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Mini to introduce all-wheel-drive Clubman

The latest Mini Clubman shows how the diminutive brand will go in a larger, more utilitarian direction in the future. The next step might make the wagon an even more versatile option for buyers. A rumor from MotoringFile that cites "sources familiar with the plans" claims that the vehicle will get the automaker's next-gen All4 all-wheel-drive system as soon as spring 2016. Allegedly the all-wheel-drive system derives from the setup that's available on the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, which shares the Mini's UKL platform. The layout uses a multiple-disk clutch at the rear axle to manage power to the back wheels and can route up to 100 percent of the grunt to the tail in a pinch. When extra traction isn't needed there, power goes exclusively to the front. The All4 system will allegedly be available on both the Clubman Cooper and Cooper S models, and MotoringFile estimates the cost of ticking the option box at around $1,500. After introducing the tech on the standard versions, a hotter John Cooper Works model capable of powering all of its wheels will also reportedly begin production around next November. Mini will reportedly also offer this all-wheel-drive tech in the next-generation Countryman. The vehicle will use the UKL platform like the rest of the brand's lineup, but the crossover will grow even larger to look more off-road ready, according to rumors. We reached out to Mini USA spokesperson Mariella Kapsaskis, who says "she can't confirm anything officially about an all-wheel drive Clubman or JCW variant." Related Video:

Mini Superleggera Vision is the all-electric roadster Mini needs to make

It could be argued that Mini has not built a pretty car since the R53, the first of the reborn Minis, was put out to pasture at the end of 2006. I've owned two R53s, so yes, I'm horribly biased. The styling situation in Oxford hasn't improved much for 2014, either, as the bigger, more frightened-looking Mini begins to arrive in dealerships, boasting a very un-Mini-like front overhang. This, though, this works.
It's called the Superleggera Vision, and straight away, we should point out that it's not designed by Mini. It's a product of Touring Superleggera, whose other creations include the stunning Disco Volante. It's a darn nice piece of design, and we're especially fond of its tiny, Jaguar D-type-like rear fin. It's also perfectly designed for it's debut location - the Concours d'Elegance at Italy's Villa d'Este.
Despite being a Mini, the Superleggera still boasts a traditional roadster layout, with a long hood and a shorter rear deck. The front end boasts a pair of traditionally styled Mini headlamps, which sit above a version of the new Cooper's gaping grille. The profile is brightened by a pair of character lines, the most noticeable of which runs from ahead and over the front wheel wells toward the back of the diminutive droptop. Of course, we can't not mention that amazing fin. It should be fitted to every Mini Roadster posthaste. The rear of the car, meanwhile, almost reminds us of an old Aston Martin Vanquish, thanks to the shape of its taillights and their rounded rectangular enclosure. And yes, those are union jacks inside the taillights. God save the queen.

Mini Cooper Hardtop 4-Door configurator is open for all

The Mini Cooper five-door hatchback, which the company insists on calling the Mini Hardtop 4 Door, doesn't start arriving at US dealers until January 2015. However, if you dig the latest model's styling but can't live without the two extra doors, you can start speccing one right now in the recently launched configurator.
The new five-door hatch isn't just the standard model with extra doors squished in. It rides on a 2.8-inch longer wheelbase and is 6.3-inches longer overall. That means more room for rear passengers and extra space to haul stuff in the boot. The engine options are shared though with a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder with 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque for the Cooper or a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder with 189 hp and 207 lb-ft in the Cooper S. Both are available with a six-speed manual or automatic.
Prices (including destination) for that extra space starts at $21,450 for the Cooper or $25,100 for the Cooper S, which is $1,000 more than the three-door in both cases. However, like any modern Mini, these guys are extremely customizable from the factory. There are an array of colors, 10 option packages and a ton of other add-ons to choose from.