Bigger than a breadbox, better than a toaster

May of us are big fans of small cars here at LotPro.com. But just like their bigger brethren, the small cars that most excite us are those that go above and beyond the run-of-the-mill transport appliances that seem to be the mission of so many.

Two manufacturers that regularly peg the fun needle to “full” are Mazda and BMW’s MINI brand. Mazda has taken its “zoom-zoom” philosophy to heart by building small, zippy, affordable vehicles that rival those costing nearly twice as much from other automakers.

At the same time, BMW’s MINI division has resurrected a brand and brought a whole new level of style and luxury (at least here in the U.S.) to the minicompact segment.

Both automakers were in the spotlight this past week as BMW finally revealed its MINI Roadster Concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show and Mazda detailed its plans to bring the Mazda2 to the U.S.

MINI Roadster Concept

We’ll start first with the sizzle. Prior to its unveiling, BMW had already confirmed that the MINI Roadster is slated to be produced alongside the current Hatch, Clubman and Convertible at the company’s Plant Oxford at the same time the MINI Coupé version will begin its model run.

But why produce a roadster when the MINI lineup already features a convertible? The obvious answer is the fact that, sans the rear seats, the MINI Roadster Concept allows for more storage room (who sits back there in the convertible, anyway?), and that in top-down mode, the look of the new MINI is far more appealing (the top stows neatly away as opposed to being stacked, accordion-like, behind the rear seats). As an added bonus, losing the rear seats means that the trunk now contains 8.8 cubic feet of storage space (up from 5.7 in the sedan and 6.0 in the convertible).

Mazda2

Earlier this week, Mazda North America president Jim O’Sullivan announced that the company would be selling its B-segment Mazda2 here in the U.S. beginning late next year.

“You’ve asked us for it for a while now, and we’ve been studying the market to make sure we can make a business case for it across North America,” O’Sullivan told the assembled dealers. “As consumers’ tastes and attitudes toward small vehicles have changed, we now believe strongly there is a place in our lineup for a car below our current least-expensive car, the MAZDA3. MAZDA2 will be true to everything that makes our cars stand apart from the competition: it will be stylish, fun-to-drive and a heck of a value. In short, it will be Zoom-Zoom.”

With Ford bringing its Fiesta over here next year and the fact that the two vehicles share the same basic architecture, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to come to the conclusion that, with the current dearth of  imaginative products in the B-segment available to American buyers, it makes sense to bring the Mazda2 to market over here, as well.

No further details were released, other than to note that the Mazda2 will make its debut at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Coupe and new model to be unveiled

In a press release this morning, Dr Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW, announced that the two new MINI models will be built at MINI Plant Oxford.

One of the vehicles will be based on the MINI Coupé Concept that was revealed last week, fifty years to the day after the first classic Mini went on public view. The second vehicle, referred to as a “second concept”, will likely be a two door roadster version of the Coupé Concept.

It’s also rumored that the production versions of both vehicles will be nearly identical to the concept versions. According to the press release, both vehicles will likely be powered by the 1.6-liter turbocharged MINI John Cooper Works power train.

Production site

MINI’s two newest models will be produced alongside the current MINI Hatch, MINI Clubman and MINI Convertible at the company’s Plant Oxford.

According to Business Secretary (equivalent to the U.S. Secretary of State) Lord Mandelson “The production of the two new MINI models is very good news for Oxford, and for the UK car industry. It is a demonstration of BMW’s long term commitment to the UK as it celebrates its 50th birthday this year. “British drivers have had a long love affair with the MINI and I’m sure that this will continue for many years to come.”

Dr. Juergen Hedrich, Managing Director of MINI Plant Oxford, said: “The fact that Plant Oxford will be building these exciting new models shows the high level of flexibility of the plant and its associates.  The MINI family has a bright future.”

Production start dates for both the MINI Coupe and MINI Roadster will be confirmed in the near future and both will be slated for export to the U.S.

