2009 Mini Cooper Hardtop S on 2040-cars

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2014 Mini Cooper S

One of the big challenges as an automotive journalist is reviewing cars that you have a personal connection to. I have a strong passion for Minis. My first new car was a 2004 Cooper S, and I still own a 2006 model. It's this affinity that's left me with a general disdain of the 2007 to 2013 model relative to my first-gen.
The last-generation cars, with their turbocharged engines, softer suspensions, duller steering and homelier looks are, in my mind, inferior to their 2002 to 2006 predecessors. As a car reviewer, though, I couldn't in good conscience argue the same point. The R56, as the last-gen cars were known internally and by enthusiasts, was a better-balanced vehicle that retained the lion's share of the abilities and character of the first-generation, R53 Cooper S, but they were better thought out, better designed, more livable, and felt like more complete products.
Before the third-generation of the reborn Mini Cooper S landed in my driveway, I couldn't help but wonder whether the model would continue its slide towards mass appeal, or if it would re-embrace the enthusiast realm with a stronger driver-focused mission. As I found out during my week with the car, it was a bit of both.

Mini Paceman Adventure photos arrive by the trucklette-load

Yesterday, we brought you the news of the existence of this Mini Paceman Adventure tiny truck, and the story of how it came to be. Long story short: it was a lighthearted collaboration between apprentices and instructors at parent BMW plants in Germany. The mini-sized pickup bed and off-road kit may not make the Paceman All4 actually practical, but we'd argue that they do make the one-off fairly loveable.
Apparently the Mini photographers agree with that "loveable" part. We'd heard that there were some better, higher-resolution images of the Paceman Adventure on the way, but we didn't expect there to be hundreds of them. But as you can see, the shooters went out and thoroughly documented the pickup, shooting it in several locations, still and moving, and documenting some of its construction as well. Find your favorite in the massive gallery of images, above.

2020 Mini Cooper S E caught completely uncovered at photo shoot

Thanks to one of our spy photographers, the wait to see Mini's latest electric car is now over. The 2020 Mini Cooper S E was caught completely uncovered during an apparent photo shoot, probably for press and marketing materials. The finished car isn't all that different from the regular 2019 Mini Cooper hatchback and convertible, but it does have a few unique features. From the front you'll immediately notice the filled-in grille. It's bisected in the middle by a highlighter yellow stripe that contains a small opening, just like on the concept. It's basically the inverse of a gas-powered Mini's grille. There's also a circular medallion attached to the grille indicating its electric powertrain. The only other exterior changes include the electric logo debossed in the fuel-filler door, which is obviously now a charging port cover, and the wheels, which are smaller versions of the asymmetric pieces seen on the concept. Otherwise the metal body panels, bumpers, lights, windows and everything else on the body is taken directly from the regular Mini hatch. Since Mini is taking official photos of the car, we expect it's pretty much finished and ready for launch very soon. That would be in keeping with Mini's statement that the car would launch this year. The Frankfurt Motor Show this fall would be a possibility for the release, but we wouldn't rule out something even earlier. Details about the powertrain are scarce. We'd love to see similar specs to the 2009 Mini E, which made 204 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, and had a range of around 150 miles. That said, reports indicate the 2020 Mini Cooper S E will borrow the drivetrain from BMW's i3, which would mean 168 hp, 184 lb-ft, and a range of around 114 miles from a 33.8-kWh battery pack. We'll find out for sure soon enough.