Mini

:Alternative meanings: mini (with lower-case 'm') is also colloquial for miniskirt and, less commonly, for miniature figure. This article is about the car company.

New MINI

Launched in 2001, the new MINI (note capitals, sometimes unofficially called BMW MINI) is built in Cowley in Oxford, United Kingdom. Historically this was the Morris car plant. The new MINI has a Brazilian-built Tritec engine. Like the original, this is a transverse four-cylinder unit, driving the front wheels. The styling of the car, like that of the new VW Beetle, is deliberately reminiscent of the original. The car has been criticized for its poor space-efficiency compared with the original, but it has quickly become a sales success in Europe and (from 2002) in the US. It comes in 4 models: the MINI One, MINI One D (with a Toyota-built diesel engine), MINI Cooper, and MINI Cooper S. In the US market, only the MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S are sold. The car is featured in the 2003 remake of The Italian Job. New for 2005 production are the MINI Cooper (and S) convertibles, as well as a redesigned front and rear fascia for the hardtop models.

Related Topics:
BMW - Cowley - Oxford - United Kingdom - Brazil - Tritec engine - Transverse - New VW Beetle - US - Toyota - The Italian Job

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At the Geneva Motorshow 2004, BMW/MINI introduced a convertible model to be released in mid-2004. The car is available in 'One', 'Cooper' and 'Cooper S' versions worldwide (although the 'One' convertible, like its hardtop sibling, is not sold in the US). BMW have received a significant backlog of orders in the short period since its announcement.

Related Topics:
Geneva - Convertible

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The MINI Cooper/Cooper S won the North American Car of the Year award for 2003.

Related Topics:
North American Car of the Year - 2003

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Next-generation New MINI

BMW will introduce a new MINI for 2006 on a reengineered platform. This architecture is shared with PSA Peugeot Citroën Group and will be more flexible. Additional MINI models, including a roadster and sport wagon, are likely. The Tritec engine will be replaced by a new BMW unit with an optional turbo rather than supercharging.

Related Topics:
Platform - PSA - Turbo

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AutoWeek reports that a long-wheelbase version (reminiscent of the original Mini Estate) will also be produced. This may include a 5-door rear-hinged version similar to the Saturn ION Quadcoupe and Mazda RX-8.

Related Topics:
Saturn ION Quadcoupe - Mazda RX-8

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