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It’s that giving time of year again, and the search is on to find the right Christmas present for all the family. Happily, the new MINI Lifestyle Collection offers a colourful selection of original ideas for young and old. Order your gifts from the MINI Online Shop at www.MINI.com/shop and raise the excitement around the tree to new heights.

Original gift ideas for him.

Fans of eco-friendly transport will make particularly proud owners of the MINI Folding Bike. High-quality components, a lightweight aluminium frame and a clever folding mechanism ensure the two-wheeled MINI is the perfect companion for life on the move. Its exceptional design is headlined by a fine matt black finish and a neon yellow chain and bell. On a more urgent note, MINI has come up with the hot-heeled Snow Rocker to bring out your carefree youthful streak on the slopes. The compact sled, which has been classified with a downhill speed of over 100 km/h, takes even mogul fields in its brisk slalom stride. A Union Jack motif and Racing Stripes on the seat surface make it a genuine head-turner.

The Black Jack Watch from MINI is sure to get men’s hearts ticking over that much more quickly. The chunky analogue timepiece with grey/black Union Jack face delivers numerous hits of style and elegance per minute. Its square case is made of solid premium metal, while the multi-link strap features a practical folding clasp.

However, if your sights are trained on something truly luxurious, your local MINI dealer should be your first port of call. A suitably high-end present for those with exclusive tastes is the limited-run MINI INSPIRED BY GOODWOOD. This special-edition model was created under the guiding eye of the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars design team, and extravagant adornments inside and out make it a guaranteed show-stealer. The lavish paintwork shimmers with its Diamond Black metallic finish, while inside their car owners will be greeted by exquisite materials such as nappa leather, lambswool, cashmere and walnut wood. Unadulterated luxury comes as standard.

Original gift ideas for her.

Alternatively, why not combine a Christmas present with a good cause in the shape of the Red Mudder Foulard by MINI & DSQUARED2 ? The print on this sumptuous scarf is based on the Canadian duo’s design for the Life Ball MINI 2011, creating an accessory that lends an individual touch to any outfit. A classy gift box further enhances the effect. Part of the proceeds from sales of the scarf will go to the organisation AIDS LIFE to support projects in the fight against the immune deficiency disease.

When it comes to a stylish travel companion for business or leisure, the MINI Rooftop Pilot is difficult to beat. The hard-shell trolley case comes in a pure-as-the-driven-snow white with black Racing Stripes. Features include a retractable telescopic handle, sturdy carry handle and easy-glide wheels. Inside, the various compartments include a special sleeve to keep your laptop separate. The MINI Club Bag in high-glam Union Jack design will rock any party outfit. Remove the handle and it switches roles to become a stylish clutch bag. Small but perfectly formed, it has space for everything a girl on the move could need, and is a must-have for the New Year’s knees-up.

The Ladies Black Jack Top is likewise primed to party. The long, sleeveless top boasts a black-and-white Union Jack photo print and can be combined with a wide selection of outfits. Then there’s the MINI Beat the Street Lapeer Hat in easy retro look, providing a stern adversary to wind and winter weather. A snug faux-fur lining makes this trapper-style headwear the go-to option when the mercury plunges. The embroidery on the “dog ears” adds a splash of fashion credibility.

Original gift ideas for the kids.

The MINI Baby Racer will give little’uns from 18 months to three years old endless fun as they take their first turns of the wheel. The racy kid’s car features impressive attention to detail, from the front and rear lights in authentic MINI design to the use of the original MINI colour shade Chili Red. Parents, meanwhile, will be relieved to find noise-cancelling rubber wheels on both axles. Moving up a gear, the replica MINI Convertible Cooper S will be at the top of the wish list for children aged three to five. The red runabout is fitted with low-noise rubber tyres, a gearshift lever and lights. The electronic motor powers the car up to 5 km/h. Elsewhere in the replica car range, a pull-back drive mechanism brings the MINI Countryman Light and Sound quickly up to speed. An authentic engine sound and illuminating front and rear lights let everyone know the 1:32 scale car is on its way. Opening the driver or front passenger door activates the horn.

