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The 2018 Mini John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4 is a hot crossover

With the introduction of the 2018 Mini John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4, Mini has both rounded out its JCW line-up, and created one of the fastest little crossovers out there. The model follows the recently released JCW Clubman, and like that car, the JCW Countryman has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. That puts it solidly ahead of the next sportiest crossover, the 215-horsepower Juke Nismo RS, though it falls short of the monstrous Mercedes-AMG GLA45's 375 horsepower. The JCW Countryman's power is sent to all four wheels through either a standard 6-speed manual or optional 8-speed automatic transmission. Although the automatic has launch control, Mini claims both the manual and automatic JCW Countrymans will reach 60 mph in 6.2 seconds on the way to a top speed of 145 mph. Comparing acceleration times, the Countryman comes up a tenth behind the JCW Cooper, and two tenths behind the JCW Clubman. On top of the extra power, the JCW Countryman gets improvements in the steering and stopping departments. We don't have much detail about the suspension at this point, but it says it has been changed for better handling. The brakes are upgraded to Brembo units, with the front calipers featuring four pistons. You'll be able to spot a JCW Countryman thanks to a few exterior and interior tweaks, too. JCW badges adorn each side of the car, the front bumper eschews fog lights for larger air inlets, and the grille gets a red surround. Mini also offers its Rebel Green paint as well as a Chili Red roof and mirrors, both options that are only available on JCW vehicles. The interior receives JCW sport seats, steering wheel, and shifters, too. The high-performance Countryman will make its public debut at the Shanghai Motor Show and should reach US dealers this April. Mini has not revealed pricing yet, but will likely present it closer to the on-sale date. Related Video:

Mini Clubman All4 Scrambler Concept | Autoblog Minute

This is the Mini Clubman All4 Scrambler, a concept from Mini of Italy built for the 2016 Valentino Park Motor Show. Inspiration for this tough-looking Mini is the BMW R Nine T Scrambler motorcycle. MINI Motorcycle Autoblog Minute Videos Original Video mini clubman all4 scrambler

Mini headed to North Pole to meet Santa Claus

It seems that retailers are bringing out the Christmas decorations earlier each year, but Mini's premature holiday spirit could be one for the record books. The day after Black Friday, the "Mini Goes to Santa Claus" adventure will depart from BMW headquarters in Munich, Germany and head up Rovaniemi, Finland (just outside the Arctic Circle) to deliver Christmas letters to Santa Claus -he must have an mail outpost here for his North Pole workshop. Guinness World Records is also getting involved with this trek, by competing for a for the longest-ever wish list to Santa.
Mini has assembled teams of vehicles from 16 countries consisting of all of its current models to drive the almost 1,900 miles. Although it won't be a part of the convoy, the Mini Paceman will be in Rovaniemi to welcome the groups along with former rally driver Rauno Aaltonen who will "demonstrate his unequalled talent" while driving the Paceman. We're not exactly sure what this means, but snowy climates and rally drivers always seem to be a recipe for great entertainment to us.
Scroll down for Mini's press release, but we'll have to wait until later in the month to see what should be some pretty cool pictures of the trip.