Electric Mini Cooper – Is it the Real Deal?

Speculations have been made about BMW’s development of a full electric Mini to be produced but it has actually been confirmed and a spy shot of the new electric Mini was taken on the streets of Germany. Experts believe this is a test mule of the soon-to-come electric Mini.

Shown in the image on this post is a Hybrid tag that reads “HYBRID Erprobungsfahrzeug” which means “Hybrid vehicle testing”. Now, with knowing that you probably raise the issue of a “Hybrid” as we know it in America is not a full electric car. So what gives? Actually, this very well could mean it is a derivative of two technologies working together. But if you closely look at the image and talk with the photographer that snapped this photo, you will notice the lack of an exhaust pipe. The exhaust is non-existent on this Mini so that leaves us with the conclusion of this actually being a full electric vehicle.

(Click for full-size image)

Lets hear from you! What do you think? Think the exhaust is hidden somewhere? Do you think this is the real deal electric Mini Cooper?

Mini Crossover Concept – Visions for Mobility of the Future

The MINI brand is continuing its overwhelming story of success. This Design Study offers a fascinating outlook at a new facet of the brand powerfully expressed by a truly innovative body concept.

Let’s touch base with Dr. Wolfgang Armbrecht the Senior Vice President of MINI Brand Management and hear about this extraordinary concept.

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Top 10 Most Fuel Efficient Cars In America

We have compiled a list of the Top 10 Most Fuel Efficient Cars that are currently available in America. Many of the listed cars may be a dead-giveaway for a “top gas saver” and others you may have not thought of. If you are in the market to purchase a new vehicle or downsize from your gas guzzler then this is the list you want to look over.

All vehicles listed are the newest 2009 or 2008 model – whichever is currently available (June 2008).

#1

 

Toyota Prius
Price: $21,100
Gas Mileage: 48 mpg city / 45 mpg highway
Link: Toyota.com

Notes: The new Toyota Prius may be very difficult to come by if you are not on one of the Toyota dealership’s waiting lists. Some of the current lists are upwards of 6 months long.

#2

Honda Civic Hybrid
Price: $22,600
Gas Mileage: 40 mpg city / 45 mpg highway
Link: Honda.com

#3

Smart for Two
Price: $11,590
Gas Mileage: 31 mpg city / 41 mpg highway
Link: Smart.com

Notes: This may be the smallest vehicle you can currently buy so it may not appeal to everyone especially guys over 6ft tall.

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Go Topless This Summer – Top 10 Topless Cars for This Summer

Rag Top, Topless, Drop Top, Convertible, Sun Fun, Hardtop, Soft-top and more. Okay folks, we are not talking about women outfits here, we are talking about the top 10 convertibles for this summer.

The automotive industry has come back with a vengeance developing and marking some of the best convertible cars yet. When a new panoramic sunroof just does not do it for you need to go completely topless then you may want to take a look at one of the top 10 Topless Cars for this summer.

#10

Mini Cooper
Price: $21,950

  

The Mini Cooper has made its mark as a favorite “little” car and recently a favorite due to the high gas prices. This soft top convertible has the same attractive cues as does the regular coupe. Also available is a version with a retractable soft-top that glides back for a panoramic vista roof view.

#9 and #8

Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky
Price: $22,165 and $25,525

You can consider both the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky the little sisters or brothers of the Chevy Corvette, a convertible version of course. The new power plants may consider these little roadsters “pocket rockets” with a new 260hp turbocharged 2.0 liter. With that version it may set you back about 30 grand. Saturn Sky Test Drive.

#7

Ford Mustang
Price: $24,475

We have seen it, loved it, and now we still enjoy the infamous Ford Mustang with a soft drop top. When we say fun in the sun, this is it. Still one of the most affordable sports coupes you can buy on the market. As always, you can let your hair blow in the wind and still have some cash in your pocket for some expensive gas.

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Does size really matter? More new small cars headed our way.

With the upcoming introduction of the BMW 1-series, Audi A1 and S1 line, newly redesigned Mini Coopers, is the small car segment really growing that fast? Small cars have always been frowned upon the soccer moms and big suburbia SUV dwellers. Well now the enthusiasts that seek out a small car with a big engine will have some more sheet metal to stand on. Lately there has been a spark in the market for smaller vehicles and in essence mostly to satisfy the economical limits on our vast consumption amounts of gasoline in the USA. Well, with some of the new smaller cars we have a combination of things happening. They are more economical and easier on the gas pump while at the same time they pack a serious punch for the “go fast” automotive enthusiast. Let’s take the new BMW 135i that will hit US shores next year. We are talking about 300hp in one of the smallest cars BMW has had with a BMW emblem on it since the BMW 2002 that is not a roadster type vehicle. It does not stop there… Audi has a supped up version of its A1 appropriately dubbed the S1 that will both compete with the likings of BMW’s smaller 1-series.

 

If there is ever a new “Italian Job” move they might not be using Mini’s this go around with the plethora of new smaller pocket rockets on its way to the US. We will post additional updates as they become available on all new smaller vehicles.

 

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