50 years to the day

It was May 8th of 1959 when the first of the original Minis rolled off the assembly lines of Plant Oxford of the British Motor Corporation. The first official public presentation, however, occurred on the 26th of August of that same year. So it is hardly a coincidence that BMW chose that same date 50 years later to reveal images of a new MINI Coupe Concept that will have its official public preview at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show to be held next month, from September 17th through the 27th.

MINI Coupe Concept

According to BMW, the new concept is “designed to be the most dynamic and agile MINI ever built.” Designed as a 2-seater, the latest MINI iteration features a lower roofline than the sedan with A-pillars more steeply raked in order to accommodate this difference.

Design cues carried over from its four-door brethren include the large, round headlamp openings, hexagonal radiator grill with horizontal slats, low front spoiler and  black fender flares all ‘round.

Unique to the coupe is a spoiler, painted and striped to match the roof, that extends rearward from the trailing edge of the roof, hood stripes that extend forward to include the radiator grille, as well as a uniquely designed front air dam reminiscent of the John Cooper Works hardtop.

At 146.2 inches in length and 66.3 inches in width, the coupe exactly matches all current MINIs in width and the S, S convertible and John Cooper Works sedans in length, but its 53.4 inch height is exactly 2 inches shorter than all other contemporary models. Luggage capacity is greatly enhanced by the lack of rear seats and stands at 8.8 cubic feet (versus 5.7 for the MINI sedan and 6.0 for the convertible) and can be accessed through the rear tailgate that is hinged just above the rear spoiler.

The concept is equipped with the 211hp (208 in U.S. spec guise), 1.6-litre twin scroll turbocharged power unit found in current John Cooper Works models, and features sport seats, two Chronoswiss clocks to the right and left of the centrally-mounted tachometer, as well as 18” alloy wheels.

One and a half million and counting

It was in May of 1959 when the first of the original Mini’s rolled off the British Motor Corporation’s assembly lines. Between that date and the ceasing of production in 2000, 5.3 million of the classic Minis were built.

On June 7th of this year, just weeks after celebrating the 50th birthday of the original Mini, the 1.5 millionth new MINI rolled off the production line at Plant Oxford.

BMW AG Board of Management member Ian Robertson had this to say of the event, “This is a great day for the plant and a wonderful milestone to reach in the 50th birthday year of MINI. The very first classic Mini rolled off the production line here at this plant on 8 May 1959.”

The 1.5 millionth vehicle, a Chili red MINI Clubman, is destined for a British customer.

MINI One D

Here in the states, the MINI Cooper has always been the entry point for new MINI customers, but in Europe, MINI shoppers have always been able to enter the market at a lower price point and performance level with the MINI One. The One comes equipped with a 1.4-liter 95 hp petrol engine and, equipped with a manual transmission, has a list price of £10,195.65 ($16,512) versus £11,795.74 ($19,103) for the Cooper version.

But up until now, the MINI One trim lacked the high-mileage diesel engine that was available in the European MINI Cooper D. That particular oversight will be taken care of in September when the MINI One D goes on sale with a de-tuned version of the 1.6-liter diesel from the Cooper D.

The current Cooper D is rated at 108 hp and 177 lb.-ft. of torque. When it finds its way to the One, the common rail direct injection turbocharged diesel engine will produce slightly lower figures – 90 hp and 159 lb.-ft. of torque. In addition to the compression ignition engine, the One D will also feature brake energy regeneration (when braking or coasting) to supply power to the vehicle’s battery for increased efficiency, as well as Auto Start Stop Function to switch off the engine when the vehicle is stopped at lights or in traffic.

The MINI One D will only be available with a six-speed manual gearbox and, as a comparison, the sprint from 0-60 will take nearly 3 seconds longer than the 8.5 seconds of the 1.6-liter equipped MINI Cooper.

One way to look at a trade-off, however, is fuel consumption. While the MINI Cooper (U.S.) is rated at 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway, certainly no slouch, the MINI One D has a European fuel economy rating of (U.S.) 50 mpg city/68 mpg highway and a combined fuel economy of (U.S.) 60.3 mpg.

