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Mini getting serious with next Countryman SUV

With the core Hardtop and new Clubman already revealed, Mini is moving along with its plans to expand its model lineup around five "hero" models. Next down the pipeline will likely be the new Countryman, which Autocar projects will be larger and more rugged than the existing model. According to the British publication, the new Mini Countryman is set to take more of a proper SUV approach than the outgoing crossover. That means an even larger form, and more serious off-road chops to better take advantage of the connection with the X-Raid rally machine that has been dominating Dakar for the past four years. It's expected to be based on the same UKL front-drive architecture as the Hardtop, Clubman, and BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, and offer the latter's all-wheel-drive system as well. Those underpinnings would still make it a crossover, strictly speaking, but with a more rugged approach. It could also emerge a good half-foot longer than the model it will replace, over a third of an inch wider, and offer considerably more cargo space. Although the existing Countryman was derided by many as a step too far for the Mini brand, it ended up accounting for a substantial share of the company's sales – making its replacement a no-brainer for the BMW Group. That's more than could be said for the quirky Paceman crossover coupe, which is not expected to follow this time around, however a slant-backed Countryman variant could be in the cards. The next question is what Mini might do next. Of the five core models it's anticipated to launch, the Countryman would be the third. The Superleggera roadster, a smaller hatchback like the Rocketman concept, and a larger minivan potentially to be dubbed the Traveller have all been rumored. Of course, whatever goes into production could be something else entirely. We'll just have to wait and see. Related Video:

2014 Mini Cooper interior spied uncovered in China

As we approach the November 18 debut of the new Mini Hardtop, the trickle of news is starting to increase. We've already shown you the exterior of the new hatchback, and now we can show you the interior. These images, captured by Car News China, show a cabin that maintains a few key Mini styling items, but is a fairly progressive evolution of the current R56 model.
Mini's most iconic interior treatment, its center-mounted speedometer, is now gone. The new speedo sits atop the steering column, flanked by a (too tiny, in our opinion) tachometer. In the speedometer's former position are the radio controls. Our friends in China put it best when they say, "The large dial is much uglier than before." There's a mass of buttons and unfriendly black plastic that, at first glance, look far cheaper than the rest of the cabin. Of course, we'll wait to see how this is all ironed out for the production-spec car.
The other parts of the interior, however, look quite good. There's a small bank of toggle buttons at the bottom of the center stack, and the checkerboard dash insert looks clean as well. The seats sport extensions for the bottom cushions, meaning there'll be the option of more support for drivers with longer legs. GTI fans might also notice the plaid bolsters on the seats. Mini's treatment is a bit more subtle than what you'd see on a Volkswagen, though.

Mini prepping new John Cooper Works convertible

Those enamored by a Mini's spritely handling and retro styling but looking for that extra performance edge have had a succession of John Cooper Works models to choose from, straight through to the latest version unveiled this week in Detroit. And now, Mini appears to be preparing a JCW version of the new convertible. Spied undergoing cold-weather testing in Scandinavia, this Mini prototype appears to be wearing the tell-tale signs of a JCW model, combined with the folding fabric roof of the convertible model. Mini has yet to reveal the convertible version of the latest, third-generation Cooper, but while we're expecting it to take a similar approach to the outgoing model – with four seats and a soft top stacking up in the back when open – there's always the chance that, with the demise of the two-seat Roadster model, the roof on the new cabrio will fold more flush with the rear deck. Since this prototype, like the previous one we saw over a year ago on a flat-bed truck, has its roof up, it's impossible to say at this point. What we can see is that this prototype, though decked out in swirly camouflage, is wearing the upgraded body kit of the new JCW hatch, including the flared wheel arches, big air vents and dual central exhaust tips. The wheels, though wearing snow tires appropriate to the climate, fill those flared fenders well, and are in turn packed with what look like pretty big brakes. Expect the 2.0-liter turbo four to pack the same 228 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque as the hardtop version, only with the added thrill of wind in your hair. Of course, if Mini is indeed preparing to launch a JCW version of the new convertible, there's nothing to say it won't do the same with the four-door Hardtop, the upcoming Clubman wagon or any other body-style in the new range. Featured Gallery Mini JCW Convertible: Spy Shots View 9 Photos Image Credit: CarPix Spy Photos MINI Convertible Performance jcw mini convertible mini cooper convertible