Showing posts with label MINI Clubman. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MINI Clubman. Show all posts

MINI Announces New JCW Sport Packages and Clubman Hampton Edition


The newly developed 2.0-liter turbo diesel we told you about in our previous post isn't the only fresh addition to MINI's lineup for 2011. The new year also brings a John Cooper Works [JCW] Pack option for the hatch and convertible models, a performance kit for the Cooper S and the Clubman Hampton special edition.

The JCW pack option for the Cooper and Cooper S Hardtop and Convertible vehicles is due to be available from the second quarter of 2011 as a factory option. It includes an aero kit with front and rear aprons, plus side skirts, as well as 17-inch weight-optimized aluminum alloy wheels.

The interior is upgraded with a new leather steering wheel with red stitching, gearshift knob with red shift pattern lettering, plus a leather handbrake boot featuring -what else- red stitching.

In addition, the package will include Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), which has a special mode that raises the intervention thresholds of the stability control system, as well as EDLC (Electronic Differential Lock Control.) These two features are on top of the already-standard stability system, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control.).

Next up on the menu is the JCW Tuning kit for the Cooper S Hardtop, Convertible, Clubman models. The highlight of the package is the engine kit that optimizes the ECU and adds a specifically designed air filter system to raise output by 11-horsepower to 195HP. The twin-scroll turbocharged 1.6-liter unit also delivers 184 lb-ft of torque between 1,250 and 5,000 rpm, while this can be raised to as much as 199 lb-ft between 1,800 and 5,000 rpm courtesy of the Overboost function.

A model-specific sports silencer with polished tailpipes, which is said to optimize the exhaust gas discharge and gives the engine sound a particularly sporting note, and the newly designed 18-inch Cross Spoke Red Stripe light-alloy wheel, complete the package.

Finally, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the original 1961 Morris Mini Traveller, the British company has introduced a new special edition of the Clubman called Hampton. MINI has designed a new Reef Blue metallic color specially for this model, which also sports a silver color for the rooftop and door surrounds.

The exterior colors Pepper White, Midnight Black and Eclipse Grey can also be specified as an option, while Black and Reef Blue are available as contrast colors for the roof and C-pillars.

The Hampton also gets unique 17-inch Twin Spoke alloy wheels that can be ordered in either silver or black with a dark red trim ring, black headlamp surrounds, plus “Hampton” lettering on the B-pillar, door entry sills, side scuttles and radiator grille.

Inside, special features include the Black Lounge Leather seats with an “H” on the seat tags, red edging and contrast stitching in orange, the anthracite headliner, anthracite gauge faces and a matt dark red border on the central speedometer.

This Hampton special edition will be available for the MINI Cooper Clubman and MINI Cooper S Clubman models, with production to be limited to one year.



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MINI Clubman Cooper S Streetworker from Schmidt Revolution


Schmidt Revolution, a German-based company that primarily specializes in alloy wheels but occasionally presents fully tuned projects, has unveiled its latest creation, a conceptual version of the MINI Clubman Cooper S called the "Streetworker".

The focus point of the tune is of course the German firm's new Cirrus alloy wheel series, seen here in an 18-inch version. The funky looking rims can be ordered in any color ranging from the matte blue on this tune to any other tint including carbon black. On the MINI Clubman project car the alloy wheels are shod in 215/35R18 Continental rubber.

Having solved the alloy wheel riddle, Schmidt Revolution went ahead and covered the MINI Clubman in a matte blue foil wrap and a contrasting matte black roof finish and trim detailing.

The concept car's low-rider appearance is achieved by the Streetec air suspension, which allows the driver to lower the ride height by 60 mm or increase it by 40 mm over the stock model.

The tune is finished off with an engine kit that lifts output to 200HP and 250Nm of peak torque.



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MINI Life Ball Specials: Photo Gallery from the Vienna Gala


For the 18th annual Life Ball fundraiser for people with HIV and AIDS that took place on July 17 at Vienna's City Hall Square, MINI joined forces with celebrity fashion designers Diane von Furstenberg, Kenneth Cole and Calvin Klein Collection's Francisco Costa to create three one-off specials.

One of the cars, the Life Ball MINI by Francisco Costa, went under the hammer for the amount of €40,000 (about US$52,000) that same evening as part of the amfAR Gala in Vienna in support of the AIDS charity. The other two MINIs, the three-door hatch by Diane von Furstenberg and Kenneth Cole's Convertible will be auctioned at upcoming amfAR events, with all proceeds benefiting the Foundation for AIDS Research.

Dr Wolfgang Armbrecht, Senior Vice President MINI Brand Management, commented: "We can now look back on a successful ten-year partnership with the Life Ball. The event is an excellent platform for the MINI brand, while our involvement allows us to contribute further to the fight against HIV/AIDS."