MINI Announces New JCW Sport Packages and Clubman Hampton Edition

The newly developed 2.0-liter turbo diesel we told you about in our previous post isn't the only fresh addition to MINI's lineup for 2011. The new year also brings a John Cooper Works [JCW] Pack option for the hatch and convertible models, a performance kit for the Cooper S and the Clubman Hampton special edition.

The JCW pack option for the Cooper and Cooper S Hardtop and Convertible vehicles is due to be available from the second quarter of 2011 as a factory option. It includes an aero kit with front and rear aprons, plus side skirts, as well as 17-inch weight-optimized aluminum alloy wheels.

The interior is upgraded with a new leather steering wheel with red stitching, gearshift knob with red shift pattern lettering, plus a leather handbrake boot featuring -what else- red stitching.

In addition, the package will include Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), which has a special mode that raises the intervention thresholds of the stability control system, as well as EDLC (Electronic Differential Lock Control.) These two features are on top of the already-standard stability system, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control.).

Next up on the menu is the JCW Tuning kit for the Cooper S Hardtop, Convertible, Clubman models. The highlight of the package is the engine kit that optimizes the ECU and adds a specifically designed air filter system to raise output by 11-horsepower to 195HP. The twin-scroll turbocharged 1.6-liter unit also delivers 184 lb-ft of torque between 1,250 and 5,000 rpm, while this can be raised to as much as 199 lb-ft between 1,800 and 5,000 rpm courtesy of the Overboost function.

A model-specific sports silencer with polished tailpipes, which is said to optimize the exhaust gas discharge and gives the engine sound a particularly sporting note, and the newly designed 18-inch Cross Spoke Red Stripe light-alloy wheel, complete the package.

Finally, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the original 1961 Morris Mini Traveller, the British company has introduced a new special edition of the Clubman called Hampton. MINI has designed a new Reef Blue metallic color specially for this model, which also sports a silver color for the rooftop and door surrounds.

The exterior colors Pepper White, Midnight Black and Eclipse Grey can also be specified as an option, while Black and Reef Blue are available as contrast colors for the roof and C-pillars.

The Hampton also gets unique 17-inch Twin Spoke alloy wheels that can be ordered in either silver or black with a dark red trim ring, black headlamp surrounds, plus “Hampton” lettering on the B-pillar, door entry sills, side scuttles and radiator grille.

Inside, special features include the Black Lounge Leather seats with an “H” on the seat tags, red edging and contrast stitching in orange, the anthracite headliner, anthracite gauge faces and a matt dark red border on the central speedometer.

This Hampton special edition will be available for the MINI Cooper Clubman and MINI Cooper S Clubman models, with production to be limited to one year.

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AC Schnitzer Offers First Batch of Goodies for MINI Countryman

German tuner AC Schnitzer has launched its first tuning package for the MINI Countryman . The focus is clearly on the wheels, as clients can choose between four different designs in two different sizes (18- or 19-inch) to go with the two-tone white and black exterior paint job. In fact, AC Schnitzer has just broken a personal record: in a company first, it has fitted a MINI with 19-inch rims. As for the interior, the tuning house offers an aluminum pedal set and gear knob or various knobs clad in leather with incorporated, digital gear display unit.

By Csaba Daradics

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2012 MINI-Paceman

While it is not up to the aggressive driving abilities of its saloon cousin, it is very capable. Chances are you won't be driving it hard anyway as it will most likely be bought by families.I wanted to hate this car, but ended up loving it. I am still not sure of the looks, but it does some how manage to capture the essence of the original. A family worker, which also brings a smile to your face. Worth a look in my opinion.

BMW (for the moment) are crowned number one in Scotland and the UK premium car market. The German automotive manufacturer BMW group have released impressive sales figures making the manufacturer the UKs leading car brand. This could however change massively within the next 18 months as Audi launch several new models that could potentially put them into the top spot.

Currently, the automaker offers four models (Hardtop, Convertible, Clubman and Countryman), which will be joined by the Coupe in late 2011, and the Roadster in 2012. The series-production Paceman will follow shortly after, essentially creating the first crossover coupe in the premium small car segment.

The concept model is based on the MINI Countryman and it uses the 211 hp 1.6-liter John Cooper Works turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Power is transferred to the wheels through a six-speed manual transmission and MINI's ALL4 all-wheel drive system.

2012 MINI-Paceman

MINI Paceman Concept for Production

One of our family favourites was the Mini Countryman. This was the stretched estate version of the classic salon shape. It also had the later 1275 Clubman style front. A lot of changes from the original, but it still somehow looked like a Mini.

Did we love our old Countryman because it was a nice looking car? Well, no not really. We loved it because unlike the saloon version, we could get some luggage in it and go away for the weekend in relative comfort.

The Managing director of BMW UK has stated that the group have seen both BMW and MINI brands outperforming the market this year on the back of a strong new product and a successful market introduction of the BMW 5 series, Scotland has been involved heavily with promotion and sales of the saloon as well as Touring models, the X1 and the MINI Countryman.

MINI Paceman Concept for Production

MINI Paceman Concept for Production

One of our family favourites was the Mini Countryman. This was the stretched estate version of the classic salon shape. It also had the later 1275 Clubman style front. A lot of changes from the original, but it still somehow looked like a Mini.

Did we love our old Countryman because it was a nice looking car? Well, no not really. We loved it because unlike the saloon version, we could get some luggage in it and go away for the weekend in relative comfort.

The Managing director of BMW UK has stated that the group have seen both BMW and MINI brands outperforming the market this year on the back of a strong new product and a successful market introduction of the BMW 5 series, Scotland has been involved heavily with promotion and sales of the saloon as well as Touring models, the X1 and the MINI Countryman.

MINI Paceman Concept for Production

The upcoming Mini Countryman

I have always had a soft spot for the original design Mini. It played a part in my childhood and also my youth. Back in the 80's and 90's it seemed like almost everyone had one. Cheap, fun and good-looking little machines. I'd love to add reliable to that list, but they had various issues.

BMW Groups position within UK sales figures looks strong with further models coming into the mix and the increasing popularity of mini car deals, Scotland is adding massively to the sales figures and the BMW Group will be fulfilling their market demand in the lead up to the UK VAT change in January.