Click To Play. MINI YouTube Channel.
Got your own MINI Video? Post it on YouTube and we'll post it up here for you. Send your link to sales@minivaughanwest.com
NEWS FLASH
After the leak of high resolution pictures on the web there
was no point in keeping the new Countryman under wraps so MINI went
ahead and released initial details and a full gallery of its first-ever
crossover model. Bear in mind that the BMW Group owned automaker noted
that the car may not be named Countryman in certain markets without
giving out any further details.
The
Countryman is not only the British firm's first-ever crossover, it's
also the first modern MINI to have four doors, an available
all-wheel-drive system, four full-size seats and to measure around four
meters in length.
The
styling inside and out is unmistakably MINI, with the Countryman trying
to stand out from the rest of the range with its chunkier nose job,
raised ride height and some unique styling cues such as the headlamps
and the alloy wheel designs.
The
company said that driver gets a slightly elevated seating position
while a new feature inside is the MINI Center Rail that extends from
front to rear allowing anything from a cupholder and sunglasses to
audio devices and an armrest to be attached and slid wherever they are
required.
The Countryman comes as standard with four seats, but a three-seat bench is available as a no-cost option.
According to MINI, the rear seats can move fore-and-aft
either individually or in a 60 : 40 (three-seat bench) split, the
backrests may be tilted for angle either individually or in a 40 : 20 :
40 (three-seat bench) arrangement, increasing capacity in the luggage
compartment from 350 to 1,170 liters (12.2-41.0 cu ft).
When
the Countryman goes on sale in Europe this fall (North America in early
2011), it will enter the market with a choice of three petrol and
two diesel engines, extending from the 90HP turbo diesel in the One D
to a 184HP 1.6-liter four-cylinder petrol with a twin-scroll
turbocharger and direct fuel injection in the rang-topping Cooper S.
All versions will come equipped with Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start Stop system and a gearshift point indicator.
MINI said that as an alternative to the six-speed manual gearbox featured as standard, the petrol engine models will also be available with six-speed automatic tranmission.
As
an option, the Cooper S and Cooper D models will be available with
MINI's ALL4 permanent all-wheel drive system that uses an
electrohydraulic differential positioned directly on the final drive
varying the distribution from front to rear.
Under normal driving conditions, the system sends up to 50 per cent of the engine's power to each axle, but in more extreme situations, up to 100 per cent can be sent to the rear wheels.
As
with the rest of the MINI models, the Countryman will be offered with a
wide range of customisation and equipment options on both the exterior
and interior including an extra-large Panorama roof.
The official presentation of the Countryman will take place at the Geneva Salon in March, 2010.
Premier: MINI Beachcomber Concept
As
we exclusively reported this past summer, MINI will be bringing a Moke
like concept to the Detroit Autoshow. The concept not only foreshadows
a potential production version of the concept but the MINI Countryman
crossover as well. In fact what we see here is basically the Countryman
taken to the extreme.
Official Release: MINI crosses borders, enters new dimensions of driving pleasure, and wins over additional target groups.
Once
again, MINI achieves all this by consistently expanding the model range
and through the unconventional creativity of MINI design. Just a few
months prior to the launch of the brand's fourth model announced for
autumn 2010, MINI is now demonstrating its potential for further
enhancement of driving pleasure and diversity through another
spectacular concept car: the concept of a brand-new type of vehicle
proudly presented by MINI at the North American International Auto Show
(16-24 January 2010) in Detroit.
The
MINI Beachcomber Concept is a four-seater concept car designed
consistently for maximum driving pleasure, taking up the enhanced
options of the new MINI and combining these potentials with the vision
of a radically open body concept.
ALL4
all-wheel drive and the variable interior give the MINI Beachcomber
Concept abilities absolutely ideal for a spontaneous and active
experience of freedom and leisure time. The potential offered by the
car's modern drivetrain technology and space concept is used here to
the greatest possible extent to ensure a highly emotional driving
experience. Hence, the MINI Beachcomber Concept consistently does
without doors, a conventional roof and all other body elements which
might possibly limit the intensity of the occupants' encounter with
their surrounding world. This makes the driver and up to three
passengers one harmonious entity communicating directly with their
surroundings - whether cruising through town, enjoying rough tracks in
the mountains, or breezing along the beach.
The
MINI Beachcomber Concept combines all-wheel drive with cutting-edge
suspension technology, numerous body elements serving to make the car
extra-strong and robust, as well as an elevated seating position.
Generous spring travel and extra-large light-alloy wheels raise the
entire car to a higher level. Access to the front and rear seats is
nevertheless exceptionally convenient and easy thanks to the omission
of doors and the entry cutouts extending all the way down to the seat
bottoms, allowing the driver and passengers to get in and out in one
smooth and flowing process. A pleasant and interesting side effect is
that the distance the occupants feel from their surroundings is reduced
to a minimum.
The
driver and passengers will also enjoy the driving pleasure created by
this concept in everyday traffic under regular motoring conditions -
simply because the MINI Beachcomber Concept retains its unmistakable
character even when adverse weather conditions require use of the soft
roof or the lightweight door and roof elements fitting on easily and
conveniently within a few instants.
MINI entering new terrain - with a fourth model and a complete range of innovative ideas for the ongoing future.
?The
MINI Beachcomber Concept symbolises the elementary values of the brand
in new, radical style - and at the same time the new model continues
the current development of the MINI range in a particularly attractive
manner.
Within
just ten years after the re-launch of the brand, the fourth version of
the MINI is now set to enter the market. As a unique crossover in the
typical style of the brand, the new model offers a fascinating
re-interpretation of that typical MINI design, with the functional
convenience of four doors, four full-size seats, a variable interior,
and a unique standard of driving pleasure now to be enjoyed for the
first time also beyond the beaten track thanks to newly developed
all-wheel drive.
The
new production model now available from MINI goes far beyond the realms
of urban mobility, inspiring the MINI designers to enhance that
un-mistakable MINI feeling by adding further facets never seen before.
Creating the MINI Beachcomber Concept, therefore, they are taking up
the technical and concept qualities of the production model announced
for autumn 2010, offering the ultimate expression of freedom in a car
on this basis. The result is a new, incomparably open concept for a
driving experience for all your senses, plus a degree of versatility
greater than ever experienced before in discovering and enjoying new
terrain.
The
potential use and versatility of the MINI Beachcomber Concept is
defined exclusively by the activities and preferences of its user.
Clearly, the most authentic and natural surroundings for a car of this
type are beaches where the MINI Beachcomber Concept, through its
enhanced traction and radically open body, offers that unlimited
freedom of movement it expresses from the start through its name alone.
The MINI Beachcomber Concept therefore allows the
driver and passengers to actively live out their personal style, just
like a kitesurfer, wakeboarder or triathlete is magically attracted to
the hot spots of beach life the world over. Through its robust and
versatile character, the MINI Beachcomber Concept furthermore follows
in the footsteps of the Mini Moke, which, back in the 1960s, quickly
became the epitome of adventurous motoring in your leisure time and in
sports activities in sunny coastal regions.
Unique, typical of MINI, and with a great role model from way back when.
?The
MINI Beachcomber Concept is the vision of a car leaving behind all
conventional standards and creating innovative momentum for individual
mobility of the future. The combination of traction optimised by
all-wheel drive for excursions beyond the beaten track, on the one
hand, and an extreme focus on motoring in the open air, on the other,
is quite unprecedented in the world of the automobile.
Now,
therefore, the MINI Beachcomber Concept makes such a driving experience
a truly attractive option, offering a harmonious blend of features only
a MINI can provide in such authentic style. And since individual
character, a clear focus on maximum driving pleasure, and the courage
to create new concepts have always set the foundation for new models in
the MINI range, this open-air all-wheel-drive concept clearly stands
out from the beginning as a typical MINI.