50 years of MINI

This year’s MINI United Festival, held at the site of the British Grand Prix in Silverstone, England marked the 50th anniversary of the iconic British marque. In celebration, more than 25,000 fans arrived on the scene in over 10,000 MINIs – a scene of Lilliputian dimensions unrivaled since the wrapping-up of the original MGM production of The Wizard of Oz.

Owners and their Issigonis-designed and inspired livery assembled from points as distant as Russia, South Africa and, dare we say, from across the pond in the USA.

Inspired by George Harrison

To help mark the 50th anniversary, there was a reinterpretation of George Harrison’s MINI, which was presented to his wife, Olivia, on behalf of the Material World Charitable Foundation where it will be auctioned off later this year in a fund raiser. “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.

Olivia Harrison & Paul Weller & New Harrison-inspired MINI

In addition to the MINIs that appeared in the movies “The Italian Job” and “Austin Powers”, there were a number of unique models created by David Bowie, Kate Moss, Paul Smith, Missoni and graphic designer Alan Aldridge that were also on display.

Another mini

Also on hand was the legendary (at least for those of us who grew up in the 60’s and truly appreciated her contribution) inventor of the mini-skirt, Mary Quant. It seems that her “long-guarded” secret is that fact that the “mini” in mini-skirt had nothing to do with the actual length (or lack, thereof) of the garment but, rather, it was her much-loved MINI that led her to choose the name.

The Lone Star State

Although Texas may be known more for pickups than passenger vehicles (it is the number one market for pick-em-ups in the U.S.), it is still a very large market for cars. With the state’s combination of big cities and vast prairies, it may very well represent a middle ground between the import-heavy east and west coasts and the domestic-leaning heartland of our country.

Now in its seventh year, the Spring Challenge is a perfect foil to the annual Texas Truck Rodeo which takes place in the fall. This year, the Challenge took place at the Texas Motor Speedway from April 26th to 28th and honored vehicles from the following categories: Car of Texas (the overall winner), the Family Car of Texas, Most Innovative, Best New Design, Best Use of Technology and (as we wrote about yesterday) Best Value.

Here at LotPro.com, then, we see the findings of the Texas auto writers as being, at least geographically speaking, somewhat unbiased. So from that perspective, here are the winners of this year’s Writer’s Choice Awards:

The Car of Texas – 2010 Chevrolet Camaro

Yes, the Camaro is back. And even if you’re not a fan of the Transformers movie or even muscle cars in general, you have to appreciate the 111 more horses the SS version has over the Mustang GT while matching that V-8’s fuel economy figures.

The Family Car of Texas – 2009 Ford Flex

Squint hard enough and you will see a maxi version of the MINI intended for real families (not just 2 Pomeranians in the back). 2010 promises to give us a much-improved version of the Flex when Ford applies its EcoBoost magic with direct injection and twin turbocharging for a total of 355 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque.

Most Innovative – 2010 Volvo XC60

We told you this wasn’t going to be a domestic-only event. Among its many notable safety features, the City Safety System used by Volvo in their new XC60 crossover uses a laser system mounted behind the top of the windshield to detect imminent collisions below 19 miles per hour and, barring driver intervention, automatically stop the vehicle.

Best New Design – 2010 Chevrolet Camaro

It’s true. In addition to its zero to sixty performance, the new Camaro looks way cool.

Best Use of Technology – 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

Ford recently set a record of 1445 miles on a single tank of gas while averaging 81.5 miles per gallon which certainly qualifies as a “best use of technology” in our book.

Best Value – 2010 Kia Soul

Kia is to the new millennium what Japanese manufacturers were to the 80’s – a company with a history of econocars that suddenly blossoms into one that offers both economy and style – plus one of the best warranties in the industry.

The Bottom Line

Once again, a tip of the Stetson to TAWA and all the winners of this year’s Spring Challenge.

World Car, Green Car, Performance Car and Car Design of the Year

Established just six years ago, the World Car of the Year awards are announced at the awards press conference hosted by the New York International Auto Show every year. In addition to the overall World Car of the Year winner, three other categories are also included: World Performance Car, World Green Car and Car Design of the year.

