Showing posts with label MINI Cooper. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MINI Cooper. Show all posts

Sunday, April 24, 2011

2011 Mini Concept Tokyo cars preview and specification

2011 Mini Concept Tokyo cars preview and specification
Upcoming 2012 lotus Car News: http://car-wheelx.blogspot.com/search/label/lotus%20cars
Honda EV-N Concept: The SuperHonda FCX Concept DrivingminiThe Toyota FT-86 Concept is2005 Mini Cooper S - JohnSUZUKI PX MINIVAN CONCEPT

Friday, March 25, 2011

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Mini Cooper S John


In general terms, the Mini is remarkably reliable and potential faults are easy to spot. The vast majority of cars (some 98 per cent) were sold with the ‘TLC’ package, which covers all servicing charges for the first five years or 50,000 miles, and can be transferred to the next owner. Not only was this a great deal for new owners, it’s also good news for the secondhand market as it means that servicing has rarely been skimped or bodged.
However, that doesn’t mean you can drop your guard. There were a few recalls over the years and it’s important to ensure that any potential purchase has had the full complement of remedies. The most high-profile recall was for a ‘static-discharge fire risk’ when refuelling (cars built before August 2001), but others include a front suspension ball-joint and lower-arm upgrade (cars up to August 2001 again), possible tyre-wall cuts (cars built in January and February 2002), and one for a handbrake fault on all pre-December 2002 Minis.



                                                  Mini Cooper S John

Monday, December 27, 2010

Mini Cooper S, 1968

Mini Cooper S, 1968

 


The Mini is a small car that was produced by the British Motor Corporation (BMC) and its successors from 1959 to 2000. The most popular British-made car, it has since been replaced by the New MINI which was launched in 2001. The original is considered an icon of the 1960s, and its space-saving front-wheel-drive layout influenced a generation of car-makers. In the international poll for the award of the world's most influential car of the twentieth century the Mini came second after the Ford Model T.

The revolutionary and distinctive two-door car was designed for BMC by Sir Alec Issigonis (1906–88). It was manufactured at the Longbridge and Cowley plants in the United Kingdom, and later in Australia, Belgium, Chile, Italy, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Uruguay, Venezuela and Yugoslavia. The Mini Mk I had three major updates: The Mk II, the Clubman, and the Mk III, within which were a series of variations including an estate car, a pickup truck, a van, and the Mini Moke — a jeep-like buggy. The Mini Cooper and Cooper "S" were sportier versions that were successful as rally cars — winning the Monte Carlo Rally three times.

Design and development

Designed as project ADO15 (Austin Drawing Office project number 15), the Mini came about because of a fuel crisis. In 1956 as a result of the Suez Crisis, which reduced oil supplies, the United Kingdom saw the re-introduction of petrol rationing. Sales of large cars slumped, and there was a boom in the market for so called bubble cars, which were mainly German in origin. Leonard Lord, the somewhat autocratic head of BMC, decreed that something had to be done and quickly. He laid down some basic design requirements: the car should be contained within a box that measured 10 × 4 × 4 feet (3 × 1.2 × 1.2 m); and the passenger accommodation should occupy six feet (1.8 m) of the 10 foot (3 m) length; and the engine, for reasons of cost, should be an existing unit. Issigonis, who had been working for Alvis, had been recruited back to BMC in 1955 and, with his skills in designing small cars, was a natural for the task. The team that designed the Mini was remarkably small; as well as Issigonis, there was Jack Daniels, who had worked with him on the Morris Minor, Chris Kingham, who had been with him at Alvis, two engineering students and four draughtsmen. Together, by October 1957 they had designed and built the original prototype, which was affectionately named 'The Orange Box' because of its colour.

The ADO15 used a conventional BMC A-Series four-cylinder water-cooled engine, but departed from tradition by having it mounted transversely, placing the engine oil lubricated, four-speed transmission in the sump, and by employing front-wheel drive. Almost all small front-wheel-drive cars developed since the 1970s have used a similar configuration. The radiator was mounted at the left side of the car so that the engine-mounted fan could be retained, but with reversed pitch so it blew air into the natural low pressure area under the front wing. This location saved precious vehicle length, but had the disadvantage of feeding the radiator with air that had been heated by passing over the engine.