The
authentic style and character of the MINI Beachcomber Concept also
results from the fact that the brand once already offered an extreme
thrill of driving pleasure in the open air by conscious reduction to
the very minimum: Way back in 1964, just five years after the market
launch of the classic Mini, the creator of the first model, the
world-famous engineer Alec Issigonis, already developed an all-open
version of this revolutionary compact car.
The
body of the Mini Moke, as it was called, was made up of hardly more
than a floorpan, wide sills at the side, the engine compartment lid and
the windscreen. A folding roof served - more or less - to protect the
driver and passengers from precipitation.
With
its robust structure and the drivetrain technology carried over from
the Mini, this four-seater fun car became a great success particularly
in the sunny regions of the USA and Australia. Production of the Mini
Moke in Great Britain continued until 1968 with a production volume of
some 14,500 units, following which production was continued in
Australia and Portugal.
The
MINI Beachcomber Concept now projects the principle of the Mini Moke
into the 21st century. The rustic appearance of the car and its
consistent concept of consciously reducing the body components and
interior to a minimum clearly follow the tradition of the radically
open Mini Moke back in the 1960s. This is indeed further accentuated by
design language strongly inspired by the Mini Moke and enhanced by
various striking details such as the characteristic radiator grille.
It
goes without saying that the new model meets all modern demands in
terms of space and comfort, efficiency and safety, while nevertheless
retaining its clear focus on driving pleasure in direct contact with
the surroundings.
Even
ALL4 all-wheel drive goes back to a role model from the past, to be
precise a prototype Mini Moke fitted by Alec Issigonis with two engines
in 1963. On this test car appropriately referred to as the "Twini", the
front and rear wheels were driven in each case by a four-cylinder from
the Mini range of engines.
Versatile, modern, and safe at all times.
?Modern
and up-to-date from A-Z, the MINI Beachcomber Concept offers a wide
range of innovations for consistent driving pleasure in the 21st
century. The outstanding know-how in automotive development of a
premium car maker in the areas of design, drivetrain, safety and
production technology brings together the undiluted character of the
concept car with a wide range of solutions most convincing in practice.
Measuring approximately four metres in length
and with its highly versatile interior, the MINI Beachcomber Concept
offers all the variability and spaciousness required for active leisure
time. Consistently reduced to a minimum, the body of the car ensures an
intense feeling of the sun shining in and the wind rushing by, while
full maintenance of all MINI safety standards guarantees maximum
occupant safety at all times.
The
MINI Beachcomber Concept comes with a strong and stable body structure
incorporating clearly defined load paths and deformation units serving
to convey and consistently absorb impact energy in the event of a
collision. Rollover safety also meets the highest demands made of an
open car, the stable frame on the passenger cell able to withstand even
extreme situations formed by substantially reinforced A-pillars and an
equally strong D-pillar bar complete with an integrated lateral support
element at the rear of the car. This additional safety component is
indeed finished in body colour and, through its geometry alone, conveys
a supreme standard of strength and stability. It is made of
high-strength steel for maximum stiffness on optimum weight, again in
the interest of supreme safety.
This
concept of intelligent lightweight technology serves to consistently
lower the car's centre of gravity in the interest of superior agility
at all times. Indeed, this agility is further enhanced by another
special feature also standing out through its special look, with the
lateral support element boasting recesses shaped to form the "MINI"
model designation. Again, this special feature clearly visible from
outside particularly when looking at the car from above further
emphasizes the spirit of pure adventure in the open air.
Extreme variability for all kinds of activities, weather and road conditions.
?Single
seats at the rear adjusting fore-and-aft as required and with backrests
folding down completely offer the passengers a supreme standard of
grand touring comfort tailored to their individual requirements and
allow appropriate adjustment of transport capacities for all needs. In
practice, this means that the driver and passengers are able to
conveniently stow even bulky sports equipment such as mountain bikes or
wakeboards securely held in position by special fastening systems.
