A quick look at the top 10:

10. Police in the Netherlands have a hand-built Spyker C8. The Spyder Roadster uses a V-8 Audi 4.2 Liter power plant to push this cruiser to its limits in terms of speed and handling. However, it doesn’t quite have the same curb appeal as:

9. Lamborghini Gallardo. Two vehicles in London’s Metropolitan Police have been used since 2005 and 2006 as publicity, provided by Lamborghini. Often referred to as the Yellow Gallardos they bear the yellow and blue markings and are fitted with a small light bar. They are not however, used as part of the department’s regular cruiser force.

8. There’s not much that can be said about the Mini Cooper version of a police car, other that their power plant and sturdy frame can take them many places that traditionally sized police cars can’t go.

7. For luxury, the Lexus IS Humberside features a 5 Liter V-8 with a top speed of 168 miles per hour, although it could be faster except for the electronic governor limits. The extra communications equipment and computers in the vehicle has not slowed it down any and aids officers in their pursuit of the ne’er do wells.

6. Not many crooks can take their eyes off a Porsche Carrera S, especially when it’s flashing red and blue lights in their rear view mirror. This cruiser was used in Germany to attempt to promote car safety as well as some of the illegal methods car lovers use to outfit their vehicles.

5. With many car companies developing show vehicles, putting together police cars, Ferrari wasn’t left out of the loop with its 612 Scaglietti HGTS. The special cruiser, housing the V-12 four-seat vehicle was part of its 60^th anniversary parade through the United Kingdom.

4. When Sussex police get together with young drivers and talk about road safety, the youngsters pay more attention with the police show up in their Lotus Exige. Showing up in such as vehicle often gets the youngsters’ attention and allows the police to address road safety issues.

3. The Mitsubishi Evo-X Lancer offers more than just performance and power. Its image plays a strong part in disturbing crime on the Yorkshire streets in the United Kingdom. The sight of the vehicle is often enough to eliminate the need for a high-speed chase.

2. Only one U.S. vehicle, the Chevrolet Camaro is considered one the coolest police vehicles, but this one, built on a Camaro SS frame, a local car shop built this vehicle for the Haltom City, Texas department and has a muscle-car influence in the community.

1. The number one coolest police car is the 225-mile per hour V-12 housed in a Mercedes CLS Brabus Rocket. It was built for a safety campaign in Germany, but it still causes excitement when it is seen at motor shows around the world.

The Article is a contribution by John Smith; John has a passion for cars and technology, he often looks out for new and innovative technology. His great knowledge makes him an avid writer as well. Visit his site Aanbesteding politievoertuigen and politie aanbesteding.

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Most people aren’t thinking about convertibles in the dead of winter, but so far the weather has actually been pretty nice where we are at in California. MINI is taking the opportunity to announce pricing information on the new Roadster, a sure seller during the spring and summer months.

Last year the Countryman and Coupe made their debuts, and this year it is the Roadster’s turn. It marks a continued expansion into new territory for MINI. The Coupe and Roadster aren’t all that different looking from the standard hardtop and Convertible models of the MINI, but they are considerably more sporty (and less practical, if you care about that kind of thing). For one thing, the rear seat also goes the way of the dodo – they are two seaters.

The Coupe’s pricing was announced a while ago, coming in at $22,000. The Roadster will set you back a good bit more than that – $24,655 with a standard manual. Opting for an automatic transmission will add $1,250 more to the total. With the Roadster, MINI has stuck with the traditional industry standard of cutting off the top and charging more money. It’s a winning combination for profitability, that’s for sure. The Roadster comes in a few hundred dollars short of the Convertible model though. It’ll be interesting to see if Convertible sales suffer all that much. If they do go down significantly, it is will be clear that cannibalization is going on rather than a sales expansion. If you opt for the top-shelf John Cooper Works model, pricing will come in at $34,500. Not cheap!

MINI says the car has been tuned to provide “go kart handling.” We bet the JCW model would be a lot of fun to toss around – too bad it dings the register so badly. The Roadster’s 1.6-liter four-cylinder is offered in three power guises; 121 horsepower standard, 181 hp for the Cooper S and 208 hp for the JCW.

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1. Mini Speedster Gets Manual Top, Good?
2. MINI Unveils Two New Models
3. MINI Performs Mini Tinkering on 2011 Lineup

Most cars gain weight and size with each passing generation – take the BMW 3-Series for instance. Despite its name, MINI has proven to be no different. The MINI of today is a lot bigger car than the original. As far as lineup count goes, MINI has expanded in that read well.

It is well beyond the original two-door hardtop that launched in 2002. Today’s lineup includes the Clubman wagon, Countryman “crossover” and the upcoming Coupe model. At last year’s Geneva Motor Show, another addition was previewed in the form of the Rocketman. It was a truly mini MINI, with a size more akin to the original. With executives adding models right and left, most thought it was preview of a new production model. CAR reports plans to develop it have been shelved.

Cost of platform development was said to have been prohibitive, with a lot of expense needed to get the Rocketman to meet safety regulations. What’s more is that the Rocketman supposedly had problems with “stability, handling and crash performance.” Issues maybe, but they shouldn’t be insurmountable. We aren’t really buying that. What about VW and the Up! minicar?

They made it work. It could be just down to a lack of projected sales – they didn’t justify the expense. While the Rocketman has been killed, CAR says a host of other MINI models have been approved. Other sources have said the Rocketman will heavily influence the styling of MINI’s next-generation products. Based on spy shots, the interior of the next-generation standard MINI will be getting a much more traditional look a. As far as new models, what could be next? A four-door sedan? Who knows. The only thing for sure is that BMW has big plans for MINI. It is a key part of BMW’s plan to boost growth in the years ahead.

