Mini Sports to be Built by Magna Steyr

The rumors about BMW Group just announced that it has found a partner for an all-new project to round out its Mini brand lineup are indeed correct . Mini will be building a compact Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), and it will be assembled by Magna Steyr of Austria.

One of the biggest reasons why the production of the new SAV was outsourced was due to the issues of space at the original Mini factory in England. The Oxford plant is running at full capacity producing the regular Cooper, the Convertible and the new Clubman. There just wouldn't be enough room to accommodate another high-volume model. In the case of the SAV, it could result in as many as 80,000 units annually.

Currently, BMW has a major contract with Magna Steyr, which produces the BMW X3 in its Graz, Austria factories. However, with the current generation preparing to wind down after a successful run (estimated to take place in 2010 or 2011) and with production moving internally to BMW's Spartanburg South Carolina facility, there's plenty of space to build the upcoming mini-Mini SAV.

Seigfried Wolf, co-CEO of Magna International says that this is a "huge recognition of the work that Magna Steyr has achieved so far through its partnership with BMW Group. Above all, I'm delighted for our employees, as this will allow us to set another milestone in our long-running and successful cooperation with BMW Group. As we have done before, we will work on this vehicle program with our fullest commitment to ensure that we meet BMW Group's high expectations."

For those curious about the actual vehicle, it's been dubbed by the automotive world as "Monte", named after, we think, Monte Carlo, the rally circuit at which the original Mini Cooper raced and won. An alternative name for markets outside of North America could be “Colorado”.

Whatever the name, Mini's first Sport Activity Vehicle will be different from all other Minis in one big way, it'll be all wheel drive. Those who have spotted testing mules have spied the presence of rear driveshafts poking out from under the lifted body. Spy snappers have also noted that the car seems to be slightly longer than the Clubman, with an estimated length of 13 feet. Reportedly, to accommodate the new components, the rear suspension had to be completely redesigned. Make no mistake though, this won't be an off-roading vehicle.

This new Mini will undoubtedly be the talk of the town when it's launched. The combination of the Mini brand's cheeky character, the near infinite permutations of configurations have carved the brand a niche in the hatchback and convertible market place, but the combination of the future vehicle's compact size and added ride height will be sure to have customers flocking to the brand's showrooms.

2011 MINI Cooper Review

MINI Cooper 2011 it doesn’t look new. Then again, MINI hasn’t really come up with an original design since the ‘new’ Cooper debuted in 2001. And even then one could argue it was just a modern interpretation of the classic shape.

OK, so the 2011 model is just a mid-cycle refresh. That being said the Cooper, not to mention our more fun Cooper S test car, gets a long list of small upgrades in numerous areas that help add-on more of what the car does best. Unfortunately, MINI has done nothing to address the car’s few, albeit important, drawbacks.

Design wise, it’s barely worth noting the changes to the Cooper S with adjustments so minute it’s even hard to tell this year’s car apart from the 2010 model when parked side by side.

The 2011 Mini Cooper is uniquely styled, which some like, and others do not. The cargo area opens with doors that swing out rather than lift up, and a third door on the passenger side that has a reverse opening allows easier access to the back seat, but is unique. Standard features on the base model include dual power remote mirrors, rear window wipers, daytime running lights, and halogen headlights. Higher level trims (and optional features) include options like run flat tires, foglights, different choices for wheels, xenon headlights, rear parking assist, and a two-pane sunroof.

The interior of the 2011 MINI Cooper remains relatively unchanged. The base model includes air conditioning, leatherette upholstery, a CD player with auxiliary audio port, a trip computer, and cruise control. Upgraded trims and options include features like sport seats, cloth seats, automatic temperature control, leather seats, HD or satellite radio, an iPod connection, and upgraded speakers.

One of the primary reasons to choose the MINI Cooper over the MINI Cooper is the additional legroom in the back seat. There is plenty of headroom in both the front and rear. The current cargo area is usefully shaped, and the rear seat folds flat with a 50/50 split.

More, slightly less-insignificant changes have been made under the hood, with the turbocharged 4-cylinder now getting BMW’s Valvetronic variable valve timing technology, resulting in a bump in power of 9 ponies. The new total is 181-hp, delivering a 6.6 second 0-60 mph time. Like all MINIs, it feels much faster though, and with a curb weight of just under 2,700 lbs the thrust from the turbo will keep you excited well above anything remotely legal.

