World Auto News & Reviews

The AIADA newsletter reported that according to CNN, carmaker MINI is preparing to launch a new special edition of the subcompact icon outfitted by its ultra-luxury cousin Rolls-Royce.

Both British automakers are owned by Germany’s BMW. The special edition cars will go into production in 2010 as 2011 model year cars.

It has not been decided yet whether the cars will be available in the United States. If they are made available to U.S. customers, they’ll be in extremely limited numbers, said a company spokesperson.
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Former long distance sports car driver Vern Schuppan is set to trade high-speed thrills for cutting edge environmental motoring.

Schuppan, who won the famous 24 heures du Mans in 1983 in a Porsche 956, will take on Australia’s red centre and a host of competing production cars, in this month’s Global Green Challenge.

Driving a MINI Cooper D, Schuppan will aim to set the best fuel consumption result in the 3,000 kilometre ‘race’ from Darwin to Adelaide.
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This is the Daihatsu e:S, one of the many concept cars that the Japanese automaker is planning to exhibit at this month’ 41st Tokyo Motor Show. Even though Daihatsu describes the e:S as a design study, the 3,100mm long micro car that rides on a 2,175mm wheelbase and is based on a shortened platform of one of the firm’s current models, practically looks production ready.Daihatsu said that despite the ultra compact exterior dimensions, the e:S can accommodate four adult passengers.
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MINI sales grew by 35 per cent in September when compared to the same month last year.

With 227 customer deliveries, it was the strongest September on record and the second best month ever recorded by the brand in Australia since its rebirth in 2002.

The best month, in terms of sales, was set in August 2007 when 240 new vehicles were delivered.
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Thirty-three years after it won the Bathurst endurance event outright, a MINI Cooper has returned to victory lane at Mt Panorama.

Not since 1966 when the Morris Cooper S of Finn Rauno Aaltonen and Aussie Bob Holden won the Gallagher 500 mile event has a Mini won an event at the famed home of Australian motorsport, but last week, a special MINI conquered its own lofty goal.
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