The car is expected to be a two-seater, unlike the MINI Spiritual Concept seen here, though it could end up with three spaces for passengers. Based on a modified front-wheel-drive platform made for a front-engined car, the sub-Cooper would have a shortened wheelbase that could put it in line with the Toyota iQ or the Smart ForTwo.

“The idea to create a highly compact Mini model is one that has been on the agenda for quite a while,” the source reportedly told the magazine. “On the outside it would appear a natural fit for the brand, but profitability is a major concern at this end of the market. It’s one thing making a good-looking small car, but it’s another thing making money on it,” the source concluded.

via | worldcarfans

MINI E driver Tom Moloughney told the Canadian newspaper, “Until there are plentiful public charging stations, there is an ‘electric leash’ that you must respect.” Because of this, Moloughney installed an extra charging station at work. “Being able to charge midday virtually doubles the range for me. I’ve driven as much as 280 km in a single day, which is more than just about anyone would need to do for a work day.”

“When people first drive the MINI E, they usually don’t like the regenerative braking,” said Dr. Thomas Turrentine. Dr. Turrentine is running the MINI E study for University of California Davis. Still, the report shows that “after a few hours they get used to [regenerative brakes], and after they have driven it for a week, they are very positive about it.”

Mini E hopefuls can look ahead to 2011, and maybe owning one of the few EV’s that will be available at first from the auto maker.

Via WorldCarFans

Press Release | “Wash Me” Ten MINI cars. Ten artists. To mark its 50th anniversary, MINI launches the book “Wash Me”

Zurich. It’s always tempting to write “Wash Me” on a dirty car or to draw something on a fogged windscreen with your finger. Everyday situations like this were the inspiration for this publication, says Nico Ammann, art director and photographer of the works featured in the book to be published by MINI Switzerland in a limited edition of 2,000.

The upshot is a colourful volume depicting a wide range of subjects, and one that will appeal not only to MINI fans. The common thread is that none of the ten artists has ever before worked with the automobile as a medium, and each has transformed it into a transient work of art.

The following artists and authors contributed to the book project: Smash137, Fabian Bertschinger, Marisa Pichler and Gigi Burn, Tika, Euro, Aurèle Sack, Stefan Ege and Seak, August, Rémi Jaccard and, last but not least Dieter Meier, also famous as the singer in the band Yello.

Designer Alfredo Häberli provided two sketches and an article. The author and journalist Michèle Roten and Prof. Dr. Jacqueline Otten, director of the design department at Zurich University of the Arts, likewise made creative written contributions to the book, which will be out in early November.

Art always was, and remains, a key aspect of the MINI brand. MINI is, for example, the exclusive partner of the “Ludlow 38″ exhibition space at the Goethe-Institut in New York, located in the heart of the thriving gallery district in the Lower East Side, near Chinatown and not far from the New Museum of Contemporary Art. Since its inauguration in 2008, this gallery space has presented contemporary artistic projects in collaboration with various cultural partners in Germany. Through its partnership with brands such as Bisazza and its involvement with FIAC 2007 or the International Talent Support / MINI International Photo Award in Trieste, MINI also remains true to its traditional involvement with unconventional cultural projects. Reason enough to welcome the launch of a vibrant photo book that is bound to delight MINI fans as well as design, art and photographic enthusiasts.

MINI UNITED – A MAGNET FOR FANS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE 25,000 Enthusiasts from more than 40 Countries Converged on Silverstone to Wish MINI a Happy 50th Birthday

May 26, 2009. The third edition of what has already become the legendary MINI United Festival was held this year from May 22nd – May 24th in glorious sunshine at the Formula One track in Silverstone, England. Some 25,000 fans from more than 40 countries made the pilgrimage to the world’s premier gather of its kind. They arrived in over 10,000 MINI models, most of them lovingly individualized. Numerous German fan clubs made their way to the venue, mostly setting out by car on the long journey to the UK. Even for participants from as far afield as Russia, the USA and South Africa, no effort or cost was too great to ensure they could pay personal tribute to the British classic on its 50th birthday. Likewise determined not to miss out on this winning mix of racing action, music festival and lifestyle spectacular were a whole raft of celebrities.

As part of the world premiere for the new Mayfair and Camden special models, the now 75-year old Mary Quant – British style icon and inventor of the mini-skirt – disclosed a long-guarded secret: the designation “mini-skirt” is not derived from the celebrated brevity of the garment; it was her much-loved car that inspired her to choose the name.

To mark the 50th anniversary, MINI also took the wraps off a reinterpretation of George Harrison’s flamboyant model. This one-off, presented to Olivia Harrison on Saturday night, fully met the precise design brief of the Beatles’ widow. She accepted the MINI on behalf of the Material World Charitable Foundation, a charity which George Harrison founded in 1973. The car will be auctioned this year to raise funds for the foundation. “George was a huge MINI fan and he would have enjoyed this new version. The fact that the 50th anniversary celebrations for MINI will also benefit our foundation has made it an enjoyable as well as meaningful collaboration,” said Olivia Harrison.

But there were plenty more unique models to get pulses racing among the fans. British fashion designer Paul Smith again presented the model created by him, while the designs by David Bowie, Kate Moss, Missoni and the acclaimed illustrator and graphic designer Alan Aldridge were also on display. Similarly drawing approving looks were the original cars from films like “The Italian Job” and “Austin Powers.” The major highlight of the MINI United Festival was the appearance of “modfother” Paul Weller, former front man of the two legendary bands The Jam and The Style Council and now a long-standing and highly successful solo artist. “As I’ve been driving MINI all my life, I was delighted to be able to join in the 50th birthday celebrations,” said Weller.