The “Beat the Street” Be MINI Baby Setwith romper suit and bib makes the perfect party wardrobe for kids aged six to 12 months, and the matching Be MINI Baby Socks guarantee a warm pair of feet. The anti-slip soles with Union Jack design add a layer of reassurance for those taking their first tentative steps.

Meanwhile, kids of all ages can cuddle and snuggle their way to a merry Christmas with the Bulldog Soft Toy and Bulldog Plush Cushion . This cute cuddly toy for young dog lovers wears a black shirt and MINI collar. The British bulldog also features on the extra-soft cuddly cushion.

You’ve seen the pics, you’ve watched the video, now gear up for the full report with more of the same, another Miniology first for the site created for enthusiasts, by enthusiasts. Special thanks to Emma Chalcroft and Sarah Heaney over at MINI UK for giving us this massive report of all things Mini (Coupe!) We have about 40 NEW pictures for you to drool over, at the end of the article (scroll WAY down!)

First, for those who’ve been living in a cave the past 3 months (like our editor Christopher ‘StarLord’ has, hehe, man cave perhaps!) Also, this data comes from the UK. They like to say tires with a y like ‘tyres’ and might pronounce the letter zee as zed, call the hood of a car a bonnet, the trunk of a car a boot, and stuff like that, but you already knew that because you’re a fellow Miniologist. If you didn’t know that, well, now you’re in the know. Therefore, this article is going to have UK prices and measurements and things like OTR that us yanks across the pond may not be familiar with, but who cares? It’s a wicked awesome amount of data so deal with it, hehe. Now here we go..

Some fast facts about the MINI Coupe:

- First two-seater sports car from MINI

- Typically MINI: characterful design, signature go-kart handling, high standard spec including unique active rear spoiler, extensive personalisation programme

- John Cooper Works variant has range-topping acceleration and top speed

- Four-model engine line-up; three petrol, one diesel

- Built in Britain at Plant Oxford

- On sale 1st October 2011 priced from £16,640 OTR

And then there were five. The next exciting chapter in the continuing MINI success story has begun with the launch of the all-new MINI Coupé, the fifth unique model in the family.

Selling alongside the MINI Hatch, Convertible, Clubman and Countryman, the British-built MINI Coupé is the first two-seater sports car in the UK brand’s long and proud history. It’s a contemporary and authentic reworking of the classic performance car concept, bringing MINI’s intoxicating blend of go-anywhere attitude and practicality to a new type of customer.

The MINI Coupé’s mission is a simple one; to maximise the thrill of being behind the wheel. Keen drivers will be rewarded with a level of handling agility unmatched in the small car segment. Every aspect of the MINI Coupé – from the choice of engines and chassis set-up to weight distribution and aerodynamics – is focused on delivering the optimum dynamic performance. To prove the point, the MINI John Cooper Works Coupé has the fastest acceleration and top speed of any volume-produced MINI to date.

The four-strong MINI Coupé range will go on sale through MINI dealers from 1st October 2011 and MINI Coupé customers can expect an exceptionally high standard of equipment including; DAB digital radio, air conditioning, park distance control, alloy wheels, 3-spoke sport leather steering wheel and sport stripes on the body work. A wide range of accessories and personalisation choices will be available.

MINI’s industry leading tlc servicing packages will also be available on all MINI Coupé models. MINI tlc offers owners 5 years or 50,000 miles of peace of mind motoring for just £249.00. For owners who are looking for even more service coverage the MINI tlc XL package is also available and covers 8 years or 80,000 miles for £275.00.

The MINI Cooper Coupé OTR is £16,640, has 127g/km CO2, gets 52.3 MPG, insurance group 18E.