The suspension system, designed by Alex Moulton at Moulton Developments Limited, used compact rubber cones instead of conventional springs — this led to a rather raw and bumpy ride, but this rigidity, together with the wheels being pushed out to the corners of the car, gave the car its famous go kart-like handling. It was initially planned to use an interconnected fluid system, similar to the one which Issigonis and Moulton were working on in the mid-1950s at Alvis, but the short development time of the car meant this would not be ready in time for the launch. The system intended for the Mini was further developed to become the hydrolastic system and was first used on the Austin 1100 (launched in 1962). Ten-inch wheels were specified, so new tyres needed to be developed — with the initial contract going to Dunlop.

The car was designed with sliding windows in the doors, thus allowing for storage pockets to be fitted in the space where a winding window mechanism would have been. Issigonis is said to have sized the resulting storage bins to take a bottle of his favourite Gordon's Gin. The boot lid was designed with the hinges at the bottom so that the car could be driven with it open to increase luggage space. On early cars the number plate was hinged so it dropped down to remain visible when the boot lid was open.

To keep manual labour costs low, the car was designed with quirky welded seams that are visible on the outside of the car running down the A and C pillars and between the body and the floor pan. To further simplify construction, the car had external door and boot hinges.
 
The Mini Cooper and Cooper S – 1961–2000
Issigonis' friend John Cooper, owner of the Cooper Car Company, designer and builder of Formula 1 and rally cars, saw the potential of the Mini. Issigonis was initially reluctant to see the Mini in the role of a performance car - but after John Cooper appealed to BMC management, the two men collaborated to create the Mini Cooper. The Austin Mini Cooper and Morris Mini Cooper debuted in 1961.

The original 848 cc engine from the Morris Mini-Minor was increased to 997 cc, boosting power from 34 bhp to 55 bhp (25 to 41 kW). The car featured a racing-tuned engine, double SU carburettors, close-ratio gearbox and front disc brakes, uncommon at the time in a small car. One thousand units of this iteration were commissioned by management, intended for and designed to meet the homologation rules of Group 2 rally racing. The 997 cc engine was replaced by a shorter stroke 998 cc unit in 1964.

A more powerful Mini Cooper, dubbed the "S", was developed in tandem and released in 1963. Featuring a 1071 cc engine and larger servo-assisted disc brakes, 4,030 Cooper S cars were produced and sold until the model was updated in August 1964. Cooper also produced two models specifically for circuit racing, rated at 970 cc and a 1275 cc, both of which were also offered to the public. The smaller-engine model was not well received, and only 963 were built until the model was discontinued in 1965. The 1275 cc Cooper S models were discontinued in 1971.

The Mini Cooper S earned acclaim with Monte Carlo Rally victories in 1964, 1965, and 1967. Minis were initially placed first, second and third in the 1966 rally as well, but were disqualified after a controversial decision by the French judges. The disqualification related to the use of a variable resistance headlamp dimming circuit in place of a dual-filament lamp. It should be noted that the Citroën DS that was eventually awarded first place had illegal white headlamps but escaped disqualification. The driver of the Citroën, Pauli Toivonen, was reluctant to accept the trophy and vowed that he would never race for Citroën again. BMC probably received more publicity from the disqualification than they would have gained from a victory - but had the Mini not been disqualified, it would have been the only car in history to be placed amongst the Monte Carlo winners for six consecutive years.

In 1971 the Mini Cooper design was licensed in Italy by Innocenti and in 1973 to Spain by Authi (Automoviles de Turismo Hispano-Ingleses), which began to produce the Innocenti Mini Cooper 1300 and the Authi Mini Cooper 1300, respectively.