Here are this year’s winners (remember, these vehicles do not necessarily have to be available or for sale in the North American market):

2009 World Car – Volkswagen Golf VI

Chosen from an initial entry list of fifty-one vehicles, the judges had this to say, “The new Golf VI employs Scirocco (a model we have yet to see here in the U.S.) styled grille and headlights and larger tail lights. However, it also feels more expensive than other family hatches, thanks to its solid build and high quality cabin. Customers get a choice of nothing less than six engines (editor’s note: these engines are all available in Europe, not necessarily the U.S.), including the punchy and efficient 158hp 1.4-litre TSI unit that features both a turbo and supercharger. The Golf is also available with the firm’s new 2.0-litre common-rail diesel motor with either 108 or 138hp. It goes without saying that choosing between the slick 6-speed manual and superb DSG twin-clutch gearbox can be difficult. Sitting on an outstanding chassis, the VW is more refined than its rivals, especially when highway cruising. Wind, road and engine noise are kept to a minimum, making the Golf a relaxing long distance companion.”

2009 World Performance Car – Nissan GT-R

The performance car must, according to the rules, “demonstrate a specific and overt sports/performance orientation.” Vehicles in this category also must meet a minimum annual production rate of 500. The jurors felt that, “The Nissan GT-R stole the headlines in the sports car world in 2008. This GT-R – the R35 – throws even former GT-Rs into the weeds via an all-new 3.6-liter bi-turbo V-8 providing 480 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. The drive of the GT-R, especially on a track, reveals an incredibly flexible all-wheel-drive chassis that lays down the rubber whenever you request it. Acceleration to 60 mph from a stop takes just 3.5 seconds, or a tick behind fellow Performance finalist the Corvette ZR1. This is a complete effort put forth by the normally conservative Nissan and the pleasure is in doing laps of a favorite circuit and feeling the sheer capabilities of the car. For $77,000 it may be the world’s best enthusiast car.”

2009 World Green Car – Honda FCX Clarity

Unlike the other categories, vehicles in this category only needed to be available in one major market in 2008. The Clarity was chosen because, “”The FCX Clarity is an utterly real, hydrogen-fuelled luxury sedan that provides the amenities people expect in a premium car with 430 km range, fuel consumption of about 3.3 litres/100 km (72 mpg US) equivalent and zero tailpipe emissions. While there is only so much the automotive industry can do when it comes to this technology – governments need to come onboard to help create a true refueling infrastructure – Honda must be credited for taking a bold step in leasing FCX Clarity to customers in California for US$600 per month. There’s still a long way to go before fuel-cell cars will become a commercial success, but hats off to Honda for continuing to advance this expensive technology during a time when every cent counts.”

2009 World Car Design of the Year – Fiat 500

“Icon is an overused word in the automotive world, but the Fiat 500 dating from 1957 genuinely deserves the sobriquet. Revived by Fiat last year, the new Cinquecento is larger than its predecessor but still smaller than a Mini. Cheerful and cheeky, it does a brilliant job of capturing the visual appeal of the original version while meeting modern design and engineering standards. Design consultant Robert Cumberford says the new 500 “pushes the emotional hot buttons of several generations of people who might never have driven one of the early models, but who admired them on European streets. Built on the Panda platform, the 500 keeps the original’s charm, adding two more seats and all contemporary safety, anti-pollution and driving aids.” In Tom Matano’s opinion the Fiat possesses “heart-warming style. It is genuine, straightforward, without gimmicks. It is a welcome addition to a car world full of non-humanistic designs.”

Es ist ausgelassen, nicht wahr?

