German magazine Bild is reporting the i100 will be a plug-in hybrid with a 163 bhp to 182 bhp three-cylinder engine (likely a diesel) and two electric motors which contribute 99 bhp. More importantly, the car would have an electric-only range of 9.3 to 31 miles.

The vehicle’s setup is virtually identical to the VED concept, but Bild goes one step further by stating the U.S. market may receive an i100 with a four-cylinder engine. There are also rumors that the M version will feature high performance capacitors and a six-cylinder engine from the next-generation M3.

The car is rumored to make an appearance at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, and will apparently start with an asking price of $130,775.

Source: WCF

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

Basically this video gives you a “Holy SH!@ Look at that?!?” reaction. It also reminds me of an old Dane Cook bit, about a tire hunting down a racing fan (which, from what I’ve heard, he stole from Dave Attell. But that could be a rumor) -

These special edition MINI’s will include a computer feature called Mission Control, which gives voice feedback based on various driver inputs. MINI has programmed many responses to situations like putting revs into a cold engine and hard acceleration or cornering. And yes, they will be in a British accent.

The buyer will also get a choice of three metallic paint colors, sport seats, special upholstery selections, dynamic traction control, xenon headlights, fog lights, grille badge, rear spoiler, upgraded Harman/Kardon audio system, special interior trim, 17-inch wheels and hood graphics.

With a price ranging near $24,000, and only 100 total of the two models, MINI is sure to sell out in no time. We just hope someone delivers up one for a test drive at our offices.

Source: AllSmallCars Via Motor Authority

Technik Think Tank led to the production versions of the Z1 Roadster, as well as the BMW Z3 and Z4. The group also conducted research on the BMW 1-series fuel-cell hybrid, and the 2001 BMW Z29 concept. The Z29 was capable of sprinting from 0-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds, with a weight-to-power ratio of 3.4 kg/hp.

Source: WCF

Available from June of this year, M Bike will be sold in three different frame heights. It’s an aluminum frame with a Match front suspension fork from Manitou. Suspension springs have an 80-millimeter deflection. BMW engineers installed a fi’zi:k leather saddle with a red insert. Other features include disc brakes, a Shimano SLX component group/gear system with high gear ratio to optimize speed. Check out the press release below:

Rolling Wonder. The BMW M Bike – The BMW M Bike is a spectacular combination of state-of-the-art technology and exclusive design. Disc brakes and an elegant matt anthracite frame with the M logo combine perfectly with the leather saddle, stunning rims and handles, and shiny red seat inlay. Characteristic of the entire M collection, which, like the BMW M model itself, stands for the extraordinary and unique.

Weight: 12.9 kg

Source: World Car Fans

According to source: Motor Authority: With 335 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque on tap, the smallish roadster packs plenty of punch. It even has some reserves, with an overboost function allowing brief stints at 369 pound-feet of torque under full load. The end result is a 60 mph sprint time of 4.7 seconds. Like all BMWs, the 2011 Z4 sDrive35is is electronically limited to 155 mph. Ultimately, though its performance is excellent, it’s not as hardcore as a true M model would be.

The Z4 sDrive35is’s rear wheels are driven by BMW’s seven-speed DCT dual-clutch transmission, while the full M Sport treatment is also standard equipment, including a more aggressive body kit, lower suspension setup and electronic shock absorbers.

Most “Hybrid” cars on the road today give its driver an average range of 40 – 45 miles per run. ActivE supplies 100 miles of everyday use to its occupants. Charging times required for this lithium-ion battery is very short: a European power grid can recharge a battery pack in just 3 hours at a wall box with a current of 50 ampere at 230/240 volts. In North America, the charge time is a little over 4 hours. BMW may have constructed the best example of zero-emissions driving to date.

Power is set at 170 HP with 184 lb-ft of torque, which is enough to get the battery-laden coupe up to 60 MPH in about 8.5 seconds. Built into the 1-Series platform, this is all meant to produce an electric car experience more in line with BMW’s expressed value as a driver’s machine.

The very first production BMW M1 “Supercar” was introduced in 1978, as a mid-engine car produced & built by Lamborghini. It used a 3.5-liter six-cylinder twin-cam engine that produced 273 horsepower, but turbocharged racing versions generated 850 hp – and had a max speed of 160 mph.

BMW is keeping quiet about the new M1 model, and only says the car is to celebrate the company’s heritage. “The BMW M1 was an utterly uncompromising super sports car which exuded passion,” said BMW Middle East exec Phil Horton. “Its forerunner, the BMW Turbo by Paul Bracq, displayed innovative technical solutions that found their expression in emotional design.”

Source: WCF

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.