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Smart ForTwo

Smart encourages drivers to “think differently,” a phrase that becomes all that more relevant when trying to find parking in a crowded city. Aside from being the most convenient parking machine on the road, the ForTwo generates a lot of buzz (at least in the US) from its stark design contrast in relation to the average American car.

There’s obviously something special about the ForTwo; countless individuals have taken the leap from bulky, environmentally inefficient vehicles toward the new wave of design and purpose expressed by the Smart. Could this be the vehicle that paves the way for American drivers to completely change their ways?

Toyota iQ

The Toyota iQ is set to make big waves in the super compact market as being one of the first vehicles to offer the size and efficiency of a super compact without sacrificing adequate storage space or modern styling. Toyota removed various unnecessary components of the standard dashboard to accommodate for a comfortable front seat experience, as well as space for two additional passengers in the rear. If you thought cars of this size were only made for two people, think again. The iQ is set for limited production in 2012 and will likely be rebranded under Scion for US consumers.

Mini Cooper Coupe

Mini Coopers have been around for quite some time now, but it wasn’t until recent years that we’ve seen any significant changes in product lines and styles from the Mini brand. Enter the Mini Cooper Coupe. A subtle variation of the standard Cooper, the Cooper Coupe is a 2 door roadster that is undeniably Mini, yet quite unique in its own right. This is the first 2-door vehicle that Mini has produced, commanding a small market segment of emotionally charged Mini drivers searching for the stylish qualities that a coupe can provide.

Fiat 500 Abarth

Fiat has a lot of ground to cover if they want to make an impact in the US auto market, but the recent announcement of the 500 Abarth will surely stir up some excitement for those individuals looking for a little performance with their compact. The 500 Abarth boasts a turbocharged engine with around 130 horsepower – not bad for a car that is about half the size of all the other vehicles on the road in the US today. The exterior fascia upgrades on the 500 Abarth also help seal the concept that small doesn’t have to mean lower performance or inferior styling.

Aston Martin Cygnet

Based on the Toyota iQ platform, the Aston Martin Cygnet is not quite what you would expect from one of the world’s leading luxury vehicle manufacturers. And at a starting price of £30,995 (~$49,595 US), it’s not entirely aimed at the traditional super compact buyers either. Fortunately, Aston Martin carries a brand fully capable of marketing rare and expensive vehicles to small market niches. Few individuals will have the opportunity to indulge in the upgraded styling and feature set of the Cygnet, making it the perfect super compact luxury car for the upscale city dweller.

Kyle Suss is an Internet marketing guru at Suss Buick GMC, Colorado’s largest supplier of Denver used cars.

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I posed the question to my Facebook friends the other day: “If we judged a date by their car (but I know we don’t, it’s really personality) what would you look at first? Make/model? (If so what tops the list?) Cleanliness? Age? Color? Height? Speed? What get’s a girl going over her main squeezes car?” I thought this would be a relevant topic, but I was quickly educated by my friends.

Many of them sighted that maintenance was among the top of the desirable qualities car list. No lady wants to get into a BMW that won’t carry her past the end of the block. Next, was the make/model of the car, followed by the speed potential of the ride. I have not found any woman that looks for practicality in a car, at least not my friends.

Sadly, however, the misnomer is present that women-drivers want 4-door automatics that can handle lots of luggage and passengers in every stage of their lives. This may be true for some with families as they begin to grow, but there is no need to assume that every woman needs or even wants a minivan. Maybe most women don’t realize there is more to life than minivans and SUV’s when babies come along. Women represent 51% of the car purchasing decision power in a relationship, so we are a force to be reckoned with.

An article from AutoGuide.com said that a study examining women car purchases in 2010 discovered that women favored practicality and fuel-efficiency over looks and speed. The study showed that 47.9% of women purchased Mini‘s. Now, I don’t know if the people studying the sales or the lady writing the article has never been in a Mini, but practical is not the first thing I think of, it’s speed, agility, and agressivness. Think Charlize Theron in The Italian Job.

The first Mini’s took the industry by surprise in 1959 with a sub-compact capable of carrying 4- adults comfortably and not sacrifice power or handling, although in the early days many younger consumers would see how many people could actually fit into the spacious interior. Designer Alec Issigonis moved the wheels to the edges of the body and turned the engine sideways creating a cockpit that was more spacious than some of the more popular cars of the day. In 1961 British racing legend John Cooper took one of the Mini’s and created the Mini Cooper 997, a rally car for the history books. By 1977 the Mini had garnered over 4 million sales world wide, but was forced out of the US due to strict emissions regulations. Good thing for us ladies though, the Mini was revamped in the 90′s and in 2002 reemerged in the American market. The Mini was awarded 2003 Car of the Year and sells almost 2 million units a year.

With six body styles to fit that practicality assumption, the Mini’s range in horsepower starts at 121hp for the base Cooper, then up to 181hp for the Cooper-S, and tops out at 208hp for the John Cooper Works. That means that with the stock 1.6L, 4-cylinder power plant 47.9% of cost conscious women went from 0-60 in 8.4 seconds if they chose the moderately priced $20,000 MSRP entry model. I doubt many women would start at the base model though, we are a bit stylish when we pick things, so I believe many moms, such as myself, would fall for the John Cooper convertible. At a mere $35,000 MSRP we can carry the old man, two rug rats and all their soccer gear with the top down at a top speed of 146mph, because everyone knows we are always late for something. The 208hp, twin-scrolled turbocharged engine can get the grocery getter from 0-60 in 6.6 seconds and not break a sweat. Now that’s using your practicle head ladies.

