2012 Mini Cooper S, Excellent Condition on 2040-cars

Auto blog

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

Mini confirms first plug-in hybrid and it looks like it's based on the Countryman

Mini confirmed Sunday it's developing its first plug-in hybrid model, apparently based on the Countryman. The hybrid will utilize an electric motor that works with a combustion engine, expected to be a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder unit. Though the actual name wasn't specified, Mini said the vehicle will have two driving modes. With Auto eDrive, it can reach speeds of up to 50 miles per hour. Switching into Max eDrive increases top speed to approximately 77 miles per hour. The electric motor sends all of its power to the rear wheels, while the combustion engine powers the front wheels. The engine only kicks on in certain situations. Mashing the throttle brings the engine to life, as does switching the car into "Save Battery" mode, which allows the engine to charge the hybrid's battery through a generator while powering the vehicle. The engine also comes on if the vehicle's all-wheel-drive-system senses a loss in traction. Inside, the changes include a yellow start/stop button (instead of red) and a power display in place of the traditional tachometer. Mini's previous electrification efforts included the Mini E, which had a range under 100 miles and was available for leasing in 2009. Expect the plug-in hybrid to debut in 2019. Related Video: Featured Gallery Mini Plug-In Hybrid Related Gallery Mini Countryman Plug-in Hybrid Spy Shots View 13 Photos Green MINI Crossover Hybrid PHEV confirmed

Mini JCW Convertible spied looking cold

The Mini Convertible John Cooper Works has stripped off almost all of the camo it was wearing when we last saw it a few months back. There's not much left to the imagination anymore, and all that remains are some swirls to hide a little of the hood and rear. As expected, the entire front end, rear bumper, central exhausts and subtly flared wheel arches come directly from the JCW take on the two-door Hardtop. Except for the Convertible's repositioned antenna and lowering top, the two models are essentially the same on the outside. With the standard, third-gen Mini droptop not actually unveiled yet, all of the camouflage at the back is likely there to hide the way the roof folds down. Under the hood, expect the latest JCW 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 228 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic gearboxes. Of course, the Convertible also adds the thrill of tipping the throttle with the top down. Mini hasn't hinted at a reveal date for the latest Convertible yet. However, these shots suggest development is at a fairly advanced state, so an official debut is likely not too far off. Related Video: