A high-performance version of the MINI Countryman crossover is “definitely under consideration” says MINI U.K.’s general manager Jochen Goller. Only recently did MINI officially confirm the Countryman model which is expected to make its word debut at the Geneva Auto Show in March. Currently the MINI Cooper S Countryman boasts the highest output with 184-hp....
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We can’t say we’re surprised to learn that MINI has decided to introduce a John Cooper Works Challenge Edition model, but we are a little shocked to learn that it’s exclusive to Australia. The Challenge Edition essentially takes all that’s good about the JCW model, including the stiffer suspension, bigger wheels and more powerful 208-hp...
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[vs-jwplayer movieid=”ZEWrMpnJJZY” width=”560″ height=”340″ autoplay=”0″] MINI has just release two videos showing its upcoming Countryman crossover in action. The 2011 MINI Countryman (the car may take on other names in other markets) becomes the fourth model in the MINI family and the first with four doors. Despite the foray into the crossover segment, the Countryman...
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A day after pictures of its new crossover were leaked out to the web, MINI has officially released details and photographs of the 2011 MINI Countryman. Originally scheduled to be unveiled at next month’s Geneva Auto Show, the Countryman was originally supposed appear at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show but was unfortunately delayed. It is...
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Ahead of its expected debut at the Geneva Auto Show in March, these photos of MINI’s first crossover have leaked onto the net. With an undeniable MINI look, the photos also show the ALL4 badge, indicating MINI’s new AWD system – a first for the brand. Show in concept form at the Paris Auto Show...
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MINI has just announced a list of engine enhancements for its European lineup in 2010, many of which are expected to be carried over to other markets. For starters, both the Cooper and Cooper S models get a slight boost in power. The Cooper gets a 3-hp jump to 122-hp, while torque is rated at...
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Lotus has just announced the introduction of the Evora Cup car, which will compete in its own spec series in 2010. Stripped-down and powered-up, the Evora Cup car weighs just 2,645 lbs and features a larger 4.0-liter V6 engine that makes an impressive 395-hp. The race car is built to FIA GT4 specs and will...
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On display at the Detroit Auto Show, Lotus showed its new flagship sports car, the Evora, alongside another rare British auto, the Morgan AeroMax. The AeroMax sports a BMW sourced 4.8-liter V8 engine and can accelerate to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. It retails for a whopping $180,000. As for the Evora, it’s Lotus’ all-new...
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Essentially a foregone conclusion at this point, MINI has confirmed that both the MINI Coupe Concept and MINI Convertible Concept will see production in the near future. Officially unveiled at the Frankfurt Auto Show last year, sales and marketing boss Ian Robertson confirmed the production plans at the Detroit Auto Show, while unveiling the company’s...
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MINI’s new Countryman crossover hasn’t even officially debuted and yet the creative minds at the fun British car company have already turned the platform into a new concept: the MINI Beachcomber Concept. Based on the Countryman’s platform, the MINI Beachcomber Concept takes the crossover’s capable ALL4 all-wheel drive system and sets it free on the...
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A filing by Lotus at the U.K. Patent Office has revealed that the British sports car maker is working on a dual-clutch transmission. The quick-shifting unit is reportedly a lighter unit than anything on the market and is a simpler design although you’d never guess it from the details of the patent filing, shown above...
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To help celebrate the brand’s return to the pinnacle of motorsports, iconic British sports car maker Lotus has just announced the release of the Exige S Type 72. As the name suggests, it’s inspired by the Type 72 F1 car, which was driven by drivers like Jochen Rindt, Emerson Fittipaldi, Ronnie Peterson and Jacky Ickx,...
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First unveiled at the Frankfurt Auto Show, the carbon fiber bodied Aston Martin DB9 (first thought to be a DBS), drew crowds even when competing with the launch of exotics like the Ferrari 458. Needless to say, not all those examining the ultra-thick carbon fiber weave were in favor of the modification. Germany tuner Mansory...
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Aston Martin is preparing to launch the One-77, its first ever supercar, next year and the British automaker is so impressed with the car’s initial performance that it sent out a press release to give an update on the project. Just this week the 7.3-liter V12-powered monster began high speed testing at “a top secret...
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Aston Martin has just released a selection of photos of its Cygnet mini-car concept, giving us the first real look at what this luxury econo-box will be like. Officially still a concept, the Cygnet is expected to go on sale next year in the U.K. and is based on the Toyota iQ mini-car. Sold exclusively...
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***See AutoGuide’s LIVE 2010 Detroit Auto Show Coverage Here*** With MINI almost set to unveil its Countryman Crossover, the British brand is already looking towards its next project with the MINI Beachcomber Concept. This open-air vehicle is based on the same underpinnings as the Countryman: the Crossover Concept. It also features the brand’s new ALL4...
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Lotus has just announced the appointment of Donato Coco as the company’s Director of Design in what seems like the latest step in transforming Lotus into Ferrari. Coco, you see, comes with an excellent record of employment, which includes a stint at Ferrari as the Italian automaker’s Director of Design and Development, where he worked...
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Lotus has just confirmed its driver lineup for the 2010 Formula One season with both Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen signed on to pilot the new Lotus cars on the team’s rookie season and the brand’s return to F1. Trulli was long rumored to join the Lotus team as he has a strong relationship with...
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With the release of a new selection of photos of its much-maligned Lagonda Concept, Aston Martin seems to be re-testing the waters to see if there is interest in a luxury SUV, marketed under the slightly more affordable Lagonda brand. The vehicle was first shown at the Geneva Auto Show last March and was not...
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Land Rover is currently developing a diesel hybrid version of its Range Rover Sport model with a targeted sales date in 2012. A small fleet of five vehicles is expected to be road-ready and testing next year. Currently Range Rover has an excellent luxury and off-road image, but a terrible reputation when it comes to...
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***See AutoGuide’s LIVE 2010 Detroit Auto Show Coverage Here*** While we await production versions of the MINI Coupe and Roadster concepts, as well as the Countryman crossover, MINI is getting ready to unveil yet another concept car – the Moke. Based on the same chassis as the Countryman, the Moke is expected to get its...
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MINI’s Coupe and Roadster Concepts are being fast tracked through the final design phase in order to see production next year. News of these developments comes from the team over at the MINI-obsessed website MotoringFile. Both models debuted at the Frankfurt Auto Show and were recently on display at the LA Auto Show and for...
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Aston Martin has just announced that its new four-door model, the Rapide, is officially on sale with pricing starting at $199,950 ($215,000 CAD). The cost for the four-seater is vastly higher than segment rivals the Maserati Quattroporte and Porsche Panamera. The Quattroporte starts at $119,750 and tops out at 133,700, while the 500-hp Panamera ranges...
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With California being an important market for BMW’s MINI brand, the LA Auto Show would have been a perfect place for execs to spill a few more details on the planned production versions of the MINI Coupe and Roadster Concepts. Would have been… Se we got yet another opportunity to look at the funky new...
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