VIDEO: Second teaser for of Mini concept

<center><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/50z3xI1TuZ8&hl=en&fs=1&" width="400" height="260" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always"></center><br /><br />The second video has arrived for the "2 B THRILLED" and "2 B DESIRED" Mini concepts that will show up in Frankfurt next week. This one moves things on a bit from the last one, but it's just as girl-power-ified and just as odd. <br /><br /><span class="fullpost"><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrBki8zC-mZyFt3Y8E_yhD97d0q_PTRBEGQmwGYkSuox4KzOyzvqDDQimwxKWQr6jC5Ks9__KkPVEawRHN5_KvYUdb_dCJZg4NZoG8Bh04-3ALFyxxr6ob124cNkY0KSnKdL9TIaSrTE/s1600-h/3-4-front-1280.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380407990691143826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrBki8zC-mZyFt3Y8E_yhD97d0q_PTRBEGQmwGYkSuox4KzOyzvqDDQimwxKWQr6jC5Ks9__KkPVEawRHN5_KvYUdb_dCJZg4NZoG8Bh04-3ALFyxxr6ob124cNkY0KSnKdL9TIaSrTE/s400/3-4-front-1280.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" /></a><br /><br />At this point, if we find the two concepts in a cage wearing bikinis at the show or in a subsequent video, we will not be surprised.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik7d4VHg5b2OQqQnD7MhirCeA-Ah8yvf-k3Px68dr3cteTefAft4-HMXxgY7EU5GR3xyZg9Ej4_GIW2OBQYXgMz5uFEL1YMgQxngTk3rtL97JNPBK0VpWHa3QJrhGYHql92uCFdjneJdY/s1600-h/p90047072_highres.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380407716026024626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik7d4VHg5b2OQqQnD7MhirCeA-Ah8yvf-k3Px68dr3cteTefAft4-HMXxgY7EU5GR3xyZg9Ej4_GIW2OBQYXgMz5uFEL1YMgQxngTk3rtL97JNPBK0VpWHa3QJrhGYHql92uCFdjneJdY/s400/p90047072_highres.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/mini-coupe-concept/#34">More Photos </a><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><p>

VIDEO: Second teaser for of Mini concept

The second video has arrived for the "2 B THRILLED" and "2 B DESIRED" Mini concepts that will show up in Frankfurt next ...

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MINI makes 1.5 million

<center><img alt="Ian Robertson, Board Member of BMW, in front of the 1,5 millionth MINI at plant Oxford" height="271" src="http://img.worldcarfans.com/2009/7/large/3364822.jpg" width="400" /></center><br />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. <span class="fullpost">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.<br /><br /><center><img alt="Ian Robertson, Board Member of BMW, in front of the 1,5 millionth MINI at plant Oxford" height="260" src="http://img.worldcarfans.com/2009/7/large/4562135.jpg" width="400" /></center><br />Read full story from <a href="http://www.worldcarfans.com/109070620299/new-mini-marks-15-million-units">worldcarfans</a><br /><br /></span><p>

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 ...

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Mini dealership network to expand by 20% to meet demand

<center><img alt="" height="267" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/minisvert_review000.jpg" width="400" /></center><br />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.<br /><span class="fullpost"><br /><center><img alt="" height="267" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/minisvert_review001.jpg" width="400" /></center><br />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.<br /><br /><center><img alt="" height="267" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/minisvert_review007.jpg" width="400" /></center><br />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.<br /><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/review-2009-mini-cooper-s-convertible/">More Photos</a><br /><br /></span>

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 ope...

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AC Schnitzer's sportier take on the Mini Cooper Cabrio

<center><img height="247" id="gallery-main-image0" src="http://www.motorauthority.com/content/thumbs/a/c/ac_schnitzer_mini_cooper_cabrio_r57_011-0606-950x650.jpg" width="400" /> </center><br />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.<span class="fullpost"><br /><br /><center><img height="242" id="gallery-main-image" src="http://www.motorauthority.com/content/thumbs/a/c/ac_schnitzer_mini_cooper_cabrio_r57_009-0606-950x650.jpg" width="400" /> </center><br />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.<br /><br /><center><img height="296" id="gallery-main-image1" src="http://www.motorauthority.com/content/thumbs/a/c/ac_schnitzer_mini_cooper_cabrio_r57_002-0606-950x650.jpg" width="400" /> </center><br />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.<br /><br /><center><img height="236" id="gallery-main-image2" src="http://www.motorauthority.com/content/thumbs/a/c/ac_schnitzer_mini_cooper_cabrio_r57_007-0606-950x650.jpg" width="400" /> </center><br />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.<br /><a href="http://www.motorauthority.com/gallery/ac-schnitzer-mini-cooper-cabrio/ac-schnitzer-mini-cooper-cabrio-r57-003.html">More Photos</a><br /><br /></span>

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...

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Leaked Photo:MINI-i MegaCity?

