Human-powered Mini

Modern Human-powered Mini car

Mini has come up with a Mini rickshaw, just in time for the Olympic Games. Looking for a different way to explore Beijing? Mini has created the ultimate human-powered version of its iconic baby car – a Mini rickshaw. The rickshaw takes the back half of a Mini and adds the human powered component – a bicycle – at the front. The Mini rickshaw has been plying the streets of the Chinese capital since the Olympic Games commenced earlier this month.

California - Mini Cooper Crossover spotted Spy Photos

Based on the Mini Crossover Concept that debuted at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, the production version appears to have more in common with the standard Mini Cooper than the extra large Clubman model. While it does sport an extra pair of doors like the Clubman, these prototypes appear to feature rear lift gates that swing up rather than being split vertically down the center. And while ground clearance does appear to be up relative to a standard Mini, these long-wheelbase, four-door Coopers are far from being rock crawlers.


Mini has been caught testing its upcoming Cooper Crossover in the deserts of California, and these two prototypes, despite their psychedelic paint schemes, provide the most clear view yet of the small soft roader. What's of particular note is that these two prototypes do not share the same front end, perhaps because one is the naturally aspirated model and the other turbocharged. The trailing Cooper Crossover prototype features a more typical Mini grille with horizontal slats and a fog light at each corner. The prototype leading the pack, however, features a mesh grille and lower air intake with two inlets.


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MINI makes 1.5 million

ust over two years after reaching the 1-million vehicle production mark, MINI has made it to 1.5 million. Since the new MINI was introduced in 2001, the car has been a hit, and demand shows no signs of waning. The fact that this milestone has been reached during the Mini's 50th anniversary year adds significance for fans of the car as well. 5.3 million classic Minis were produced between 1959 and 2000. Total production for both cars is close to seven million vehicles.


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Mini dealership network to expand by 20% to meet demand

The first new dealer network, which comes online later this year, will be in Birmingham, Alabama. The next 18 months will see still more openings in urban hotspots like Austin, Texas and Seattle, Washington. For a complete list of new locations, hit the jump to read the press release.


The next 18 months will be huge for BMW's MINI brand. Execs are looking for big sales increases by 2011, and the fuel efficient little car company is adding 17 dealerships to its retail network in that time frame to help get the job done. The additional dealerships will predominantly go to urban areas that don't currently have a MINI presence, bringing the total figure to 100 dealerships in the States.


MINI is looking for a "double digit increase" from 2008's record 54,077 U.S. sales by 2011; a number that is impressive considering the current state of industry sales, but more likely due to the addition of a new model line (Clubman) as much as anything else. With more dealers in the fold, the lofty sales goals ought to be attainable, though, provided the nation's economy improves.
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AC Schnitzer's sportier take on the Mini Cooper Cabrio

Starting with the performance, the standard Cooper S Cabrio features a 175hp (131kW) 1.6L engine, but with performance upgrades this figure is increased to a more impressive 208hp (155kW). The car is also fitted with a limited-slip differential that can be had in both the Cooper S and the special John Cooper Works (JCW) performance variant. The engine upgrades are complemented with a new AC Schnitzer sports silencer in special steel with a chrome racing tailpipe for the Cooper S and JCW.


Mini's aren't exactly known for their aggressive or sporty styling, instead choosing to adopt a more 'cute' appearance at the behest of its designers. German tuning house AC Schnitzer, however, didn't agree with Mini’s original design theme and instead unveiled a new kit for the R57 Cooper Cabrio with a number of modifications to the engine, suspension, styling and aerodynamics.


Visually, the designers at AC Schnitzer have come up with new front spoilers and rear skirts for the car, which they claim also offer aerodynamic advantages on top of giving a sportier appearance. New decals on the side and custom alloy wheels also add to the car's appearance, while custom AC Schnitzer gear knobs, handbrakes, pedals and foot rests can be had inside, along with velour floor mats.


AC Schnitzer has also unveiled new suspension components, available in the form of a suspension spring kit and a height-adjustable racing suspension set-up. In conjunction with an aluminum strut brace for the front, the new suspension should make the Mini drop-top even more agile than it already is.
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