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Jun 26, 2009 - 2:52 PM - by Administrator |
Best known for modifying Land Rover and Jaguar models, German tuner Arden has decided to try its hand at MINI. Arden isn't exactly unfamiliar with the brand, however, as the new model, the 40th Anniversary MINI Equipe, was built to celebrate 40 years since an Arden-prepped MINI won the British Touring Car Championship.
Outside the car is mostly untouched with just a few updates in the form of stainless steel and chrome grilles. Inside the MINI gets a serious makeover with a two-tone leather package, Alcantara on the dash and stainless steel Arden pedals.
Not to neglect the performance aspect, Arden reprogrammed the ECU, added a larger and more efficient intercooler and threw on an exhaust, bumping output from 172hp and 177 ft-lbs of torque to 212hp and 214 ft-lbs of torque.
To help out int he handling department the modified MINI Cooper S gets a reworked suspension setup that sits 30 mm (roughly 1-inch) lower than stock. Also included are a set of light weight 18×8-inch wheels, which weight just 14.3-lbs each. And inside those front wheels is an impressive braking setup with massive six-piston calipers.
Arden will make just 40 versions of the MINI Equipe.
More: Arden to Build 40 Limited Edition MINI Equipe Models on AutoGuide.com
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0 Replies | 182 Views | | MINI to Expand U.S. Dealer Network by 20 Percent | |
Jun 23, 2009 - 7:38 PM - by Administrator |
MINI has recently rejuvenated its product lineup, launching second-generation versions of its most popular models, while introducing the Clubman. Sales have been good, despite the poor economy, and so MINI will be expanding its U.S. dealership network significantly in order to keep up with the demand that is expected to increase further still.
In total, MINI will increase its number of dealerships by 17 for a total of 100. Those numbers may not sound like much, but it is a significant 20 percent increase.
The new dealershis will go up ove the next 18 months and are schedule to be built in areas that do not currently have a MINI dealer. The first new dealer to open will be MINI of Birmingham in Birmingham, Alabama.
"We are pleased to be in a position to dramatically increase our U.S. dealerships," said MINI USA Vice President Jim McDowell at a meeting in New York. "I have often said that the world is becoming more MINI every day, and I believe that that sentiment is true, now more than ever, as consumer tastes shift decidedly to cars that offer tremendous value. Our cars are not only fuel efficient, and offer great value, but they also provide a fun and dynamic motoring experience and are packed with personality."
McDowell also said that starting in 2011, MINI expects to begin posting a percentage sales growth in the double-digit range. Last year the brand moved 54,077 units.
And while the expansion of the MINI network to new regions will be a part of the growth, it will also be assisted by new models. MINI does plan to bring a crossover to market in the near future, and there have been perisistent rumors of a small city car (possibly electric) and either a sportscar or GTI model.
More: MINI to Expand U.S. Dealer Network by 20 Percent on AutoGuide.com
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0 Replies | 97 Views | | MINI Crossover Spy Photos: The Crossman? | |
Jun 04, 2009 - 2:50 PM - by Administrator |
MINI's upcoming crossover has been rumored for quite some time and now thanks to the folks at Carscoop we have these spy photos off the small SUV out testing. Maybe we're Doubting Thomases for not having fully believed MINI would build such a vehicle, or maybe we just didn't want to believe it. Still, if anyone can make a crossover handle well and be fun to drive, it’s the folks at MINI.
Unofficially dubbed the Crossman, the MINI crossover is larger than the Clubman and if the concept vehicle first shown at the Paris Auto Show is any clue, it will measure 159.5-inches in length, be 72-inches wide and 62.9-inches high. Comparatively, a standard MINI Cooper measures 143.9- x 66.5- x 56.2-inches.
CarScoop is reporting that the Crossman's architecture is loosely based on that of the upcoming BMW X1 - which has been reported to be 3-Series chassis. This would allow the crossover to have all-wheel drive - likely a version of BMW xDrive.
The Crossman will be manufactured outside the U.K. in Magna Steyr's Austria facility and is expected to arrive in 2010 as a 2011 model.
More: MINI Crossover Spy Photos: The Crossman? on AutoGuide.com
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