A new Mini Cooper named the RSP (Rover Special Products) was briefly relaunched in 1990 to 1991, with slightly lower performance than the 1960s Cooper. It proved so popular that the new Cooper-marked Mini went into full production in late 1991. From 1992 Coopers were fitted with a fuel-injected version of the 1275 cc engine, and in 1997 a multi-point fuel injected engine was introduced, along with a front-mounted radiator and various safety improvements.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Mini Cooper: Mini Mini rumored to be in the works



Post by: Automotive

Wolfgang Armbrecht, head of BMW's Mini brand recently hinted that a smaller small car may be in the works. In an interview with Germany's Financial Times Deutschland, Ampbrecht admitted that Mini may develop a small car for parent company BMW. We've actually heard these rumors before when talk sprang up about the potential for a BMW 0 Series.

If the thought of a Mini Mini crossed with BMW parts makes you excited, you're not alone. Who could say 'No' to the Ultimate Go-Karting Machine? As of yet however, there are no reports of a build timeline or potential specs, but a glimpse of what's to come is said to be earmarked for next month's Detroit Auto Show.

source: Mini Cooper Press

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Concept Car : MINI Cooper Countryman 2011





How much of the MINI without its charm and unique appeal?



he offered his first appearance on our shores, the MINI Cooper, the smallest car in the United States, was the most versatile machine, faster, more spacious and less expensive on the road. But it was fun to drive and breathe the fresh air throughout the internal market, bigger is better, drawings, similar to hit the U.S. car buyers are becoming something different.



But his appeal over the past two years, U.S. sales fell by Cooper dropped the top in 2008, 54 000 and 47  last year, as some skeptics that the MINI can win the United States continues . Just see how it not only costs but also to recognize the reality of the American market, the British car manufacturers sassy mass, its mighty mites only slightly.



In the spring of 2011, MINI has the farmer initial 4-door, the MINI brand, and a modern, yes. With respect to Cooper, a farmer of a giant. It offers more cargo space behind, the more space for passengers and more than one instrument or the Cooper Clubman.



Although most of the MINI can I make this appeal to the Americans feared that the farmer has the fun factor is the different models of MINI. Guys, we were wrong.





Adapting the model

Base, S and S All4: 2011 MINI Cooper Paisa is available in three different versions. Standard has not yet been determined, but the smallest MINI Cooper Clubman, which ended in vinyl siding, tilt and telescopic leather steering wheel, air conditioning, cruise control, electric windows, electric mirrors, central locking, remote control, AM / FM / CD, auxiliary audio input, cruise control, cooled glove box, and 17-inch alloy wheels. S, add sport seats and fog lights. MINI also offers approximately 100 factory-installed options and accessories dealer 200



Standard safety equipment is probably the two front side airbags, front side airbags, side airbags, tire pressure issue, ABS with Brake Assist, traction control and electronic stability control system. .

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Smart is a Small Issue, Humorous in Style And Proportions

smart car, mini car,  cars,  Mini Cooper, small car, Motors

When I say I buy a Smart car, and I usually get one of three reactions. Most people still do not know what it is - It does not look like a pint of two of the seats in Daimler. There are a lot of people know about them laugh. Smart is a small issue, humorous in style and proportions: 8.8 meters. (This is about 40 inches shorter than the Mini Cooper, who hog the road.) Then there are very few who get this kind of silly smiles on their faces. Not very jealous, but you see where you get in high school who Ngawi that you really will jump from the tower 40 feet in the lake, and wait to see what you want to be successful.

But what can I say? I see on the way to Germany with my children in 2002 and dazzled. After reading on the issue of security - a steel cage to make the car more than biggest car audio, I refused - I decided that when there is a chance, I would buy one if I can buy it.

This is not a small matter for me. I have never bought a new car. But this is me one. melengking voice, of course, but it is not. I was tired to run around the city alone in a car with room for three passengers, or - in a minibus on the first day - 6. It feels like I'm burning gas to move a lot of minerals that are used all over for nothing, as most of the time my car only, or just the two of us. The provision of fuel is good enough for me to voice, too: According to the website design company to get 40 miles per gallon city/45 the road and in accordance with the standards and the Environmental Protection Agency, 2007, and the road 33 miles per gallon according to the criteria EPA city/41 2008. And also miss the days when I go to the park ...