If the convertible isn’t your style, they offer The Clubman. This 4-door (2 full size front doors, 1 mini back door, and full opening cargo doors) Mini boasts a minimum of 9.2 cubic feet of storage with the back seats up and a whopping 32.8 cubic feet with them down, while holding the traditional bulldog stance that keeps the exterior at only 6’3” wide and just under 13′ long. Still not big enough (like most thing in our lives)? Then upgrade to the 5-door Countryman, at 13.48 feet it holds up to 41.3 cubic feet of our stuff, which is really everyone else’s stuff, but we get to haul it around. We won’t mind because every Mini model is quick, fashionable, and what else… oh yeah, practical, fuel-efficient, and cost effective, all the things a girl looks for in her car.

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Fiat’s reentry into the American automotive market continues apace. Even though Alfa is delayed (again) Fiat’s diminutive 500 is already here, in both coupe and convertible form. And even better news for the performance minded among us gearheads is that the Abarth addition of the toaster-sized 500 will be rolling out in the City of The Angels.

Fiat, trying to be everso hip, made the announcement via twitter that its U.S. spec 500 Abarth performance model will take a bow before the klieg lights at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show this coming November.

Sure, we knew the Abarth variant was coming anyway, but confirmation like this is still nice to have. The 500 is aimed squarely at BMW’s Mini line of sub-compacts (and, by extension, the upcoming Scion iQ), so, if Mini gets the John Cooper Works performance package, then Fiat better have something to answer with in that department as well.

Enter the Abarth package. Of course Fiat would go with the venerable and respected Turin tuning firm of Abarth in much the same way that Mini going with John Cooper’s outfit made sense. Both firms, back in the 60s, took unassuming commuter cars and turned them into full-blown track terrors. Abarth, with the original 500 and Cooper with the original Mini. Abarth took the first 500 and doubled the horsepower output (which is sort of damning with faint praise, since the original 500′s plant put out something frighteningly low like 32 ponies) and made it into a terror in its class. And Cooper turned the original Mini into one of the most successful and well remembered rally cars of all time.

Fast forward 45 or 50 years, and here we go again.

Although we here in the good ol’ U. S. of A. won’t get a lot of the real cool goodies, like the sequential semi-auto gearbox (sniff-sniff), we will get the more powerful 1.4-liter turbo with Multiair technology that cranks out around 175 horsepower. Which is not bad for a car as small and light as the 500.

Yes, yes I know that’s not as much as the JCW package on the Mini puts to the tarmac, but then again, the 500 weighs a lot less – as in the order of hundreds of pounds. And why is it, by the way, that Germans still can’t figure out how to make something lightweight? Seriously, they’ve been doing this ‘more is more’ stuff since the 30s, near as I can tell.

No doubt the Abarth 500 will get some snazzy graphics to set it apart from its lesser brethren, but most likely they won’t be as over the top as what you see here. I believe these shots are from a Continental Tire event from a while back, and Conti did the graphics treatment.

And even though all this is good news (funner small hot rods to blast around urban environments in), it is still news that is, by and large, happening before the event, so to speak. Look, let me just put it this way: I would be all over the new 500 and especially the 500 Abarth except for two things (one minor and one major), no semi-auto box and reliability.

The 500 is an unknown quantity on these shores. Sure, the little guys have been running rampant all over Europe for three or four years now, but that’s cold comfort to me. Look at Citroens as an example. Huge seller in France, seemingly indestructible on punishing rally stages … but you get them over here, and they last about as long as a tissue in a flu ward. And Fiat, less face facts, doesn’t have the most stellar of reputations when it comes to reliability. So whoever jumps in first is going to be a fairly brave soul in some ways (or someone who’s rich and just wants to get “that cute little car” for his second trophy wife).

Fiat both knows that sad fact, and they also know something else: They have to make it in America this time round. Why? Because they own Chrysler now, and they are in the U.S. to stay AND they’re going to be bringing in a bunch of Fiat brands to our shores under the Chrysler banner (e.g. Lancias).

So, not only do we have some interesting cars from Fiat heading out way, we also seem to have the full might and backing of one of the worlds largest carmakers putting their full weight behind it. Now if they’d just put that semi-auto box in the little guy …

Source: Autoblog

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Despite the persisting rhetoric, the United States marketplace has become quite friendly to hatchbacks.

BMW division MINI has secured consistently high sales as a premium compact vehicle. Selling 45,644 vehicles for 2010 just as the new Countryman entered production, MINI has won over both small car and hatchback (or two-box) fans. Though modern automotive customers have shown acceptance to radical vehicle design, most automakers selling in the United States are still concerned about risking their important small cars to the two-box body style. Ford Motor Company has brought the Fiesta and the 2012 Focus with the safety net of the familiar sedan body style.

Happily expanding their line-up over the past several years with the Clubman and Countryman models, MINI choice to buck market trends has the small car brand has awaited 10 years to introduce their first notchback. Radiating with a well-defined sport compact glow, the new coupe version of the modern MINI car compiles this look retaining many key design components of the base MINI Cooper. The MINI Coupe key feature is, of course, the smaller roof area. Incorporating what MINI calls a “helmet roof” form, the Coupe’s curvy upper contours wrap around to the rear window. The much-planned MINI Cooper Coupe is officially confirmed for production as the brand’s first two-seater. Another unique inclusion on the MINI Cooper Coupe is a deployable rear spoiler. At speeds beyond 50 kilometers per hour (31.1 miles per hour), the Cooper Coupe aerodynamic device raises to stabilize the car.

