AC Schnitzer Turns All-Electric MINI E into a Police Car [with Video]

In support of the German Automobile Tuner Association’s “Tune it! Safe!” campaign, AC Schnitzer built the MINI E Police Look Concept, which is being showcased at the 2010 Essen Motor Show. The idea behind the campaign is to create a car that can satisfy tuning aficionados and also meet safety standards.

The BMW Group's MINI E is powered by an electric motor with 204 hp on tap and plenty of low-down torque (maximum is 220 Nm or 162 lb-ft). It completes the standard sprint from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.5 seconds and has a limited top speed of 152 km/h (95 mph).

AC Schnitzer’s comprehensive tuning package made it even better while the police livery is an interesting take on the “safety” theme.

Finished in the classic Polizei colors, the concept has the latest signaling system from Hella mounted on the roof and special wraps from Foliatec. Modified front and rear bumpers, plus lowered side skirts, improve the car's looks, while bonnet vents and a large roof spoiler complete the bodykit.

The tuner opted for new alloys, too. The 18-inch MI 2 wheels feature an 8-spoke design and are wrapped in high-performance Hankook Ventus S1 Evo tires. Stopping power is provided by an upgraded brake system, boasting 328mm 4-pot caliper (in front) ventilated disks. There is also a complete suspension kit.

Inside, the boys in blue are greeted by aluminum pedals, footrest and handbrake handle.

AC Schnitzer says that most of the tuning accessories shown on the concept model are either already available or will soon be offered for the production MINIs.

By Csaba Daradics

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First Videos of MINI's Countryman WRC Testing in Portugal!

Thanks to a tip from Carscoop reader Rafael, we can now share with you the first video footage of MINI's new Countryman WRC prototype, which was caught testing earlier today (Tuesday) at Ponte de Lima in Portugal.

The Prodrive developed and built World Rallying Championship version of the Mini Countryman is powered by a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder turbo-charged engine from BMW Motorsport to comply with the new Super2000 regulations. Like the road-going model, it also gets four-wheel drive.

According to MINI, the Countryman WRC will be ready to compete at selected rounds of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) before completing the full series in 2012.

Hat tip to Rafael!

VIDEO: First Look at the 2011 MINI Countryman Crossover

After details and first shots of the MINI Countryman crossover were released prior to its world premiere at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show in March, the British automaker has now followed up with a pair of videos showing off its latest creation.

The fourth addition to MINI's range after the regular three-door hatch, the Convertible and the Clubman, comes with a more rugged appearance, increased ride height, four doors, four individual seats (or a three-seat bench) and an available all-wheel drive system for the range-topping Cooper S and Cooper D versions. Check out the videos after the jump.

VIDEO: MINI Drops New Teaser for Crossover, Official Presentation on February 7

MINI's love affair with the psychedelic-looking swirly camouflage that it uses to wrap its prototype models during testing is so strong that the British firm decided to employ the same black and yellow design in its latest teaser video for the new Crossover model.

The film doesn't show anything that we haven't seen before, but MINI did announce that the official reveal of the crossover model will take place online on February 7. From what we gather, the automaker will most likely release the first official pics on that date.

The latest member of the MINI family is a small crossover measuring around four-meters in length that will be offered with an optional four-wheel drive system, both a first for the automaker. Sales are scheduled to start in Europe later this year and in the US in early 2011.

Video and Live Shots of MINI Roadster and Coupe Concepts from 2009 Frankfurt Show

Being one of the main attractions at this year's Frankfurt Show, we couldn't leave you without live photos as well as video footage of MINI's sporty Coupe and Roadster concept cars. The two models are destined to enter series-production and are expected to go on sale within the next couple of years. MINI said that the coupe and its soft-top roadster sibling will most likely be available with the most powerful engines offered in the hatchback range, meaning the 1.6-liter turbocharged units in the Cooper S and Cooper S JCW with 175HP and 208HP respectively. Hit the break for the videos and photo album.

VIDEO: MINI Coupe Concept Filmed In, Out and Around

Following the release of a detailed photo gallery, MINI has now published video footage of its 'oh-so-close' to production Coupe Concept that will bow to the crowd at next month's Frankfurt Show. Unfortunately, the video does not include any driving shots but we do get a closer look at the exterior and interior details. The new performance-orientated small coupe is powered the same 1.6-liter turbocharged four with 211 HP used on the Cooper S John Cooper Works models. Watch the video after the jump.

VIDEO: Clever MINI Cooper S vs the Demon Carts Commercial with a Stephen King Twist

Watching this spot for the MINI Cooper S that was created by agency Butler, Shine, Stern and Partners, the first thing that came to mind was Stephen King's horror novels. The witty commercial tries to show off the crisp and go-kart-like handling of the MINI Cooper S as the driver of the car evades an army of "evil" shopping carts with minds of their own that keep attacking him in a super-market parking lot. Follow the jump to check out the video.

Thanks for the tip Scott!

VIDEO: MINI 50 Camden and 50 Mayfair Specials

MINI has released video footage of its special edition '50 Camden' and '50 Mayfair' models that were created in celebration of the brand's 50th anniversary. Both cars made their first public appearance at the firm's birthday party that was held in Silverstone at the end of May. Available in Cooper, Cooper S and Cooper D guises, the MINI 50 Camden and 50 Mayfair feature special color schemes along with unique design cues. Production will be limited to one year with deliveries set to start in September. Hit the jump to watch the videos or click here for more details.

Video: 2009 MINI Convertible on the Road

MINI took the wraps off its second-generation Convertible model well ahead of the car's scheduled premiere at the Detroit Show in January 2009. The latest MINI Convertible is distinguished by a range of features such as the new generation naturally aspirated and turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder petrol engines, a newly developed electrohydraulical softop as well as a variety of styling and design components. Hit the jump to watch the video or click here for more detailed information and a high-res photo gallery of the 2009 MINI Convertible.

Video: Mini Crossover 4x4 Concept

The Crossover Concept that will first be presented at the Paris Motor Show in early October is a design study for an SUV type of not-so-mini, MINI. Measuring over 4 meters in length and almost 1.6 m in height, the proposed fourth variant of the MINI gets a four-wheel-drive system combined with an extended road clearance and a typical crossover appearance with plenty of body cladding. Other features include the asymmetric doors and the Centre Globe, a laser-etched display on the centre console that houses entertainment, communication, navigation and vehicle functions. Hit the jump to see the video that includes exterior and interior shots as well as footage from the Center Globe. -Continued