Adding to the enjoyment, MINI has enhanced the popping sound from the engine when under deceleration or when you lift off the throttle. From a technical standpoint, it’s completely irrelevant, but from an ownership perspective its value is huge. Not only adding to the uniqueness of the car, it speaks to a level of performance well beyond the cutesy shape. Every pop tells those around you that this is not a “chick car” and that, when asked, it can mess with some pretty serious metal.

Cooper have a firm ride that can be a little bumpy with the run-flat tires installed. These tires do not perform as well in the snow. The standard transmission is a six-speed manual, although a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control is available as an option.

As for the drive, it’s as fun as they come, delivering incredible balance, tight and responsive steering, plus the ability to speed through corners well above what you thought was possible. The suspension is a bit stiff though – MINI did nothing about that. The cabin is airy and spacious, which is always surprising for such a small car. It’s also ‘airy’ in another way, with a significant amount of wind noise generated by that upright windshield. One small feature we love is the hill-start assist, something every manual transmission car could use.

The price for the Cooper seems reasonable at first for $23,700 but that number is rather misleading. That harmon kardon audio system, paired with a sunroof and automatic climate control in the Premium Package adds on $1,750; with $1,000 for MINI Connected ($1,750 with Navigation); plus an additional $1,000 (or more) for leather. And while unique, the leather just looks and feels low grade – all for something that’s going to cost roughly $30,000.

2011 Dodge Durango Debut In Chicago

Dodge has revealed the 2011 Durango Heat in the 2011 Chicago Auto Show. It is based on the Durango R/T. The R/T gets a V8 engine and the Heat is powered by a V6. Both pretty much look the same.

Interested in the 2011 Dodge Durango R/T, but wish you could exchange Hemi power for six-cylinder fuel economy? Good news: the 2011 Dodge Durango Heat, revealed this morning at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show, may appeal to your sensibilities.

The Durango Heat and the R/T get fog lamps, a colour-matched grille and dark headlamp bezels. Also included are a colour-matched body kit, wheel lips and rear fascia with integrated dual chrome exhaust outlets.

From afar, you might mistake the Heat for the new Durango R/T, which was also rolled out in Chicago. For the most part, the two are virtually identical - both receive a unique front fascia with fog lamps and an aggressive chin spoiler, unique side sills, body-colored grille surround, xenon HID headlamps, performance-tuned suspension calibration, and unique 20-inch satin-finish aluminum wheels.

The difference, however, is only noticable once you pop the hood. While the R/T is fitted with the 360-horsepower, 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, the Heat falls two cylinders short. Instead, it's fitted with Chrysler's new 295-horsepower, 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6. Although the six-banger may not excite true power junkies, it will appease owners when it comes time to top off the 24.6-gallon tank. The EPA rates rear-wheel-drive Durango V-6 models at 16/23 mpg (city/highway), while all-wheel-drive models attain a 16/22 mpg rating. In contrast, V-8 models are rated at 14/20 mpg and 13/20 mpg, respectively.

Opting for the Heat will also save buyers in the showroom. Chrysler says pricing for the Heat - which slots in between the base and midlevel Crew trims - will start at $31,145 (including $850 in destination charges) for a two-wheel-drive model; adding all-wheel-drive bumps that figure to $33,145. Tthe Durango R/T, on the other hand, is priced at $36,315, or $38,715 for an all-wheel-drive model.

Like the R/T, the 2011 Durango Heat is expected to roll into Dodge dealerships across North America later this spring.

The 2011 Dodge Durango will be making its way to Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar and other GCC countries in a few more months.

New Generation Nissan Versa 2012

According to information we received, this car will be released in autumn 2011, and the following is information about the performances, specifications, features, and the 2012 Nissan Versa competitors. This car is a very strange car in the market because sales are always better than expected, this may be because that is the Nissan Versa hatchback at affordable prices with a niche market that is relatively easy.

For 2012 Nissan Versa model, Nissan will launch four-door sedan that was recently unveiled at the Guangzhou Auto Show in China and branded as the Nissan Sunny. It will retain many features of the current model and option package, but from first glance appears to be a vehicle almost entirely new.

