2012 Mini Cooper S Hatchback 2-door 1.6l on 2040-cars

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Mini previews an electric crossover to be revealed soon

In a dense press release about its upcoming design language (called "Charismatic Simplicity"), Mini provided an odd-looking but somewhat useful teaser of a new electric crossover SUV. It didn't name it, and all it said specifically about it was that it's "the concept study of a – fully electrically powered – crossover model for the premium small-car segment." That fits the description of one of two new crossovers that will be sold alongside the next-generation Countryman. The photo provides a silhouette of the crossover from the front three-quarter perspective, as well as the uncovered front fender of the same vehicle in the corner. It does have the familiar boxy Mini shape, and it seems to have some sort of roof platform fitted. The mirrors look like little rounded rectangles, which matches what we've seen in spy photos of the Countryman. That exposed fender seems to reveal the most about the crossover. The flares have a sort of trapezoidal shape, which is continued into the sheetmetal. The actual wheel openings are a little more rounded. The crisper angles also show up in the way the headlight fits to the fender. While the press release that accompanied this teaser is full of fluffy language, there are some more specific and helpful details about what we will see in this model and other new Minis. On the outside, the Union Jack taillights will remain a key feature. Inside, Mini is focusing on more sustainable materials, so it's dropping real leather and aiming to eliminate as much chrome as possible. It will also feature a circular display in the middle for infotainment, though some physical switch gear will remain. This crossover will be revealed next month. It will also showcase the new platform that Mini designed with electric powertrains in mind, unlike the current Mini Cooper SE Hardtop, which adapts a battery and motor to fit an older internal combustion car. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Man criticized for filming rather than helping road rage victim

A man from Cheshire in England was criticized on social media after he filmed a road rage brawl and provided color commentary for it instead of helping the victim. According to the Daily Mail, Alec Wall was traveling through Cheshire when he came upon a strange scene. A red Mini was stopped at a light, and standing next to it in traffic was a woman in a white dress. As Wall watched, the woman lunged for the Mini's driver's door, wrenched it open, and began fighting with the woman behind the wheel. While the women fought, Wall pulled out his phone and started recording. "Road Rage!" he shouted as he filmed. Apparently finding the situation extremely funny, Wall continued to film, giggling all the while and providing commentary on the scuffle. "Oh my God, actual road in a rage!" he shouted. Once he returned home, Wall uploaded his video to a Facebook page called Idiot UK Drivers Exposed where it racked up nearly 90,000 likes. Not everyone found it as funny as Wall did, however. Comments began piling up chastising Wall for his flip attitude and his failure to intervene in the fight. "How about instead of laughing and screaming 'road rage' like a moron you do something productive like get out of your car and try to defuse the situation? Use some intelligence..." said one commenter. "I really have failed to see what the camera man is laughing at," said another. "It looks to me like someone being seriously assaulted. Why is that funny?" There is no report on the cause of the incident, or how it ended. Related Video: News Source: The Daily Mail Auto News Weird Car News MINI road rage fight

Mini JCW arrives suitably early thanks to Aussie leak [UPDATE]

UPDATE: Mini has released official photos and details of the new John Cooper Works, which we've added above and below, respectively. Mini is set to reveal its most powerful model yet in the new John Cooper Works hot hatch, but before the Anglo-Saxon automaker has gotten the chance, the first images and details have leaked out, courtesy of CarAdvice.com.au. According to the Australian website, the new JCW packs a 2.0-liter turbo four with 228 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque – outstripping even the previous John Cooper Works GP hot hatch, which produced 211 hp and 207 lb-ft. That's said to be good for a 0-62 time of 6.1 seconds. Of course there's more to the new JCW than engine output, and the latest Mini hot hatch – previewed in concept form almost a year ago at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show and spied undergoing testing mere weeks ago – also packs an upgraded version of the suspension in the Cooper S, with optional adaptive dampers, Brembo brakes, upgraded rolling stock and an electronic differential. A full aero kit sets it apart visually, keep the greasy bits cool and the nimble little pocket rocket glued to the tarmac, while the cockpit has also appears to have been made over to provide a suitable environment from which to unleash the new JCW's performance potential. With these details and images spreading like wildfire across the interwebs, we'd imagine it's only a matter of time before Mini releases the full monte itself, so watch this space for more. Related Video: The new MINI John Cooper Works. 10.12.2014 - Green light for the latest edition of the top athlete in the small car segment; the new MINI John Cooper Works combines authentic race feeling with the premium characteristics and extended product substance of the latest MINI Generation; distinctive, tradition-steeped, based on a vehicle concept combining MINI and John Cooper Works, with performance qualities which are exceptional within the competitive environment. - Extreme driving fun and exclusive charisma based on technology for engine, suspension and aerodynamics derived directly from motor racing as well as model-specific design features for the exterior and interior; greater differentiation from the MINI 3 door highlights the model's individual character.