The MINI Cooper S Coupé OTR is £19,775, has CO2 of 136g/km, gets 48.7 MPG, insurance group 31E.

The MINI Cooper SD Coupé goes for £20,510 OTR, coughs 114g/km of CO2, gets a whopping 65.7 MPG, and is in group 22E for UK insurance.

Least efficient at 39.8 MPG yet probably the funnest damn MINI to drive ever is the John Cooper Works Coupé which sells for £23,795 OTR, spews CO2 at 165g/km and falls into the 36E insurance group.

I’m sure a lot of you are wondering if OTR is some new MINI expression that refers to the Norse dwarf god, son of the king Hreidmar and brother to Fafnir and Regin? No, actually it means “On The Road” and is similar to the term “MSRP” of the United States. *Cough* maybe I’ve ingested too much CO2 lately, I’ll let my head clear a bit. Okay, there there, better.. continuing..

Striking styling meets practicality

Key to the MINI Coupé’s appeal is its stunning exterior design, unlike anything else in the compact sports car segment. Immediately identifiable as part of the MINI family, it’s a genuine and appealing re-interpretation of the classic MINI design cues which have become so familiar on UK roads in the last decade. The car’s design language – the clever combination of athletically sculpted surfaces, harmonious curves and parallel lines – takes the brand’s styling in an exciting new direction, with a fresh and clear emphasis on the marque’s sporting DNA.

The MINI Coupé is also an innovative new vehicle. It’s the first modern MINI to adopt the traditional ‘three-box’ body structure, splitting the car into distinct segments – the engine compartment, cabin and boot. While the overall length and width are almost identical to the dimensions of the MINI Hatch, the Coupé’s overall height is 29 millimetres lower. Visually, this and the stepped rear end give the car a more aggressive, forward-thrusting profile. The lower roofline doesn’t come at the expense of driver and passenger comfort, though. Oval recesses in the headlining provide extra headroom, perfectly illustrating MINI’s ‘no compromise’ ethos.

The styling team led by Head of Design Anders Warming has given the MINI Coupé a distinctive appearance from every angle. The most striking view is undoubtedly the profile, with horizontal layering of the car into three separate tiers – the body, the wrap-around glass and the eye-catching roof design. The A-pillars and windscreen are sharply raked by 13? compared to the MINI Hatch, resulting in a smaller frontal area that gives the MINI Coupé excellent aerodynamic properties and a real sporty look.

Air flow is also optimised by the integrated spoiler at the rear of the roof, and via a unique active rear spoiler housed in the bootlid. It deploys automatically when the car reaches 50mph – and drops down again at 37mph – but can be operated manually via a button in the overhead control panel. The MINI Coupé is the first car in BMW Group history to feature an active rear spoiler, which reduces lift at the rear axle to improve aerodynamic balance and road grip.

MINI enthusiasts will immediately recognise the interior of the Coupé. The much-loved large central circular speedo, chrome toggle switches and numerous other MINI trademark features are all present in the two-seater cabin.

Behind is a spacious 280-litre luggage area – 20 litres larger than the MINI Clubman – easily accessible by the driver or passenger from inside the cabin as well as externally via the boot. The large, high-opening tailgate makes for simple loading and the car offers excellent cargo-carrying possibilities that will suit a wide range of needs. Whether it’s for daily routine, fun weekend leisure trips or more adventurous touring for two, the MINI Coupé is ideal transport.

Tried and tested engines

Power for the MINI Coupé comes from the latest generation of BMW Group four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. Outputs range from 122hp/90kW in the MINI Cooper Coupé to 211hp/155kW in the highly desirable flagship MINI John Cooper Works Coupé. The recently launched performance diesel engine, the 143 hp/105 kW Cooper SD, is also available and the line-up is completed with the Cooper S which offers 184hp/135kW.