The new Nissan Versa Sedan looks small from exterior but it’s big from inside. 2012 Nissan Versa equip with more fuel efficient from 33 miles per galon, Smart technology with next-generation efficiency.

Transportation of family and all friend, the designers of the new Nissan Versa sedan for five passengers was attempting to combine the convenience of a high level of comfort and refinement. It also provides an unexpectedly available for entertainment and connectivity features like Bluetooth®, navigation system 5-inch touchscreen, Satellite Radio and iPod ® / USB interface.

Model 2012 Nissan Versa is a sedan only, and the cabin height of the hatchback has been abolished. 2012 Nissan Versa will have a very slim outside appearance that was originally going to confuse the audience. The design is very sporty, if anything that resembles a concept version of Toyota Corolla future. Many experts have made various preparations is seen as a replacement eventually to model Sentra and Versa surprise is felt as the name will be recorded for all-new subcompact.

The machine will come standard and a list of standard interior features, Nissan is keeping a rather guarded secret. Hatchback currently has a 122 engine horsepower 4-cylinder and would seem appropriate to model clothing 2012 Nissan Versa with the same powertrain, but Nissan may consider slightly larger engine, or at least offer an uplevel trim. Read also: 2012 Nissan Sentra.

Because it is designed very differently than the current sedan or hatchback, airbag configuration will change, because the cabin is now a completely different shape. 2011 Sedan models have six airbags and Brake Assist is combined with Vehicle Dynamic Control. There is no reason to think that Nissan will eliminate this feature or to change them because of this configuration becomes standard on more vehicles worldwide, even in the economy segment of the industry price.

Exterior features also include a fixed roof antenna, Body color front and rear fascia and grille available chrome-accented, black-out B-pillars, chrome door handles and fog lamps. 2012 Versa Sedan is available in eight exterior colors, including metallic blue, Onyx, Super Black, Brilliant Silver, Magnetic Gray, red brick, fresh powder and titanium.

Because of its sporty appearance, the 2012 Nissan Versa will have the buyer try to find out what’s vehicle classification Indeed subcompact entry, but given all the changes, price sticker is still unknown. 2011 Versa sedan starts under $ 10,000, but if the model 2012 Nissan Versa is much higher then that means the Versa will compete directly against the 2012 Chevrolet Aveo, Toyota Corolla and Kia Rio possible. All have a miniscule engine fuel economy is good and some additional important, but the question is whether buyers wanted a sporty, almost striking a vehicle more visible in low-end.

Nissan Versa 2011 Review

The 2011 Nissan Versa is the best car for you if driving a good small car now is more important than waiting for a replacement you hope is as capable, efficient, and affordable.

The 2011 Nissan Versa is largely a carryover from the 2010 Nissan Versa, though the important safety advantage of an antilock braking system (ABS) becomes standard instead of optional on more models. The 2011 Versa will continue as a cleverly packaged five-passenger auto that competes with smaller subcompact cars on price but with larger compact cars for passenger and cargo room. Versa was introduced for model-year 2007, supplanting the Sentra as Nissan’s entry-level car. Nicer to look at and better to drive than the Sentra, it’s gone on to outsell its more established sibling, and now Nissan is preparing to introduce the second-generation Versa. The company is mum on details, but it appears the redesigned Versa will go on sale during 2011 as a 2012 model.

More changes are light for the 2011 Nissan Versa: antilock brakes are now included with the upgraded 1.6 sedan trim, while the 1.8 S sedan gains a six-disc CD changer.

Nissan Versa is available in four-door sedan and hatchback body styles and its most basic models offer little in the way of convenience features. If you opt for the cheapest trim level, you'll be cranking your own windows, climbing across seats to unlock doors and humming to your own tunes because there are neither power accessories nor even a radio. But you still get enough space for four 6-footers, comfy seats, a soft ride, a nicely crafted interior and a large trunk.

Stepping up to the higher trim levels gets you common features like power accessories, air-conditioning and a radio. But the Versa is one of the few cars in its price range to offer such items as keyless ignition/entry, a navigation system, an iPod interface and Bluetooth. In other words, depending on your preference, the Versa can be either bare-bones transportation or one of the best-equipped small cars on the market.

