MINI

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

MINI Paul Smith Editions Make American Debut In Los Angeles

By Tyler Rampersaud –

MINI Debuts Paul Smith Editions In Los Angeles

Fashion designer Paul Smith is known for a fun-loving aesthetic, vibrant colors, bold stripes, and decades of British legacy. Similarly, MINI is known for its charm and British heritage, and the two brands have been in collaboration for nearly 30 years. It started with a limited-edition classic MINI in 1998, which featured a blue exterior and anthracite wheels, and evolved to include a stripe-covered one-off in 1999, and other cars in the 2020s. Now, a new cohort of Paul Smith Edition MINI cars has debuted in the Americas, choosing Paul Smith’s iconic Los Angeles flagship boutique as the venue. The store, located on the city’s iconic Melrose Avenue, is known for its unmistakable pink, monolithic exterior. There, the new Paul Smith Editions were debuted for the Americas, consisting of three different models: a two-door MINI Cooper, a four-door MINI Cooper, and a MINI Cooper Convertible. Three available exterior colors are part of the lineup for the new Paul Smith Edition MINI cars, with two of them being exclusive to the Paul Smith Edition. Those are Statement Grey, which references the 1959 Austin Seven, Inspired White, derived from the classic MINI beige, and Midnight Black Metallic. <- Gallery -> Regardless of the exterior color, the side mirrors, radiator grille, and wheel hub covers are all finished in a Nottingham Green accent color, named so as a reference to Sir Paul Smith’s hometown. The roof of the Paul Smith Edition MINI is available with a Nottingham Green finish with Paul Smith’s signature multicolor stripe, or a matte and gloss Jet Black stripe. The convertible comes with a black soft top. Black wheels and Paul Smith’s signature on the rear handle strip complete the exterior configuration. Other details in the new Paul Smith Edition MINI include Nightshade Blue Vescin sport seats, a knitted black finish on the dashboard and door panels, Paul Smith stripes on the steering wheel, exclusive Paul Smith display backgrounds, and floor projection when the door is open that displays a handwritten “hello,” along with door sills that say “Every day is a new beginning.” With the iconic, fun-loving aesthetic that Paul Smith has become an icon for, and the cherished heritage of the MINI brand, the new Paul Smith Edition MINI is a $1,400 upcharge on two and four-door MINI Cooper models, as well as MINI Cooper Convertibles that are equipped with the Iconic trim. Pre-ordering for the new Paul Smith Edition opens on June 3, with cars set to arrive at US MINI dealers in August. View All MINI For Sale Image Source: BMW Group

MINI Creates A New One-off John Cooper Works Convertible

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 08, 2026

New One-Off MINI John Cooper Works Revealed

The modern MINI brand recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of its presence in the United States, reimagining an iconic classic car for the 21st century as a small yet luxurious, nimble, and fun-to-drive model. Since then, the brand has evolved to include a family of models, including compact SUVs, a station wagon, a coupe, a convertible, and all-electric counterparts. In addition, performance-oriented MINI models have become favorites among enthusiasts, like the John Cooper Works. A new MINI is a one-off creation, made for a United States-based MINI enthusiast with a bespoke configuration at MINI’s Plant Oxford. It features a two-tone exterior, combining black with green in a hand-sprayed design, and the interior does the same, with green stitching, personalized badging, and references to the owner’s favorite football team. The fabric convertible top of the new bespoke MINI features a Union Jack fabric as a nod to MINI’s British roots, and throughout the exterior and the interior, the green and black color combination remains consistent throughout accents and special touches like the speaker surrounds and custom door armrest overlays, along with custom ‘MINI.01’ badging throughout. <- Gallery -> As a bespoke and custom rendition of MINI’s performance-oriented John Cooper Works convertible, the new bespoke creation has been completed and is on its way to the United States for its owner to take delivery of it. The result of a longtime enthusiast’s personal expression, this new custom MINI is a showcase that amazing bespoke craftsmanship can come in a small package. View All MINI For Sale Image Source: MINI

Two modified Mini Coopers, showcasing MINI’s Rally DNA with a Deus makeover, are parked on a plain white surface—one in striking orange and black, the other in bold gray and yellow.

By Khris Bharath – September 03, 2025

MINI’s Rally DNA Gets a Deus Makeover in Two Radical JCW ...