Here at LotPro.com, we do think it is hilarious. We can almost picture the engineers and PR folks at BMW laughing so hard over their steins of Schneider Weisse that it’s coming out their nostrils. In any case, in the spirit of the day, here is the press release from the U.S. headquarters describing their latest engineering “breakthrough:”

non-magnetic MINI E

•    New magnetic system delivers world-leading fuel efficiency to MINI PR0401
•    Hundreds, possibly thousands of miles range on a single electric charge
•    Drive across the USA in a MINI for just a few dollars
•    Propulsion / Repulsion 0401 (PR0401) system is the ultimate range extender

Drawing on the same Magnetic Tow Technology (MTT) which was announced by BMW in the UK today, MINI USA has developed its own unique Propulsion / Repulsion 0401 (PR0401) System that is just one short step away from perpetual motion in an automobile.

non-repulsive MINI E

MINI’s PR 0401 System uses a series of magnets situated in the MINI E’s moving and fixed parts of each of its four wheel hubs to both pull and push the wheels in the desired direction, exploiting the magnets’ natural tendency to attract and repel. Not only does this system allow the MINI PR to travel extraordinary distances for just a few cents, it produces virtually no noise as the electric motor can be switched off once the car is moving.

Professor Lirpa Loof, Head of Magnetic Attraction Technology at MINI USA, said: “The Mini E is already leading the way in EV performance, reliability and eco-friendliness but this amazing new system will push it onto another level. We could soon be seeing families travel across the USA from coast to coast for just a couple of bucks.”

“The only energy this system uses is a small draw on the battery to start the vehicle moving forward and then the magnets take over and their natural properties do the rest. This has to be the ultimate range extender,” he added. “Anyone who has played with magnets as a kid or travelled on a Maglev train will understand precisely how this technology works and the kind of performance we are talking about.”

Roads? Where we’re going we don’t need roads.

Once moving, only tiny amounts of electric current are required to switch on and off the magnets, as the polarity of the fixed and moving magnets is rapidly switched from positive to negative. The magnets first attract and then quickly repel each other pushing the wheels in the desired direction – either forward or reverse.

“For years, engineers have dreamed of developing perpetual motion for transport,” said Professor Loof, “And thanks to MINI PR, it looks like we are almost there.”

But wait, there’s more
In this press release, even the Brits have a go…

Note to editors: BMW announced in the UK today that its award-winning EfficientDynamics programme has been taken to the next level with the announcement of an innovative fuel and emissions saving system called Magnetic Tow Technology (MTT).

Airstreamers

Here in America, we wouldn’t normally place the names MINI and Airstream in the same sentence. Airstream, after all, is normally a brand that is associated with retirees criss-crossing the U.S. in search of the next vintage travel trailer rally. By the way, for those of you out there of this ilk, this is certainly not intended to be disrespectful towards your lifestyle in any way. In fact, there are more than a couple of us here at LotPro.com that would gladly trade our current positions with these nomads of the highway in a New York minute.

What we are trying to point out, however, is that in the lexicon of automotive lore, the names “MINI” and “Airstream” would find themselves on vastly different lists. At least that was our first thought. It turns out, however, that we were wrong. Looking back at the history of the Jackson Center, Ohio-based company (the oldest recreational vehicle manufacturer in the world), it seems that trailers were (and are) not only produced for the domestic market, but for Europe as well.

The latest European surfer combo

Knowing this history, then, it should come as no surprise that the latest concept from MINI is a marketing marriage between that company and Airstream, as well as the Copenhagen, Denmark design firm Republic of Fritz Hansen.

According to MINI parent company BMW, the interior of the Airstream will feature “new interpretations of Arne Jacobsen’s Egg™ and Swan™ Chair and a table set up with four unique Series Seven™ chairs” (we wonder if Frankie or Annette ever thought of this). In addition, wood paneling on the interior walls will give it the “modern surfer look.”

The MINI Cooper S Clubman (the vehicle chosen to haul our surfers) will feature black neoprene “wetsuit” accents along with green (we’re assuming sea green) trim.

When asked for the reasoning behind the latest MINI concept, here is what Andreas-Christoph Hofmann, head of MINI brand communications, had to say, “It has always been important for us to implement new products and ideas in unconventional ways. The concept MINI and Airstream, designed by Republic of Fritz Hansen, presents a surprisingly different way of using a MINI and an Airstream with a design, which consciously transcends into the world of the surfer.” Unconventional? You can say that again.

