Here is an “official” MINI press release for today, April 1st, 2009:

MINI USA looks set to take a world lead in fuel efficiency with the announcement today (April 1) of a revolutionary magnetic propulsion system that will extend the range of its MINI E to several hundred, possibly even thousands of miles, on a single overnight charge of electricity.

Drawing on the same Magnetic Tow Technology (MTT) which was announced by BMW in the UK today, MINI USA has developed its own unique Propulsion / Repulsion 0401 (PR0401) System that is just one short step away from perpetual motion in an automobile.

MINI’s PR 0401 System uses a series of magnets situated in the MINI E’s moving and fixed parts of each of its four wheel hubs to both pull and push the wheels in the desired direction, exploiting the magnets’ natural tendency to attract and repel. Not only does this system allow the MINI PR to travel extraordinary distances for just a few cents, it produces virtually no noise as the electric motor can be switched off once the car is moving.

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MINI Financial Services released a new game for the iPhone/iPod Touch platform. I was actually starting to wonder how MINI could be so late to the game on an iPhone app when they have traditionally been on the cutting edge of every other marketing idea. Well, better late than never I suppose. Here is a video showing the app in action as well as the full press release:

MINI Press: In the spirit of providing iPhone and iPod touch users with some MINI-centric fun, all while encouraging them to hold onto more of their coin, MINI Financial Services today launched “MINI Liquid Assets,” MINI’s take on an old-school favorite, available for download at no charge from the iTunes App store. Read the rest of this entry »

To complement the last post about the new 2009 MINI Convertible, MINIUSA released the new MINI Cooper Convertible configurator on its website. Have fun speccing out your next MINI .

[ www.MINIUSA.com ]

MINI will introduce the next generation of its celebrated four-seat convertible at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Joining the 2009 MINI Convertibles on the show floor is the MINI E, the first electric car deployed by a manufacturer of premium automobiles for private use in daily traffic.

The new 2009 MINI Convertible embodies the thrill of open-air motoring in unmistakably MINI style. Raising the high standard set by its predecessor, the new MINI Convertible features improvements in design, quality, handling, performance, efficiency and functionality. The first MINI Convertibles will be delivered March 28, 2009.

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MINI USA officially announced the 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible (aka R57). Gone is the Tritec cabrio, replaced with the same engine technology and body style as the R56. For those who have been waiting for the new cabrio body, orders are being taken now. If you want to grab one of the last original-bodied cabrios (or maybe want to snatch up one of the last supercharged MINIs), I hear there are a few left on dealer lots so grab them while you can.

MINI USA Press: The driving pleasure and individual style that are MINI’s signatures have been tapped to create the next-generation MINI Convertible. With its evolutionary design and increased functionality, specially tuned suspension, powerful, efficient engines and enhanced safety technology, the latest version of the four-seat convertible raises the bar.

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Here is the official press release from MINI USA describing the all-electric MINI E that will be hitting out shores in a few weeks. I like the concept. Gives new meaning to “Plug ‘N Play” .

BMW Group will present the new, electrically-powered MINI E to the global media for the first time at the Los Angeles Auto Show on 19/20 November 2008. 500 MINI E vehicles will then be shipped to the US states of California, New York and New Jersey for testing with private and corporate customers.

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Here is an interesting MINI press release. Got to love that paint job. Guess Alan did not care for the unfinished paint job of the HyperSport Aerokit and took it to an extreme (I kid… I kid).

A unique MINI featuring a visually stunning exterior designed by legendary artist, illustrator and graphic designer Alan Aldridge, is now on show at the Design Museum in London. The MINI Aldridge Special is an exhibit in a retrospective display of Alan’s work, entitled ‘The Man with Kaleidoscope Eyes’.

Alan Aldridge is known primarily for his creative work throughout the 1960s and 70s. Dubbed ‘The Graphic Entertainer’, Aldridge illustrated lyric books for the Beatles, album covers for The Rolling Stones, The Who and Elton John, was Art Director for Penguin Books and illustrated much-loved children’s books such as ‘The Butterfly Ball’.

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I am slowly but surely catching up on all e-mails from the past few days (family emergencies have kept me away from the computer lately). This video was sent in a couple days ago from vlogbyMINI.de and it shows us the MINI Crossover Concept as it is introduced at the Paris Auto Show. Check it out!

MINI released some information on their Crossover concept. This is an interesting vehicle for sure. If it really has 4 doors, it will be very cool. However, the price tag is surely to price it out of my range, sadly . Check out the press release below:

The MINI brand is continuing its overwhelming story of success - now taking a new approach with the MINI Crossover Concept.

This Design Study offers a fascinating outlook at a new facet of the brand powerfully expressed by a truly innovative body concept - the fourth body variant, to be precise, following the classic two-door, the MINI Convertible, and the MINI Clubman.
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A couple weeks ago I posted about the ABF Performance Drag MINI on SPEED TV’s Pinks All Out. Well here is an official MINI USA press release on the new venture:

MINI USA Press Release: Woodcliff Lake, NJ - August 15, 2008… After multiple rounds of testing and nail biting qualifying runs for PINKS ALL OUT at Raceway Park in Englishtown, NJ, July 25th - 26th, the 650-horsepower MINI Cooper S drag racer, custom built by ABF Performance, emerged a crowd favorite and newly appointed giant killer. Piloted by Vincent Tennessee Kung, MINI USA’s Product Manager, the little “MINI That Could” took down car after car with multiple 10-second passes and trap speeds exceeding 135mph.

Officially the “World’s Quickest and Fastest MINI”, this Cooper S Hardtop has clocked a record-setting 10.48 elapsed time at 135.16 MPH, but not before sending home a Big-Block-equipped Camaro with a blistering start from PINKS ALL OUT host Rich Christensen’s “Arm Drop.” This incredible performance resulted from the collaboration between ABF Performance, MINI USA and MINI Financial Services. With its custom carbon-fiber bodywork and distinctive “Get Your Hands on a MINI” graphics (which shows two hands trying to grab the 1,750-pound race car) there is certainly no mistaking this MINI for any other car on the racetrack. Getting the miracle MINI into 9-second zone is just a few suspension tweaks away.
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