A three-box body style, this profound departure for the current MINI brand is actually a historical retread to the early 1960s. From 1961 to 1969, the British Motor Company’s original Mini line-up contained two-coupes called the Wolseley Hornet and Riley Elf. A modern MINI concept version of this car was unveiled in 2009 and was all but confirmed for production by the auto maker. To be sold in base, S and John Cooper Works models, the MINI Cooper Coupe will enjoy the line-up flexibility of the hatchback version of the Cooper.

For the MINI Cooper Coupe, adopting the three-box vehicle design to the 97.1 inch wheelbase standard Cooper platform received a noted sacrifice. Excluding the rear seat passengers entirely, the MINI Cooper Coupe is a firm two-seater. Losing the rear seat, some of the rear cargo space is retained on the MINI Cooper Coupe and accessible through a high-opening tailgate section. However, expect limited space able to accommodate about an equal amount of cargo as an impractical sports car.

However, as an impractical sport cars, the MINI Cooper Coupe is unapologetic with enhanced performance potential. Resting up to 29 millimeters (1.14 inches) lower than the MINI Cooper, the MINI Coupe presents a more possessive hold on the go-cart-like handling the brand recalls as a hallmark. Providing the same powerplant choices as the units found in the MINI Cooper hatchback, the MINI Cooper Coupe will be propelled a 1.6 liter single overhead cam engine set within three power ranges. A normally aspirated 1.6 liter will produce 122 horsepower on the base MINI Cooper Coupe, the engine will be matched with a 6-speed automatic. Both turbocharged the 184-horsepower Cooper S Coupe and 211-horsepower John Cooper Works Coupe edition have an option of a 6-speed manual gearbox. There will also be an Overboost available for the MINI Cooper S Coupe and John Cooper Works allowing up to 207 pounds-feet of torque to be presented from to the front-wheel transaxle Like many vehicles sold in Europe, a diesel option will be available for the Eastern part of the Atlantic Ocean.

Neither BMW Group nor MINI has yet to officially document the release of the Cooper Coupe for the North American market. However, the wait should be short; likely late 2011 or probably sooner. With pricing also left unannounced, it’s possible the MINI Cooper Coupe would retail for less or equal cost to the existing Cooper hatchback.

Information and photo source: BMW Group

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According to Motor Authority, and many others, the upcoming Mini Speedster (or is that the Roadster?) is going to have a manually operated soft top. This, if true, and all sources are pointing to spy photos such as the one shown here to bolster their claims, breaks with the current convention of all convertible tops being power operated these days.

There are a bunch of questions this brings up, but the most salient to me is, is this a good thing?

I just happen to own a convertible with a manual top. In addition to that, I live in an area of the world that has, at best, iffy weather. There are more than a few times that I have considered the efficacy of the latest Miata (okay, MX-5) with its power retractable hardtop (or PRHT as Mazda refers to it). It only adds 70 pounds to the all up weight of the car, and, at the touch of a button, got from fully retracted, to all they way up in a scant 22 seconds. Or, if you think about it, as much time as you spend sitting at a red light when it starts to rain.

So why not have that on every convertible made, and why not have a power retractable hardtop on the upcoming Mini Speedster (or Roadster)?

The ‘why not’ end of this question is a simple one-word answer: weight. Weight, as we all know, is the enemy of performance. And weight, even seemingly small amounts of it come across as being a big penalty in a small car like a Mini. Yes, the current Mini tips the scales at 2600 pounds (give or take) which is about a thousand pounds more than the original, but in today’s world, that’s not very much.

So ‘why’? Well of course you get a performance advantage. Less weight equals better performance. And having a manual top versus a power folding top keeps what weight you are carrying around in the car down low. You also save on complexity. Power tops are neat and convenient and all that, but they are complex pieces of kit. Lots of hinges and panels and wiring and cabling and other pieces of substructure that have to be aligned just so to function properly. And function properly not only means getting the top up and down, but also sealing out the weather when the thing is up. No, I’ve never lived with power top personally (although an uncle did have a Ford Skyliner), but you don’t have to be Nikola Tesla to figure out that if something goes wrong, a power top is going to be a real pain in the ass and the wallet when something goes wrong.

Also, having a manual top puts you, the driver, in much more personal contact with your car. Having a manual top instead of a power one is sort of like washing your car yourself, versus running it through a car wash. Every time you drop the top or raise it, you get direct, hands on experience with how your car is doing. Not only will you be paying a lot of attention to the top itself, you will also notice things around it – dents, dings and stuff along those lines. Plus, it also get you up off of you lazy American ass and gets you some (if only a little) exercise.

There are a lot of plusses to Mini going with a manual top for this upcoming model. Now, whether Mini should be even making this model is another question entirely. You know, brand dilution, spreading your company too thin and all that, but those are questions for another time.

Source: Motor Authority

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Too often, we are brought to the suspicions that some corporations care more about the impressing shareholders rather than the society in which their business inhabits. While too many times those companies have proven deserving of scepticism (not unlike some individuals), there are considerable efforts making a positive contributions beyond their own zeal for profitability.

BMW’s MINI brand has been supporting non-profit organization AIDS LIFE’s major gala called the Life Ball. Hosted in Vienna, Austria, the 2011 Life Ball took place on May 21^st as a massive gala said to be one of the largest in the world. With fashion houses such as Versace, Diesel, Diane von Furstenberg and Kenneth Cole providing clothing and apparel displays as part of the Life Ball, the MINI product line-up has also been involved as a mechanical canvas. Designer representing the look at the 2011 Life Ball had been the Canadian designer brothers Dean and Dan Caten’s DSQUARED² company. Connected to various names including Madonna, Rihanna and the Barcelona Football Club, designer DSQUARED² performed some one-off magic on a MINI Cooper S to benefit the charity event.