Unlike the South, gas prices will rise again

Hotlanta may be great and the overall economy may be much better south of the Mason-Dixon Line, but the war of northern aggression was lost in 1865 and no amount of battle re-enactments can change that fact. But while the Old South will never return, the same can’t be said for higher gasoline prices.

With that indisputable fact in mind, we present eight small vehicles that were recently introduced at the Geneva Auto Show that have a good chance of being available in these United States sometime in the near future.

In alphabetical order they are:

Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA

If Chrysler and Fiat ever get together, there is a distinct possibility that the Italian carmaker’s Alfa division will eventually join the party. The recently-introduced MiTo GTA is built to go head-to-head with the likes of the MINI Cooper S John Cooper Works Edition. Its 1.75-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine produces 240 horsepower as well as a front-wheel torque-vectoring system to tame torque steer.

Chevrolet Spark

Designed by GM’s Korean subsidiary Daewoo, the Spark will replace the Chevrolet Matiz in Europe and be marketed below Chevy’s current entry-level vehicle, the Aveo. Based on the Beat concept vehicle, it will be equipped with either a 1.0-liter engine or the current 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine currently found in the Aveo. Expect a European rollout in 2010 and North American availability sometime in 2011.

Fiat 500 C

The 500C is the convertible version of Fiat’s iconic Nuovo 500. The 500 C features a power cloth top that uses an intact door pillar and frame as a track for the rearward-sliding top, this design results in a more rigid body while at the same time eliminating the blind spot found in both the MINI and New Beetle convertibles.

Ford Iosis Max concept

Ford’s latest concept vehicle is said to be the design precursor to the next generation C Maxx and Focus vehicles. Unlike the Focus, the Iosis Max has design cues that lean more towards crossover styling (rear sliding doors, no B pillars). Of special interest is the engine – a new 1.6-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost unit which delivers 180 horsepower through the use of turbocharging and direct injection. Also part of the mix is an auto-start-stop system with the whole delivering a 20% increase in fuel economy over conventional engines with similar power.

Hyundai i20 3 door

Though the i20 hasn’t received as much press as many of the aforementioned models, it may be the first to reach our shores. In Hyundai’s hierarchy, it is below the i30 (sold here as the Elantra) and, as it is about the size of the Accent, it may very well replace that model here in the States. Over in Europe, it is available with four engines – two gas and two diesel and while we may not see the diesels, either of both of the gas engines might make it here – a 1.4-liter or a 1.6 liter.

Kia No. 3 concept

Kia is on a roll as of late. It will debut a new vehicle, the Soul, later this spring along with a replacement for the Spectra called the Forte. The No. 3 concept is a small MPV designed to compete with the likes of the Honda Fit. While the production version of the No. 3 will likely be seen in Europe, Kia’s plans for the vehicle in North America are not known at this time.

MINI John Cooper Works convertible

Coming less than two months after the introduction of the new MINI convertible, the John Cooper Works edition is equipped with a 1.6-liter turbocharged direct-injection engine that produces 208 horsepower and 192 lb.-ft. of torque. Top speed is 146 mph and accelerating from a stop to 60 miles an hour takes only 6.6 seconds. Due to go on sale next month, the base price has been set at $34,950 and EPA numbers are 26 city/34 highway.

2010 Volkswagen Polo Mk V

If VW’s sales continue to hold up and gas prices move up from their current $2 per gallon mark, the U.S. is likely to see the latest generation Polo. VW dealers have been clamoring for an entry-level vehicle for some time and the Polo would certainly fit the bill. Standard equipment includes electronic stabilization as well as a full compliment of airbags. Power comes from a number of engines that includes a 1.2-liter twin-turbocharged direct injection gas engine that produces 103 horsepower and a claimed 43 mpg as well as a 1.6-liter turbocharged diesel engine with 88 horsepower and 62 mpg.