2002 John Cooper Works Mini (r50) on 2040-cars

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Mini to introduce all-wheel-drive Clubman

The latest Mini Clubman shows how the diminutive brand will go in a larger, more utilitarian direction in the future. The next step might make the wagon an even more versatile option for buyers. A rumor from MotoringFile that cites "sources familiar with the plans" claims that the vehicle will get the automaker's next-gen All4 all-wheel-drive system as soon as spring 2016. Allegedly the all-wheel-drive system derives from the setup that's available on the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, which shares the Mini's UKL platform. The layout uses a multiple-disk clutch at the rear axle to manage power to the back wheels and can route up to 100 percent of the grunt to the tail in a pinch. When extra traction isn't needed there, power goes exclusively to the front. The All4 system will allegedly be available on both the Clubman Cooper and Cooper S models, and MotoringFile estimates the cost of ticking the option box at around $1,500. After introducing the tech on the standard versions, a hotter John Cooper Works model capable of powering all of its wheels will also reportedly begin production around next November. Mini will reportedly also offer this all-wheel-drive tech in the next-generation Countryman. The vehicle will use the UKL platform like the rest of the brand's lineup, but the crossover will grow even larger to look more off-road ready, according to rumors. We reached out to Mini USA spokesperson Mariella Kapsaskis, who says "she can't confirm anything officially about an all-wheel drive Clubman or JCW variant." Related Video:

2014 Mini John Cooper Works GP

About three weeks prior to this brief yet balls-to-the-wall drive on the Spanish island of Mallorca, I saw that Mini USA announced pricing for the keenly anticipated Mini John Copper Works GP. And that number would be - *a-hem* - $39,950 for starters.
I am always intent upon finding the pinnacle of what a certain car promises me, and almost at any cost. Almost. When I think "steaming hatchback," I think of something exactly like this Mini GP, and the steep price doesn't squelch my pleasure. They're only building 2,000 of them anyway, and the units coming to the US will start arriving in owners' hands on March 16 of next year. These buyers will be extremely happy and remorse-free.
Five scorched laps at the very Mini-perfect Circuito Mallorca RennArena showed me all.

Mini Countryman spied looking less and less Mini

As the entire Mini lineup continues to grow in size, our latest spy shots for the upcoming Mini Countryman testing in Germany reveals the automaker's biggest car will stick to the trend of increasing semantic contradiction. This latest prototype drops some of its camouflage over the previously spied model that was spotted testing in the winter. Unlike the last test mule we saw, the disguised vehicle ditches the hexagonal grille for one that mimics the current model's design with a more traditional layout. The prototype also loses the sporty, multi-spoke wheels for a more boring, plastic-like set. The side and back end of the vehicle are heavily camouflaged, hiding the rear design of the prototype. But Mini's iconic taillights are still evident with the most current prototype only having one exhaust outlet, while the previously spotted model sported two. As expected, the next-gen Countryman should grow longer and wider. The increase in size will coincide with a switch to BMW's UKL2 platform. We also expect the Countryman to share the same three- and four-cylinder turbocharged engine options as vehicles on the same platform, namely the Mini Clubman and BMW X1. This prototype, with its low-end wheels and single exhaust outlet has us thinking that Mini is testing out one of its more fuel-efficient models. After the Countryman's debut, which is expected to happen at the Paris Motor Show in October, a performance-oriented John Cooper Works model and a plug-in hybrid variant should follow suit. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2017 Mini Countryman Spy Shots View 9 Photos Image Credit: CarPix Spy Photos MINI Crossover Hatchback SUV