Therefore, when the reservation was opened last March, and I dive down 100 dollars to buy the franchise and one of the first Smarts in the country. Confirmation e-mail me saying that the car will make for the first time in early 2008.

smart car, mini car,  cars,  Mini Cooper, small car, Motors
Buy A new Car ,

Buy lease Reprinted the permission of the original author, Steve Haas Several years ago, it seems that the program of cheap rental available from all companies. These days, the financial arm of fishing (such as those of the Advisory Committee for General Motors, now owned by Cerberus) and the credits come to a standstill by the financial crisis had reduced the availability of new programs to hire a big car, but do not go perfectly. For example, my local paper and ads for the Mazda3 2009 5 doors (with automatic) to pay the rent of 219 dollars per month for three years. It seemed like a very reasonable fee for a new car, and the universally recognized as Mazda in the first place.

smart car, mini car,  cars,  Mini Cooper, small car, Motors
Black And Red Smart car

I think a lot of mystery about the rental car and a little education can go away. Print ads in many cases to be small and full of unfamiliar terms. To be disclosed Furthermore, in financial terms, clay credit car than conventional cars does not ask for details of the rent even as they usually do not. To determine what has been agreed rental is good for you or not, let us review a few basic.

Friday, January 1, 2010

Lincoln, First Look: Lincoln C Concept Car Mini Cooper-owner style

Lincoln C Concept Car Mini Cooper-owner style
BMW has proven that rear-wheel-drive c-segment size luxury works, with its 1 Series, Lincoln is turning next to the 2011 Ford Focus' platform for post-global warming luxury. To prepare us for a CAFE-friendly world, Lincoln rolled out the C concept (for c-segment, and so far, without an "MK" prefix) at Detroit. Looking much like a Renault with Lincoln's "flying wing" '41 Continental retro cue grille, the C is about the length of the '11 Focus, but about 2.75-inches wider for three-abreast seating via two flat benches. Ford designers cite the '39 Lincoln, '56 Continental II and '61 Continental as inspiration. But the a-pillar is curved much like a Renault Espace's, and the c-pillar ends in a Clio-esque bustle trunk. While there's no tumblehome, a deep shoulderline accents the profile.

Lincoln C Concept Car Mini Cooper-owner style
The stainless steel-like top is actually aluminum with a metalized paint, and the gray interior wood trim is recycled driftwood veneer. The Lincoln C has more interior space than a '61 Continental, J Mays and Freeman Thomas proudly note. The engine, theoretically - Lincoln didn't open the hood -- is a planned 1.6-liter EcoBoost four with central direct injection, variable valve timing on both cams and an interesting stop/start system to shut down the engine for red lights and stop signs.
Lincoln C Concept Car Mini Cooper-owner style
Restarts use a fraction of the starter energy required for a cold start by injecting and igniting fuel in the cylinder closest to top-dead-center on the compression stroke. The six-speed, twin-clutch "Powershift" transmission uses more efficient dry clutches (Audi DSG's wet clutches require an oil pump). It gains 9-percent better fuel economy than a conventional automatic transmission, Ford says. Including some key weight savings, Ford expects the EcoBoost-powered C would get about 25-percent better fuel economy than a similar car with a 2.0-liter.
Lincoln C Concept Car Mini Cooper-owner style
Other interior features include no b-pillar (which Mays insists is approaching production viability, even if the "suicide door" feature that accompanies it is only for show), a hubless steering wheel rendered in Apple-computer white plastic, thin-seat technology for better interior room (another near-production feature), hand-drawn floral patterns laser-etched into the otherwise stark white leather seats, weight- and height-sensing power head restraints, and stereo speakers in the headliner, which surrounds a Lincoln-symbol glass sunroof.

Lincoln C Concept Car Mini Cooper-owner style
North America design chief Peter Horbury says his favorite feature, though, is a device in the car's grille that recognizes other Lincoln Cs and automatically "winks" the left headlight, Mini Cooper-owner style.
Lincoln C Concept Car Mini Cooper-owner style
Question is, can Lincoln build a c-segment car with so much appeal that owners "wink" or wave at others voluntarily? We may have to ask that question again when Lincoln markets a c-segment car, in as little as two or three years.