When
open, the MINI Beachcomber Concept is also able to carry extra-long
objects such as surfboards without the slightest problem. Fastened
firmly to the lateral support, surfboards fit conveniently into the
car, sticking out at the top on the way to the beach.
The
driver and passengers enjoy convenient access to the luggage
compartment though the rear panel split vertically down the middle into
two sections. Whenever necessary, the right-hand side may remain fully
open for bulky objects extending out of the car at the rear. The left
rear element, in turn, is a window-less door hinged at the side and
extending up to the seat backrests. The additional storage case fitted
on to the door is reminiscent in its round shape of a fully enclosed
spare wheel holder of the type otherwise seen on a conventional
offroader. But since the MINI Beachcomber Concept comes with runflat
tyres and therefore does not require a spare wheel, the lockable case
may be used to take along additional luggage, keeping beach mats,
towels, surf shoes or similar odds and ends within easy reach at all
times.
Flexible protection from wind and weather: soft roof or hardtop inserts.
?The
MINI Beachcomber Concept is built for the sunny side of life and is
simply perfect for spontaneous action. Through its optimum flexibility,
the car is able to meet all kinds of different requirements, naturally
coping with any sudden change in exterior conditions.
This
alone gives the MINI Beachcomber Concept all the qualities required for
everyday motoring, with several options to cater for new demands and
weather conditions.
The
soft roof coming off the body completely and folding up into a compact
unit offers particularly convenient and, at the same time, effective
protection from rain and weather. Whenever required, the roof may be
drawn over the car within a few instants like a tonneau cover on a
boat, fastening conveniently on the windscreen frame, the rear panel
and the side openings.
Made
of an extremely light and, at the same time, very robust special fibre,
the roof comes with transparent plastic inserts at the sides and at the
rear serving as windows.
In
its functional qualities, the roof follows the same standard as the
most sophisticated and demanding outdoor wear combining maximum
protection from wind and rain with minimum weight.
The
lashing points holding the roof in position are equally strong, stable
and user-friendly, with the four entry points and the rear door opening
and closing easily when the roof is in place, naturally keeping out
draughts and water from outside.
As
a further option for reliable protection even in bad weather, the MINI
Beachcomber Concept is available with accurately fitting plastic
inserts on the roof, at the sides and at the rear. Made of an
extra-light plastic material, these robust inserts carry over the
principle of the removable hardtop to the doors and the luggage
compartment lid of the car. And again in the interest of clear design
and superior convenience, the inserts come flush with the body of the
MINI Beachcomber Concept.
The
door elements maintain their defined position through their firm
connection to the opening points and the A- and D-pillars. They are
likewise transparent at the top to provide good visibility to the
outside, with the rear element held firmly in position through its
contact to the left door element, the rear body panel at the right, and
the loading sill.
The
hardtop as such is connected to the windscreen frame at the front and
rests in special mounts on the rollover crossbar. Precisely arranged
connections joining the hardtop with the side and rear elements keep
the entire structure extremely strong and stable, the appropriate
connection being unfastened in each case when opening a door.
Typical MINI design, re-interpreted and concentrating on the essential.
?Thanks
to its clear design language, the body of the MINI Beachcomber Concept
concentrating on the essential leaves no doubts that this is a genuine
MINI. Unmistakable design elements reminiscent of the brand stand out
clearly at first sight. And like on the MINI Crossover Concept
presented for the first time at the Paris Motor Show in autumn 2008,
the new model clearly reflects the ongoing process of MINI design and
the introduction of MINI design language in a new type of vehicle.
Indeed, both the smooth and firm design of the body and proportions
typical of MINI show once again that this is clearly a member of the
range.
Short
overhangs front and rear as well as the wide wheel stance likewise bear
the overall look of the brand on the MINI Beachcomber Concept. Here
again, therefore, the new model comes with characteristic MINI design
features at the front, side and rear re-interpreted on the new model.
