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Since our last look at the Crossman, Mini has revealed the new model as a concept at the Paris Auto Show, which is likely to reveal subtle details which will appear in final production model.

These spy shots reveal the Crossman will feature a split rear tail gate like the Clubman, although designers appear to have eliminated the issue of compromised rear visibility.

With Mini rapidly running out of space at their current facilities, this new vehicle will also mark the first time a Mini has been assembled outside the UK, with Austrian manufacturer Magna Steyr set to take on that role.

The Mini Crossman SUV is set to be released in 2010, with reportedly no plans for a fifth model in the Mini line-up.

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The new battery technology developed for Mini E, which was specially engineered for automotive use, has a theoretical range of more than 240 kilometers. Mini E will initially be made available to select private and corporate customers as part of a pilot project in the US states of California, New York and New Jersey with the possibility of the program being extended to European buyers.

Peak torque of 220Nm is available from word go and delivers seamless acceleration to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds (top speed is electronically limited to 152 km/h to save battery life). The suspension system has also been modified to match the weight distribution characteristics offered by a car laden with batteries. Surprisingly though, Mini E is said to lose none of the agility and outstanding handling made famous by the brand.

By introducing the Mini E, the BMW Group has drawn strongly on its unique technological expertise in the field of drive systems to develop a vehicle concept enabling zero emissions without renouncing the joy of driving. Putting the cars on the road under real daily traffic conditions will also make it possible to gain widely applicable hands-on experience.

Evaluating these findings will generate valuable know-how, which will eventually be factored into the engineering of mass-produced vehicles. The BMW Group aims to start series production of all-electric vehicles over the medium term as part of its Number ONE strategy. Mini E will give its world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 19 and 20, 2008.

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At over four metres long, the MINI Crossover Concept is far from mini, offering extra space and practicality with all-wheel drive versatility - a first for the brand.

Like the Clubman, it features an asymmetric door arrangement and four separate seats - with a conventional layout on the passenger side offset by a sliding rear door arrangement for the driver side.

The rear tailgate however features a single hinged layout unlike the Clubman, and boasts a unique frameless and retractable rear window.

On the inside, the concept features a multifunction fastening rail which runs down the centre of the car, dividing the four seats yet connecting the front to the rear - given MINI’s reputation for quirky styling; it could certainly find its way into the production model.

A twist on a MINI trademark exists in the concept with the centrally positioned instrument cluster in a three-dimensional finish dubbed the MINI Centre Globe.

According to MINI, this combined control and display unit sets new standards for the integrated control of entertainment, communication, navigation, and vehicle functions.

It features ultra-modern laser projection technology allowing simultaneous presentation of pictures on various levels, with a varying focus and in powerful colours.

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Under the bonnet, the 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbocharged direct petrol injection engine has been coaxed into producing 155kW of power with maximum torque of 260Nm - which jumps to 280Nm during Overboost.

“The MINI John Cooper Works brand continues to reinforce MINI’s authenticity, providing enthusiastic sports drivers with the very fastest road going models available, powered by the very same engine that is used in the MINI CHALLENGE race series.”

This added horsepower has been extracted strictly with racing in mind, gaining new pistons, valves, turbochargers, intake and exhaust system while at the same time complying with the yet to be introduced EU5 emission standard.

The brakes, gearbox, suspension and exhaust manifolds have all been modified along with a recalibrated Dynamic Stability Control system and a unique Electronic Differential Lock Control which is activated when the DSC is turned off.

The interior has been appropriately upgraded to match the performance, now featuring a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Anthracite finish roof lining and glossy Piano Black surfaces.

A final sentimental addition is the new 260 km/h John Cooper Works speedo which dates back to the 120 mph speedo of the Classic MINI Cooper S.

Available in MINI Garages around Australia from September, the MINI John Cooper Works is priced from $48,800 while the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman carries a price tag of $51,300.

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The last Cabrio to roll of the production line (Plant Oxford) was a Cooper S Cabrio Sidewalk finished in metallic White Silver, a MINI collector in the USA will be taking delivery of the car shortly.

The biggest market for the car was the UK, followed by the USA. Other big markets included Germany, Italy and Japan. Australia also ranked among the model’s top ten markets.

Despite what the folks over at marketing and research might have initially said, some countries simply preferred the Cabrio more than others. For example in chilly Scandinavia almost twice as many people purchased MINI Cabrios as fair-weathered Greece. The same story repeated in Austria, where there are at least five-times as many MINI Cabrio drivers as in sunny Portugal.

