MINI Coupe Concept
Scheduled to be unveiled at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show, MINI’s Coupe Concept has been revealed in these official images. In the front, the Coupe uses standard MINI sheet metal, but the side profile reveals a dramatically sloping aluminum roof and wrap-around greenhouse, which combine to create a unique fastback impression. New wheels and a more aggressive rear bumper finish the exterior modifications.
Inside, special leather buckets and carbon fiber trim contribute to the sporty feel, and an open cargo area replaces the rear seats. Power is provided by a 1.6 liter turbocharged mill that makes 211 horsepower and 192 lb-ft. of torque. A unique “overboost” feature allows torque to spike temporarily to 206 lb-ft. Performance should be slightly improved over the top of the line John Cooper Works MINI.
More images of the MINI Coupe Concept after the jump.
AC Schnitzer MINI Cooper R57 Cabriolet
Just in time for summer, venerable German tuner AC Schnitzer continue to dominate the aftermarket with this tastefully done Mini. Power is bumped from 175 to 206bhp (226bhp for export models) and is transferred to the rear wheels through an upgraded limited slip differential. Staying true to their philosophy of making well rounded modifications, the boys from Aachen also installed a height-adjustable sport suspension and an aluminum strut brace. Customization is a common theme with Mini drivers, and the R57 is no exception. Rounding out the aesthetic modifications are a front spoiler, rear skirt, aluminum trimmed interior items, and a plethora of decal packages.
See the rest of the AC Schnitzer MINI Cooper R57 Cabriolet after the jump.
Mini Cooper S Clubman and Airstream
It’s not every day that a car company debuts a new model at a furniture show. Let us elaborate. This particular iteration of BMW’s Mini Cooper Clubman has been reworked on the inside, with water being the dominant theme. The roof, headlights, and other body panels are laden with green trim, while the dashboard and side paneling have been covered with Neoprene, the same material that wetsuits are made of. The iconic trailer that is hauled by the Mini is actually a joint venture between American caravan maker Airstream and Danish furniture designer Republic of Fritz Hansen. Keeping the beach theme in mind, the duo have created a truly functional trailer. Four of the RFH chairs are strategically placed inside the caravan, which has yacht-deck wood paneling on the floor and a floral print/surfboard-themed wall. A snack table and foldout daybed also round out the package. It debuts this week at the Salone del Mobile Furniture Show in Milan.
More images and a video of the Mini Cooper S Clubman and Airstream after the jump.
Mini Clubman Viral Video
The Mini Clubman which is a close relative of the Cooper, just released a viral video, which makes fun of viral videos. Watch the video after the jump.
Some info on the Clubman: Power in the Cooper Clubman is by the same front-wheel drive four-cylinder engine developed for the 2007 MINI Cooper hardtop, which produces 118 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed GETRAG manual transmission is standard, with an AISIN six-speed automatic transmission optional.