The extra-wide body frame even encompassing the wheel arches and
extending down to the road emphasizes the robust flair and character of
this all-wheel-drive concept study. And thanks to greater ground
clearance, the advantage of short overhangs front and rear comes out
even more on rough terrain, allowing a particularly large ramp angle
for even the toughest requirements.
Extending
to the front in a dynamic sweep, the entire front section of the car is
angled towards the road. The engine compartment lid is powerfully
chiselled, the powerdome with its integrated air insert symbolizing the
outstanding muscle and performance of the turbocharged engine within
the car.
The
hexagon radiator grille again so typical of MINI comes with contour
lines carried over directly from the front look of the Mini Moke. With
its vertical position, three robust crossbars and additional integrated
headlights, the radiator grille gives the MINI Beachcomber Concept
particularly powerful and convincing presence.
The
large, three-dimensional headlight units integrated in the engine
compartment lid as a new interpretation of a characteristic design
feature also boast a striking look. Accentuated by the classy chrome
frame, the headlights follow the contours of the engine compartment lid
and wheel arches, again confirming the increase in stature and
spaciousness over the MINI models available so far. A large air intake
at the bottom and foglamps moved far to the outside, finally, round off
the front view of the car again in that unique style so typical of MINI.
Side view: new combination of robust strength and lightweight look.
Extending
far into the side of the car, the headlights additionally emphasize the
short front overhang. The powerfully designed wheel arches on the MINI
Beachcomber Concept boast large 17-inch light-alloy wheels and offroad
tyres with a rough tread.
The
surrounds on the side direction indicators again so typical of MINI
come for the first time in a diagonal shape in the extended A-pillar,
creating a wide band in distinctive colour precisely at the same point
as on the classic Mini and now forming an optical connection between
the windscreen frame and the front wheels. This graphic element again
underlines the solidity of the MINI Beachcomber Concept with its
A-pillars appearing to rest powerfully on the front axle. At the rear
the rollbar forms an equally direct line extending towards the rear
axle of the car.
Massive
side-sills along the front and rear entry points interact with the dark
body frame to add a further touch of robustness, while the free view
offered into the interior emphasizes the lightness and agility of this
concept car. Stylised push button elements around the entry point, like
on the MINI Moke, indicate the option to fit a simple and
straightforward cover for bad weather. The actual fastening and
adjustment points for the soft roof, on the other hand, are not even
visible from outside.
The
graphic look of the rear end is formed in particular by the asymmetric
design of the luggage compartment, the door element on the left and the
storage case fitted on the outside symbolizing the superior versatility
of the car while the open section on the left emphasizes the lightness
and spontaneous functionality of the entire concept.
Over
and above these specific features, the MINI Beachcomber Concept
naturally comes with other design elements at the rear typical of the
brand as such. The rear light clusters fitting like islands into the
side panels, for example, stand upright and are surrounded by a wide
band of chrome. Further down, the rear end is dominated by horizontal
lines interacting with the muscular wheel arches to emphasize the sheer
width of the car and its powerful stance on the road.
With
the roof closed this convincing look of power and muscle is further
accentuated by the growing width of the car in steps from top to
bottom. The numberplate surround takes up the design and contours of
the front air intake, while the rear air dam rounded off at the bottom
again in typical MINI style comes with a robust underfloor protection
element.
The interior: sophisticated, versatile, robust, and full of character.
?The
interior design of the MINI Beachcomber Concept likewise focuses on
maximum driving pleasure in the great outdoors. Extra features added to
the car as well as appropriate and conscious reduction to the minimum
versus the existing models in the MINI range serve also within the
interior to focus on the essential. The Center Speedo comes in that
typical MINI design, comprising the usual display for navigation and
audio functions.
With
the MINI Beachcomber Concept being intended primarily for driving in
the open air, the number of air vents has been reduced in the interest
of additional loudspeakers on the HiFi system as well as special
instruments for offroad motoring. These additional instruments are
indeed spherical in shape, reminiscent of the displays in the cockpit
of an aircraft.
