries likely happening in late Spring.

The 2022 MINI refresh is the largest we’ve seen in almost two decades. From the design to the functionality, MINI has taken the an already good product and further modernized it. While the more aggressive design might irk some of the MINI faithful, the more we look at it, the more we love the new direction.

We’ll have much more on the new LCI including a interview with Head of MINI Design Oliver Heilmer, video walkthroughs and quick guide to all those changes. Until then see the full gallery and read the full press release compete with US market pricing below.

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MINI Sales & Realistic Pricing

MINI’s Urban-X Accelerator Debuts Start-up Tackling Climate Change, Connectivity, Mobility ...

The New Technology & Features of the 2022 MINI Refresh

Heated Steering Wheel

Lane departure warning

New Active Cruise Control – featuring Stop & Go

The New Driver Assistance Package(s)

Electronic Parking Brake

New MINI operating system with additionalconnectivity features.

The new MINI App.

Interior Design & Functionality Improvements

Improved Ambient Lighting

Interview: Oliver Heilmer, Head of MINI Design on the 2022 MINI Refresh & a Smaller Future

First Look: the Refreshed 2022 JCW MINI

The 2022 MINI LCI – Executive Summary

Why is the MINI Hatch getting a second refresh?

Have Prices Increased?

When Do They Arrive?

What Has Changed with this Refresh?

What Does this Mean for MINI as a Brand?

World Premier: The Refreshed 2022 MINI Hatch & Convertible

2022 MINI: Exterior Design

2022 MINI: Interior Design

2022 MINI: Frequency Selective Damping

2022 MINI: Pricing

Official 2022 MINI Photo Gallery

2022 MINI Video Walk Through

It’s coming….

New MINI operating system with additional
connectivity features.