2009 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Convertible 2-door 1.6l - 49,887 Miles on 2040-cars

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Mini nixes plans for 7-seater, Countryman to stay largest model

Contrary to popular belief, it seems that Mini's growth plans do have a limit both in size and number of models. During the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, it unveiled the six-door Clubman concept (pictured above) that was 4.4-inches longer and about two-inches wider than even the current Countryman crossover. Mini design chief Anders Warming says that this is the new size limit for its models, and the BMW subsidiary isn't building a larger, seven-passenger vehicle above the current Countryman.
"We won't build anything bigger than the Countryman, not at this moment. You should be able to park a Mini in a city, so a Countryman or this new Clubman is as big as it should be," said Warming to Auto Express in Geneva. Rumors going back to last November, pegged the Mini as developing an even larger vehicle to take on mainstream CUVs.
While Warming is ruling out a bigger Minis for now, a smaller one like the Rocketman concept still might be in the cards. He said that the project has been warmly received but still had to be investigated because "it's a numbers game." So if bigger Minis aren't coming, there still might be a slim chance for a smaller one.

2016 Mini Clubman opens its many doors to the world

We've seen the spy shots. We've seen the teasers. We've seen the concepts and the video-game racers. And now the wait is finally over for Anglophile motorists as Mini has officially taken the wraps off the all-new Clubman. Larger than the model it replaces and with more useful apertures, the new 2016 Mini Clubman slots into the marque's new lineup above the four/five-door version of the core Hardtop hatchback. It measures a useful 10.9 inches longer than the Hardtop, 2.9 inches wider, and rides on a wheelbase that's four inches longer. It's also a big larger than the outgoing Clubman, which had been on the market since 2007. In fact, though it sits a few inches lower than the Countryman crossover, the new Clubman is touted as the longest and widest Mini yet. Size isn't the only element that sets the new Clubman apart from its predecessor, though. It's also got a more conventional door arrangement, with four proper, forward-hinged doors instead of the unusual suicide door on the outgoing model that opened onto the curb in countries where they know on which side of the street to drive, but into traffic in its own home market. The split tailgate doors carry over, however, and can be optionally operated hands-free to give access to 17.5 cubic feet of cargo space, or as much as 47.9 cubic feet with the split rear seats folded flat. The new Clubman, however, isn't just positioned as a more utile version of the smaller hatch, but as Mini's flagship model. There are even new interior trim choices available to that effect, including a diamond-quilted blue leather patterned after a classic English Chesterfield sofa. Naturally, it also packs all the technological advancements you'd expect of the latest product from the BMW Group. Though diesel options will be offered overseas, American buyers will be able to choose between Cooper and Cooper S specifications. The former comes with a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-three with 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, good for an 8.9-second 0-60 time and a 127-mile-per-hour top speed with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The Cooper S upgrades with a 2.0-liter turbo four good for 189 hp and 207 lb-ft, to reach 60 in 7.0 seconds flat with the six-speed manual or 6.9 with a new eight-speed automatic, topping out at 142. Despite the added size, Mini promises the new Clubman will offer the same go-kart handling for which the brand has become known.

Mini launches electric conversion program for classic models

Mini unveiled an electric version of one of its classic models at the 2018 New York Auto Show. While the project was billed as a one-off at the time, the BMW-owned company announced it will begin making the conversion available to customers through a program called Recharged. Details about what's involved in the build are few and far between, beyond the obvious: The engine and transmission (which form one unit on these cars), the exhaust system, and the fuel tank are removed to make space for an electric motor, a battery pack, and the required electronics. The drivetrain is rated at 120 horsepower, which is nearly twice the 63-horse output of the final Mini models built in 2000, but the battery seemingly adds a tremendous amount of weight because performance isn't as impressive as you might think. Mini pegs the 0-to-60-mph time at 9 seconds (around 5 seconds less than a 2000 car), and it quotes 100 miles of range — 14 less than the Cooper SE. Several subtle visual details set the Recharged apart from a regular Mini. Look closely and you'll spot the Cooper SE's logo on the hood, on the trunk lid, and on the center caps. Some of the cars pictured in Mini's gallery also feature this logo on the quarter panels. Inside, there's a new-look analog instrument cluster, which — to Mini's credit — keeps a relatively period-correct design. It includes a speedometer, a temperature gauge, a range gauge, and a gauge that tells drivers which gear they're in. Speaking of, there's no longer a need for owners to argue about the merits of "magic wand," remote-shift, and rod-change gearboxes: The Recharged is exclusively offered with an automatic. Luckily, Mini isn't completely discarding its heritage. It stresses that all of the changes made during the EV conversion are reversible, and that the drivetrain that's removed from the car is labeled and stored in case the owner chooses to make the car original again. Pricing for the conversion hasn't been announced yet. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.