Most collaborations between automakers and lifestyle brands don’t move past surface-level graphics or merch at best. But MINI and Deus Ex Machina, in this latest project, have aimed for something higher. Together, they built not one, but two one-off John Cooper Works cars, each designed with a distinct identity. While one was fabricated in a surf shop, the other was conceived in a metal workshop, and together, both carry MINI’s motorsport heritage while showcasing Deus’ handcrafted, culture-first philosophy. For those unaware, Deus Ex Machina was founded in Sydney, Australia, back in 2006. The company initially made its name customizing motorcycles with a raw, handcrafted approach. From surfboards to streetwear, Deus has since grown into a global lifestyle brand with shops in Venice Beach, Canggu, and Tokyo. What sets them apart is their ability to inject surf, skate, and moto culture into products. Partnering with MINI has now given Deus a platform to apply that same philosophy to cars for the first time. “Every detail has been crafted with artisanal precision. These cars have different characters, but you can still tell they belong together.” - Holger Hampf, MINI’s head of design. Starting with the 258-horsepower JCW Electric, nicknamed The Skeg. Designers borrowed directly from surf culture, even using fiberglass panels from surfboard-making processes that reduce weight by 15 percent and change appearance depending on lighting. A roof spoiler with a foam core and translucent winglets reacts to airflow. Inside, neoprene-trimmed seats and fiberglass trays for wetsuits make it clear that there’s substance behind all the style. Then there’s The Machina, the equally wild 231-horsepower gas-powered JCW stripped back to the essentials. Wider fenders, Deus-branded rally spotlights, and a Can-Am-style spoiler all reference the 1960s John Cooper Works Minis that shocked the world by winning Monte Carlo three times. At the rear, a diffuser and central exhaust borrow directly from the JCW Nordschleife race car. In the cabin, things appear to be properly analog, with a five-point harness, aluminum floor panels for grip and utility, and a hydraulic handbrake sitting front and center for quick corrections on track. Material choices include waxed canvas on the dash and stainless steel switches, which are a nod to Deus’ custom bike workshops. Both cars carry the oversized white “X” motif across their roofs and interiors, a visual cue that these builds are connected, even if their characters couldn’t be more different. You’ll see matching bold numbers, color blocking, and graphic work by designer Matt Willey, a Pentagram partner and former New York Times Magazine art director, whose past MINI collaborations referenced the British marque’s Monte Carlo rally history and Paddy Hopkirk’s 1964 win. Neither car is for sale, but you’ll find them at IAA Mobility in Munich this month. But the bigger picture here is that this exercise could point to MINI’s design direction for future models. Beyond the cars, MINI will also launch a capsule apparel collection with Deus, underlining that this project is as much about culture as it is about cars. View All MINIs For Sale " width="680"> Source: BMW Mini

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 20, 2023

MINI Debuts Two New Limited-Edition E-Bikes For The Urban...

Whether you're commuting to work or adventuring through the city, MINI's new E-Bike 1 is the fast and efficient choice! Always staying ahead of the curve, MINI continues to adapt to the ever-changing world around it with an array of products that promote efficient mobility. Already implementing EV technology into its everyday lineup of vehicles, the professionals at MINI have ventured into the two-wheel market for its newest reveal. The classic MINI brand takes a revolutionary leap into the future with the MINI E-Bike 1, a limited-edition digitally connected bicycle that captures the essence of MINI down to its iconic Vibrant Silver and Ocean Wave Green colors. The e-bike stands out as a symbol of agility and style perfect for urban commuting. Features such as a touchscreen cockpit, smartphone and Apple Watch unlocking, and geolocation capabilities make it a state-of-the-art companion for city explorers. MINI even takes the safety game up a notch with integrated brake lights and indicators. The battery itself is compact, removable, and rechargeable in just two hours, ensuring you're always on the go. The bike offers three levels of pedal assistance, catering to your unique riding needs. Available in two frame configurations, the M and the S, this limited-edition series tailors to riders of all heights. With only 1959 units available worldwide, the MINI E-Bike 1 is now available through an authorized dealer starting at $3,725. Source: MINI E-Bikes

By Andrew Nabors – April 14, 2021

2022 Mini John Cooper Works Price & Specs Unveiled

Old Man Cooper would be proud John Cooper passed away in 2000 after seven decades of building amazing British cars, and since then, his son Michael has been determined to build a car worthy of his father. With the full backing of BMW since 2007, the new 2022 Mini JCW is agile and powerful. Starting with a new infotainment system, only a few parts are shared with lesser Minis. What you see is functional and appealing to the eye, a car that makes everyone smile. Under the hood is the latest BMW TwinPower turbo that offers 231 horsepower and 236 torque. Brake-boost it and you will be at 62 mph in 6.1 seconds as you hear a sonnet from dual 3-1/4" exhausts. This will be the inspiration for the new Mini Accelerator at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Adaptive suspension is optional, but we know our dealers won't order yours without it. Standard equipment includes piano-black accents, carbon black leather, and three coats of clear to make your paint last for years. Race mode turns the gauges from blue to bright red while your steering and throttle are remapped. Click the button below to let the excitement begin! Shop Mini Images (C) BMW

P90417800 mini electric pacesetter fia formula e safety car 04 2021 2248px

By Andrew Nabors – April 12, 2021

Watch a 2022 Mini Electric Pacesetter Race a Subway Train...