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxyIvSFOJSKeoZrvaOGzdsTlD1aCxiyBjxapqb4QoUHwoj6zeV6Ix6g_zjDc3tpFihyphenhypheni2nRGzIncQ8bPvpvvYPJg19bevWbnWToVSuktyQMv50WeEJcaq9cQCq1wkP9RjcNtU5hgxgl4CQ/s1600-h/1c3d9951c8104c2adc5fa61.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335849646906126130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxyIvSFOJSKeoZrvaOGzdsTlD1aCxiyBjxapqb4QoUHwoj6zeV6Ix6g_zjDc3tpFihyphenhypheni2nRGzIncQ8bPvpvvYPJg19bevWbnWToVSuktyQMv50WeEJcaq9cQCq1wkP9RjcNtU5hgxgl4CQ/s400/1c3d9951c8104c2adc5fa61.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 312px;" /></a><br />I’ll make this short and sweet, apparently the photo posted here is the actual MINI-i vehicle we spoke about a few days ago. The MINI-i MegaCity Vehicle is part of the Project i initiative and will be sold under the MINI brand.<br /><span class="fullpost"> <br />Someone close to BMW speaks further of the MINI-i and BMW’s future plans:<br /><br /> The MINI-i will be equally recognizable as a MINI but with the MINI Brand , BMW intend to split the brand with the smaller “MegaCity” cars and then the Austrian built “Urban Adventure” vehicles which will be the MINI-X and the SpaceBox project.<br /><br /> The BMW Motorrad Division will accompany the MegaCity Scooter , For Project-i. Basically a two seater covered scooter similar to the C1 but lower and longer. Think of the BMW Clever Concept.<br /><br />BMW has not been entirely clear about how these new vehicles will be branded. They seem to be rather bold in claiming it will represent a new paradigm in urban transport and that Project-i will be developing cars for volume production. As things stand now, the MegaCity is set to be a sub-brand of MINI. And some reports surfaced earlier in the year saying that BMW Design Chief, Chris Bangle, left BMW over this very issue, having grave reservations about how Project-i was set to evolve.<br />Source: <a href="http://www.automobile-magazine.fr/actualites/scoops/mini/future_mini">Automobile-magazine</a> via:<a href="http://www.bmwblog.com/2009/05/13/leaked-photo-could-this-be-the-mini-i/">bmwblog</a><br /><br /><br /></span>

Leaked Photo:MINI-i MegaCity?

I’ll make this short and sweet, apparently the photo posted here is the actual MINI-i vehicle we spoke about a few days ago. The MINI-i Meg...

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Rumormill: MINI GTI-fighter based on Crossover?

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwhPE6upXs4P2JIrjUtKHkxTtIVWX6shCdJJ2NLNQL3Cd8HdkgHUc0fjsepV5h-6-C3Q1B2KTKm3Df5sim1GBhXJT1CkngmdDfSFL4QNeAZya-8KmTn-1nsv8BYOC_8pbzrb33gQSWiC4i/s1600-h/23_mini_crossover_high.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332973972073356578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwhPE6upXs4P2JIrjUtKHkxTtIVWX6shCdJJ2NLNQL3Cd8HdkgHUc0fjsepV5h-6-C3Q1B2KTKm3Df5sim1GBhXJT1CkngmdDfSFL4QNeAZya-8KmTn-1nsv8BYOC_8pbzrb33gQSWiC4i/s400/23_mini_crossover_high.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 295px;" /></a><br />With the release of the Clubman, bigger MINIs have arrived and the MINI Crossover concept signals more are on the way. Lest you think that BMW's little guys have gone truckin' crazy, there's supposedly a sporty variant of the five-door MINI 'ute in the works.<br /><span class="fullpost"><br />The butch wagon will have 180 hp on tap to fend off Volkswagen GTIs (Autocar's confusing assessment, not ours), and if that's not enough, a Works version will deliver around 220 hp.<br /><br />You can't have a high-performance version without high-zoot duds, and there's bound to be a distinctive body-kit to go along with the engine's fortitude. Interior upgrades will be aimed at keeping the driver planted and looking fancier, too. Expect the first Crossover to bow sometime next year, with the slightly hotter version coming towards the end of 2010, followed by the JCW variant in 2011.<br />Source:Autocar via:<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/06/rumormill-mini-gti-fighter-based-on-crossover/">autoblog</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Other article:<br /></span><a href="http://benzs.blogspot.com/2008/11/new-2009-mini-cabrio-revealed-with.html">New 2009 MINI Cabrio Revealed with Video</a><br /><a href="http://benzs.blogspot.com/2008/11/all-new-electric-mini-e-in-detail.html">All New Electric Mini E in Detail</a><br /><a href="http://benzs.blogspot.com/2008/09/2009-mini-cooper-convertible.html">2009 MINI Cooper Convertible</a><br /><a href="http://benzs.blogspot.com/2008/09/paris-motor-showmini-crossover-concept.html">Paris Motor Show:Mini Crossover Concept Unveiling at Next Month</a><br /><a href="http://benzs.blogspot.com/2008/08/german-tuner-hamann-may-be-better-known.html">Hamann promotes MINI Cooper Performance Upgrades</a><br /><a href="http://benzs.blogspot.com/2008/05/2008-mini-ball-agent-provocateur-pimped.html">2008 Mini Ball- Agent Provocateur Pimped Mini Clubman Unveiled</a><br /><a href="http://benzs.blogspot.com/2008/05/ac-schnitzer-mini-clubman.html">AC Schnitzer MINI Clubman</a><br /><a href="http://ddgg-newyorktimes.blogspot.com/2008/05/2008-mini-and-agent-provocateur.html">2008 Mini and Agent Provocateur revealed an initial rendering</a><br /><a href="http://benzs.blogspot.com/2007/10/mini-clubman-in-depth.html">MINI Clubman: In Depth</a><br /><br /><br /></span>

Rumormill: MINI GTI-fighter based on Crossover?

With the release of the Clubman, bigger MINIs have arrived and the MINI Crossover concept signals more are on the way. Lest you think that B...

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