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?

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.

GTO for sale

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.

#4

Volkswagen Jetta TDI
Price: $20,000
Gas Mileage: 29 mpg city / 40 mpg highway
Link: VW.com

Note: The VW Jetta TDI runs on diesel fuel.

#5

Nissan Altima Hybrid
Price: $25,170
Gas Mileage: 35 mpg city / 33 mpg highway
Link: Nissanusa.com

#6

Toyota Camry Hybrid
Price: $25,350
Gas Mileage: 33 mpg city / 34 mpg highway
Link: Toyota.com

#7

Ford Escape Hybrid / Mazda Tribute Hybrid / Mercury Mariner Hybrid
Price: $26,640 / $25,310 / $26,955
Gas Mileage: 34 mpg city / 30 mpg highway
Link: Ford.com / Mazdausa.com / Ford.com

Note: The Ford Escape Hybrid, Mazda Tribute Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid all share the same basic components and are produced in the same factory.

#8

Toyota Yaris
Price: $11,350
Gas Mileage: 29 mpg city / 35 mpg highway
Link: Toyota.com

#9

Mini Cooper
Price: $18,700
Gas Mileage: 29 mpg city / 37 mpg highway
Link: Miniusa.com

#10

Toyota Corolla
Price: $15,250
Gas Mileage: 28 mpg city / 37 mpg highway
Link: Toyota.com

Runners up:

#11

Honda Fit
Price: $13,950
Gas Mileage: 28 mpg city / 34 mpg highway
Link: Honda.com

#12

Nissan Versa
Price: $12,710
Gas Mileage: 26 mpg city / 31 mpg highway – manual transmission
Link: Nissanusa.com

#13

Honda Accord LX
Price: $20,360
Gas Mileage: 21 mpg city / 31 mpg highway
Link: Honda.com

#14

Mazda Miata
Price: $21,220
Gas Mileage: 22 mpg city / 27 mpg highway – manual transmission
Link: Mazdausa.com

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.

#6

Chrysler Sebring
Price: $26,160

This has got to be one of the most driven convertibles by tourists, business execs and those who want an inexpensive alternative to drive around in the sun. Rental car companies are not shy about offering a convertible and the Chrysler Sebring is usually THE choice. Recently added to the line-up is a hardtop convertible so you do not have to worry about a Mickey Mouse stalker cutting open your top to steal your iPod. Chrysler Sebring Convertible Test Drive.

#5

Honda S2000
Price: $34,300

The Honda S2000 is pretty much self explanatory by now. If you do not know about the Honda S2000 then you have been out-of touch from the automotive industry for a LONG TIME. This one is MONEY, quality in a pocket rocket with solid performance out of a 4-banger. If you live revving beyond the limit while enjoying the outside environment then this is the car for you.

#4

Chevrolet Corvette
Price: $54,575

Do you want some power pushing you around while the wind wisps past your face? No we don’t mean getting punched in the face, we mean the Chevrolet Corvette Convertible. Probably the fastest convertible you can buy for the money. 0-60 in 4.0 seconds, 430hp, over 25mpg, rear wheel drive all with a drop top… can’t beat that! Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Test Drive.

#3

Porsche Boxter S
Price: $55,700

The Porsche Boxter has grown up in the recent years and blossomed into a major alternative to those seeking a German engineered toy in a semi-practical package. With 295hp you would expect this convertible to drink gas faster than it makes heads turn when you drive past a group of on-lookers. Just like the Corvette, this drop top gets 26mpg and it is truly all Porsche for a lot less than it’s bigger brother, the 911.

#2

Jaguar XKR
Price: $92,035

We tested sex on wheels some time ago and found it to be just that, sex on wheels that can stay topless all day long and keep the heads turning. This cat purrs through it’s 300hp engine pushing near 4000lbs. around on the long cat legs that provide a subtle and smooth ride. Don’t let the soft fur of this cat fool you, it can play around with the best of the big dogs all while not being shameful of going topless.

#1

Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG
Price: $132,000

This one is a no-brainer if you want to choose a “nice” convertible to introduce the homecoming king and queen to a stadium full of alumni, just don’t press the gas pedal to hard. If do you do get this baby out on an open road with seatbelts securely in place, it wont disappoint at all. It touts 604hp through a turbocharged V12 engine matted to a 7-speed multi-clutch automatic tranny. If that is not enough to keep you satisfied then the hard top will allow you and your single passenger to both go topless and still make it in time for kickoff at the big game.

[idea of article from: msnautos.com]

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.

Post your comments and thoughts using the comments link below!