As many of us attempt to conceive how a fashion designer would approach a MINI Cooper S, a good deal of automotive enthusiasts would be taken by surprise by the direction taken by Dean and Dan Caten. While some of us witness fashion running amok from what translates everyday style at these fashion shows, the 2011 Life Ball revealed a DSQUARED² MINI Cooper S in road-worthy trim. The red MINI Cooper S is companioned with black graphics that includes a maple leaf worn on each door (symbolic to the designer’s home country) and the number 1964 identifying the DSQUARED² brother’s birth year. Existing on a raised chassis bolstered by deep-treaded all-terrain tires, the DSQUARED² creation described as “Red Mudder” is in fact more than capable for even severe road experiences. If difficult roads take the ultimate toll on one of tire of this MINI Cooper S, a full-sized spare is found on the rear tailgate. Continuing to complement this special MINI Cooper S is black wheel flaring, roof rack and a powerful set of rally lights within the grille as well as on the roof.

Inside the cabin shaded by well-tinted side windows, the MINI Cooper S designed by DSQUARED² continues to assert the rugged “Red Mudder” appearance. Floormats are made from aluminum sheeting structured to shape under the feet of the driver and passenger. Leather seating decked with additional maple flag symbols on the headrests is coupled within the interior styling. Completing the inside, this one-off DSQUARED² MINI Cooper S features an opening roof.

Developed especially for the 2011 Life Ball, the DSQUARED² MINI Cooper S will be auctioned off with the proceeds going to AIDS LIFE charity combating AIDS and HIV diseases.

Information and photo source: BMW Group

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After a decade where large sport utility and crossover vehicles dominated sales charts, the modern era of automobiles is breeding a new generation of thinking. Rising the popularity, compact utility vehicles consists of applying lessons gained from considerably larger vehicles to more condensed spaces. Making a culturally significant brand out of a small vehicle, MINI is convincing in their approach for bringing big utility to a small car. Only a few months since unveiling the Paceman Concept, the MINI brand’s inspirational juices continue to flow through the compact car specialist group as the MINI Rocketman debuts for the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.

Showing itself as a trendy concept exhibiting some new approaches in practical and aesthetic design, the MINI Rocketman telegraphs many innovative features. Residing within a very tight 3.3 meter total length, the MINI Rocketman Concept car proposes even more restrictive confides for the small car’s brand creativity than the current MINI Cooper. On the front, the concept car’s grille work resides within a pronounced oval surrounding. Allowing convertible exposure without giving up all-weather production of a hardtop, the MINI Rocketman is fitted with a glass roof. Assembled within the structure of the transparent roof is a complex brace pattern resembling the British Union Jack flag. A patriotic symbol often painted on the roof of the original Mini car, the new MINI brand (even under ownership of a German auto company) maintains close connections to its past. Offering a modern twist, ambient lighting shines around the lower interior sending out a near celestial look around the Rocketman.

Presenting interesting exterior dynamics, the MINI Rocketman explores some inventive artisanship in door mechanics. Passenger entry doors are double-hinged to open straight rather than the tradition swinging fashion. Perhaps the most eye-catching element to the MINI Rocketman’s exterior is the opening of the doors. Enabling access for the driver and passengers, the MINI Rocketman doors are less intrusive to surrounding vehicles or pedestrians. On the rear tailgate, a bottom section of the Rocketman Concept pulls out like a drawer for unique loading.

Sculpting an interior featuring plenty of shine and high-quality material use, MINI has left the Rocketman concept a model of simplicity. Similar to the production-based MINI in some faucets of dash layout (in particularly the center-mounted speedometer), the beauty of this design is undefeated by control pads and LED displays. The before-mentioned speedometer of the MINI Rocketman does integrate 3D graphics presentation for conveying much relevant information to the driver. Through a removable element, MINI allows users of the Rocketman concept to import mobile communications and navigation data into the vehicle after configuration on a computer.

Similar to the capacity of the lunar space capsules launched by NASA, the Rocketman concept car is set-up ideally for three passengers. Classified as a 3+1 seat vehicle, the MINI Rocketman can upgrade to a fourth seat at the discretion of users. Intended to offer flexibility, the absence of the fourth passenger allows much greater interior luggage space. The MINI Rocketman also allows longer objects such as skies to ride within the rear cargo drawer.

Being a design concept, technical specifications relating to the powertrain has not been released in relationship to the MINI Rocketman. Most likely to become the forward look at what features could be presented in the MINI Cooper, Clubman and Countryman, the Rocketman concept proposes more big feats for this compact car builder.

Information and photo source: BMW Group

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Some days, I don’t know if I adequately express my love for automobiles in every post I authored. I am truly a car fan and it is an auto show that reminds me just how much I cherish that interest in automobiles. Knowing that so many Automoblog.net followers feel the same sense of emotion with a prized auto make or even the vehicle in general, it was a pleasure to attend media day of the 2011 Canadian International Auto Show at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

While many vehicles are making Canadian debuts, many of the cast and faces have risen to idolization already across the auto show world. Nonetheless, when you truly set eyes on something so beautiful as a new car design, even the best LCD screen or finest glossy magazine paper does not completely radiate the full meaning of automotive existence. The scene at the 2011 Canadian International Auto Show media day provided the most upbeat messages to the future of the automobile.