Fuel economy on the combined cycle stretches from 39.8mpg in the MINI John Cooper Works Coupé to a frugal 65.7mpg in the Cooper SD model while CO2 emissions are as low as just 114g/km on the Cooper SD. Even the MINI John Cooper Works Coupé emits only 165g/km.

Likely to prove popular with many potential MINI Coupé customers is the Cooper SD variant, which offers the best fuel economy, lowest emissions and highest torque output of any MINI Coupé model. What’s more, it will still sprint to 62mph in under eight seconds and carry on to a top speed of 134mph. With a BIK value of just 13%, and zero first year road tax, user chooser company car drivers and fleet managers will also see its obvious appeal. The MINI Coupé boasts class-leading residual values, with the Cooper SD model retaining 47% (£9,575) of it’s original value over three years or 60,000 miles and the John Cooper Works model retaining 45% (£10,625).

They threw in a table of figures that essentially says the same thing, but I’ll throw it out, who needs repetition? I will tell you however that CAP Monitor says over three years/60,000 miles the MINI Cooper SD Coupe will depreciate less than comparable models Audi TT 2.0TDi 70hp Quattro Sport, Peugeot RCZ HDi 163hp Sport, VW Scirocco 2.0TDi 140hp BlueMotion Tech, and Renault Megane Coupé DCI 130hp Dynamique TomTom. Never mind you can’t get most of those across the pond.

Want more comparisons? Sure, why not. The MINI John Cooper Works Coupé outdoes the Porsche Cayman 2.9 265hp, Renault Megane Coupé Sport 2.0T 250hp, Peugeot RCZ 1.6 THP 200hp Sport, Porsche Boxster 2.9 255hp, and VW Scirocco 2.0 TSI 210hp GT in % value retained, so there.

Outstanding MINI dynamics and record-breaking speed

In the MINI Coupé, engine power is converted into pure driving fun more directly and comprehensively than ever before. This car is the clearest illustration yet of MINI’s legendary sporting DNA being transposed into a cutting-edge new vehicle. The MINI Coupé provides a complete re-interpretation of what a contender in the compact sports car class should offer the driver.

The MINI Coupé takes the legendary go-kart handling of every new MINI to a new high. That each of the four model variants carries the Cooper name in its designation is indicative of MINI’s faith in the performance credentials of its newest car. Traditionally, this badge has been a sign of outstanding sporting ability and a nod to the brand’s long-time association with legendary Formula One designer John Cooper.

One of the main attractions of owning a new MINI Coupé will be its straight-line speed. In the case of the MINI John Cooper Works Coupé, it’s a MINI record-breaking performance. With a 0-62mph sprint time of 6.4 seconds and a top speed of 149mph, it’s the fastest volume-produced MINI to date on both counts.

Advanced chassis and suspension technology

Using top-quality components and a design that draws on the outstanding engineering expertise of the BMW Group, the MINI Coupé offers suspension quality that’s unique in this segment. The advanced set-up is responsible for the car’s excellent balance between ride comfort and cornering stability, as well as the remarkably low levels of torque steer, even when accelerating hard.

The suspension effortlessly translates the power of the MINI Coupé engines into a fun-filled and agile driving experience. The result is the sharp handling that MINI owners have come to know and love, engineered to an even higher level to offer the purest illustration yet of MINI’s trademark ‘go-kart’ thrills. It also contributes to a high level of active safety.

MacPherson strut front suspension provides excellent wheel location, while the sophisticated kinematics of the multi-link rear set-up maintains optimal road grip at all times. The longitudinal control arms are made of lightweight aluminium, while anti-roll bars reduce body roll to a minimum. A low centre of gravity, a long wheelbase measuring 2,467 millimetres, and a front and rear track width of 1,459 mm and 1,467 mm respectively also contribute to the sure-footed handling.

The optional sports suspension has firmer damper settings and comes with sturdier anti-roll bars. For a more hard-core racing experience, the accessories range offers John Cooper Works suspension, with a 10mm drop in ride height, ultra-firm damping and more heavy duty anti-roll bars.

