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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:

Why BMW doesn't plan to integrate Apple's iOS in the Car

While watching Apple introduce iOS in the Car during its WWDC keynote on Monday, we wondered how automakers, even the 14 who've already signed up to integrate this new in-car functionality of iOS 7, will feel about having the Cupertino company's mobile operating system supplant their own in-car systems. After all, some OEMs like Ford, General Motors and many luxury automakers have sunk millions of dollars into developing their own advanced infotainment, navigation and communication platforms like MyFord Touch, CUE and older systems like iDrive.
One automaker has now spoken up. A BMW spokeperson was interviewed by someone in the news department of British auto dealer group Arnold Clark and confirmed that the company would not be getting in line to integrate iOS in the Car anytime soon. The reason, as we suspected, is that BMW believes its own products developed over the last decade are both plenty good and already so deeply integrated with other systems of the car that, as told to Arnold Clark, "it would not be that straightforward to start changing all of the architecture of a car as has been implied [by Apple]."
While BMW isn't interested in spending more money to integrate Apple's services and functionality over its own, it has spent a good bit already to integrate iPhone functionality in its cars, including the relatively rare ability to support iPod Out and display Apple's own interface on Mini models with the optional Mini Connected feature, as well as committing to integrate Siri 'Eyes Free' functionality.

David Brown's latest Remastered project shows the Mini's classy side

England-based David Brown Automotive builds some of the most mesmerizing classic Mini models we've ever seen. Its latest creation is no exception: Commissioned by a client in Japan, it leaves behind the Mini's econobox roots and proudly highlights the car's upscale side. In a way, David Brown is to the Mini what Singer is to the Porsche 911. It keeps the original car's basic design and proportions but modifies nearly everything else. For this posh, England-inspired build, it applied a coat of paint called Fade to Black and installed 13-inch wire wheels, which were never available from the factory. There's also a hand-painted Union Jack flag on the roof. Look closely and you'll spot several other subtle changes, like LED exterior lighting, bullet-shaped door mirrors, fender flares, and smooth fenders (the originals have a seam). The resto-mod treatment continues inside with red leather upholstery, black inserts in the seats, a wood-rimmed Mona-Lita steering wheel, Smiths gauges, and a push-button ignition. David Brown also replaced the air vents and most of the switchgear, and added a modern sound system. The finishing touch is a pair of leather straps designed to carry an umbrella and attached to the passenger-side door panel. While the company has dabbled in performance, it doesn't sound like the customer who commissioned this Remastered asked for rally-ready speed. The standard engine that David Brown Automotive puts in its cars is a 1,275-cc four-cylinder that develops 71 horsepower and 88 lb-ft of torque in its standard state of tune. It's fuel-injected, and in this application it spins the front wheels via an automatic transmission. David Brown Automotive hasn't revealed how much this specific build cost. However, it previously noted that each Remastered takes about 1,000 hours of labor to complete, so it's reasonable to assume that it's priced accordingly — and likely far above anything Mini makes. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.