The factory will now focus all of its energy on the MINI hardtop and the MINI Clubman.

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BMW believes the MINI John Cooper Works brand will appeal to those who want something different, something that can mix luxurious motoring with hard-charging thoroughbred pedigree, whilst still not taking itself too seriously.

MINI has now long lost the supercharger and both JCW models are powered by an identical 155 kW version of the 1.6-litre turbocharged aluminium four-cylinder engine, which is nearly identical to that fitted to the MINI CHALLENGE race cars.

“These are the fastest cars yet that MINI has brought to Australia but it is not their outright performance alone that will endear them to our customers. The cars are the complete package with bigger brakes, sportier exhaust, and an even higher degree of exclusivity.” said Justin Hocevar, National Manager for MINI.

The engine is good for 280 Nm of torque from as low as 1,850 rpm, thanks to the German inspired Overboost function. Usually it produces 260Nm of torque.

0-100km/h is achieved in a respectable 6.5 seconds for the John Cooper Works Hardtop while the not-so-pretty Clubman manages the same sprint in 6.8 seconds. All JCW cars are available only with a six-speed manual gearbox.

“The launch of the MINI John Cooper Works brand reinforces the commitment MINI has to providing pulse-racing excitement for enthusiasts in an increasingly confused, crowded and conformist market. ” Hocevar said.

Top speed is 238 km/h and the hardtop uses just 6.9-litres per 100 km on the combined cycle and the Clubman 7.0l/100 km.

However this car is not about straight line speed, it’s about handling, anyone that has ever driven a normal MINI Cooper S will attest to its awesome handling and driving characteristics, so the JCW variants should be unbelievably good.

In addition to all the features available on the Cooper Chilli specification, the JCW variants feature the following:

• John Cooper Works exhaust system
• 7-inch Cross Spoke Challenge S light alloy wheels (205/45 R17 run-flat safety tyres)
• bigger brakes (316 x 22 mm front and 280 x 10 mm rear)
• 260 km/h speedometer
• John Cooper Works Badges
• Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
• Piano Black
• Anthracite Headliner
• Sun protection glazing, darkened side windows in rear as well as rear window
• Sports leather steering wheel

If the wheels are not up to your standards, you can pick (at no extra cost) to go with 17-inch Crown spoke light alloy wheels.

MINI cars are currently the most personalised cars in Australia, with buyers having a huge range of options to pick from. JCW variants are available in more than 40 possible exterior colour combinations!

• MINI John Cooper Works (Hardtop) is priced from $48,800,
• MINI John Cooper Works Clubman is priced from $51,300.

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Judging by the size of the rear C-pillar, visibility doesn’t seem to have improved over the hard-top model either.

Although perhaps of most concern is the apparent lack of storage for the soft-top roof, however we will have to wait until more photos surface with the roof down before we can pass judgment.

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With these new capabilities, Mini plans to expand their customer base to include young men wanting something a tad more “masculine” than the current models.

However initial response to the new name has made a few us wonder if Mini has lost its creative edge? Also, a Mini off-roader? Mini runs the potential risk of alienating the fan base that has rallied around the small car brand since the release of the Cooper.

The Crossman will also be the first Mini assembled outside the U.K. with Austrian manufacturer Magna Steyr building the car.

The Mini Crossman is scheduled for release in 2010. According to Mini Boss Kay Segler, there are currently no plans for a fifth Mini model.

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An ‘overboost’ facility can momentarily jump torque up to 280Nm under hard acceleration, helping reach the 238km/h top speed.

Disabling the DSC engages an Electric Differential Lock which behaves much in the same way as a limited slip differential, improving handling and acceleration.

Added performance enhancements include lightweight 17″ alloys, bigger brakes, a modified exhaust and a standard 6-speed manual transmission.

To achieve this added horsepower, the intake and exhaust systems have been optimised for the greatest flow which as a side effect returns exceptional fuel efficiency belying its performance credentials.

The Cooper S-based model achieves fuel economy of 6.9L/100km and 165g/km CO emissions and the Clubman yielding 7.0L/100km (33.6mpg) and 167g/km CO.

The MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works Clubman will arrive in Australia in August.

2008 JCW Cooper S

2008 JCW Clubman

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