Even when pushed hard, the outstanding quality of the components and engineering ensures confident control of the vehicle at all times. Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system is fitted as standard on the MINI Coupé, and includes Anti-lock braking, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Cornering Brake Control, Brake Assist and Hill Start Assist. As an option the system can be extended to include Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) with Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC) for the driven axle (standard on the MINI John Cooper Works Coupé).

DTC is activated at the touch of a button and raises the response thresholds of the system. The benefits are two-fold; DTC makes it easier to move off on loose ground by allowing the driven wheels to spin slightly, and permits controlled slip when powering through corners.

Standard spec on the MINI Cooper Coupé are 15-inch alloys, with 16-inch on the MINI Cooper S Coupé and MINI Cooper SD Coupé. The MINI John Cooper Works Coupé gets 17-inch weight-optimised alloy wheels in JCW Cross Spoke CHALLENGE styling with integrated run-flat technology; a £75 option on every other model.

Precision steering and powerful braking

The MINI Coupé’s compelling handling is in part due to Electric Power Steering, which gives the MINI Coupé excellent directional control in all situations. This electro-mechanical system is particularly effective at soaking up road surface vibrations. Speed-dependent power assistance reduces the steering effort required from the driver when parking and manoeuvring, then cuts the amount of assistance at higher speeds to improve road feel.

The MINI Coupé’s model-specific braking system provides powerful, fade-free deceleration, even under the most aggressive use. The vented front discs have a diameter of 280mm on the MINI Cooper Coupé, 294mm on the MINI Cooper S Coupé and MINI Cooper SD Coupé, and 316mm on the MINI John Cooper Works Coupé. Optimal braking performance at the rear is provided by 259mm discs (280mm on the MINI John Cooper Works Coupé).

A sport button on the centre console is standard on all MINI Coupé models, pressing the sport button alters the response characteristics of the accelerator and steering to deliver sharper, sportier reactions and is designed to support a more performance-minded driving style which requires more steering input but provides more responsive feel.

MINIMALISM environmental technology as standard

All versions of the MINI Coupé come with the brand’s critically acclaimed MINIMALISM environmental technology as standard, providing exceptional powertrain efficiency. Features such as Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start/Stop±, Shift Point Display±, Electric Power Steering and the need-based operation of ancillary components help to make efficient use of fuel with low emissions. Additional features include innovative thermal encapsulation of the drivetrain, which shortens the fuel-sapping warm-up period after a cold start. All of these result in the MINI Cooper SD Coupé being the cleanest Coupé in its class today.

The standard six-speed manual gearbox sets a new benchmark in the segment with its short-shift travel and precise action. A ready-to-drive weight of 44.8 kilograms makes this the lightest gearbox of its kind. The carefully considered ratios guarantee unbeatable agility in mid-range acceleration. In addition, the MINI Cooper S, John Cooper Works and Cooper SD Coupé models all come with an innovative self-adjusting clutch. Automatic readjustment ensures that the pedal feel you expect from a MINI is there to be enjoyed over the car’s entire life.

For drivers who prefer the simplicity offered by an automatic transmission, a six-speed gearbox with Steptronic function, available with shift paddles, can be ordered as an option for the MINI Cooper Coupé, MINI Cooper S Coupé and MINI Cooper SD Coupé.

Outstanding standard equipment and options

The comprehensive list of standard kit includes Park Distance Control with rear sensors, height-adjustable sports seats (Cooper S upwards), air conditioning, electrically adjustable heated exterior mirrors, DAB digital radio and the MINI Radio Boost CD audio system with AUX IN connection. Standard safety equipment includes twin front and head-thorax airbags.

