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Mini Rocketman back on the table, might go aluminum

Mini just doesn't want its Rocketman concept to die. It unveiled the truly mini model at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, and since then, there have been countless on-again, off-again rumors about the possibility of it going into production. If the latest talk proves true, a smaller vehicle like the Rocketman might make it into the automaker's lineup after all, as competitor to other stylish city cars like the Smart ForTwo.
According to the company's head of design, Anders Warming, speaking to Auto Express, Mini likes the idea of having a smaller model in its lineup, but it has to figure out a way of actually making it work. Warming is clear that the next iteration of the Rocketman concept (or whatever it's called then) won't be seen until a design is ready.
There are still plenty of challenges keeping a production Rocketman off of the city streets of the world, and chief among them continues to be finding a platform. But Mini is at least considering it. "At the moment, we don't have the right tech solutions, but we are working on it. We don't yet have a final solution, you could say," said Warming to Auto Express. He also thinks the final version would drop the concept's carbon fiber in favor of more aluminum components.

2013 Mini Countryman gets updates

It's been two years since the debut of Mini's Countryman crossover. In that time, the general public has indeed warmed to the idea of a big Mini - we grew to rather like it during our long-term test - and for 2013, a few small, thoughtful updates are on tap for the brand's range-topper.
The big change for the Countryman concerns the power window toggles, though Mini would also like you to notice the new Carbon Black ring around the center speedometer and new interior colors. Mini window controls have long resided in the center console, lost among the number of other buttons. The new Countryman breaks with that trend by moving the buttons to the door armrest, where it is located on most other passenger vehicles. We first saw this on the production Paceman that debuted in Paris earlier this year. This location also allows for a multi-button panel on the driver's side door. Previously, opening and closing all windows meant hitting each button individually.
Also of note is the removal of the two standard bucket seats in the second row, instead being replaced with a bench seat. Those who appreciate the customizable center rail in four-seat models can still select rear bucket seats, however. The 2013 Countryman is scheduled to hit European dealers sometime in November with US sales to follow shortly thereafter.

Spy shots show Mini Cooper facelift

Mini is planning some slight visual changes to the Mini Cooper lineup, and our spy photographer caught the convertible and Cooper S out in the wild wearing minimal camouflage. As the changes will be subtle, there's not a lot that needs covering up, as we can see from the light bits of swirly camo worn by these two testers. Up front, it looks like might make some light touchups to the lighting and the front edge of the hood, which are covered by decals. In back, the rear lighting, top of the bumper, and the horizontal piece that is home to the rear Mini badge are disguised, but any changes there will also be very slight. It's what we don't see in the photos that will get the most important updates. Mechanically, it's possible that a revised turbocharging system and cooling system could help with emissions and provide a small boost to output. From styling standpoint, we can expect a couple of new paint colors and wheel designs, as well as some new interior options and mood lighting. Related Video: Featured Gallery Mini Cooper Spy Shots View 18 Photos News Source: CarPix Design/Style Spy Photos MINI Convertible Hatchback facelift