Base Hatchback 1.6l Cd 6 Speakers Am/fm Radio Am/fm/cd W/6 Speakers Mp3 Decoder on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Honda engines and giant killing in the classic Mini Cooper

Electric Federal has taken a fresh look back at the enduring legacy of original Mini with a video interview with Heritage Garage's Graham Reid, one of the foremost experts on classic Minis. As Electric Federal points out, it's important to remember that the Mini did not start out as a performance car. It was built in response to the Suez Canal crisis of the mid-50s, which had a similar effect on British gas prices as OPEC did on American prices in the 1970s - rationing and rapid price jumps.
Through the years, Minis have grown from their budget roots to become seriously competent performance machines. As Reid says, a 150-horsepower Mini on the right track should have no problem outpacing a contemporary Porsche 911.
For some time now, classic Mini owners have been dropping Honda engines under the tiny hoods of their classics. With up to 250 horsepower pulling a car that tips the scales at barely 1,200 pounds, the upgraded Mini is "a real sleeper," Reid says. Interestingly, Reid doesn't mention another increasingly common swap in the Mini community - Suzuki Hayabusa-powered Coopers.

Mini Clubman All4 Scrambler Concept is the big Mini we want

Mini of Italy built a butch version of the Clubman for the 2016 Valentino Park Motor Show. Called the All4 Scrambler, it's what happens when a Mini takes inspiration from a BMW R Nine T Scrambler motorcycle. We must say, we like this brutish little car. The matte paint is Frozen Grey, a favorite of BMW's high-performance M cars, while the roof is black. There's a luggage rack up there, and the old-school leather suitcase in the cargo area looks like it'd be right at home strapped to the back of an touring bike like the R Nine T Scrambler. In fact, the best thing about this Clubman is the way Mini of Italy has blended the motorcycle's characteristics into a compact wagon. The knobbly tires are more aggressive than the R Nine T, but the overall aesthetic effect is the same. The rubber looks sporty and, unlike the production Clubman, they do a better job of filling out the wheel wells. Add in the rally lights and It's a great look. It's harder to see in these images, but there's also a matte black applique on the front and rear bumpers, side sills, and around the wheel arches. It's a practical move, of course, but it's also makes for a nice, aggressive effect. Mini's tweaks in the cabin are modest. The Nappa leather and Alcantara upholstery comes in a rich tan shade meant to mimic the R Nine T's seat. It looks so good we wish Mini offered some version of the color on the production Clubman – every car should have a tan leather option. The headliner gets an Alcantara finish, too. Overall, Mini of Italy has built a handsome, production-based concept. Buon lavoro, I miei amici. Related Video:

New Mini to bow on Nov. 18, on Alec Issigonis' birthday

Miniacs, note November 18 on your calendar. That's when the all-new Mini Hardtop will debut. Now, this might not be a great deal of news, after all, we already showed you the car, codenamed F56, a few weeks ago. But this full unveiling should bring with it even more detailed exterior images, a full look at the cabin and if we're lucky, performance numbers.
History buffs will also note that November 18 is the birthday of Sir Alec Issigonis. It was Issigonis that penned the original idea for the Mini on a cocktail napkin, envisioning a car with a transversely mounted engine, the wheels pushed out to all four corners and plenty of cabin space for occupants. That car had a remarkably small footprint and was quite efficient, perfect for tackling the fuel shortages brought on by the Suez Crisis in 1959's Great Britain. An unintended side-effect of its design was that it was also an absolute hoot to drive.
The November 18 debut will take place at Mini's home, Plant Oxford, in the UK. Following that, November 20 will see a near-simultaneous debut at both the Tokyo Motor Show and Los Angeles Auto Show. We'll be on hand to bring you all the details.