Starting with an opening ceremony as well as a press conference with Ford Motor Company, media day of the 2011 Canadian International Auto Show supplied more energy than perhaps the entire 2010 exhibition. Unveiling first the Ford C-Max, a kinetic display at four acrobats brought a spectacle back to auto industry. A bright spot in American motoring, the Ford Motor Company’s engineering pride was more than evident through their use of floor space. Cutaway of a 2011 Ford Explorer, a simulator of Ford’s stability control program, engines and other various car components including their seat belt airbag were featured with as much attention as the whole vehicles.

Right after the Ford conference, BMW and MINI were next to highlight their showcases of 2011 so far. Presenting the BMW M6 convertible, the BMW 1M and the MINI Paceman concept, there was also details on the BMW X1. Reported by some publications earlier this year as being delayed until 2012, the compact sport activity vehicle X1 is set for release late this year starting at just under $39,000 Canadian.

Starting with the unveiling of the MINI Paceman, the automotive marketing of presenting beautiful women alongside the glorious new vehicles. Land Rover and Chrysler later in the day would also enlist the assistance of some photogenic females. With absolutely no offense against the women, my attention is only planted on the automobiles. Using star power, Kia Motors called in sports athletes from the professional soccer team Toronto Football Club to show off a special edition Sportage. For all the people able to present the vehicles during the press conferences, I keep in mind the numerous individuals behind the scenes of the auto companies as well as the Canadian International Auto Show.

Through a stop at the Honda exhibit, the 2012 Honda Civic Si coupe concept in between a tuned Honda Insight and Accord decked out in a white/carbon black paint scheme. Seeing the Civic concept up-close, there is no doubt this vehicle is be the dead-ringer for the upcoming production car. The only thing needed for the final 2012 Civic will be an interior.

Not seen at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Nissan came to Toronto presenting Canadian debuts of the 2011 Quest minivan and the Infiniti M35h. An enthusiastic Alfonso Albaisa, Vice President of Nissan Design America, eagerly presented the Ellure concept. Viewed as a designing precursor to a future Altima or Maxima, Albaisa brings much of the passionate new styling direction that was exhibited on his other creation, the Nissan Juke. Along with the NV commercial van, the new Nissan GT-R and the Nismo 370Z coupe, another live act stole the press conference. Influenced by a new advertising campaign around the all-electric Nissan Leaf featuring a polar bear, a bear-suited individual quietly wondered out bringing a welcomed comic relief to the morning surrounding the car business.

The second-to-last exhibit of the media day morning was General Motors. President of GM Canada Kevin Williams introduced Canadian press members to the Buick Verano as the company’s new theme was discretely unveiled. The trucks and large sport utility vehicles General Motors once depended upon as profit centers were moved literally pushed to the corner. It’s obvious that bets are being hedged on the new Chevrolet Cruze . At least 9 Chevrolet Cruze sedans of varying colours and configurations were scattered across the expanded GM exhibit (including a highly-modified tuner and a touring car version). The Canadian International Auto Show also saw GM feature the Buick Regal eAssist as well as the ‘not-for-the-United States’ Chevrolet Orlando.

Grant the fact the Chevrolet Camaro and Corvette are strong brand symbols, it is a relief those vehicles were prominent in Toronto. In fact, on special display for 2011 was an separate exhibit called Icons: Camaro and Firebird. Dedicated to an smaller floor of the convention center were special edition, Indianapolis 500 pace cars and vehicles relating to show business highlighting the best of almost 45 years of the General Motors pony car. A Pontiac Firebird paying tribute to the Knight Industries Two Thousand (affectionately known as K.I.T.T.) from the 1980s TV crime-fighting show Knight Rider and both Camaros representing the vehicle modes for the 2007 Transformers movie character Bumblebee are some stars of the special display. A more modern superstar, the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 surprised with its appearance within the Icons: Camaro and Firebird section. Less than a week prior to its debut in Chicago by General Motors, a blue coupe version shown is actually linked to aftermarket company SLP.  Only an hour down the road, the Oshawa, Ontario plant will produce the factory version models of the Camaro ZL1 in very limited quantities.

Three and a half hours of press conferences and vehicle unveils concluded with the Kia Motors exhibit. Covering only a small space of the convention center, Kia’s new Optima and Optima Hybrid supplied a big sense of growth for the South Korea-based auto company. Providing a guide to the brand’s styling direction, the concept Kia Ray was included within the showcase.

For part 2 of this journey, I’ll steer you through an afternoon with Canadian premieres or up-close looks at Mercedes-Benz, Audi and the Concorso Exotica.

Photo Source: Chris Nagy

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Recently, MINI has been growing to accept a broader range of admirers. As the longer wheelbase Clubman arrived on sale in 2008, the most awaited promise for the past two years was MINI’s first ever crossover vehicle called the Countryman. Showing off their interpretation of four-door configuration and all-wheel drive, it appears that the Countryman’s positive initial reception has allowed MINI to weather concerns they might be losing touch with their brand’s true DNA. However, for fans of the two-door MINI cars, a 2011 concept to be presented at the upcoming North American International Auto Show in Detroit will provide a sight for sore eyes.

Deriving mechanics from the new MINI Countryman, the Paceman Concept is a design study contemplating a tantalizingly, athletic form sharing crossover utility in what they call “muscle car design cues”. Borrowing heavily from the Countryman S, the Paceman Concept projection integrates a similar front end intake setup and the rear diffuser. Distinguished with the two-door look featuring a sporty rear roof profile, designers behind the MINI Paceman Concept wants to emphasize a wider profile. Although the MINI Countryman retains the 70.4-inch width, the Paceman Concept involves a lowered roof line of about 0.8 inches and some mild side skirts in order to accomplish the desired illusion. MINI sport look is enhanced further by 19-inch custom wheels within the small confides.

