When BMW bought the Rover Group in 1994 many people predicted a massive renaissance of new models and engineering from Rover, MG and Land Rover/Range Rover. That did not take place for a variety of reasons but in the six years of ownership BMW did manage, however, to assist the English Patient, as the Germans referred to their British off-shoot, in designing and developing two superb motor cars: the Rover 75 and its MG off-spring, and the third series Range Rovers. Both ranges were met with critical acclaim and were sales successes. When BMW sold Rover to Phoenix Holdings it disposed of all the assets with the exception of the Mini, which it kept. This intrigued many critics but within a short time all was revealed at the 2000 Paris Motor Show where, to huge fanfare, a completely new model was released; it also came with a new name, Mini. The first brand new model in 40 years to carry the name, the new Mini held true in almost every way to the philosophy and character of the Issigonis original. It was brick-shaped although this had been honed by many hours in the wind tunnel, and had its Chrysler sourced power pack positioned transversely at the front. The gearbox-in-the-sump, however, had been consigned to history, the new Mini having the now conventional end-on gearbox. Inside it was all a rather radical 21st Century edition of the Mini's big round centrally mounted speedometer; and where the boy racers would have bolted on their Smiths tachometer to the steering column 40 years ago the modern Mini has a highly stylised edition right in front of the driver. The only possible complaint with the interior was the lack of real space for rear seat occupants. At the release BMW announced three versions: Mini One, Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper S. The last one was supercharged and was a very quick machine. The range, however, was soon expanded to include Works versions of the Coopers that had full BMW backing and Warranty plus there were the inevitable convertibles. Included are road, comparison & long term tests & model intros. Models covered: Mini Cooper, S, Works and S, GP, One, D, AC Schnitzer & Hartge.

Publisher: Brooklands Books

Status: Out of Print (No Stock)

Number of pages: 120

Colour images: 250

Binding: SBD

Language: English

Origin: CHN