Size isn't everything when it comes to safety Setting the pace is critical to keeping the marshals, spectators, and drivers safe. If you missed out on this weekend's Formula E race in Rome, we have a few details of the 2022 Mini Electric Pacesetter. Inspired by the high performance Minis offered by John Cooper Works, it can leap to 62 mph in 6.7 seconds. In order to show the world what it is capable of, a test race was arranged against against a subway train in Milan. Charlie Cooper got behind the wheel because he knows a thing or two about the brand. As the grandson of John Cooper, he lives and breathes fast Minis. Because the battery is mounted very low, the Pacesetter takes a great handling car and gives it the reflexes of a go-kart. If you want an adrenaline rush unlike any other, click the button below and stay with us for all your big Mini news. Browse Mini For Sale Image (C) BMW

By Andrew Nabors – April 06, 2021

David Brown Automotive Prepares to Launch The Mini Remast...

Amazing cars don't have to be flashy or expensive. If you can find happiness in 1,450 cc, David Brown Automotive is preparing to launch the Mini Remastered. Working with the coachbuilders at Oselli, this run of 60 cars is poised to be the most powerful Minis ever offered. Production on the first car has commenced, and each example will be built by hand in Silverstone. Nothing was left to chance, as the brakes and suspension incorporate modern materials and geometry. Some things have stood the test of time, as the SU carburetors are retained for posterity, and performance. Standard equipment includes electric power steering, A/C, LED lights, and a 4-week paint process. Tell us how you would order one in the comments below, and click the button to find your own Mini. Browse Mini For Sale Images (C) David Brown Automotive

By Andrew Nabors – December 29, 2017

Reviewed: 2017 Mini Countryman

Don't call it a comeback! Mini dropped a new Countryman for 2017, so they figured we could use a week of subcompact motoring. The new car looks identical at first, but its actually 8" longer and 2" wider. That's because it was stretched to fit on the chassis of the BMW X1.We had the upper-level engine, the turbo 2.0 liter four that is the centerpiece of the Cooper S package. All-wheel drive only sends power rear when needed, but you could feel it working deep into the corners. The 8-speed automatic lacks the urgency of a supercar, but it's fine for a college commute.Mini Sets Slow But Epic Record at the RingOpen the door and you are greeted by handsome leather and a great seating position. The controls and screens are laid out in an artistic fashion, but it doesn't take too long to learn. More legroom front and rear is easily felt, and the rear windows offer nice visibility. Driving the Countryman is fun, as BMW knows their target audience.The MINI Vision Next 100: Because No Concept Lineup is Complete Without a MINITurning is quick and nimble, just as it should be. Thanks to the nice ground clearance, it is comfy for those with back problems. We're used to falling into the world's lowest supercars, so its a welcomed change. Trying to travel with a stainless tumbler or a Big Gulp will have you and your passenger knocking the toggle switches when reaching for a drink. The office consensus is that more insulation could be used to knock down the road noise, but it's not bad when you consider a starting price under $30,000. If you need a stylish 4-door with room for a family, find your local Mini dealer and stay with us for more great reviews.

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – June 17, 2016

The MINI Vision Next 100: Because No Concept Lineup is Co...

Driving through urban areas can be a little cumbersome, to say the least. The sound of horns and screeching brakes permeates the air so much that passersby don't look twice. Though public transportation is in abundance in most urban areas, the problem with vehicle congestion has long been a topic of conversation. with MINI's new concept, the MINI VISION NEXT 100, the petite car maker is answering the most common problems on urban roadways.The Urban Go-KartDubbing the new concept "The Urban Go-Kart," MINI brings the best of intuitive technology, driving experience and fun to the urban future. The self-driving component, which was thought to potentially compromise the fun of driving a MINI, will only enhance the experience, according to the press release. The company states self-driving will enhance the go-cart experience. The Mini VISION NEXT 100 levels up the experience: "Cleared of many controls and screens, the interior has a pure, uncluttered look. And the glass front end opens up a dynamic view of the road. Here, augmented reality displays show the route or ideal driving line, heightening the driving sensation." SustainabilityMINI recognizes the need for a long-term approach to the sustainability of the environment through new and innovative automotive efforts. the MINI VISION NEXT 100will be made of sustainable materials that should "retain their high level of perceived quality over many years, age stylishly and offer a special tactile experience." These materials will complement the vehicle without compromising the environment. Materials include recycled plastic and aluminum for flooring, lightweight basalt storage compartments and recycled cellulose for the lower trimming of the seats, just to name a few.ConnectionWith the integration of digital intelligence, the "Cooperizer", a well-loved MINI feature, becomes a digital kaleidoscope highlighting all the options available to the riders in the vehicle. From entertainment to communication to navigation, the futuristic Cooperizer can do it all. Intuitive in nature, the Cooperizer can now make suggestions for music, things to do and places to go based on the user based on downloaded content."The MINI VISION NEXT 100 shows how MINI’s unique take on the world could look in the future. The driving experience remains the emotional centrepiece, with effortless and seamless services grouped around it." -Anders Warming, Head of MINI Design

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