John Cooper Works Mini

Here is the hottest, the fastest Mini Cooper available in town- the John Cooper Works Mini. This Mini surprisingly delivers big results when tested on the road. Mini lovers can expect that the vehicle can sprint from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 6.5 seconds. But it isn’t only in the acceleration aspect that the John Cooper Works performs best. This Mini is known to be a fuel efficient vehicle.

In one of the tests that was conducted by a journalist, the car achieved around 50 miles per gallon for fuel efficiency, and that’s 25 percent more than the manufacturer has claimed to be the vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Two new editions have been released under the John Cooper Works Mini badge, and these two editions will share a common power train. The power-train used will be the up-rated version of the turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder that is found in the S editions of the Cooper and the Clubman. With the help of the direct injection and the twin-scroll turbo, the engine has the capability to deliver 207 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. Other features of the new John Cooper Works Mini include the light-alloy rims, the beefed-up six speed manual transmission, and the presence of the high-performance brakes and the incorporation of the new exhaust system. The John Cooper Works Mini was launched last August in the US market.

**Pic via autobahnreport

Filed under: Mini Cooper , John Cooper, John Cooper Works, Mini

Geneva Motor Show 2008 Unveiled.

All the best and the newest designs and trends in automotive sector will be unveiled this week. The Geneva motor show is about to open, with leading names of the automotive industry joining the said exposition.

What this automotive exposition has to offer this year is yet another round of new models, concept cars, technical innovations and of course innovations and technologies leading to better environmental sensitivity. With current innovations and developments leading to greater ‘green’ awareness, leading automobile makers both in US and the Europe incorporate a number of new technologies that are designed to make these vehicles and technologies earth-friendly. Prime examples of cars that will showcase these new technologies are the Saab with its BioPower option that allows the car to run on bioethanol and the BMW car that is equipped with EfficientDynamics. What is the EfficientDynamics all about, perhaps you may ask. This actually refer to a number of engineering improvements that are designed to reduce the weight and at the same time increase the efficiency of the car’s engine and the transmission.

Enter Nano: The No Frills Car From Tata Motors

One car that is expected to make a splash on the Geneva motor show is Tata’s Nano. This is the European debut of the so-called world’s cheapest car.

Though this car from Tata Motors is expected to be unveiled this week, this car will not be available in the market for a few more years.

Rolls-Royce Too.

Rolls-Royce too is expected to present its newest addition to the line- the new Phantom Coupe. This coupe is based on the 101EX experimental hand-built car that the brand first showed in 2006. Of course the sporty new Mini John Cooper Works will be at display as well. Aside from new cars from big automobile players, new technologies will be presented on the motor show as well. Some of the new technologies that will be presented include the wiperless windscreen and Microsoft’s partnership with Fiat to produce the “in-car connectivity”. Featured as well are new gadgets and accessories that can make every car look good and stylish.

The 78th motor show in Geneva is expected to run from March 6 to 16.

Filed under: Mini Cooper, Nano, News, Uncategorized , BMW, Geneva motor show 2008, Nano, Saab, Tata, Tata Nano

The Minis In ‘Big’ Packages!

One more reason why I am maintaining this blog, is to tell you what type of cars I really like. What really matters to me- am I a fan of speed? Do I drool over highly customized rides? Do sports cars make my heart beat faster? Or am I one of those who have the passion for energy-efficient and highly efficient cars? I will let you know a secret of mine; style matters for me.

First on the list for me is the MINI Cooper. From the moment I saw the Mini Cooper at play on the film The Italian Job that stars Mark Wahlberg and Charlize Theron; I know that this iconic car belongs to my garage. (I know, let me dream for a while.)

It all started in 1959 when a new car was introduced in England and this car featured a transverse-mounted engine and an efficient boxy front-wheel drive lay-out. The design of the new car is revolutionary and this set the car apart from the usual pack on the road. Its name says it all- this is a mini but then without sacrificing interior space. Completing the iconic look, is the affordability of the vehicle, its style and of course the convenience of easy parking even on small spaces. Sales of the Mini shot up and have become a favorite over time.

The Mini has been available in a number of generations and has served a generation of fans and enthusiasts.

Another news item that should make every Mini fan excited-our favorite Mini is getting a makeover! The BMW brand is expected to release the first new models under the Mini John Cooper Works badge. This new model is expected to be showcased at the Geneva Motor Show this month. If you are still wondering what’s with the John Cooper name, then here’s a little recap for you. John Cooper was the racing constructor and tuner that was responsible for the first Mini Cooper. So what’s the new Mini got to offer?

For starters, this will feature a 1.6 liter four-cylinder engine with twin scroll turbocharger and petrol direct injection that can deliver 155kW and this car can feature a maximum torque of 260 Nm between 1850 and 5700 rpm. The JCW gets to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds and the Clubman on the other hand zooms to the same speed at around 6.8 secs!

This Mini is expected to be unveiled today, March 4 and will be released in the market starting July 2008. Aside from the fact that it can offer you better performance, the car can deliver better styling as well. Some of the things that will come as a standard on the Mini or JCW include the leather sports steering wheel, air conditioning, interior trim in glossy Piano Black and Anthracite roof lining. For the music lover in you, an upgraded sound system is present that features 10 speakers. Another great vehicle in the making don’t you think?

Filed under: BMW, Mini Cooper, Movies, Uncategorized , BMW, Geneva Motor Show, JCW, John Cooper, John Cooper Works, Mini Cooper, The Italian Job