Buy a 2011 Versa if your immediate transportation needs call for a small car that’ll won’t bust your budget but will surprise you with its all-around competence. Wait for the 2012 Versa if you hanker for the next-generation model and want to gamble that Nissan won’t dally until model-year 2013 to introduce it. In any event, Nissan dealers will discount outgoing first-generation Versas to clear inventory for the redesigned replacement – be it a 2012 or 2013 model.

The 2011 Nissan Versa is a subcompact car available in sedan and hatchback styles. The two lowest trims -- 1.6 Base and 1.6 -- are sedan only, while the 1.8 S and 1.8 SL can be had as a hatchback as well.

The 1.6 Base lives up to its name with scarcely any convenience equipment, providing only 14-inch steel wheels, a tilt steering wheel, intermittent wipers and four audio speakers (but no stereo to go along with them). The 1.6 adds air-conditioning, antilock brakes (optional on Base) and the option to get an automatic transmission.

The 1.8 S trim adds 15-inch steel wheels, power mirrors, cushier front seats and a stereo with a six-disc CD changer and an auxiliary audio jack. The Power Plus package adds power windows and locks, keyless entry, cruise control and padded door armrests.

The 1.8 SL adds 15-inch alloy wheels, a height-adjustable driver seat, upgraded cloth upholstery, front and rear center armrests, 60/40 split rear seatbacks (sedan) and a six-speaker stereo. The sedan's Convenience package adds keyless ignition/entry, Bluetooth and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls. The Hatchback's Premium package is basically the same thing, but adds 16-inch alloy wheels. An auto-dimming rearview mirror and interior ambient lighting are optional on the 1.8 S (sedan only) and 1.8 SL; the hatchback can also be equipped with a sunroof. Finally, the 1.8 SL can be equipped with a navigation system that includes a small touchscreen, real-time traffic, an iPod interface and satellite radio.

The 2011 Nissan Versa has a remarkably roomy cabin. Headroom is plentiful thanks to the car's tall roof, and generous legroom allows 6-foot passengers in both the front and rear seats to sit comfortably. Looks-wise, the car's interior is quite bland, but overall interior quality is high. The controls are simple and easy to use, and optional items like keyless ignition/entry, Bluetooth and satellite radio are welcome goodies in this budget-friendly car.

Base-price range for the 2011 Nissan Versa is $10,740-$17,650. This range is in line with subcompact cars physically smaller than the Versa, such as the 2011 Ford Fiesta subcompact. Compact cars similar in size to the Versa – the Mazda 3 and Toyota Corolla, for example – start around $16,000. (Base prices sited in this review do not include options but do factor in the manufacturer’s destination fee; Nissan’s fee for the 2011 Versa is $750.)

At $9,990 without the destination charge, Nissan is justified in touting the 2011 Versa 1.6 Base sedan as one of the lowest-priced new cars sold in the U.S.; only the least expensive Hyundai Accent two-door hatchback rivals it for the title. The starting price of the 2011 Versa 1.6 Base sedan in fact hasn’t changed since the car was introduced for model year 2009, though the destination fee has climbed slightly.

The 2011 Nissan Versa 1.6 sedan starts at $11,990 with manual transmission and $12,990 with automatic. Moving up the sedan line, the 2011 Versa 1.8 S sedan has a base price of $14,320 with manual transmission, $15,320 with automatic. The 2011 Nissan Versa 1.8 SL sedan comes only with the four-speed automatic transmission and has a base price of $17,220.

Thanks to its softly tuned suspension, the 2011 Nissan Versa offers the sort of pillow-like ride that's usually reserved for much larger cars. It handles with enough agility to suit most drivers, but those seeking a more engaging driving experience will be better served by the Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit or Mazda 2.

Both the Versa's engine choices pack a solid midrange punch, making them capable performers around town and on the freeway. We're not huge fans of the six-speed manual transmission that comes with the 1.8 S -- the low-effort clutch can be difficult to modulate -- and the four-speed automatic is similarly uninspiring. We'd recommend going with either the 1.6's five-speed manual or the SL's hatchback's CVT.