MINI has become synonymous with high-quality and desirable optional extras covering comfort, convenience, performance and styling. A full range is available on the MINI Coupé, but highlights include automatic climate control, heated seats, multi-function steering wheel (standard on Cooper S, Cooper SD and John Cooper Works), automatically dimming rear-view and exterior mirrors, Harman Kardon hi-fi loudspeaker system, Bluetooth, USB audio interface, storage package and preparation for a rear luggage rack. Additional options are available from the John Cooper Works ranges.

Unrivalled entertainment and communication via MINI Connected

Customers specifying the MINI Visual Boost radio or MINI Navigation system will also be able to access internet-based services inside the car courtesy of the optional MINI Connected. MINI-specific functions can be uploaded via a MINI Connected software application and operated using a joystick, steering wheel buttons and on-board monitor. It enables simple and intuitive control of all functions while minimising driver distraction.

The MINI Connected App gives Apple iPhone owners access to innovative functions designed to enhance driving fun, entertainment and social networking. They can receive Facebook and Twitter posts, display them on the on-board monitor and even have them read out by the optional MINI Connected voice output function. Among the other functions unique in this segment are web radio, Google’s Local Search and Send to Car services, plus reception of user-definable RSS news feeds.

Baptism of fire: 24 hours at the Nürburgring

The MINI Coupé carries the historical motorsport success of MINI in its genes, so it was fitting that the car’s first official appearance was on the track. On 23 June 2011, the 39th running of the legendary 24-hour event on the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife circuit provided a spectacular stage for the debut of the MINI John Cooper Works Coupé Endurance, a stunning race-trim version developed specifically for the competition.

The aerodynamic properties and weight balance of the standard MINI Coupé provided the perfect platform for high-speed handling in race conditions. But expertise developed through the MINI CHALLENGE series, coupled with the known rigours of the gruelling day/night event, meant modifications were necessary.

They included a race suspension set-up tuned specifically to the Nordschleife, while power from the standard MINI John Cooper Works Coupé engine was boosted to 250bhp. The car had optimised aerodynamics for a higher top speed and was clocked at more than 150mph during the race. Competition-standard safety technology included a welded roll cage, single bucket seat with six-point safety harness and a F1-style HANS (Head And Neck Support) system.

Two cars were prepared for competition and in front of a crowd of 250,000 enthusiastic fans, and after completing 114 and 108 laps respectively, they secured very respectable 11th and 13th places in the high-calibre SP3T category.

Panel – tech spec on engine variants:

All MINI Coupé four-cylinder petrol engines come with VALVETRONIC technology – a fully variable valve control system which adjusts valve lift and opening times in direct relationship to the driver’s command on the throttle pedal, delivering more torque and better fuel consumption. The MINI Cooper S Coupé comes with BMW Group’s International Engine of the Year award winning 1.6 litre four-cylinder unit.

MINI John Cooper Works Coupé:

Four-cylinder petrol engine with twin-scroll turbocharger and direct injection, plus numerous technological details carried over directly from motorsport.
Displacement: 1,598 cc

Output: 211hp/155kW at 6,000 rpm

Max torque: 260 Nm/192 lb-ft at 1,850 – 5,600 rpm

(280 Nm/207 lb-ft with Overboost at 2,000 – 5,100 rpm)

Acceleration: 0–62 mph: 6.4 seconds

Top speed: 149 mph

Average fuel consumption (combined cycle): 39.8 mpg

CO2 emissions: 165 g/km

MINI Cooper S Coupé:

Four-cylinder petrol engine with twin-scroll turbocharger and direct injection.

Displacement: 1,598 cc

Output: 184hp/135kW at 5,500 rpm

Max torque: 240 Nm/177 lb-ft at 1,600 – 5,000 rpm

(260 Nm/192 lb-ft with Overboost at 1,700 – 4,500 rpm)

Acceleration: 0–62 mph: 6.9 seconds

Top speed: 143 mph

Average fuel consumption (combined cycle): 48.7 mpg

CO2 emissions: 136 g/km

MINI Cooper SD Coupé:

Four-cylinder turbo diesel with aluminium crankcase, common-rail injection and variable turbine geometry.