Further blurring the categorization of modern all-wheel drive vehicles by calling their creation a Sport Activity Coupe, the MINI Paceman Concept is constructed to utilize front-wheel drive and MINI’s ALL4 all-wheel drive. Powering the MINI Paceman Concept, the John Cooper Works 1.6 twin-scroll turbocharged engine four-cylinder expels a meaningful 211 horsepower to allow this concept vehicle to step beyond its stationary aggression. Through an Overboost function, torque production extends up to a 207 foot-pound range.

Showcasing MINI traits such as the center-mounted speedometer, the Paceman Concept realizes a great sense of premium-quality sportiness. Instead of luring three adults into what would more than likely be a claustrophobic rear seating area, the MINI Paceman Concept adapts to an interior for four total passengers. Said to be an attempt to bring some of the front seat driving experience to the rear, individual back seats each feature their own armrests.

While the truck-based sport utility vehicle were originally quite prevalent in two-door body styles, the greater sales of four-door utility vehicles eventually caused manufacturers to see little value in developing two structurally different models of the same product. However, Land Rover has recently encouraged a revisiting the two-door utility concept with the 2012 Range Rover Evoque. Though MINI indicates the Paceman is a concept car, the vehicle appears very viable for a future production release.

With the 2012 Honda Civic Concept and the GMC Sierra All-Terrain HD already announced for debut early next month in Detroit, manufacturers conceptual license appears to be more grounded on production-ready design studies.

Information and photo source: MINI and Newspress UK

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The original Mini, introduced in 1959, has become a beloved icon of British culture. Therefore, when a German company came along and decided to revive the brand, many Britons shuddered at the thought. Not only was it a non-British company, but with it being BMW, they assumed the new Mini range was going to be pretentious in its implementation.

For those in need of a short history lesson, when BMW acquired the Mini brand in April 2001, they had in mind an idea to retain the Mini’s classic look and shape, whilst catapulting it into the 21st century. Thus, when it was first introduced, many people squirmed at its gigantic size. The original Mini was naturally a tiny car — as the name implied, but with the introduction of the new model, people realized that they were able to fit more than two gnomes in the car at the same time — and with the British being rather sentimental toward the Mini, this just wasn’t right! Nevertheless, the car gradually became accepted into the British culture, since it still retained that cutesy look which people yearned for.
Ever since BMW decided to maintain the Mini brand after they divested of Rover, people have been anticipating what BMW were going to propose next with the beloved Mini brand. Whilst people have increasingly accepted that the Mini brand has come a long way from the 1960 icon, people weren’t quite prepared for what BMW had in mind next!

Introducing the Mini Countryman…

This became such a contentious topic amongst conventional Britons. Many claimed it was sacrilegious to the very essence of the Mini brand. Inevitably, accusations of Mini “selling-out” ensued. However, if BMW has learnt anything since reviving the Mini brand, they have learnt to tolerate any criticism, and to instead rely on their own self-belief.

So, just what is the matter with the Mini Countryman? People have argued that the right proportions were essential to the Mini’s look — therefore, extra visual muscle that has been added to the Countryman, such as the rear haunch, has been cited as one of the reasons for the Mini not maintaining its Mini feel. Nonetheless, BMW have, in essence, done a fabulous job in maintaining the Mini look, whilst taking the brand forward. BMW have come under criticism of being in a designer’s cul-de-sac since its inception in 2001. Unfortunately, BMW haven’t taken the Mini brand too far, and will probably still suffer from the same criticism, but there are some notable design implementations to the Countryman — such as the rear screen and floating roof, as well as a gorgeous interior. The trouble being that, Gert Hildebrand and his team, haven’t implemented anything extraordinary, and instead preferred to remain consistent with the successful formulae. Their reluctance to take the brand too far too quickly, can be quite appreciated, with the Countryman being a four-door car, as opposed to the Mini’s usual two door approach, they felt this alone would be quite enough for the British people to erupt into consecutive nights of uprisings.

For those people that still criticise BMW, they must remember that since its launch in 1959, the Mini brand lay gathering dust for some 40 years, until BMW stepped up and took responsibility for something that many companies would leave well alone — since they knew it was going to be quite contentious. Something for which, I believe, BMW should be applauded for. Logically, the next step for BMW would be to focus on its design language, and not being shy in experimenting with the Mini’s styling, whilst still remaining true to the cores of what Mini stands.
It is imperative that BMW does not reach the point of stagnation due to the sentimentality of the Mini’s illustrious history. By introducing the Countryman — BMW has shown that it’s more than willing to evolve, but that it’s more willing to evolve gradually over a period of time. The comfortable position in which BMW is happy to ensconce itself should be particularly appreciated, since it must be quite apparent to BMW that, if they radically changed the BMW’s look, it would alienate the conservative Britons who espouse that the Mini concept, whether in its original form or in its modern day form, still remains to be truly British. The revolutions that BMW have prevented by being careful will also undoubtedly be appreciated by the British government.

Guest post by: Karl Alfonso
Obsessive car lover and truck enthusiast. Employee of TheTruckersReport who specialize in Truck information and offer a commercial truck insurance calculator.

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The latest addition to the growing MINI lineup, their micro crossover, the Countryman, has already attracted interest as the shortest length all-wheel drive automobile to be sold in North America. In a move that will no doubt gain more curiosity, the 2011 MINI Countryman will be the basis a new motorsport revival. Harking back to the 1960s when the original Mini (note the different letter casing in distinguishing between the old and new car), the small British car settled into victory lane for the Monte Carlo Rally 3 times within a 4-year span.