A
liquid-sprung compass fitted to the left of the steering wheel
consistently tells the driver whether he is going the right way and
moving in the right direction. A further special instrument to the
right of the steering wheel, finally, presents an artificial horizon
showing the angle of the car around its longitudinal and transverse
axis.
Strongly
contoured seats and an additional handle on the front passenger's side
optimise driving pleasure on rough terrain. Open-pore footmats allowing
a good view of the floorpan characterise the robust ambience of the car
as well as the stitching seams on the seats matched specifically to
this concept car.
The
range of colour and trim within the MINI Beachcomber Concept again
reveals the car's close link to nature, the surfaces and seat
upholstery, in their design, following the elements of earth, air,
water, and fire. All plastic surfaces on the instrument panel come in a
newly developed grain look resembling the structure of dry earth.
The
trim surfaces in the cockpit are finished in magnetic paint also used
for the first time to create a special touch of flowing liquidity. And
last but not least, the individually designed seats again oriented in
their colours to the four elements serve as a symbol highlighting the
versatility of the MINI Beachcomber Concept.
Center Rail with new features: everything the sportsman needs at your disposal at all times.
?The
Center Rail already presented in the MINI Crossover Concept plays a
particularly important role in the new model. Extending from the
instrument panel all the way to the luggage compartment, this fastening
rail connects the front seats with the rear, emphasising the common
driving experience enjoyed by the occupants on all seats.
A
special fastening system developed for MINI enables the driver and
passengers to place individual elements and components on the Center
Rail, such as external music players and other devices, armrests for
the front and rear seats, storage boxes, shelves and holders of all
kinds.
The
MINI Center Rail comes complete with an integrated cable duct allowing
the user to connect a mobile phone or MP3 player in any position to the
car's entertainment system by means of a holder fastened to the rail. A
further option is to connect additional sources of light, a cooling
box, a laptop or a GPS tracker safely and securely to the Center Rail,
each with their own power supply.
The
range of holders has been further extended especially for the MINI
Beachcomber Concept, now including a stopwatch specially made for the
new model, a bottle holder, a compact meal box as well as a case for
cycling and swimming glasses, clearly reflecting the sporting character
of this concept car and simply ideal for the triathlete.
The MINI Beachcomber Concept: variable and always open for maximum driving pleasure.
?The
MINI Beachcomber Concept offers driving pleasure in its purest form,
concentrating on the essential elements required for genuine joy of
individual mobility.
Introducing
this concept, MINI once again proves the ability of the brand to convey
values such as driving pleasure, lifestyle and premium quality, that is
the values so typical of MINI, to a completely new type of vehicle.
From
the start, the MINI Beachcomber Concept offers an outlook at an
incomparable driving experience in new, unprecedented style reflecting
the needs and wishes of a modern, lifestyle-oriented target group and
the authentic character of the brand.
Following
the MINI Crossover Concept opening up fascinating new options through
the further extension of the brand family, the potential of the MINI's
modern drivetrain technology and its flexible space concept is now
being used consistently to offer additional driving opportunities in a
new dimension. Indeed, the MINI Beachcomber Concept offers a
particularly emotional driving experience, demonstrating these
qualities once again in that unique style so typical of the brand.
Clear proof, therefore, that unconventional creativity still serves
today to open up the door to brand-new vehicle concepts pointing into a
future bound to offer even more fascinating renditions of that unique
feeling so characteristic of MINI.
Crank Up The Volume.
Have A Look At Our Previous Events.
MINI INVADES TORONTO 29th Aug 2010
Check Out The 2007 Event
Now Have A Look At 2008
Event Sat 27th June 2009
MINI Turns 50 Click To Join The Party
The
Countryman is not only the British firm's first-ever crossover, it's
also the first modern MINI to have four doors, an available
all-wheel-drive system, four full-size seats and to measure around four
meters in length.