Displacement: 1,995 cc

Output: 143hp/105kW at 4,000 rpm

Max torque: 305 Nm/225 lb-ft at 1,750 – 2,700 rpm

Acceleration: 0–62 mph: 7.9 seconds

Top speed: 134 mph

Average fuel consumption (combined cycle): 65.7 mpg

CO2 emissions: 114 g/km

MINI Cooper Coupé:

Displacement: 1,598 cc

Output: 122hp/90kW at 6,000 rpm

Max torque: 160 Nm/118 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm

Acceleration: 0–62 mph: 9.0 seconds

Top speed: 127 mph

Average fuel consumption (combined cycle): 52.3 mpg

CO2 emissions: 127 g/km

Exterior dimensions :

Length: 3,728 millimetres (MINI Cooper Coupé)

3,734 millimetres (MINI Cooper S and Cooper SD Coupé)

3,758 millimetres (MINI John Cooper Works Coupé)

Width: 1,683 millimetres (1892 millimetres including door mirrors)

Height: 1,378 millimetres (MINI Cooper Coupé)

1,384 millimetres (MINI Cooper S, Cooper SD and John Cooper Works Coupé)
Wheelbase: 2,467 millimetres

Now go get one for yourself, and while you’re there, bring one back for StarLord and Califzeph

Yeah, the original working title they wanted to use was “BMW North America announces agency selections for multicultural and diversity marketing.”

That of itself smells like a boat load of marketing fluff doesn’t it? We thought so too. Anyway, kidding over the verbiage aside, yesterday, in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, BMW announced Sanders\Wingo Advertising in Austin, TX has been appointed to support all the diversity marketing activities for MINI USA.

Jim McDowell, VP of MINI USA (remember, our gal interviewed him a short time ago?) said, “MINI’s customer base is becoming increasingly diverse as our vehicle lineup expands, and Sanders/Wingo Advertising clearly understands the multicultural audiences that are key for us. As we continue to grow the brand, Sanders/Wingo’s impressive capabilities in the areas of strategic planning and market research within multicultural segments will be crucial for increasing awareness of MINI’s distinctive design, go-kart handling and extremely high level of customization.”

We’re sure the marketing folks gave him a few pointers on what to say, because really, as cool as marketing people are, nobody really talks that way in normal conversation, and we should know.. we spout a lot of marketing fluff ourselves for our podcasts. Nonetheless, that’s a very cool and MINI spirit sort of thing to do, concentrate some efforts towards multicultural diversity, which, as you know, Minis have been all over that since the first car rolled off the production line in 1959.

Yay, multiculturalism and diversity! We look forward to seeing some of the new stuff coming from this agency and will report more whenever we get juicy tidbits (or more marketing fluff) to share with all our miniologists — that means you

[Source: BMW Group, Sept. 5 2011, Edited a bit for us]

Wow can you believe it’s been a year already? Yep, we like to post the latest tidbits from the big motor shows, and just got wind from Frankfurt about MINI’s presence in this years show. Ready to hear all the juicy details? Here we go..

First up, we gotta mention the MINI Coupe. It’s going to be quite a thing because people often shorten the word “Cooper” and say “Mini Coop” so we we’ll be scratching our heads if their ride isn’t near by, when people now say, “Hey, I’ve picked up a new MINI Coupe!” Though we can still say “well, congrats, that’s sweet!” and mean essentially the same thing.

The 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show will host the world premiere of the MINI Coupe.

Sure, if you are French you can yell at me for not including the little accent over the letter “e” there, but for those that like adding them, it could be there.