About to become a showcase vehicle in the FIA’s WRC (World Rally Championship) Super 2000 class, the new WRC category devotes itself as championing cars that are more production-based resulting in a more affordable medium for drivers to compete on the world rally stage. Featuring a MINI’s factory ALL4 all-wheel drive system, MINI Countryman is almost guaranteed to be the perfect counter against the Volkswagen Polo and Opel Corsa.

Powered by a MINI Cooper S-sourced 1.6 liter gasoline engine, turbocharging and direct injection will allow 184 brake horsepower to be generated coordinated with variable valve management technology which mirrors the BMW Valvetronic system. This engine power is field to the rally car’s drive wheels using a spec-gearbox in accordance to the FIA rules.

Planning a MINI rally car effort since last year, the BMW subsidiary gained the experience race engineering company Prodrive. Bolstering the image of British auto maker Aston Martin through world GT class competition prior to Prodrive’s owner David Richards buying the prestige brand, Richard’s company was also instrumental in aiding Subaru’s popular WRC efforts which is highlighted by the 3-straight manufacturer championships from 1995 to 1997.

While this sighted as a return to world rally competition by the company now known as MINI, the entrance of the Countryman into FIA Super 2000 World Rally Championship, the MINI (or Mini) name in he series is not the only sense of nostalgia. MINI’s German parent company BMW have certainly not forgotten about their rallying history which included the BMW 2002 in the 1970s and a BMW M3 victory in the 1987 Corsica Rally.

While MINI will compete with a factory-funded works team, the manufacturer has also indicated that customer or privateer efforts are going to have a chance to race this race-prepped Countryman. Showing off their new Countryman vehicle in pro racing trim, MINI will be entering the specialized vehicle into select 2011 FIA World Rally Championship event before graduating to a full season schedule for 2012.

Seeking victory in one of the most grueling motorsports, mastering the rocks and sailing over snow will be no small order for the MINI Countryman. However, history has taught us that strength is not always a physical quality.

Information and photo source: BMW & MINI

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While the small car market in North America has reached record-high creditability, the high-quality European vehicles like the MINI Cooper arguably played a role on the slow road to B-segment acceptance. Using a famed and noble heritage which personified Britain for over 40 years prior, BMW engineering played a part in assuring the MINI Cooper was built to tight quality standards canceling out the American belief that small cars could not be reliable cars. Besides the build, the MINI Cooper’s appearance, performance and prominent featuring in a Hollywood blockbuster (The Italian Job remake) carried the MINI forward with great momentum entering into the 10th year.

With the best perhaps yet to come, a peek to the 2011 MINI lineup for Europe shows some items which will almost certainly find themselves on the Cooper hatchbacks, Convertibles and Clubman destined for the American roads.

The exterior design retains its present glory. Though for 2011, the front end of all MINI cars have been modified to comply with pedestrian protection requirements (In European countries, part of vehicle safety regulations rate the survivability of a pedestrian if struck by the automobile). While the front end structure has been altered with lighting sources changed within the headlamp housing and the option of black reflectors, the ultimate MINI design remains fundamentally unchanged.

Another 2011 fleet-wide addition is the utilization of LED rear lighting. Longer lasting and shining brighter than traditional lighting bulbs, LED taillights respond quicker providing other motorists with a possibly pivotal friction of a second to react. Joining the already robust safety equipment which features 6 air bags and all-weather traction control. Some new exterior colour choice include British Racing Green and Spice Orange are now available on the standard Mini Cooper while the Cooper S adds Eclipse Gray and Ice Blue. The top of the line John Cooper Works models of the Cooper and Clubman can also be ordered with a new colour called Chili Red to provide accent against other colours.

The leading technical enhancement coming to the MINI lineup will not likely make it to the North American continent. The diesel friendlier European markets validated MINI’s approach to embrace an all-new pair of turbocharged-diesel engines for 2011. Permitting cleaner CO2 exhaust emissions, the diesel also allows lean fuel consumption which equates to 3.9 liters per 100 kilometers (Keep in mind that European fuel economy measurements do not seem to correspond with EPA standards). MINI’s plans for 2011 includes the introduction of two new diesel variants. The MINI One D Clubman is joined by the first drop-top version of the known as the MINI Cooper D Convertible.

A more common sight to American MINI owners is the gasoline-powered engines. In European markets, the entry-level MINI One is powered by 75 and 98 horsepower 1.4 liter engines while U.S. customers are more familiar with 1.6 liter in the standard Cooper/Clubman. Of Course, the Turbocharged S models are still on the 2011 docket along with John Cooper Works versions providing 208 horsepower. Incorporating BMW’s VALVETRONIC system allowing for fully-variable valve timing as well as lift to facilitate highly-efficient flow of air/fuel charge and gasoline direct injection, these remain high-tech engines.

Inside, the MINI lineup adds some amusing touches including a cross check cloth/leather combination for interior upholstery. However, the pride and joy of the 2011 MINIs reside in a new electronic system called MINI. An automotive, Bluetooth-enabled, Infotainment system similar to Ford’s SYNC, MINI Connected can allow phone, music as well as Twitter and Facebook functions to interface with the car’s interior controls. MINI Connected also features web radio as well as Google navigational services including Send to Car.

On top of the revisions to the standing lineup into 2011, MINI is preparing to add their crossover Countryman as a radical four-door diversion from their current market. Shown at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show, a MINI Coupe Concept and a two-seat MINI Roadster provided another captivating look at a future possibility for the brand. While no firm plans for these vehicles have yet to be officially tabled for sale, the prospect for a more diverse collection of MINI brand vehicles insures the past 50 years of history will be accented with a strong, healthy future.

Information and Photo Source: MINI

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