The first two-seater in the current model range sees MINI deliver another injection of engaging variety into the small car segment – and, at the same time, introduce a particularly focused brand of driving fun. The sporting character of the MINI Coupe is reflected not only in its design, but also in the range of engines available to customers. The most powerful petrol and diesel engines in the MINI line-up join forces with a bespoke suspension set-up, harmonious weight distribution, a rigid body structure and optimised aerodynamics to deliver the customary MINI go-kart feeling at its most intense. A contrasting paint finish for the MINI Coupe’s roof (included as standard) emphasises its distinctive form, while the 280-litre luggage compartment behind the high-opening tailgate reveals impressive functionality.

We like that, they describe luggage capacity in litres. You can practically drink that up like a good British or German ale. Hmm, I wonder if we took the great Barvarian minds in BMW Munich and mixed them with the MINI team at plant oxford, and came up with a new beer, what it would taste like? Anyway, for those without a calculator handy, 280 liters (or litres, depending how you spell it, no funny accent over the e in either spelling) that comes to about 10 cubic feet. I say about because I don’t think many people are going to be measuring to the hundred-millionth decimal point, so let’s just say 9.89 cubic feet and be done with it. That’s less room than the 2008 smart ForTwo which holds 12 cubic feet. I could fit four spare tires and a suitcase in there and still have room for a speaker box, so hey, 10 cubic feet will be just fine for two people, and MINI already has a cool line-up of custom luggage (see our earlier post on that), but who cares about that when you got a 211 HP monster under the hood? You’ll want to dump all your stuff out at the hotel for track day anyway, hehe!

Next up, High in exclusivity: the MINI Yours range.

MINI is also using the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show to showcase vehicle customization at its most exclusive. The MINI Yours range offers exclusive options for the exterior and interior design which have been developed as the perfect complement to the unmistakable character of the MINI brand. MINI Yours offers customers everything from special exterior paint finishes
MINI and trim elements, upholstery variants and interior colours, to stylishly composed equipment packages and limited-run special-edition models. The inimitable MINI Yours style is modelled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show by a brace of exceptional vehicles: the MINI Clubman Hampton and the MINI INSPIRED BY GOODWOOD, which was created under the expert eye of the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars design team. (We did a post about that earlier too, and if you happened to be at the Pebble Beach concourse earlier, then you got to take a peek at the Goodwood MINI, ah she was a beauty!

Need we say more about customization? Of course! The press has said recently, “customers looking for the antithesis of an off the peg car should make MINI their first port of call. The British brand goes further than any other carmaker to offer its customers the freedom to tailor their car precisely to their own personal style. A range now comprising five models, plus a large selection of optional equipment, exterior paint finishes and interior design configurations, along with the Original MINI Accessories range, create unrivalled scope to turn each and every MINI into a one-off car exuding the style of its owner.” Yeah, but we know that. And they’ve just made the array of products in the Original MINI Accessories range even larger than ever. In addition to exterior and interior design options, customers can also choose from a wealth of clever transportation solutions to enhance the car’s functionality as well as the John Cooper Works Tuning products geared to providing driving fun of the ultra-sporty variety, all under one roof at their local dealership or MINI website — and then there’s the aftermarket companies like TwistyBitz, Mini Motoring Gear, OutMotoring, Mini Mania, Seven Enterprises, and such.. classic or new Mini, you’ve got options to make your ride uniquely yours, and in more ways than any other car marker or tuning firm does for their customers, except perhaps Harley Davidson, hehe, but I’d bet the options and cult following of Mini fans is fairly close, woot!

MINI has come out with another special edition model, this one to showcase some of the You-if-i-cation potential of MINI Yours and MINI accessories, the MINI Hampton model. Yeah, if BMW gave us photos and video footage then we’d be showing you that now, but for now, you’ll just have to dream until they release it to the public.

If you attend Frankfurt 2011, be sure to drop us a line with some pics, otherwise we’ll give you the usual wrap-up after the show, and Cheers!

Miniology TV was on hand as Niello Mini previewed the all new 2012 Mini Coupe.

Music my Laura LaRue!